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-12010952-B2
Publication Date
2024-06-18
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 compositions and methods for protecting plants from cold damage, specifically ice nucleation, by applying plant-based nano- or micron-sized particles to plant surfaces such as buds and leaves. These compositions, derived chiefly or entirely from plants, form a non-hydrophilic deposit or film with low thermal conductivity when applied, thus interfering with or preventing ice formation during exposure to freezing temperatures.
Current methods for protecting plants from frost, such as wind machines, heaters, and sprinklers, have considerable drawbacks including inefficiency, expense, environmental pollution, and limited efficacy. Furthermore, prior attempts at coating plant tissues with various materials failed to use or demonstrate plant-based compounds for frost prevention, especially those preventing ice formation by non-hydrophilic means. There is no existing method that reliably and reproducibly protects plants and their tissues from frost damage without adverse effects.
The disclosed invention solves this problem by utilizing plant-based compositions that are able to form hydrophobic or amphipathic films on plant parts, such as buds, thereby reducing or interrupting ice nucleation. The compositions include plant-derived polysaccharides (e.g., xylan, cellulose) and plant phenolic compounds (e.g., lignin), optionally combined with surfactants such as CTAB, in aqueous-based carriers. These formulations can be applied as sprays, forming stable, biodegradable deposits on plant tissues that offer cold protection without toxicity.
Claims Coverage
There is one independent claim disclosed, with several inventive features focused on the composition and method for protecting plant buds from ice nucleation using plant-based particles and surfactants.
Prevention or limitation of ice nucleation on plant buds using plant-based nano- or micro-particulate material and surfactant
A method involving: - Selecting a plant with buds or bud sites during a growth stage preceding fruit set. - Spraying an aqueous composition onto the plant that includes at least one of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) or cellulose nanofibers (CNF) extracted from wood biomass, and at least one surfactant. - Ensuring the sprayed material adheres to the buds or bud sites, forming a hydrophobic deposit. - This deposit prevents or limits ice nucleation, with spraying performed before or during exposure to freezing temperatures.
The inventive features collectively define a plant-protective process utilizing aqueous dispersions of plant-based nanomaterials and surfactants to form hydrophobic films on buds, limiting ice nucleation and thereby reducing cold damage before or during freezing events.
Stated Advantages
The plant-based compositions form a hydrophobic or non-hydrophilic deposit on plant tissue surfaces, which interrupts or prevents ice nucleation, thereby conferring protection against cold damage.
Materials in the compositions are non-toxic to plants, insects, and animals, and the components are completely biodegradable.
The compositions provide significant improvement in plant cold hardiness (by 2–4° C.) compared to untreated plants, offering protection sufficient to prevent economic losses during frost events.
Compositions are economical to use, can be made from abundant, renewable plant materials, and do not leave undesirable chemical residues.
The methods allow for application at any stage of bud development and permit repeated applications without harming plants or interfering with normal plant growth.
Documented Applications
Protection of fruit trees, vegetable crops, and ornamental plants from cold damage and frost by preventing or limiting ice nucleation, particularly at the bud or leaf stage.
Promotion of the formation of flowers, fruit, and viable seeds in plants likely to be exposed to freezing temperatures, by applying the plant-based dispersion before or during such cold exposure.
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