Trichoderma Biocontrol Composition for Broad-Spectrum Plant Disease Management

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for controlling plant diseases caused by Phytophthora, Pythium, Fusarium, Rhizoctonia, Sclerotium, and Thielaviopsis species are often unreliable and require multiple chemical treatments, leading to environmental concerns and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

A biocontrol composition comprising a rhizosphere competent Trichoderma harzianum species and Trichoderma virens species is applied to plants to control these pathogens, enhancing plant growth and providing broad-spectrum disease protection comparable to chemical fungicides.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple chemical treatments are used to control plant diseases, then disease control effectiveness is improved, but environmental harm and treatment costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisease control effectivenessVSAvoidenvironmental harm

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two biocontrol agents (Trichoderma harzianum and Trichoderma virens) into a single composition to achieve broad-spectrum disease control. This merging of biological agents provides effective protection against multiple pathogens (Phytophthora, Pythium, Fusarium, Rhizoctonia, Sclerotium, and Thielaviopsis species) while avoiding the environmental harm associated with multiple chemical treatments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the limitation of single-strain biocontrol agents (narrow spectrum) into a benefit by combining strains that together provide broad-spectrum coverage. The harmful aspect of disease outbreaks is prevented through this beneficial combination, achieving chemical-level protection through biological means.

Inventive Principle:

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple chemical treatments are applied to control different pathogens, then broad-spectrum protection is achieved, but treatment complexity and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebroad-spectrum protectionVSAvoidtreatment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The combined Trichoderma composition serves multiple functions simultaneously, protecting against six different pathogen genera (Phytophthora, Pythium, Fusarium, Rhizoctonia, Sclerotium, and Thielaviopsis). This single multi-functional treatment replaces the need for multiple specialized chemical treatments, simplifying the disease management program while maintaining broad-spectrum protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

By merging two Trichoderma species with complementary spectra of activity into one composition, the patent achieves broad-spectrum coverage that would otherwise require multiple separate treatments. This consolidation reduces treatment complexity from multiple applications to a single unified treatment regimen.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If single-strain biocontrol agents are used, then simplicity of application is maintained, but disease control reliability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication simplicityVSAvoiddisease control effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two biocontrol strains (T. harzianum and T. virens) into a single composition that maintains application simplicity while dramatically improving reliability. The combined composition protects against multiple pathogens that single strains cannot control, achieving dependable broad-spectrum protection without complicating the application process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 combination of Trichoderma harzianum and Trichoderma virens effectively prevents disease symptoms, promotes root growth, and increases plant marketability, offering a sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides by providing comprehensive protection against multiple pathogens.

Implementation Method 1

a biocontrol composition comprising a rhizosphere competent Trichoderma harzianum species and a Trichoderma virens species

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBiological control:

Implementation Method 2

a rhizosphere competent Trichoderma harzianum species

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRhizosphere competence:

Data Source

PatentUS9681668B2Control of plant diseases and enhancing plant growth using a combination of a <i>Trichoderma virens </i>species and a rhizosphere competent <i>Trichoderma harzianum </i>species

Publication Date: 2017.06.20 BIOWORKS

AI summary

The combination of a Trichoderma virens species and a rhizosphere competent Trichoderma harzianum species is used to control plant diseases and enhance plant growth.