VISCOCYCLINE: A BIO-BASED FORMULATION FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF LITTLE LEAF OF BRINJAL (LLB)

Abstract

This invention discloses a natural formulation, Viscocycline, aimed at controlling Little Leaf Disease in brinjal. It combines extracts from Cleome viscosa, ginger, and sacred basil with vermicompost as a substrate, providing a sustainable alternative to synthetic chemicals. The formulation is rich in antimicrobial bio-compounds that support plant health and reduce dependency on synthetic disease management methods.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to bio-based formulations aimed at plant disease management, specifically designed for mitigating the impact of Little Leaf Disease in brinjal (eggplant). It utilizes bio-compounds from plants with antimicrobial properties and offers an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic chemicals.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Little Leaf Disease in brinjal poses significant agricultural challenges in India, particularly affecting states like Maharashtra, West Bengal, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. The disease, caused by phytoplasma, can reduce crop yields by up to 80%, affecting over 40% of plants in some regions, thereby causing substantial economic loss for farmers.
Traditional management methods rely on synthetic chemicals, which, although effective to some extent, pose environmental concerns, contribute to pathogen resistance, and increase production costs for farmers. The limited scope of antibiotic treatments further complicates disease control, necessitating an alternative solution that is both sustainable and cost-effective.
The bio-compounds found in Cleome viscosa, ginger (Zingiber officinale), and sacred basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) have demonstrated antimicrobial properties, which could provide a natural means to control the phytoplasma causing LLB. By using these plants in a bio-formulation, the invention aims to address a critical gap in sustainable disease management.
Additionally, vermicompost acts as a substrate in this formulation, enhancing nutrient availability and promoting plant growth, which can improve resistance to disease. This innovative approach not only provides a potential solution to LLB but also supports sustainable agricultural practices by reducing dependency on synthetic chemicals.
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.
The invention, Viscocycline, is a natural formulation designed to combat Little Leaf Disease in brinjal by leveraging bio-compounds from Cleome viscosa, ginger, and sacred basil, integrated with vermicompost. This bio-based formula mitigates disease impact through antimicrobial action, promotes plant health, and addresses the limitations of synthetic disease management methods. Additionally, it provides an environmentally safe solution that can be commercialized for broader agricultural use.
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.
Plant Material Selection and Preparation: The formulation utilizes bioactive compounds from Cleome viscosa, ginger, and sacred basil, which are selected for their known antimicrobial and antifungal properties, making them highly effective in plant disease management. Cleome viscosa, the primary ingredient, is renowned for its strong antimicrobial activity against various pathogens. Fresh leaves of Cleome viscosa are first washed thoroughly and dried under shade to preserve the integrity of their bioactive compounds. The leaves are then finely ground into powder and extracted with 95% ethanol in a Soxhlet extractor to ensure efficient retrieval of the compounds. Similarly, fresh ginger rhizomes are washed, peeled, and then blended with distilled water to form a slurry, which is filtered to obtain the juice rich in gingerol and shogaol. Sacred basil leaves, known for their antibacterial qualities, undergo a similar extraction process, wherein fresh leaves are blended with distilled water and filtered. This combination of extracts aims to harness each plant's specific properties, creating a broad-spectrum solution against the phytoplasma responsible for Little Leaf Disease.
Combination with Vermicompost: Vermicompost, rich in essential nutrients and beneficial microbes, acts as both a substrate and a carrier for the bio-extracts. Known for its capacity to improve soil health and stimulate plant growth, vermicompost enhances the effectiveness of the bio-compounds by providing an ideal environment for microbial activity and nutrient absorption. This formulation combines the plant extracts with well-decomposed vermicompost in a specific ratio (1:10 w/v), ensuring that each component contributes to disease resistance while promoting plant health. The addition of distilled water adjusts the formulation's consistency for optimal application, and natural emulsifiers like lecithin may be added to ensure the extracts are evenly distributed in the mixture. Adjusting the pH of the formulation to around neutral (pH 7) using citric acid or sodium bicarbonate also maximizes the stability and efficacy of the bioactive compounds within the mixture.
Bioactive Compound Analysis and Formulation Characterization: To confirm the potency and effectiveness of the formulation, High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) is employed to analyze the presence and concentration of active compounds in the extracts. Key bioactive molecules in Cleome viscosa include flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, and tannins, each contributing to antimicrobial, antifungal, and antioxidant activities. In ginger, gingerol, shogaol, and curcumin are present, providing antifungal and antioxidant benefits, while in sacred basil, eugenol and rosmarinic acid add further antibacterial properties. Analytical tools such as DPPH assays and agar diffusion methods are used to quantify antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, respectively. This analysis ensures that each batch of the formulation maintains consistent levels of bioactivity, which is crucial for its efficacy against phytoplasma pathogens causing Little Leaf Disease. The formulation undergoes additional stability testing to verify that bio-compounds remain active over time, allowing for safe storage and effective application.
Application and Efficacy Testing in Brinjal Plants: The prepared bio-formulation undergoes extensive testing in pot trials to evaluate its real-world efficacy in controlling Little Leaf Disease. Brinjal seedlings infected with phytoplasma are transplanted into soil treated with the formulation at various concentrations, typically between 1-10% (w/w) to determine the optimal dosage. Disease progression is closely monitored, with data collection focusing on plant growth metrics such as height, leaf number, and overall yield. Treated plants are compared to untreated controls to assess the formulation's impact on disease severity and plant vitality. Results typically show that the plants treated with Viscocycline demonstrate reduced disease symptoms, enhanced growth, and increased resilience to disease stress. This testing phase also evaluates the environmental safety of the formulation, ensuring it does not harm non-target soil organisms or beneficial insects. Additionally, field trials may be conducted under different environmental conditions to verify the formulation's adaptability and robustness in varied agricultural settings.
, Claims:1. A bio-based formulation comprising Cleome viscosa extract, ginger extract, sacred basil extract, and vermicompost, developed to manage Little Leaf Disease in brinjal (eggplant) by providing antimicrobial and antifungal properties.
2. The formulation, as claimed in Claim 1, wherein Cleome viscosa is utilized as a primary constituent for its antimicrobial properties against phytoplasma.
3. The formulation, as claimed in Claim 1, wherein ginger extract is included for its antifungal and antioxidant properties.
4. The formulation, as claimed in Claim 1, wherein sacred basil extract is incorporated to enhance antibacterial efficacy.
5. The formulation, as claimed in Claim 1, further comprising a natural emulsifier to stabilize the mixture, ensuring even application.
6. The formulation, as claimed in Claim 1, wherein vermicompost acts as a substrate to promote soil health, beneficial microbial activity, and enhance plant growth and resistance.
7. A process for preparing the bio-based formulation, as claimed in Claim 1, including the steps of ethanol extraction, blending, and filtration of Cleome viscosa, ginger, and sacred basil bio-compounds.
8. A method for managing phytoplasma infection in brinjal plants, comprising applying The formulation, as claimed in Claim 1 to brinjal plants showing symptoms of Little Leaf Disease.
9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the formulation is applied as a foliar spray at a concentration of 1-10% (w/w) to maximize efficacy.
10. A process of combining Cleome viscosa extract, ginger extract, sacred basil extract, and vermicompost as claimed in claim 1, to formulate an environmentally friendly and effective plant disease management solution.

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