Patent Description:
Phytoparasitic nematodes cause considerable damage to crops of agricultural importance, especially when these are cultivated intensively and/or in a monoculture regime. Among the most harmful nematodes, several species are endowed with a wide polyphagia, so the use of rotations or alternations is often difficult and not cost effective in areas suited to high-income crops.

In many situations, the administration of synthetic nematocides, whether they are fumigants or non-volatile products, is an indispensable practice to achieve an economically sustainable company production.

In order to obtain the maximum benefit with the nematocide treatment, both in quantitative and qualitative production terms, it is necessary to know the toxicity of the substance against the nematode to be fought, the distribution dynamics and the degradability in the soil to be treated, in relation to intrinsic factors such as texture, chemical composition, organic substance content, as well as external factors such as climate, precipitation, temperature and ongoing culture.

It is not easy to calculate the damage caused to agricultural crops by nematodes because, in addition to direct damage to the phytohelminth, they can also lead to concomitant infections by bacteria, fungi and viruses. Production losses are due both to a decrease in yields (quantitative) and a lowering of the product quality standards.

Having said this, however, it should be emphasized that, in the panorama of nematocidal active ingredients that may currently be used in agriculture in the EU, the number of solutions allowed is constantly decreasing. The low number of active ingredients (many of which are risky for the operator and subjected to contingent interventions established on the label, i.e. maximum <NUM>-<NUM> applications per crop cycle/season) leads to an increase in the risk of onset of resistance by nematodes, and of becoming likely less effective. Given their characteristics, some products will be subject to future restrictions, becoming possible candidates for revocation.

As an example, it is possible to mention substances currently used (Abamectin, Oxamil, Fosthiazate) that were key actors in the fight against nematodes over the last <NUM> years which, due to the acute and chronic toxicity values and their low selectivity towards non-target organisms, will be revoked over the years.

<NPL>)) describe the nematocidal properties of some carboxylic acids and derivatives thereof. The greatest efficacy is evident in dicarboxylic acids having a double bond. Despite having an activity on nematodes, these substances are toxic to humans and would lead to irreparable damage to the roots due to the strong pH shift during the application by hose.

For the reasons listed above, there is currently an evident need for new generation substances, such as botanicals, which could replace synthetic chemicals. These substances, often present in nature and sometimes known for use in other fields (e.g. terpenes), should prove to have nematocidal activity, but at the same time have a lower risk for the operator, the consumer and the environment.

A general object of the present invention therefore consists in providing a substance of natural origin for use as a nematocide, which does not present the disadvantages described for the substances currently used in the field for the same purposes.

In a first aspect, the invention therefore concerns the use of a sorbic acid salt for killing an insect belonging to the phylum of nematodes, wherein said sorbic acid salt is present in an effective dose, wherein said effective dose allows to kill at least <NUM>% of nematodes, and wherein said sorbic acid salt is the only active substance having a nematocidal effect and wherein said use is non-therapeutic. The invention refers to the use of sorbic acid salts, all references to sorbic acid are for comparison only.

Advantageously, sorbic acid is a non-toxic substance for the operator and the consumer, shows complete selectivity towards beneficial insects or pollinators, and allows to control nematodes in the larval or egg forms. It is also surprising how the nematocidal activity has no previous confirmation, considering that no insecticidal activity (insect kingdom) or acaricidal activity has been found in laboratory tests, unlike most of the nematocides currently used which have both characteristics. (insecticide or acaricide/nematocide). The use of sorbic acid as a nematocide is known in the art for example form Djan and others in "<NPL>).

The invention therefore concerns the use of a sorbic acid salt, such as potassium sorbate, calcium sorbate, sodium sorbate and the salts derived from the reaction of sorbic acid with alkali metals, for killing an insect belonging to the phylum of nematodes, wherein said sorbic acid or salt thereof is present in an effective dose, wherein said effective dose allows to kill at least <NUM>% of nematodes, and wherein said sorbic acid salt is the only active substance having a nematocidal effect and wherein said use is non-therapeutic.

It has been surprisingly seen that salts of sorbic acid have an effect on both the J2 larvae and the hatching of nematode eggs present in the vegetable galls, and is active regardless of temperature.

In the present invention, when the term "sorbic acid" is used, it is also intended to include: <NUM>,<NUM>-hexadienoic acid, trans,trans-<NUM>,<NUM> hexanoic acid, (E,E) <NUM>,<NUM>-hexanoic acid, (E,E)-<NUM>,<NUM>-pentadiene-<NUM>-carboxylic.

Sorbic acid is extracted from the genus Sorbus and other naturally occurring Rosaceae or synthesized artificially. Its molecular formula is as follows: C<NUM>H<NUM>O<NUM>:
<CHM>
Sorbic acid may be used in pure or diluted form, a derivative thereof in the form of salt may be used. The present disclosure comprises the use of either the synthetic form of sorbic acid, and possible related salts thereof, or sorbic acid naturally extracted from the fruit of the plants mentioned.

Sorbic acid has known toxicity, as there are numerous studies in this regard given its use in the food sector; the data in fact confirm a low risk, having a Lethal Dose <NUM>: LD50 ><NUM>/kg (OECD Test Guideline <NUM>), Lethal Concentration <NUM>: LC50 <NUM> I (OECD Test Guideline <NUM>) and a partition coefficient: n-octanol/water, log Pow: <NUM> (<NUM>) (a value that does not foresee any risks of bioaccumulation). Sorbic acid and salts thereof are therefore a valid alternative to products currently on the market, and advantageously involve a lower risk for the operator, the consumer, and the environment. In the current state of the art, sorbic acid is recognized as a preservative or food additive having an effect on yeasts, molds and bacteria; no effects on insects or mites of different kinds have been found, but it is known that the active substance has an evident nematocidal effect.

In the present invention, when the definition "effective dose" or "biologically effective dose" is used, it means a dose which allows to kill at least <NUM>%, up to <NUM>%, of the nematodes present.

A dose ranging from <NUM>% to <NUM>% is considered a "sub-lethal" or "nematostatic" dose, and therefore is a dose which may not kill the nematode but inhibits its mobility and pest capacity. In fact, by comparing the data with a test carried out in the laboratory in a jar, it was possible to highlight a greater number of immature forms following the application of sorbic acid. This could therefore show a nematostatic effect, affecting fertility in addition to a slowdown of the normal population development cycle, demonstrated by the low number of J2 larvae in the treated compared to the test, and by the greater number of undifferentiated females (without ovisack, therefore immature, delaying oogenesis and without the possibility that these release eggs in the substrate), and therefore to a lowering of the new potential future generations.

It was surprisingly shown that even very low concentrations of salts of sorbic acid such as potassium sorbate, are sufficient to have a nematocidal action. In particular, it was proven that the lethal dose for killing at least <NUM>% of nematodes is a dose in the range from <NUM>% to <NUM>% p/p, preferably from <NUM>% to <NUM>% p/p, more preferably from <NUM>% to <NUM>% p/p. It was surprisingly shown that this substance is active on pests of the nematode phylum, but no effects on insects or mites of other phylum of agricultural interest were found, while the effect on fungi and bacteria is known in the state of the art.

In addition to the activity as a nematocide, sorbic acid and salts thereof were shown to have nematostatic activity.

In one embodiment, in the use of the present invention, said salt of sorbic acid is present in a composition comprising an agriculturally acceptable carrier surfactant, additive, adjuvant or diluent. Examples can be water, <NUM>,<NUM> benzisothiazol-<NUM>(<NUM>)-one, naphtha-derived solvents, glycerin, organic acids.

In the final composition of the commercial product, sorbic acid or salts thereof can be included in an amount ranging from <NUM>% to <NUM>% (percentages below those indicated are used to exploit the anti-fermentation characteristics in a mixture with other active ingredients used as pesticides, fertilizers or biostimulants).

In another embodiment, said composition is formulated in the form of granules, powder, emulsion, spray, aerosol, capsule, microcapsule, gel, or wetting agent.

Advantageously, sorbic acid can be applied in the form of a solid product to be diluted as sorbic acid as such or as derived salts thereof, in the form of a concentrated solution of sorbic acid or salts thereof to be subsequently diluted, in the form of dry extract of the Rosaceae family obtained by physical/chemical action and subsequently diluted in water, in the form of glyceric extract of the Rosaceae family subsequently diluted in water, in the form of an extract of the Rosaceae family with organic solvent and subsequently diluted in water, as sorbic acid or salts thereof used as powder as such or mixed with co-formulations for the treatment of edible or ornamental crops or seeds such as fertilizers or biostimulants.

Given the characteristic of this substance and its easy availability and synthesis, it can be used as different formulations, for example:.

This formulation could be classified as a pesticide/nematocide, according to the correct classification, but other possible legislative alternatives are also protected, biostimulant, fertilizer or corroborant.

Preferably the use of sorbic acid or salts thereof as nematocide is for use against nematodes belonging to a genus selected from the group consisting of Meloidogyne, Globodera, Heterodera, Pratylenchus, Rotylenchulus Trichodorus, Paratylenchus, Longidorus, Hylonema, Ditylenchus, Meloidodera o Afenestrata, more preferably to a genus selected from the group consisting of Meloidogyne, Globodera, Ditylenchus or Heterodera.

In a preferred embodiment, the use of sorbic acid or salts thereof as nematocide is for use against nematodes belonging to a species selected from the group consisting of Meloidogyne incognita, Meloidogyne arenaria, Meloidogyne hapla or Meloidogyne enterolobii.

In a further embodiment, the use of sorbic acid or salts thereof as nematocide is for the treatment of a substrate, for example an agricultural substrate. In a preferred embodiment, said agricultural substrate is a substrate in which the roots of a plant develop, preferably said agricultural substrate is selected from the group consisting of a cultivation substrate, a soil or a loam and allows the growth of a vegetal species or an annual or multi-year vegetal crop.

The concept underlying the invention is to put a biologically effective dose of salts of sorbic acid in contact with a nematode or with its environment, soil, substrate, or surrounding rhizosphere.

In another aspect, the use of salts of sorbic acid according to the present invention is for the treatment of agricultural, civil, or domestic surfaces and for the treatment of parks, playgrounds, and gardens.

Carrying out laboratory tests with sorbic acid, in pure form or in the form of Potassium Sorbate, Calcium Sorbate and Sodium Sorbate, it was surprisingly observed that this had an effect on larvae of the genus Meloydogine, on Heterodera and Globodera.

Having analyzed the main formulations used for the control of nematodes and without being bound by any theory, it is possible to confirm that sorbic acid and salts thereof, such as potassium sorbate, calcium sorbate, sodium sorbate and the salts derived from the reaction of sorbic acid with alkali metals, have a different mode of action and, given the double effect both on the J2 larvae and on the hatching of the eggs present in the galls, the low influence of temperature, the low toxicity for the operator and the consumer, its complete selectivity towards beneficial insects or pollinators and the control of nematodes in larval or egg form, it is an innovative solution for sustainable agriculture, which allows also a minimum risk for the operator and the consumer, in addition to the lower environmental impact and selectivity towards useful species.

In the tests carried out, the effect of the compounds sorbic acid, potassium sorbate, calcium sorbate, sodium sorbate and the salts derived from the reaction of sorbic acid with alkali metals was shown, following exposure of the larva to the same, or following contact with the galls containing the eggs, thus delaying and limiting their hatching.

Examples of embodiments of the present invention, provided for illustrative purposes, are reported below. The examples concerning sorbic acid are comparative.

Sorbic acid (E200) is a polyunsaturated fatty acid commonly used as a food preservative, as well as potassium sorbate (E202), which is the potassium salt of sorbic acid. Both these products have antifungal and antibacterial properties, and are used as preservative additives in the food industry.

Sorbic acid is contained in various genera of the Rosaceae family and not only in particular in the genus Sorbus spp. Its wide use as a preservative in the food and cosmetic industry (E200-E201-E202-E203) has enabled the development of the substance by synthetic route.

Commercial formulations of sorbic acid or salts thereof, with technical data sheets provided by manufacturers that guarantee a purity greater than <NUM>%, have both been tested. The conversion ratio between potassium sorbate and sorbic acid is of <NUM> (purity > <NUM>%).

It was therefore shown that the active substance is indeed responsible for the death of nematodes in the J2 (mobile) larval form.

In particular, it is hypothesized that the activity on nematodes is due to the inhibition of enzymes following direct and extended contact with the nematocidal substance, and that this blocks the eggs hatching and the motility of the J2 larvae by inhibiting transport functions and metabolic pathways as well as blocking certain enzymes, especially those containing a sulfhydryl group.

Extraction of root-knot nematodes taken from soil cultivated with basil (Ocimum basilicum) with strong infestation (J2 larvae) from about <NUM> cc of soil by means of a wool-paper filter (EPPO Bulletin <NUM>,<NUM>) and concentration in distilled water.

The Tests were established by adding an amount of stock solution to one ml of nematode suspension, so as to obtain the final established concentrations. Nematodes motility parameters were evaluated after <NUM> and after <NUM> exposure of the J2 larvae to the nematocidal substance.

In the first test, the count was carried out by microscopic observation of immobile nematodes after <NUM> hours exposure to the product, to evaluate a possible killing effect of the substance. In the second test, the count was carried out by microscopic observation of the nematodes considered dead with strong signs of tissue degeneration (thickening and blistering in the nematode body accompanied by the final folding of the body at right angle).

The results are summarized in Table <NUM> below:.

A significant increase in the effect was observed with increasing dose and exposure of the nematode to the substance following <NUM> exposure; the washing to evaluate the possible "recovery" of the nematodes survived to the substance was not performed as the J2 nematodes considered dead had evident signs of degeneration (<FIG> and <FIG>) similar but not identical to those observed in the reference abamectin (<FIG>); this allows us to hypothesize a different mechanism of action for the two substances: sorbic acid or derived salts thereof interfere with the metabolism and inhibition of some enzymes in a reversible way; the efficacy is therefore slower and increases with exposure to the product of our target, while abamectin simulates the neurotransmitter GABA that controls the permeability of neurons to chlorine ions, binding irreversibly to receptors instead of GABA, the activity of the nervous and muscular system is then inhibited and death occurs in a few minutes following contact with the product.

Checks were also carried out at <NUM> hours exposure to sorbic acid or salts thereof without obtaining statistically different results compared to the microscopic observation carried out at <NUM> hours.

The same method was carried out for the evaluation of product efficacy on other genera of Ditylenchus nematodes taken from soil with ongoing culture (Strawberry, Fragaria x ananassa), on Globodera taken from cysts present on potato roots (Solanum tuberosum) following in vitro incubation for <NUM> days at a temperature of <NUM> in the absence of light, with results statistically comparable to those previously reported in the case of Meloidogyne at a dose of <NUM>/ml.

The results allow us to evaluate the substance as a candidate nematocide in sustainable agriculture, given the results obtained in vitro which are comparable to those of synthetic active substances already on the market with a much more disadvantageous ecotoxicological profile.

In order to evaluate the efficacy in containing the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita, several in vitro experimental tests were carried out using a sorbic acid solution containing <NUM>/ml of active substance at <NUM>% purity. The average of the tests is reported.

This test concentration was tested on unsegmented and embryonated eggs of M.

An efficacy of sorbic acid at the tested concentration was observed, allowing the inhibition of egg embryogenesis and excellent action on larvae, both free and included in ovisacs.

The tests carried out were developed in vitro using double concave glass lenses, by introducing <NUM> of the test solution containing <NUM>/ml of sorbic acid, or sterile water in the case of the control. The incubation took place at a room temperature of <NUM>, in the dark. The population of M. incognita was from plants raised in an open field of tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum).

Unsegmented and embryonated eggs: the eggs were collected from the ovisacs and placed in a double concave glass lens in the presence of the solution to be tested. Counts of hatched larvae were carried out for <NUM> days with daily counting and microscopic observation. A substantial difference was observed between the sorbic acid-based solution and the control, as reported in Table <NUM> below:.

During the development phase, a field screening test was planned to confirm the effect of the active substance, in addition to the one known in vitro. The trial was followed by a test center (third body) in the Vittoria area (RG) in greenhouses with continuous cycles of courgette (Cucurbita pepo) subjected to strong pressure of M. incognita nematodes. The product denoted as (GON. <NUM>), represented by potassium sorbate, <NPL>, was applied with a dosage of <NUM>/ha dissolved in water and distributed according to pre-established volumes through hose/tape based on calendar applications. First application at day <NUM> after transplantation (DAT), second application at day <NUM> DAT, third application at day <NUM> DAT.

The follow-up was scheduled at day <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>) and day <NUM> after the first treatment. The results, both in statistical terms and in terms of plant vigor (<FIG> and <FIG>), allow us to highlight an excellent efficacy also in field, and therefore confirm that sorbic acid (and salts thereof) may be new candidate nematocides for the European Pharmacopoeia. Following this screening trial, new large-scale tests will begin to establish optimal doses, modes and volume of distribution. From Table <NUM> below, it was possible to evaluate the % of nematode attack with a count of the damage present on the root system (galls).

It is evident that the percentage values of the severity of attack are drastically reduced by the use of the product denoted as (GON.

Furthermore, from Table <NUM> below, it was possible to evaluate the effect on the plant vigor and production.

In fact, a significant increase in the quantity of fruits is highlighted, as well as a higher weight of these, thus proving the nematocidal effect (which significantly affects the qualitative-quantitative production) of the application of potassium sorbate, without leading to toxicity or damage of the root system.

Claim 1:
Use of a sorbic acid salt, for killing a pest belonging to the phylum of nematodes, wherein said sorbic acid salt is present in an effective dose, wherein said effective dose allows to kill at least <NUM>% of nematodes, and wherein said sorbic acid salt is the only active substance having a nematocidal effect and wherein said use is non-therapeutic.