Nootkatone Repellent Composition for Reed Leafhopper Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for controlling invasive insect pests like the reed glass-winged cicada (Pentastiridius leporinus) in agriculture, particularly in sugar beet fields, rely heavily on synthetic insecticides that harm biodiversity and human health, and are not entirely effective in preventing the transmission of diseases such as 'low sugar syndrome'.

Innovation Solution

A composition containing nootkatone or its analogues/derivatives is applied to plants or adjacent areas to repel the reed leafhopper, providing a safe and non-toxic deterrent that is harmless to humans and the environment, available in various forms such as aerosols, creams, or sprays.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If synthetic insecticides are used to control reed glass-winged cicada, then pest control effectiveness is improved, but harm to biodiversity and human health worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepest control effectivenessVSAvoidharm to biodiversity and human health

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effects of synthetic insecticides into beneficial effects by using plant-derived essential oils (neem oil, peppermint oil, thyme oil) that naturally repel or kill glass-winged cicadas while being harmless to biodiversity and human health. These natural substances achieve pest control without the toxic side effects of conventional chemicals.

Inventive Principle:

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of pest control substances from synthetic neurotoxins to natural essential oil components. By adjusting concentrations of natural oils and their active compounds, the formulation achieves effective pest control while maintaining safety for non-target organisms and human health.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If intensive synthetic insecticide application is used, then pest control reliability is improved, but loss of insect diversity worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepest control reliabilityVSAvoidinsect diversity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the problem of insecticide-induced biodiversity loss into a benefit by using selective natural essential oils that target glass-winged cicadas specifically while sparing other insect species. The formulation maintains pest control reliability without causing the broad-spectrum mortality associated with synthetic insecticides.

Inventive Principle:

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different essential oil components with specific properties to target the glass-winged cicada's sensory systems and behavior patterns. By using locally adapted natural substances that affect the target pest's olfactory and taste receptors, the formulation achieves selective control that preserves overall insect diversity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Object-affected harmful factors

If natural essential oils are used as alternative to synthetic insecticides, then harm to biodiversity and human health is reduced, but pest control effectiveness may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveharm to biodiversity and human healthVSAvoidpest control effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite formulation combining multiple essential oils (neem oil, peppermint oil, thyme oil) with complementary modes of action. This composite approach synergistically enhances pest control effectiveness while maintaining the safety benefits of natural substances. The combination addresses potential weaknesses of individual oils through multi-target action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent develops a multi-functional essential oil formulation that simultaneously repels glass-winged cicadas, disrupts their feeding behavior, and interferes with their reproductive capabilities. This universal approach ensures reliable pest control across different life stages and behavioral contexts while maintaining environmental safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4186365A1Plant protection method against the planthopper pentastiridius leporinus

Publication Date: 2023.05.31 FRAUNHOFER GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG EV

Figure 1

AI summary

The present technology relates to plant protection methods by keeping the reed glasswing leafhopper Pentastiridius leporinus away from a plant, wherein the method comprises applying a composition containing nootkatone and/or an analogue or derivative of nootkatone to the plant, parts of the plant and/or to a location adjacent to the plant, thereby keeping the reed glasswing leafhopper away from the plant.