NOVEL ENHANCED WEED CONTROL USING ENZYME-BASED HERBICIDE IN DIRECT-SEEDED RICE (DSR) SYSTEMS THEREOF

Abstract

This invention provides a novel enzyme-based herbicide for targeted weed control in direct-seeded rice (DSR) systems. The herbicide utilizes cellulases and pectinases, encapsulated in biodegradable microcapsules for targeted release upon contact with weeds. This approach minimizes environmental impact while promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to the field of agricultural herbicides, specifically enzyme-based herbicides for weed control in direct-seeded rice (DSR) systems. It encompasses the formulation, delivery mechanism, and application of enzyme-based herbicides for targeted weed control while minimizing environmental impact and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Weed management is a significant challenge in Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) systems. Unlike conventional transplanted rice cultivation, DSR lacks the flooding stage, which typically suppresses weed growth. This absence of flooding leads to increased competition from weeds for resources such as nutrients, water, and sunlight, consequently resulting in reduced rice yields. The reliance on chemical herbicides to control weeds in DSR carries substantial environmental risks, including soil degradation, water contamination, and the development of herbicide-resistant weeds.
Current enzyme-based products in agriculture primarily focus on nutrient mobilization rather than directly targeting weed cell wall degradation. There is an unmet need for a non-chemical, environmentally friendly weed control solution specifically designed for DSR that effectively targets and degrades weed cell walls without harming rice crops or the surrounding ecosystem. Existing enzyme-based approaches lack a targeted delivery mechanism, leading to reduced efficiency and increased environmental contamination. This necessitates a novel approach for effective and environmentally friendly weed management in DSR.
Conventional chemical herbicides, while often effective in weed control, pose considerable environmental hazards. Their use can lead to soil degradation, water pollution, and the development of herbicide-resistant weed biotypes, creating a vicious cycle of increasing herbicide application and escalating environmental damage. Moreover, many chemical herbicides are harmful to non-target organisms, including beneficial insects and other wildlife, raising serious concerns about their long-term ecological impact. Sustainable and environmentally benign alternatives are urgently needed.
Therefore, there is a pressing need for a sustainable, environmentally friendly, and efficient weed control method tailored to the unique challenges of DSR. This invention aims to address this need by providing a novel enzyme-based herbicide with a targeted delivery system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention.
This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.
To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.
This invention discloses a novel enzyme-based herbicide for weed control in direct-seeded rice (DSR) systems. The herbicide comprises cellulases and pectinases, encapsulated within biodegradable microcapsules, which are designed to release the enzymes upon contact with weeds, specifically targeting their cell walls. The targeted release mechanism minimizes off-target effects and environmental contamination. The specific ratio of cellulase to pectinase is optimized for broadleaf and grassy weed control in DSR.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will be understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and methods that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein:
FIGURE 1: WEED CONTROL AND CROP GROWTH PARAMETERS
FIGURE 2: PHYSIOLOGICAL AND EFFICIENCY PARAMETERS
The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a"," "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes" and/or "including," when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.
It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may, in fact, be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
In addition, the descriptions of "first", "second", "third", and the like in the present invention are used for the purpose of description only, and are not to be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, features defining "first" and "second" may include at least one of the features, either explicitly or implicitly.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
The present invention provides a novel enzyme-based herbicide specifically formulated to target and degrade the cell walls of broadleaf and grassy weeds in DSR systems. The herbicide utilizes two key enzymes: cellulases, derived from microbial fermentation (e.g., Trichoderma reesei or Bacillus subtilis), which hydrolyze cellulose; and pectinases, extracted from fungal species like Aspergillus niger, which degrade pectin. These enzymes are encapsulated in biodegradable microcapsules (e.g., chitosan or alginate) for targeted delivery.
The microcapsules are designed to release the enzymes upon exposure to specific environmental triggers, such as moisture (from irrigation or rain) or contact with the surface of weed leaves. The controlled release minimizes enzyme degradation in the environment and ensures focused action on the weeds, reducing waste and minimizing potential for environmental contamination. The ratio of cellulase to pectinase is optimized (e.g., 3:1) to effectively target a broad range of weed species. The specific concentration of enzymes can be adjusted based on weed species and environmental conditions.
The proposed enzyme-based herbicide operates through a three-step process: (1) Upon contact with weeds, the microcapsules dissolve, releasing the enzymes; (2) the enzymes degrade the cell walls, causing cell lysis and weakening the weed plant's structure; and (3) this leads to the eventual collapse of the weed cells, resulting in wilting and plant death. Field trials demonstrate the effectiveness of this system in reducing weed biomass while minimizing environmental impact and preserving soil health. The economic viability of the system was also evaluated.
The invention's advantages include targeted weed control, environmental friendliness (biodegradable components, minimal residue), reduced herbicide resistance, and compatibility with existing agricultural equipment. The system is designed to be both effective and sustainable, addressing the specific challenges of weed management in DSR while minimizing environmental impact and promoting soil health.
Further research and development can focus on refining enzyme formulations, optimizing the delivery mechanism, and exploring a broader range of target weed species to enhance efficacy and adaptability. This invention provides a significant advance toward sustainable weed management in DSR systems, reducing reliance on harmful chemical herbicides and promoting environmentally friendly agricultural practices.
, Claims:1. A method for controlling weeds in direct-seeded rice (DSR) comprising applying an enzyme-based herbicide comprising cellulase and pectinase enzymes, wherein the enzymes are encapsulated in biodegradable microcapsules for targeted release upon contact with weeds.
2. An enzyme-based herbicide composition for controlling weeds in DSR, comprising cellulase derived from Trichoderma reesei or Bacillus subtilis, pectinase derived from Aspergillus niger, and a biodegradable encapsulating agent.
3. A method for controlling weeds in DSR, comprising applying an enzyme-based herbicide composition as claimed in claim 2, wherein the ratio of cellulase to pectinase is optimized for effective weed control in DSR.
4. A system for targeted weed control in DSR, comprising biodegradable microcapsules encapsulating cellulase and pectinase enzymes, wherein said microcapsules release enzymes upon exposure to moisture or contact with the surface of weed leaves.
5. An environmentally friendly herbicide composition for weed control in DSR, comprising cellulase and pectinase enzymes, wherein said enzymes are biodegradable and leave minimal chemical residue in the soil.
6. A method for reducing herbicide resistance in weeds in DSR, comprising applying an enzyme-based herbicide as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mechanism of action involves the breakdown of weed cell walls.

7. A sustainable weed control method in DSR, comprising applying an enzyme-based herbicide composition as claimed in claim 2, reducing reliance on chemical herbicides and minimizing environmental impact.

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