Nematode Pest Control Kits with Soil-Wetting Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biopesticides, particularly those using entomopathogenic nematodes, face challenges with compatibility issues when combined with conventional wetting agents, leading to reduced nematode survival, efficacy, and dispersal, limiting their effectiveness in controlling insect pests.
Innovation Solution
A pest control kit comprising entomopathogenic nematodes and a specialized wetting agent composition, including a glycol ether solvent and specific surfactants, enhances nematode viability, dispersal, and pest mortality by improving compatibility and reducing water repellency in soils.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional wetting agents are used with entomopathogenic nematodes, then water repellency in soils is reduced, but nematode survival and efficacy are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specially formulated wetting agent composition that acts as an intermediary substance between water and soil, reducing water repellency without harming nematodes. This composition includes specific surfactants and solvents that are compatible with entomopathogenic nematodes, allowing water to penetrate repellent soils while maintaining nematode viability and effectiveness.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If biopesticides are used as alternatives to chemical pesticides, then environmental safety is improved, but user-friendliness and effectiveness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters of wetting agents by selecting specific surfactant types and concentrations that are compatible with entomopathogenic nematodes. This involves changing the formulation parameters to ensure non-toxicity to nematodes while maintaining effective wetting properties, thereby improving user-friendliness without compromising environmental safety.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If entomopathogenic nematodes are applied alone, then environmental safety is maintained, but dispersal and efficacy are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The wetting agent composition serves as a mediator that enhances the dispersal and effectiveness of entomopathogenic nematodes in the environment. It facilitates better distribution of nematodes in soil and water, improving their ability to locate and control pest populations while maintaining environmental safety through non-toxic formulation.
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
The kit ensures at least 90% nematode survival and 90% pest mortality for at least 24 hours, with increased dispersal, effectively controlling a wide range of insect pests across various applications.
Implementation Method 1
a wetting composition, the wetting composition comprising one or more surfactants
Implementation Method 2
the wetting composition comprising one or more surfactants
Data Source
AI summary
A pest control kit is provided to aid the control of a population of immature larval stages or pupal insects. The pest control kit comprises an amount of an entomopathogenic nematode and a wetting agent composition, the wetting agent composition comprising: a solvent; and a surfactant. The pest control kit aims to provide a naturally occurring entomopathogenic nematode for biological control of immature larval insects which can act as pests to plants, whether these be for professional plant protection including agricultural, forestry and horticultural or for home garden use. The new pest control product of the present invention aims to prove safe and sustainable protection for turf and plants all year round.