Plant-based compositions for the protection of plants from cold damage
Inventors
Zhang, Xiao • MO, CHANGKI • Whiting, Matthew David • Zhang, Qin
Assignees
Washington State University WSU
Publication Number
US-11122751-B2
Publication Date
2021-09-21
Expiration Date
2039-07-30
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Abstract
Compositions and methods of protecting plants from cold damage are provided. In particular, the invention provides compositions comprising plant-based nano- and/or micron-sized particles which, when applied to plants or plant parts such as buds, form a non-hydrophilic deposit or film with low thermal conductivity, thereby conferring protection against damage from ice nucleation and cold stress.
Core Innovation
The invention provides plant-based compositions and methods for protecting plants from cold damage, specifically from damage caused by ice nucleation. These compositions comprise nano- or micron-sized particles derived from plant materials such as soybean hulls, sawdust, xylan, or xylan plus lignin, and are typically combined with a surfactant. When the compositions are applied to plant surfaces such as buds or leaves, they form non-hydrophilic, low thermal conductivity films or deposits, which help prevent or limit ice nucleation.
The problem being addressed is the significant economic loss incurred in the agricultural sector due to cold damage to crops, particularly during critical reproductive phases like flowering. Previous methods for frost protection, such as wind machines, heaters, and sprinklers, are often costly, inefficient, or environmentally problematic. Additionally, previous coating materials either did not use plant-based compounds or were ineffective at frost prevention by stopping ice formation at the plant tissue surface.
This invention overcomes these drawbacks by providing stable, plant-derived dispersions that can be readily sprayed onto plant surfaces. The compositions are biodegradable, non-toxic to plants and animals, and provide effective, reproducible protection by forming hydrophobic or neutral-to-water films, reducing or preventing ice formation even when applied to as little as 10% to 25% of bud surfaces. Both nano-sized and micron-sized plant-based particles are demonstrated to be effective when appropriately formulated and applied.
Claims Coverage
The patent contains one independent claim, which includes several main inventive features.
Method of preventing or limiting ice nucleation on plant buds using plant-based particulate compositions with surfactant
The method comprises: 1. Selecting a plant having multiple buds or bud sites, with the plant in a growth stage preceding fruit set. 2. Spraying onto the plant an aqueous composition that includes at least one nano- and/or micro-particulate material selected from the group consisting of: - sawdust - straw - xylan - xylan plus lignin 3. Including at least one surfactant in the composition. 4. Performing the spraying such that the particulate material adheres to the buds or bud sites of the plant. 5. Ensuring the spraying occurs prior to or during exposure of the plant to freezing temperatures. Key inventive features: - Use of plant-derived nano- or micro-sized particulates (such as sawdust, straw, xylan, or xylan plus lignin) in an aqueous composition. - Inclusion of at least one surfactant to aid deposition and efficacy. - Application tailored specifically for adherence to buds or bud sites to prevent or limit ice nucleation, timed before or during exposure to freezing conditions.
The patent claims a distinct method using plant-derived nano- or micro-particulate materials combined with surfactants and applied to plant buds for the purpose of significantly preventing or limiting ice nucleation and cold damage.
Stated Advantages
The compositions are made from materials derived from plants and do not damage the plant when applied.
The compositions provide excellent protection against cold damage by forming a non-hydrophilic deposit or film with low thermal conductivity.
The materials are not toxic or harmful to plants, insects, or animals.
The components are generally completely biodegradable.
The dispersions have shown significant efficacy in preventing ice nucleation and frost damage when applied to plants.
The films can be applied to as little as 10% to 25% of the bud surface to achieve protection.
The method is suitable for protecting fragile reproductive plant organs (buds, flowers) while the plant is still in the field.
The compositions are cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
Documented Applications
Protecting fruit tree and other crop plants from cold damage by application of plant-based dispersions to buds, leaves, or whole plants.
Preventing or limiting ice nucleation on buds of plants to avoid frost-induced tissue damage.
Promoting the formation of flowers, fruit, and/or viable seeds in plants that are or are likely to be exposed to freezing temperatures by applying plant-based dispersion prior to exposure.
Use for commercial agriculture, orchards, vineyards, vegetable crops, ornamental plants, personal gardens, and municipal plantings for cold protection.
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