Turfgrass Leatherjacket Control With Chlorantraniliprole–Nematode Combinations

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for improved methods to control Tipula spp. insect larvae, particularly leatherjackets, in turfgrass, as existing chemical and biopesticide approaches face challenges in efficacy and environmental impact.

Innovation Solution

A combination method using chlorantraniliprole and entomopathogenic nematodes, applied at reduced rates, to enhance control of Tipula spp. larvae in turfgrass, including sequential applications to optimize efficacy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If chemical insecticides like chlorantraniliprole are used to control Tipula spp. larvae, then pest control efficacy is improved, but environmental loading and harm to beneficial insects increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepest control efficacyVSAvoidenvironmental loading
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines chlorantraniliprole with entomopathogenic nematodes in a single application treatment. This merging allows the chemical insecticide to provide immediate pest control while the biopesticide components target specific pest stages and reduce overall environmental loading through biological mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite pest control system combining chemical and biological agents. The chlorantraniliprole formulation is combined with entomopathogenic nematodes to create a multi-mode of action treatment that maintains efficacy while reducing reliance on chemical alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If entomopathogenic nematodes are applied alone to control Tipula spp. larvae, then environmental safety is improved, but control efficacy and shelf-life are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental safetyVSAvoidcontrol efficacy
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges entomopathogenic nematodes with chlorantraniliprole to enhance the overall control efficacy. While the nematodes provide environmental safety through biological mechanisms, the chemical component boosts the effectiveness against Tipula spp. larvae, creating a synergistic effect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If full rate of entomopathogenic nematodes is applied, then pest control coverage is improved, but application cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepest control coverageVSAvoidapplication complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies entomopathogenic nematodes at a reduced rate (50-75% of the full rate typically applied alone) when combined with chlorantraniliprole. This partial action approach maintains adequate pest control coverage while reducing application complexity and cost, as the chemical component compensates for the reduced biological agent dosage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 significantly reduces leatherjacket populations and maintains turf quality, demonstrating enhanced pest control with reduced chemical usage.

Implementation Method 1

the effectiveness of chlorantraniliprole in the control of Tipula spp. insect larvae in turf is enhanced when it is co-applied with entomopathogenic nematodes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSynergistic interaction:

Data Source

PatentUS20250212886A1Compositions and methods for controlling insects
Publication Date: 2025.07.03 SYNGENTA CROP PROTECITON AG

AI summary

The present invention provides a method and composition for controlling a Tipula spp. insect larvae pest at a turfgrass locus by using a combination of chlorantraniliprole and entomopathogenic nematodes.