Oil-Based Plant Growth Regulator Co-Formulation for Stable Defoliation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The development of stable and efficient oil-based dispersions for plant growth regulators and herbicides is challenging due to stability issues and high costs, leading to inefficient application and environmental concerns in defoliation processes, particularly in cotton crops.
Innovation Solution
A co-formulation comprising a plant growth regulator, an herbicide, an oil, an oil-soluble surfactant dispersing agent, and an emulsifying agent, with optional rheology modifiers and activation agents, is created to form a stable oil dispersion concentrate that enhances defoliation efficacy while reducing agrochemical input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional defoliation chemicals are used to achieve defoliation, then defoliation effect is achieved, but yield and quality of cotton crop are adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical parameters by using plant growth regulators (thidiazuron, diuron) at specific concentration ratios instead of conventional defoliation chemicals, achieving defoliation through physiological regulation rather than toxic shock, thereby maintaining crop health while achieving defoliation effect
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses biodegradable oil-based carriers instead of persistent conventional chemicals, allowing the defoliation agents to break down naturally after use, reducing long-term environmental impact and crop damage while maintaining effective defoliation
2Productivity
If oil-based dispersions are formulated to improve delivery, then application efficiency is improved, but formulation stability is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a composite oil-based dispersion system combining thidiazuron, diuron, and specific oil carriers with defined HLB values, where the composite formulation achieves both stability and application efficiency through synergistic interactions between components
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces surfactants and emulsifiers as intermediary substances that mediate between the hydrophobic oil carrier and hydrophilic active ingredients, enabling stable dispersion and efficient delivery simultaneously by reducing interfacial tension and preventing phase separation
3Reliability
If higher concentrations of active ingredients are used to improve defoliation efficacy, then defoliation efficiency is improved, but environmental impact and agrochemical input increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the concentration parameters by using thidiazuron at 1-100 g/L and diuron at 1-100 g/L in oil-based formulations, achieving high defoliation efficacy at lower concentrations compared to conventional water-based applications, thereby reducing agrochemical input and environmental load
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs biodegradable oil carriers that break down rapidly in the environment, allowing higher effective concentrations to be used temporarily without persistent environmental accumulation, achieving enhanced efficacy while minimizing long-term substance loss and ecological impact
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 co-formulation achieves improved defoliation efficiency with reduced active compound requirements, maintaining efficacy and stability, thus addressing the inefficiencies and environmental impacts of existing methods.
Implementation Method 1
at least one oil-soluble surfactant dispersing agent
Implementation Method 2
at least one emulsifying agent
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural co-formulation comprising: an effective amount of at least one plant growth regulator, or at least one plant growth regulator and an additional biologically active ingredient, in a comminuted form having an average particle size in the range of from 1 to 12 microns; at least one oil; at least one oil-soluble surfactant dispersing agent; and at least one emulsifying agent, wherein the final concentration of the at least one plant growth regulator, or at least one plant growth regulator and an additional biologically active ingredient, is optionally adjusted by adding additional oil and one or more rheology modifiers and/or activation agents as required to substantially stabilise the co-formulation; and wherein the efficacy of the plant growth regulator is substantially maintained or improved; and one or more methods of making the co-formulation.