Non-Aqueous Plant Hormone Solution for Stable High-Concentration Formulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural formulations of plant growth regulators are unstable in aqueous systems, leading to degradation and reduced efficacy due to exposure to water during storage and application, and there is a need for stable, high-concentration formulations that maintain the integrity of plant hormones like gibberellins and auxins.
Innovation Solution
A non-aqueous solution of plant growth regulators using polar and semi-polar organic solvents, such as propylene glycol, enhances stability and bioactivity, allowing for improved plant growth and productivity by applying phytohormones like cytokinins and gibberellins directly to plant tissues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If aqueous formulations of plant growth regulators are used, then ease of application is improved, but stability of the plant hormones is worsened due to degradation in water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the solvent system from aqueous to non-aqueous (using polar and semi-polar organic solvents like propylene glycol, isopropanol, ethyl lactate). This parameter change eliminates water-induced degradation of plant hormones while maintaining formulation stability and applicability, directly resolving the contradiction between ease of application and hormone stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces polar and semi-polar organic solvents as intermediary substances that mediate between the plant growth regulators and the application system. These solvents provide both the stability needed to preserve hormone integrity and the fluidity required for easy application, replacing water as the carrier medium
2Productivity
If high-concentration formulations of plant growth regulators are prepared, then productivity is improved, but stability is worsened due to increased susceptibility to degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the solvent system parameter from water-based to organic solvent-based (polar and semi-polar solvents), which enables the preparation of high-concentration formulations while maintaining stability. The non-aqueous environment prevents hydrolysis and degradation that would normally limit concentration levels, allowing both high productivity and stability to coexist
3Ease of operation
If traditional aqueous storage and application methods are used, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of substance is worsened due to degradation during storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the storage medium parameter from aqueous to non-aqueous (polar and semi-polar organic solvents), which fundamentally reduces the rate of degradation and substance loss during storage. The non-aqueous environment protects plant hormones from hydrolysis and oxidation, minimizing loss while maintaining ease of storage and application operations
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 non-aqueous solution maintains the stability and effectiveness of plant hormones, promoting stockier plant growth with increased branching, root development, and enhanced photosynthetic capacity, ultimately improving yield and fruit production.
Implementation Method 1
A non-aqueous solution of: 1) at least one plant growth regulator and 2) at least one polar organic solvent and/or at least one semi-polar organic solvent
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention generally relates to non-aqueous solutions of plant growth regulator(s) and polar and/or semi-polar organic solvent(s), methods for making said non-aqueous solution, and methods for improving the growth and crop productivity of plants using said non-aqueous solution.