Plant Antimicrobial Compositions for Liberibacter Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for environmentally friendly and economical methods to reduce damage from phytopathogens, particularly Candidatus Liberibacter spp., which cause devastating diseases like Potato zebrachip and citrus greening, in agricultural crops and ornamental plants.

Innovation Solution

Development of novel antimicrobial compositions comprising aminocaproic acid, carbinoxamine maleate, chloroxylenol, chlorpropamide, cinoxacin, and cyclopentolate hydrochloride, or their derivatives, combined with carriers and adjuvants, for treating, preventing, or ameliorating the effects of Candidatus Liberibacter spp. infestation, including application methods such as spraying or soil incorporation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional chemical pesticides are used to control plant pathogens, then disease control effectiveness is improved, but environmental pollution and harm to non-target organisms worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisease control effectivenessVSAvoidenvironmental pollution

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters by using plant-derived compounds (flavonoids, phenolics, tannins, alkaloids, terpenoids) instead of conventional synthetic pesticides. These natural compounds are degraded more easily in the environment, reducing pollution while maintaining disease control effectiveness against pathogens like Candidatus Liberibacter spp.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs biodegradable plant secondary metabolites that break down quickly in the environment after performing their antimicrobial function. These short-living natural compounds replace persistent synthetic chemicals, providing effective disease control without long-term environmental accumulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Adaptability or versatility

If broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents are used to treat multiple plant pathogens, then disease coverage is improved, but selectivity and potential phytotoxicity worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisease coverageVSAvoidphytotoxicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent identifies plant secondary metabolites with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity that can control multiple plant pathogens including Candidatus Liberibacter spp., bacteria, fungi, and oomycetes. These natural compounds provide universal protection across different disease types while maintaining plant safety through their natural origin and selective toxicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12458025B2Plant antimicrobial compositions and methods of use thereof

Publication Date: 2025.11.04 TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY

AI summary

Applicants have developed novel methods and compositions for treating, preventing or ameliorating the effects plant phytopathogen infestation in plants, including of Candidatus Liberibacter spp. the causal agents of citrus greening and potato zebrachip disease. Novel compositions include one or more active agents of aminocaproic acid, carbinoxamine maleate, chloroxylenol, chlorpropamide, cinoxacin, duartin, and cyclopentolate hydrochloride as well as their derivatives, or salt/acid forms thereof. Methods of preventing disease development and infestation by plant pathogens are disclosed as well as methods of making, using and producing such compositions.