Nematode Control via Sinapis Alba Extract

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current nematode control methods rely on synthetic chemicals that are toxic and ineffective against nematode eggs and cysts, particularly in organic farming, where alternatives are limited and often ineffective.

Innovation Solution

Applying 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol, Sinapis alba plant extract, or Sinapis alba seed meal to soil to target nematode eggs, potentially combined with a trap crop and/or nematicides, to enhance nematode hatch and control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If synthetic nematicides are applied to control nematode populations, then nematode control effectiveness is improved, but toxicity and environmental harm increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenematode control effectivenessVSAvoidtoxicity and environmental harm

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol, a byproduct of glucosinolate hydrolysis from Sinapis alba seed meal, to stimulate nematode egg hatching. This converts a potentially harmful chemical into a beneficial tool that triggers nematode emergence, making them vulnerable to subsequent nematicide treatment or natural predators, thereby reducing the need for highly toxic synthetic nematicides

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol to preliminarily stimulate nematode egg hatching before applying nematicides or trap crops. This preliminary action increases the proportion of nematodes in a vulnerable hatched state, enhancing the effectiveness of subsequent control measures while reducing the overall toxic chemical load required

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If synthetic nematicides are applied to control nematode eggs and cysts, then nematode control effectiveness is improved, but cost and environmental persistence increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenematode control effectivenessVSAvoidchemical usage and environmental persistence

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol, derived from the hydrolysis of glucosinolates in Sinapis alba seed meal, as a natural hatching stimulant. This approach replaces persistent synthetic chemical treatments with a biodegradable compound that triggers nematode egg hatching, making the pest population vulnerable to control measures without introducing long-term environmental contamination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol as an intermediary substance that mediates between the soil environment and nematode eggs. It specifically targets and stimulates egg hatching without the broad-spectrum toxicity of synthetic nematicides, creating a selective action that enhances control effectiveness while minimizing environmental impact and chemical persistence

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If organic farming methods are used to avoid synthetic chemicals, then environmental safety is improved, but nematode control effectiveness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental safetyVSAvoidnematode control effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol, a natural byproduct of glucosinolate metabolism in Sinapis alba, into an effective organic nematicide. By stimulating nematode egg hatching and using trap crops or biological control agents, the method achieves reliable nematode control through organic means, proving that environmental safety and control effectiveness are not mutually exclusive

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent leverages the natural metabolic pathways of Sinapis alba plants, which produce glucosinolates that hydrolyze to form 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol. This self-generated compound serves as the active nematicidal agent in organic farming systems, eliminating the need for imported synthetic chemicals while maintaining effective nematode control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This method effectively reduces nematode populations by stimulating egg hatch and enhancing the efficacy of nematicides, providing a safer, more sustainable alternative to synthetic chemicals.

Implementation Method 1

The 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol, Sinapis alba plant extract, Sinapis alba seed meal, or combination thereof, is applied in an amount and manner sufficient to effect nematode egg hatch

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical stimulation:

Data Source

PatentUS11602147B2Nematode control

Publication Date: 2023.03.14 UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a method for controlling nematode populations, particularly soil nematode populations. Certain embodiments comprise applying 4-hydroxybenzylalcohol, Sinapis alba plant extract, Sinapis alba seed meal, or a combination thereof, to soil, optionally in the presence of a trap crop. A hatching factor and/or a nematicide may also be applied to the soil, either substantially simultaneously with the 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol, Sinapis alba plant extract, Sinapis alba seed meal, or combination thereof, or sequentially in any order. Certain embodiments concern applying 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol to soil that contains potato cyst nematode eggs. The 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol may be obtained by an aqueous extraction of Sinapis alba plant material.