Terpene Nematicidal Compositions with Hollow Glucan Particles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for controlling nematodes in agriculture, such as using methyl bromide, are environmentally harmful, toxic, and lead to rapid re-infestation due to disruption of natural biological control, and there is a need for effective, safe alternatives.

Innovation Solution

Development of nematicidal compositions comprising terpenes, specifically citral, which are effective against nematodes while being non-toxic and environmentally friendly, utilizing hollow glucan particles for enhanced stability and delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If methyl bromide is used to control nematodes, then nematode elimination is effective, but environmental harm and toxicity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenematode elimination effectivenessVSAvoidenvironmental harm and toxicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters from methyl bromide (a toxic fumigant) to terpenes (natural, biodegradable compounds). This parameter change maintains nematocidal effectiveness while eliminating the harmful environmental and toxicological effects of methyl bromide.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs biodegradable terpene compounds that break down naturally in the environment, replacing persistent toxic chemicals. These natural compounds provide effective nematode control but degrade quickly, avoiding long-term environmental accumulation and harm.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If methyl bromide is used to sterilize soil, then nematode control is effective, but beneficial soil microflora and microfauna are eradicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenematode control effectivenessVSAvoideradication of beneficial soil microflora and microfauna

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies selective toxicity where terpenes affect nematodes specifically while leaving beneficial soil microflora and microfauna unaffected. This local quality distinction allows effective nematode control without the broad-spectrum eradication caused by methyl bromide.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful effect of complete soil sterilization into a beneficial selective control method. Terpenes provide the desired nematode elimination while preserving and even enhancing beneficial soil organisms, turning a harmful broad-spectrum approach into a beneficial selective approach.

Inventive Principle:

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

3Reliability

If methyl bromide is used for nematode control, then parasitic nematodes are eliminated, but non-target organisms are harmed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparasitic nematode eliminationVSAvoidharm to non-target organisms

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements selective action where terpenes specifically target parasitic nematodes while sparing non-target organisms including beneficial microflora, microfauna, and other soil inhabitants. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between effective pest control and non-target organism protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS9655360B2Nematicidal compositions and methods of using them

Publication Date: 2017.05.23 EDEN RESEARCH PLC

AI summary

There is disclosed method of killing nematodes comprising the step of applying an effective amount of a nematicidal composition comprising a terpene component and compositions suitable for use in the method. The terpene component is preferably in association with water, either as a solution or a suspension. An excipient may also be included, which is suitably hollow glucan particles which encapsulate the terpene component.