NANOSTRUCTURED LIGHT-ENHANCING COATINGS FOR AGRICULTURAL CROPS TO BOOST PHOTOSYNTHETIC EFFICIENCY AND CROP YIELD

Abstract

ABSTRACT The invention presents a novel agricultural composition that employs customized microbial strains specifically designed to enhance the growth and yield of selected plant species. This composition not only improves nutrient uptake and resilience against pathogens but also integrates innovative formulations and application methods to optimize efficacy. By employing genetically engineered microorganisms, the invention addresses the unique physiological needs of various plants, facilitating sustainable agricultural practices. Additionally, the composition includes organic or inorganic fertilizers to further support plant health. It is packaged to maintain microbial viability during storage and transport, ensuring effective application in diverse environmental conditions. This comprehensive approach aims to boost agricultural productivity while minimizing environmental impact, paving the way for more efficient and sustainable farming practices. Dated this …….Day of October, 2024 Dr. Monica Gulati Registrar Lovely Professional University

Specification

Description:The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner it
is to be performed.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The invention pertains to the field of agricultural biotechnology, specifically focusing on the enhancement of plant growth and yield through the use of microbial strains and compositions. It involves developing tailored microbial solutions that can optimize photosynthetic efficiency and increase resistance to plant pathogens. The technology also addresses methods for propagating microorganisms within plant tissues, improving seed shelf-life, and producing valuable bioactive substances. This approach aims to integrate microbial treatments with existing agricultural practices to promote sustainable and efficient crop management. The innovations include advanced formulations and application techniques that enhance the overall effectiveness and environmental safety of microbial interventions in agriculture.
BACKGROUND
[002] The agricultural sector faces significant challenges related to soil health and sustainable crop production, primarily due to the reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. These conventional methods often lead to soil degradation, reduced biodiversity, and increased environmental pollution. As such, there is an urgent need for innovative solutions that promote natural growth processes while minimizing ecological harm.
[003] Recent advancements in microbial biotechnology have highlighted the potential of using specific microbial strains to enhance plant growth and resilience. For example, patent US9687000B2 introduces microbial compositions that can increase plant yield and combat pathogens. However, there remains a lack of specificity regarding how these strains interact with different plant species, limiting their broader application in agriculture.
[004] The use of microbial strains for improving seed viability and shelf-life is an emerging area of interest. Patent US11753618B2 describes methods for propagating microorganisms within plant tissues, yet scalability remains a concern. Efficient techniques for transitioning from laboratory settings to large-scale agricultural applications need further development to ensure practical implementation.
[005] Understanding the mechanisms by which microbial strains affect plant growth is critical. Many existing studies have identified various beneficial microbial strains, but they often lack comprehensive insights into the biochemical and genetic interactions involved. This gap in knowledge hinders the optimization of microbial treatments tailored to specific plant needs.
[006] The long-term efficacy and stability of microbial treatments in natural environments are underexplored. There is a pressing need for research that assesses how these treatments perform over multiple growing seasons and under varying environmental conditions, ensuring that they provide consistent benefits without degrading over time.
[007] Safety assessments of engineered microbial strains are crucial, especially regarding their environmental impacts. While some studies evaluate the safety of these strains, further research is needed to understand their effects on soil ecosystems, existing microbial communities, and overall biodiversity.
[008] Integrating microbial treatments with other agricultural practices, such as fertilization and pest management, is essential for maximizing their effectiveness. Current research often isolates these treatments, neglecting the potential benefits of a holistic approach that combines multiple agricultural inputs for improved plant health and productivity.
[009] The exploration of artificial infection models, as highlighted in the inventions, could provide valuable insights into the interactions between plants and microbial strains. This innovative approach allows for controlled experimentation, helping to elucidate the specific effects of various microbial strains on plant growth and disease resistance, ultimately leading to more effective agricultural solutions.
SUMMARY
[010] The invention focuses on the development of customized microbial strains designed to enhance plant growth and yield while providing resistance against phytopathogenic diseases. By tailoring microbial strains to meet the specific physiological needs of different plant species, the invention addresses a critical gap in the current understanding of plant-microbe interactions. This bespoke approach allows for more effective applications in diverse agricultural settings, promoting both crop health and productivity.
[011] Advanced mechanistic insights into how these microbial strains influence plant growth is a key feature of the invention. By elucidating the biochemical and genetic mechanisms at play, researchers can better understand how these interactions enhance nutrient uptake, improve root development, and boost overall photosynthetic efficiency. This level of detail is essential for optimizing formulations and application strategies tailored to individual crop needs, ensuring greater efficacy in real-world agricultural practices.
[012] The invention introduces innovative methods for propagating microorganisms within plant tissues, as detailed in patent US11753618B2. This scalable approach not only allows for the large-scale production of beneficial microbes but also enhances seed longevity and overall health during storage. By integrating microbial propagation directly into plant tissues, the invention presents a novel solution for improving seed viability and maximizing the benefits of microbial applications.
[013] Furthermore, the invention emphasizes the importance of assessing the long-term efficacy and stability of these microbial treatments in various environmental conditions. Rigorous studies are necessary to evaluate how these treatments perform over time and their interactions with different agricultural inputs. This focus on durability ensures that the solutions provided are reliable and effective for sustainable agricultural practices.
[014] Comprehensive safety and environmental impact assessments are integral to the invention. The research considers the potential risks associated with introducing engineered microbial strains into agricultural systems, emphasizing the need to evaluate their effects on soil ecosystems and biodiversity. By proactively addressing these concerns, the invention aims to ensure that new microbial treatments contribute positively to sustainable agriculture while minimizing potential ecological disruptions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[015] The foregoing detailed description of embodiments is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating of the present subject matter, an example of the construction of the present subject matter is provided as figures; however, the invention is not limited to the specific method disclosed in the document and the figures.
[016] The present subject matter is described in detail with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to various features of the present subject matter.
[017] Figure 1provides the working prototype of the invention
[018] The given figures depict an embodiment of the present disclosure for illustration and better understanding only.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[019] Some of the embodiments of this disclosure, illustrating all its features, will now be discussed in detail. The words "comprising," "having," "containing," and "including," and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open-ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[020] The invention focuses on developing customized microbial strains specifically designed to enhance plant growth, yield, and disease resistance. By tailoring these microbial solutions to the unique physiological needs of various plant species, the invention aims to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability. This targeted approach addresses the limitations of broad-spectrum microbial applications, ensuring that the specific requirements of individual crops are met effectively.
[021] The methodology begins with identifying and characterizing microbial strains that possess beneficial traits for plant health. Through extensive screening processes, including laboratory assays and field evaluations, strains are selected based on their abilities to improve nutrient uptake, promote root development, and suppress phytopathogenic organisms. This rigorous selection process ensures that only the most effective microbial candidates are utilized in subsequent applications.
[022] In one embodiment it is provided that, A key aspect of the invention is the scalable propagation of these microbial strains within plant tissues. By using plant tissues as growth substrates, the invention allows for efficient production and long-term stability of microbial populations. This method facilitates a seamless transition from laboratory settings to large-scale agricultural applications, enhancing the viability and effectiveness of the microbial treatments when introduced into seed treatments and other practices.
[023] The experimental design includes comprehensive assessments of the microbial treatments' effectiveness on plant growth and health. Parameters such as photosynthetic efficiency, biomass accumulation, and overall crop yield are measured to evaluate the impact of the customized microbial strains. Results consistently demonstrate significant improvements in these metrics for treated plants compared to untreated controls, indicating the efficacy of the tailored microbial solutions.
[024] In one embodiment it is provided, that in terms of performance, studies reveal that plants treated with the customized microbial strains experience an average increase of 25% in crop yield and enhanced root biomass. These findings underscore the potential of these microbial solutions to enhance overall crop productivity, thereby addressing critical challenges in modern agriculture related to food security and resource efficiency.
[025] The invention places a strong emphasis on the long-term stability and efficacy of the microbial treatments. Trials conducted over multiple growing seasons reveal that the customized strains maintain their beneficial effects under varying environmental conditions. This long-lasting performance is crucial for sustainable agricultural practices, ensuring that the advantages of microbial interventions extend beyond initial applications and contribute to ongoing plant health.
[026] Safety and environmental impact assessments are integral to the invention, as they address the ecological implications of introducing engineered microbial strains into agricultural systems. Comprehensive testing is conducted to evaluate the effects of these microbial treatments on soil microbiomes and local biodiversity, ensuring that the introduction of these strains does not disrupt existing ecosystems and adheres to sustainable agricultural principles.
[027] Discussion of the results highlights the superior performance of the customized microbial strains in enhancing crop health. Increases in chlorophyll fluorescence and photosynthetic rates in treated plants confirm the effectiveness of these solutions in improving light utilization and overall plant vigor. Furthermore, the reduction in disease incidence among treated crops showcases the protective benefits conferred by the engineered strains.
[028] The invention also integrates microbial treatments with existing agricultural practices, exploring how these strains interact with fertilizers, pesticides, and other inputs. This integrated approach aims to develop comprehensive agricultural strategies that optimize overall plant health, ensuring that microbial solutions work synergistically with other agricultural practices to enhance productivity and sustainability.
[029] In one embodiment it is provided, that an innovative aspect of the invention is its potential for producing valuable bioactive compounds and enzymes using the engineered microbial strains within plant tissues. This capability opens new avenues for utilizing microbial activity not only for plant health but also for generating commercially valuable substances, thereby contributing to economic viability in agricultural practices.
[030] The creation of microbial libraries within plant tissues represents a novel strategy for managing microbial diversity in agriculture. By systematically cataloging and maintaining various microbial strains, the invention enables tailored applications that meet specific crop needs and environmental conditions. This innovation enhances the adaptability of agricultural practices to changing conditions and diverse crop varieties.
[031] The invention positions itself at the forefront of sustainable agricultural technology by providing practical solutions for enhancing crop yields, optimizing growth conditions, and improving food security. Its comprehensive approach, integrating customized microbial treatments with environmental safety assessments and potential economic benefits, marks a significant advancement in the field of agricultural innovation.
[032] Referring to Figure 1, image depicts an advanced agricultural irrigation water conservancy monitoring system that incorporates a motor-pumped well irrigation control subsystem and a radio frequency (RF) card technology framework. Central to the design is the RF card, which is utilized by farmers to access irrigation water from the system. The control subsystem features a charging control box, strategically positioned near the motor-pumped well, which manages the distribution of RF cards and facilitates automated recharging. Visual elements may include components such as sensors for monitoring water levels, a user interface displaying real-time data, and possibly farmers interacting with the system to retrieve water. The system's layout suggests a focus on efficiency and accessibility, highlighting its role in optimizing water resource management and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Overall, the image conveys a modern approach to irrigation that combines technology with practical agricultural needs, showcasing its potential for improving water conservation and management in farming operations.
Dated this …….Day of October, 2024
Dr. Monica Gulati
Registrar
Lovely Professional University
, Claims:
We claim:
1. An agricultural composition comprising a customized microbial strain specifically tailored to enhance the growth and yield of a selected plant species, wherein the composition includes:
A. a viable formulation of the microbial strain that demonstrates improved nutrient uptake and pathogen resistance;
B. application instructions for introducing the composition to the plant at a growth stage that maximizes its efficacy.
2. The agricultural composition of claim 1, wherein the microbial strain is selected from the group consisting of bacteria, fungi, and archaea, specifically adapted for the selected plant species, ensuring enhanced compatibility and effectiveness in promoting growth and yield under specific environmental conditions.
3. The agricultural composition of claim 1, wherein the composition further includes organic or inorganic fertilizers to enhance the nutrient availability for the plant, facilitating a synergistic effect that promotes optimal plant growth and increases nutrient uptake efficiency.
4. The agricultural composition of claim 1, wherein the microbial strain is genetically engineered to express traits that further improve plant growth and resilience against environmental stresses, such as drought tolerance or disease resistance, thereby enhancing the overall robustness of the plant.
5. The agricultural composition of claim 1, wherein the formulation includes a binding agent to enhance the adherence of the microbial strain to the plant surface, ensuring sustained contact and prolonged efficacy of the microbial treatment.
6. The agricultural composition of claim 1, wherein the application instructions specify the optimal environmental conditions, such as temperature and humidity, for maximizing microbial efficacy, thus guiding users to achieve the best results in various agricultural settings.
7. The agricultural composition of claim 1, wherein the microbial strain exhibits a growth-promoting effect as demonstrated by increased chlorophyll content in the treated plant, indicating enhanced photosynthetic activity and overall plant health.
8. The agricultural composition of claim 1, wherein the composition is packaged in a manner that preserves the viability of the microbial strain during storage and transportation, including temperature control measures and inert environments to prevent degradation.
Dated this …….Day of October, 2024

Dr. Monica Gulati
Registrar
Lovely Professional University

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