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IN-202541029165-A - COCONUT HUSK-BASED BIOCONTROL SPRAY USING BENEFICIAL MICROORGANISMS FROM SPOILED TOMATO FOR SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE

IN202541029165AIN 202541029165 AIN202541029165 AIN 202541029165AIN-202541029165-A

Abstract

Coconut Husk-Based Biocontrol Spray Using Beneficial Microorganisms from Spoiled Tomato for Sustainable Agriculture ABSTRACT The present invention relates to an eco-friendly biocontrol spray formulation designed to reduce spoilage and extend the shelf life of tomatoes and other perishable fruits. The formulation is based on the use of natural, plant-derived ingredients, including coconut husk extract, turmeric, cloves, dried orange peel, neem oil, and coconut oil. These ingredients are combined to provide a comprehensive solution for microbial spoilage caused by bacteria, molds, and fungi. The coconut husk extract, which is rich in bioactive compounds, serves as the primary antimicrobial and antifungal agent in the spray. Additional plant extracts, such as turmeric, cloves, and orange peel, further enhance the spray?s effectiveness by providing antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The formulation includes natural adjuvants like neem oil and coconut oil, which act as emulsifiers and enhance the spray?s stability, adhesion, and penetration on tomato surfaces. The biocontrol spray is formulated through an aqueous extraction process, ensuring the preservation of the bioactive compounds from the plant materials. The spray is then tested for its efficacy in controlling microbial growth and extending the shelf life of both fresh and spoiled tomatoes under laboratory conditions. Results indicate that the biocontrol spray effectively inhibits the growth of microorganisms responsible for spoilage, including Klebsiella pneumoniae, and helps maintain the firmness and quality of tomatoes for extended periods. The formulation is biodegradable, non-toxic, and offers a sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides, reducing the environmental impact of agricultural practices. This invention provides a cost-effective, environmentally friendly solution for food preservation, particularly for tomatoes, and holds significant potential for wider applications in sustainable agriculture and organic farming.

Inventors

  • DR G BRINDHA
  • HICAS.AC.IN INDIA
  • DR S G ANTONY GODSON
  • DR NIRMALA DEVI N
  • DR K MANIMEKALAI
  • DR SUBITHA R
  • Bibsha

Dates

Publication Date
20250425
Application Date
20250327
Priority Date
20250327

Claims (8)

  1. CLAIMS1. A biocontrol spray composition for the prevention of spoilage in tomatoes and other perishable fruits, wherein the composition comprises an aqueous extract of coconut husk, a turmeric extract, a clove extract, a dried orange peel extract, and a natural emulsifier consisting of neem oil and coconut oil in a 1:1 ratio. The composition is free from synthetic chemicals and is designed to inhibit microbial growth, including bacterial and fungal growth, thereby extending the shelf life of tomatoes and other fruits. The biocontrol spray formulation provides a natural, safe, and eco-friendly solution to reduce spoilage and preserve the quality of tomatoes, utilizing plant-derived ingredients with known antimicrobial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties.
  2. 2. The biocontrol spray composition of claim 1, wherein the coconut husk extract is obtained through an aqueous extraction process, wherein the coconut husk is mixed with distilled water at a ratio of 1:20, autoclaved, and shaken for at least 3 days at 37°C.
  3. 3. The biocontrol spray composition of claim 1, wherein the turmeric extract is derived from Curcuma longa and provides antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties, contributing to the preservation of tomatoes.
  4. 4. The biocontrol spray composition of claim 1, wherein the clove extract is derived from Syzygium aromaticum and provides antibacterial and antifungal properties that contribute to inhibiting microbial growth on tomatoes.
  5. 5. The biocontrol spray composition of claim 1, wherein the dried orange peel extract is derived from Citrus sinensis and serves as an antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antifungal agent.
  6. 6. The biocontrol spray composition of claim 1, wherein the neem oil is derived from Azadirachta indica and acts as an emulsifier and enhances the spray's antifungal and antibacterial properties.
  7. 7. The biocontrol spray composition of claim 1, wherein the coconut oil serves as a natural emulsifier, improving the stability, adhesion, and penetration of the biocontrol agents onto the surface of the tomatoes.
  8. 8. The biocontrol spray composition of claim 1, wherein the pH of the composition is adjusted to be below 4 by the addition of lemon juice, ensuring optimal stability and performance of the active ingredients.

Description

Complete SpecificationDescription:Coconut Husk-Based Biocontrol Spray Using Beneficial Microorganisms from Spoiled Tomato for Sustainable Agriculture FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to the field of sustainable agriculture, specifically the development of eco-friendly biocontrol agents for the prevention of spoilage in fruits, particularly tomatoes. It pertains to the formulation and application of a coconut husk-based biocontrol spray, which utilizes natural antimicrobial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties of plant-derived compounds to inhibit microbial growth and extend the shelf life of tomatoes, without the use of harmful chemical pesticides. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONAgriculture is a critical sector that plays a vital role in global food security, providing the foundation for sustenance, nutrition, and economic growth. However, the agricultural industry faces numerous challenges, including plant diseases, pest infestations, and the spoilage of perishable goods, which significantly reduce crop yield and quality. These challenges have escalated in recent decades due to increased global food demand, changing climate conditions, and unsustainable agricultural practices. Among the most affected crops are fruits and vegetables, which are highly susceptible to microbial degradation, leading to postharvest losses. One such crop that faces considerable spoilage issues is the tomato, a widely consumed fruit known for its nutritional and culinary value.Tomatoes, scientifically known as Solanum lycopersicum, are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and dietary fiber, contributing to a healthy diet. Despite their importance, tomatoes have a relatively short shelf life due to their high water content and vulnerability to microbial infections. Microorganisms such as bacteria, molds, and fungi thrive in the favorable conditions provided by ripe tomatoes, leading to rapid spoilage. Studies indicate that postharvest losses of tomatoes can reach up to 11.61% in some regions, contributing to substantial economic and nutritional waste. This spoilage is primarily attributed to the activity of microorganisms like Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas spp., and Fusarium spp., which attack the fruit both during the cultivation process and postharvest. The result is not only a reduction in the shelf life of tomatoes but also a loss of their nutritional quality, making them unsuitable for consumption.In response to the growing concern about food spoilage and its environmental impact, traditional agricultural practices have relied heavily on synthetic pesticides and fungicides. These chemical treatments, while effective in controlling pathogens, have raised significant concerns due to their detrimental effects on the environment, human health, and soil quality. The overuse of chemical pesticides leads to soil degradation, water contamination, and the emergence of pesticide-resistant pathogens, rendering them less effective over time. Moreover, the harmful residues left on crops can pose serious health risks to consumers, especially when exposed over long periods. As a result, there has been a growing demand for more sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives to chemical pesticides and sprays, particularly for the preservation of perishable crops like tomatoes.Biological control, or biocontrol, has emerged as a promising solution to these challenges. Biocontrol methods involve the use of natural organisms, plant-based compounds, or microorganisms to manage plant diseases and spoilage. The primary advantage of biocontrol is that it relies on environmentally friendly methods, reducing the reliance on harmful chemicals and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. The use of plant-derived compounds for pest and disease management has shown considerable promise in recent years, as these compounds often exhibit antimicrobial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties. Additionally, plant-based biocontrol agents are biodegradable, non-toxic to humans and animals, and less likely to cause environmental pollution.One such plant that has garnered attention for its biocontrol potential is the coconut (Cocos nucifera). Coconut husk, the fibrous outer layer of the coconut fruit, contains bioactive compounds with known antimicrobial and antifungal properties. Studies have demonstrated that coconut husk extracts can inhibit the growth of various microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi, making it an ideal candidate for use in biocontrol applications. The antimicrobial properties of coconut husk are primarily attributed to its high lignin and cellulose content, which contribute to its resistance against microbial degradation. Moreover, coconut husk is widely available as a byproduct of coconut processing, making it a cost-effective and sustainable raw material for biocontrol formulations.In addition to coconut husk, other plant-based ingredients such as turmeric (Curcuma longa), cloves (Syzygium aromaticu