Methods for plant protection
Inventors
Bell, William • France, Christopher Brian
Assignees
Publication Number
US-9901098-B2
Publication Date
2018-02-27
Expiration Date
2036-09-02
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Abstract
The present invention relates to a method for treating plant pests or pathogens. The disclosed method of protecting plants against pests includes a plant protection composition, wherein the plant protection composition comprises a water-soluble activator and a benefit active precursor. The composition is applied externally to the plant where a benefit active species is generated in situ, thus mitigating the pest.
Core Innovation
The invention describes a method for protecting plants from pests by applying a plant protection composition that includes a water-soluble activator and a benefit active precursor. This composition is applied externally to the plant, and the crucial aspect is that it generates a benefit active species, such as chlorine dioxide, in situ on the plant surface rather than before application. By generating the active species where it is most needed, the method mitigates pest threats effectively while minimizing loss of the active agent to the atmosphere.
The key innovation over prior art lies in the approach of either photochemically generating chlorine dioxide using a water-soluble organic photoactivator (activated by sunlight or artificial light) or sequentially applying reactants that combine on the plant surface to produce the chlorine dioxide. This approach overcomes existing challenges such as short residence time of oxidants, environmental volatilization of chlorine dioxide, and potential phytotoxicity by controlling the location, timing, and concentration of the generated benefit active species.
The invention specifically addresses limitations identified in the background, including the inability to sustain an effective level of active species on the plant, excessive loss of chlorine dioxide to the air (creating safety hazards), and the risk of plant damage. The claimed methods enable preventive and curative plant pest management, using processes and ingredients selected to be compatible with certified organic agriculture and to minimize environmental and health risks.
Claims Coverage
There is one independent claim supported by several dependent claims, resulting in a total of three main inventive features.
In situ generation of benefit active species on plant surface
The method includes: 1. Providing a plant and a plant protection composition comprising a water-soluble organic photoactivator and a benefit active precursor. 2. Applying the composition such that the benefit active precursor directly contacts the plant's surface. 3. Generating a benefit active species in situ on the plant surface. 4. Mitigating a pest by this generated benefit active species.
Photogeneration of benefit active species using light and specific photoactivators
The method further includes: - Exposing the plant protection composition to light after application, wherein the water-soluble activator is a water-soluble organic photoactivator. - The benefit active species (such as chlorine dioxide) is specifically generated by photochemical activation using light with a wavelength between 350 nm and 750 nm. - The photoactivator can comprise a photoactive moiety selected from compounds such as erythrosine, eosin, xanthone, xanthene, thioxanthone, thioxanthene, phenothiazine, fluorescein, benzophenone, alloxazine, isoalloxazine, flavin, and mixtures thereof.
Retention of precursor and activator on plant surface
The method optionally includes: - Incorporating the benefit active precursor and water-soluble activator into a formulation that assists their retention on the plant surface. - This feature slows the removal of both the precursor and activator by rain or irrigation, ensuring sustained generation of the benefit active species over time.
The inventive features center on the method of in situ generation of pest-mitigating active species on plant surfaces by tailored compositions and photochemical activation, with options to prolong efficacy by formulation retention.
Stated Advantages
Generates the pest-mitigating active species directly on the plant surface, minimizing loss to vaporization and increasing treatment efficacy.
Provides sustained and controlled levels of the active species for extended periods, improving residence time and reducing reapplication frequency.
Reduces atmospheric release of chlorine dioxide, improving safety for users and reducing inhalation hazard.
Minimizes or avoids phytotoxicity by generating effective amounts of the active agent without damaging the plant.
Mitigates pest resistance due to the multi-site, oxidative mode of action of chlorine dioxide.
Enables environmentally friendly and potentially organic-compatible formulations, as components can be selected from natural or GRAS-listed substances.
Permits reactivation of the pest control effect upon re-wetting, prolonging efficacy under varying environmental conditions.
Compatible with standard application technology, allowing for practical and efficient use in agricultural settings.
Documented Applications
Protecting growing plants, including those rooted in soil or grown hydroponically, from pests and pathogens.
Treating parts of plants that have been detached or harvested, such as raw agricultural commodities, harvested fruits, grains, vegetables, and cut flowers, to remove or reduce microorganisms.
Treating tools and surfaces used in growing and transporting plants to kill or mitigate pathogens present.
Preemptive application to plant surfaces to prevent future pathogen or pest infestations, with reactivation occurring upon re-wetting.
Removal of algae, mold, and mildew from materials such as wood, concrete, aluminum siding, and plastic decking—especially in greenhouses or places where algae present slip hazards.
Detoxifying environments contaminated with anthrax surrogates (e.g., B. subtilis or B. thuringiensis spores) on surfaces such as glass, plastic, painted drywall, and sand.
Application to fresh produce before sale or consumption, by harvesters or consumers, to reduce surface microorganisms and protect human health.
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