VISCODAMP 40EC: A BIO-CONCENTRATE FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF ‘DAMPING OFF’ FUNGI

Abstract

This invention introduces ViscoDamp 40EC, a bio-concentrate designed to manage damping-off fungi affecting nursery plants. The formulation combines extracts from Cleome viscosa and Curcuma longa, and volatile compounds from Trichoderma viride. This eco-friendly formulation offers antimicrobial and antifungal properties as an alternative to chemical fungicides. The emulsifiable concentrate is easy to apply, non-toxic, and compatible with sustainable agricultural practices, promoting healthier and more resilient nursery plants.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to agricultural disease management, particularly a bio-based formulation developed to manage damping-off disease in solanaceous nursery plants. The formulation combines extracts from various plants and microbial sources, offering an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic pesticides.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Damping-off disease is a serious threat to nursery plants, especially solanaceous crops, causing significant losses in seedling survival and delaying transplanting. Seedling mortality rates can reach up to 100%, resulting in substantial yield losses and financial damage for farmers. In light of these losses, managing damping-off disease effectively is crucial for ensuring a healthy crop.
The disease is a complex problem caused by various soil-borne pathogens, such as fungi and bacteria, which attack seedlings during early growth stages. Traditional management methods mainly involve the application of chemical fungicides. However, the effectiveness of these chemicals varies widely, and they pose environmental risks, contaminating soil and groundwater and affecting non-target organisms.
Overuse of chemical fungicides also leads to the development of resistance in pathogens, making disease management more challenging and requiring increased application of chemical treatments. This resistance not only increases costs but also limits effective control, pushing the agricultural industry toward alternative solutions that are both sustainable and effective.
Bio-based control strategies are gaining attention as eco-friendly solutions to manage plant diseases. This invention introduces a bio-concentrate containing extracts from Cleome viscosa, Curcuma longa (turmeric), and volatile compounds from Trichoderma viride. These ingredients are known for their antimicrobial, antifungal, and antibacterial properties, making them suitable for managing damping-off disease while minimizing environmental impact.
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, ViscoDamp 40EC, is a bio-concentrate designed to manage damping-off fungi in nursery plants. It combines bio-extracts from Cleome viscosa, Curcuma longa (turmeric), and volatile compounds from Trichoderma viride. This formulation leverages the antimicrobial properties of these natural ingredients to inhibit the growth of pathogens responsible for damping-off disease. The concentrate is emulsifiable, allowing for easy application, and provides an eco-friendly alternative to chemical fungicides, thereby reducing pesticide residue and environmental pollution.
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.
Extraction of Bio-Concentrates: The bio-concentrate formulation begins with the extraction of bioactive compounds from Cleome viscosa and Curcuma longa. Fresh plant material is thoroughly washed and shade-dried to preserve the active compounds. The dried material is finely ground into a powder, which is then extracted using ethanol or water in a Soxhlet extractor. The extracts are concentrated using a rotary evaporator to enhance their potency against pathogenic fungi. Volatile compounds from Trichoderma viride are obtained through steam distillation, which isolates fungal metabolites known for their antifungal activity. This combination of plant and fungal extracts forms the basis of the bio-concentrate, providing a broad-spectrum solution against damping-off pathogens.
Formulation of the Emulsifiable Concentrate: The bio-extracts are combined in specific ratios based on preliminary efficacy studies. An emulsifying agent, such as natural lecithin, is added to ensure a stable emulsion, allowing the concentrate to mix readily with water for easy application. Organic solvents, like ethanol, are incorporated to dissolve and stabilize the extracts. The final mixture is homogenized to create a uniform concentrate that can be readily diluted with water. pH adjustment is performed to maintain an optimal range (pH 5-7), which ensures the stability and effectiveness of the formulation. The formulation is then tested for physical stability, ensuring no phase separation occurs during storage.
Evaluation of Bioactive Properties and Antifungal Efficacy: High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and other analytical techniques are used to verify the presence and concentration of bioactive compounds in the formulation. Bioassays, such as the agar diffusion method, are conducted to evaluate antifungal properties against damping-off pathogens. The formulation's antimicrobial activity is confirmed by its ability to inhibit the growth of fungi under controlled laboratory conditions. Pot trials are then performed on nursery plants to observe the formulation's efficacy under real-world conditions, with disease severity, plant growth, and survival rate measured against untreated controls.
Application Method and Practical Benefits: The bio-concentrate is intended for application as a soil drench in nurseries where damping-off disease is prevalent. It can be mixed with water at different concentrations (1-10%) depending on the severity of infestation and environmental conditions. The formulation is designed for user-friendly application, requiring no specialized equipment. Its biodegradable and non-toxic nature makes it safe for nursery workers, reduces pesticide residue, and supports sustainable agricultural practices. Furthermore, the product's compatibility with existing nursery practices ensures its wide adoption in disease management programs.
, Claims:1. A bio-concentrate formulation for managing damping-off fungi in nursery plants, comprising bio-extracts from Cleome viscosa and Curcuma longa and volatile compounds from Trichoderma viride.
2. The formulation, as claimed in Claim 1, wherein Cleome viscosa extract provides primary antimicrobial properties against damping-off pathogens.
3. The formulation, as claimed in Claim 1, wherein Curcuma longa extract contributes to antifungal and antioxidant effects.
4. The formulation, as claimed in Claim 1, wherein volatile compounds from Trichoderma viride enhance the antifungal efficacy of the formulation.
5. The formulation, as claimed in Claim 1, further comprising a natural emulsifying agent to ensure stable mixing with water for application.
6. The formulation, as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the bio-concentrate is prepared by Soxhlet extraction of plant materials and steam distillation of fungal metabolites.
7. The formulation, as claimed in Claim 1, wherein organic solvents are used to dissolve bio-extracts, achieving an emulsifiable concentrate consistency.
8. A method for managing damping-off fungi in nursery plants as claimed in claim 1, comprising applying the bio-concentrate formulation as a soil drench in affected nursery areas.
9. The formulation, as claimed in Claim 1, adjusted to a pH range of 5-7 to optimize stability and efficacy.

10. A process of preparing a bio-based emulsifiable concentrate as claimed in claim 1, involving the combination of plant and microbial extracts with an emulsifying agent for eco-friendly disease management.

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