Synergistic Herbicide Mixture for Selective Weed Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current post-emergence turf herbicides require repeated applications for season-long control and often harm turf grasses while controlling broadleaf weeds like ground ivy and wild violet.

Innovation Solution

A synergistic herbicidal composition of sulfentrazone and metsulfuron methyl, applied in specific ratios, provides selective post-emergence control of broadleaf weeds without damaging turf grasses, using a combination that achieves higher efficacy than either component alone.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If post-emergence turf herbicides are applied to control broadleaf weeds, then weed control effectiveness is improved, but turf grass injury occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweed control effectivenessVSAvoidturf grass injury

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two herbicides with different modes of action (sulfentrazone and metsulfuron methyl) into a single composition. Sulfentrazone provides rapid contact control while metsulfuron methyl provides systemic control, creating synergistic effects that improve weed control while reducing individual herbicide rates and turf injury

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite herbidal formulation containing sulfentrazone (10-70% by weight) and metsulfuron methyl (30-90% by weight) in specific ratios. This composite approach leverages the complementary properties of both herbicides to achieve enhanced efficacy with reduced phytotoxicity to turf grasses

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If pre-emergence herbicides are applied for season-long control, then weed prevention effectiveness is improved, but multiple applications are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweed prevention effectivenessVSAvoidnumber of applications required

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a single post-emergence application that provides continuous season-long control through the synergistic combination of sulfentrazone and metsulfuron methyl. The different residual activities and modes of action of the two herbicides work together to maintain effective weed control throughout the growing season without requiring reapplication

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The composition is designed to provide both immediate post-emergence control and residual season-long protection in one application. The herbicides are formulated to work together from the moment of application, with sulfentrazone providing rapid initial control and metsulfuron methyl providing sustained systemic control throughout the season

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8119564B2Herbicidal control using sulfentrazone and metsulfuron

Publication Date: 2012.02.21 FMC CORP

AI summary

The present invention provides an herbicidal method for selective post-emergence control of broadleaf weeds by applying a synergistic herbicidal composition, wherein the composition comprises a mixture of sulfentrazone and metsulfuron methyl.