Osmolyte Carrier Composition for Systemic Plant Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for protecting plants from pests and pathogens are often costly, environmentally damaging, and require frequent applications, as they rely on topical coatings with limited durability, whereas there is a need for a systemic and sustainable approach to enhance plant protection with reduced environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
The use of compositions comprising an active ingredient combined with two or more osmolytic carrier compositions applied to the roots, which facilitates systemic uptake and translocation within the plant, utilizing solvents and transport agents like DMSO, EDTA, ALS, BABA, and BTH to condition the soil and roots for enhanced absorption and distribution of protective agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If topical coatings are used to protect plants from pests and pathogens, then plant protection is achieved, but the protection is limited in durability and requires frequent applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses osmolytes as intermediary substances that facilitate the translocation of active ingredients from roots to shoots. The osmolytes create an osmotic gradient that drives the movement of protective compounds systemically through the plant, enabling sustained protection without frequent reapplication
Solution Approach 2:
The patent exploits osmotic pressure (a hydraulic principle) to drive the systemic movement of active ingredients through the plant. By applying osmolytes to the roots, an osmotic gradient is created that forces the active ingredients to translocate from roots to shoots, providing durable systemic protection
2Reliability
If conventional chemical agents are used to protect plants, then plant protection is achieved, but environmental damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the delivery parameters of active ingredients by using osmotic translocation instead of topical application. This allows for reduced doses of active ingredients to achieve systemic protection, thereby reducing environmental impact while maintaining protection effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The plant's own osmotic mechanisms are utilized to distribute the active ingredients systemically. The plant's natural translocation pathways and osmotic gradients are harnessed to move protective compounds throughout the plant, reducing the need for external application and environmental exposure
3Duration of action of stationary object
If active ingredients are applied to achieve systemic protection, then protection duration is extended, but the cost of application increases
Solution Approach 1:
The osmolyte composition serves multiple functions: it acts as a carrier for active ingredients, creates the osmotic gradient for translocation, and conditions the root system for enhanced uptake. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate application steps and reduces overall costs while achieving extended protection
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 induces systemic plant protection by increasing the availability of active ingredients beyond natural levels, providing sustained protection against pests and diseases, reducing the need for frequent applications and minimizing environmental harm, while being cost-effective and integrated into conventional irrigation systems.
Implementation Method 1
the application to the roots, such as administration to the soil surrounding plants, of two or more osmolytes in combination with an active ingredient, either simultaneously or within a short time of each other, results in an induction of translocation of active ingredient from the roots systemically into the plant
Implementation Method 2
Components include adjuvants and solvents that condition the soil-plant media, and subsequently the roots, to receive, absorb, transport and release functional ingredients to the systemic benefit of the plant
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to compositions and methods facilitating availability, uptake and translocation of active ingredients in plants. More specifically, this invention relates to the surprising discovery that the application to the roots, such as administration to the soil surrounding plants, of two or more osmolytes in combination with an active ingredient, either simultaneously or within a short time of each other, results in an induction of translocation of active ingredient from the roots systemically into the plant.