Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of agricultural biotechnology and plant protection, more particularly to the development of a nutrient-enriched fungicidal composition derived from botanical waste materials. The invention addresses the dual purpose of providing an eco-friendly, sustainable fungicide for crop protection while simultaneously recycling agricultural and botanical residues into value-added products.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
References which are cited in the present disclosure are not necessarily prior art and therefore their citation does not constitute an admission that such references are prior art in any jurisdiction. All publications, patents and patent applications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.
Fungal diseases pose a significant threat to global agriculture, leading to substantial yield losses and reduced crop quality. Although synthetic fungicides are widely used, their excessive application has resulted in environmental pollution, resistance development in pathogens, and negative impacts on soil and human health. Concurrently, large volumes of botanical waste generated from agricultural and agro-industrial activities remain underutilized. These residues often contain valuable bioactive compounds with potential antifungal properties. Harnessing such waste materials for the development of a nutrient-enriched botanical fungicide offers a sustainable, cost-effective, and environmentally safe alternative to conventional fungicides.
Numerous patents have explored the development of botanical fungicides using extracts or essential oils derived from plants such as neem, garlic, eucalyptus, and citrus. While these formulations exhibit antifungal efficacy, they predominantly rely on purified extracts or fresh plant materials, often involving energy-intensive extraction processes and increased production costs. Additionally, most existing patents are limited to single-source formulations, lacking synergistic activity and nutrient enrichment. In contrast, the present invention employs a unique blend of botanical waste materials like peels, husks, and leaves as raw inputs. This not only addresses waste management challenges but also introduces a cost-effective, nutrient-enriched, and eco-friendly formulation. this invention surpasses prior patents by combining multiple waste-derived sources rich in bioactive and macro-micronutrient compounds, enhancing both antifungal efficacy and plant health promotion.
Several patents botanical fungicide but none of these are related to the present invention. Patent US5409708A relates to fungicide compositions prepared from neem seeds are disclosed. Two distinct neem derived fungicides obtained non-polar, hydrophobic solvent neem seed extracts which are substantially free of azadirachtin, by removing the hydrophobic solvent and cooling the resulting neem oil to separate a semi-solid neem wax fraction and a clarified neem oil fraction.
Another patent EP0945066A1 describes a synergistic effect when garlic oil or extract is combined with essential oils which results in an improved insecticide/fungicide which is natural and contains no chemical additives. Essential oils are defined in this application to be volatile liquids obtained from plants and seeds including cotton seed oil, soybean oil, cinnamon oil, corn oil, cedar oil, castor oil, clove oil, geranium oil, lemongrass oil, linseed oil, mint oil, sesame oil, thyme oil, rosemary oil, anise oil basil oil, camphor oil, citronella oil, eucalyptus oil, fennel oil, ginger oil, grapefruit oil, lemon oil, mandarin oil, orange oil, pine needle oil, pepper oil, rose oil, tangerine oil, tea tree oil, tee seed oil, mineral oil and fish oil.
Another patent WO2008011699A1 relates to natural fungicide based on eucalyptus sp based on essential oil with a natural emulsifier in aqueous solution, particularly, concerning the essential oil of Eucalyptus sp emulsified with rice or gum lecithin in a manner that a water emulsion in oil meant for application to plantations by an adequate means, for example, pulverization, making possible the treatment of organic and biodynamic crops as well as the reduction in use of agrichemicals in the conventional crops, is formed. It is characterized by the fact that it is based on the colloidal dispersion of the essential oil of eucalyptus with the emulsifier of rice or gum lecithin, preferably, in the following proportion: - Essential oil of Eucalyptus sp 10.00% of volume; - Natural emulsifier 10.00 % of volume; - Water 80.00% of volume.
Another patent CN103155953A discloses a preparation method for botanical pesticide pomegranate peel polyphenol raw powder. The preparation method includes a first step of smashing pomegranate peels, a second step of carrying out extraction on solvent or water of mixture from 0 DEG C to the boiling point of the solvent or the mixture, a third step of carrying out vacuum concentration on the extractive, and carrying out spray drying to form the botanical pesticide pomegranate peel polyphenol raw powder. The invention further discloses pomegranate peel polyphenol plant fungicide which comprises the pomegranate peel polyphenol raw powder and auxiliary ingredients, wherein the content of pomegranate peel polyphenol is 1%-7%. Through the adoption of the technical scheme, compared with the existing agentia, the pomegranate peel polyphenol plant fungicide and the application and the preparation method have the advantages that the preparation method turns waste into wealth, saves resources and enables the pomegranate peel to regenerate; the pomegranate peel polyphenol plant fungicide prepared through the method is safe, nontoxic, environment-friendly, free from pesticide residue, wide in prevention and treatment, remarkable in effects, unique in mechanism of action, and free from cross resistance with the existing agentia, and accords with the national industrial policy for replacing high-toxic high residual pesticides.
Another patent EP3603392A1 provides a0 fungicidal composition for the treatment of banana and/or plantain plants is presented, the active ingredient of which is cinnamic aldehyde, combined with terpene alcohols, ethoxylated castor oil, C11-13 alcohols, and calcium alkyl aryl sulfonate solution.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
Main object of the present invention is to development of a nutrient-enriched fungicide from botanical waste materials.
Another object of the present invention is to develop a fungicide formulation utilizing botanical waste materials as raw inputs, thereby promoting waste valorization and sustainable agriculture.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a dual-purpose composition that exhibits both fungicidal activity and nutritional enrichment for soil and crops.
Another object of the present invention is to reduce dependence on synthetic chemical fungicides, thereby minimizing environmental hazards and health risks.
Another object of the present invention is to establish a cost-effective and easily reproducible method of preparation suitable for large-scale agricultural application.
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.
The present invention discloses a nutrient-enriched fungicidal composition derived from botanical waste materials along with a method for its preparation. The invention aims to address the dual challenge of fungal disease management in crops and effective utilization of agricultural and botanical residues. The composition is formulated using processed botanical waste as the primary raw material, enriched with essential nutrients, and developed into a bio-compatible fungicide suitable for agricultural applications.
The method of preparation involves the systematic collection, drying, pulverization, extraction, and formulation of botanical waste materials, followed by enrichment with nutrient components to enhance soil fertility and plant growth. The resulting composition exhibits broad-spectrum antifungal activity, thereby reducing reliance on synthetic fungicides and minimizing chemical residues in the environment.
The invention provides a sustainable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly solution that not only protects crops from fungal pathogens but also improves soil health, contributing to green agricultural practices and circular bioeconomy approaches.
Herein enclosed a method for preparing a nutrient-enriched botanical fungicide comprising the steps of:
selecting botanical waste residues rich in antifungal and growth-promoting compounds including citrus peels, onion and garlic peels, neem leaves, eucalyptus leaves, pomegranate peels, and banana peels;
processing the residues by drying, pulverizing, and extracting bioactive components;
formulating three different compositions (F1, F2, and F3) by varying the proportions of said residues, wherein citrus peels contribute limonene, flavonoids, and essential oils; onion and garlic peels contribute allicin, quercetin, and sulfur compounds; neem leaves contribute azadirachtin and nimbin; eucalyptus leaves contribute eucalyptol and tannins; pomegranate peels contribute ellagitannins and gallic acid; and banana peels contribute polyphenols and potassium;
wherein the prepared formulation exhibits antifungal efficacy and nutrient enrichment for agricultural application.
The fungicide acts through a multifaceted mode of action involving disruption of fungal cell membranes, inhibition of spore germination, interference with fungal enzymatic activity, and induction of oxidative stress within fungal cells.
The composition further provides plant-derived nutrients including potassium, calcium, and sulfur, thereby enhancing soil fertility and promoting systemic plant resistance to fungal infections.
Three formulations (F1, F2, and F3) are prepared with varied proportions of botanical residues, such that F1 contains higher proportions of citrus and neem residues, F2 contains higher proportions of neem and eucalyptus residues, and F3 contains higher proportions of onion, garlic, pomegranate, and banana residues.
The nutrient-enriched botanical fungicide provides a dual functionality by combining direct antifungal activity with indirect stimulation of plant defense mechanisms, thereby serving as a sustainable, eco-friendly, and cost-effective alternative to synthetic fungicides.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE TABLES
Table 1. Selection of botanical waste materials based on bioactive composition, functional properties, and their respective percentage inclusion in three optimized fungicide formulations (F1, F2, and F3) for comparative efficacy evaluation
Table 2. The antifungal activity of the three botanical formulations was assessed in-vitro using ZOI against selected fungal pathogens
Table 3. The antifungal activity of the three botanical formulations was assessed in-vitro using % MI against selected fungal pathogens
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.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the present invention relates to the development of a nutrient-enriched botanical fungicide prepared from selectively chosen plant-based waste materials rich in antifungal and growth-promoting compounds.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the botanical residues used include citrus peels, onion and garlic peels, neem leaves, eucalyptus leaves, pomegranate peels, and banana peels, each contributing unique bioactive phytochemicals such as limonene, flavonoids, essential oils, allicin, quercetin, sulfur compounds, azadirachtin, nimbin, eucalyptol, tannins, ellagitannins, gallic acid, and polyphenols that impart antifungal, antimicrobial, insecticidal, antioxidant, aromatic, and nutrient-enriching properties to the formulation.
In some embodiments of the present invention, to optimize the fungicidal efficacy and growth-promoting potential, three distinct formulations (F1, F2, and F3) were prepared by varying the proportions of the selected botanical waste extracts.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the composition exhibits its activity through a multifaceted mode of action, wherein phytochemicals act synergistically to disrupt fungal cell membranes, inhibit spore germination, interfere with enzymatic activities, and induce oxidative stress, ultimately leading to fungal cell death. Simultaneously, the presence of plant-derived nutrients such as potassium, calcium, and sulfur enhances soil fertility and promotes systemic plant resistance against fungal infections.
In some embodiments of the present invention, this dual functionality, involving direct antifungal action and indirect stimulation of plant defense mechanisms, makes the nutrient-enriched botanical fungicide a sustainable, eco-friendly, and cost-effective alternative to synthetic fungicides, while also contributing to the valorization of agricultural and food-processing waste materials.
Herein enclosed a method for preparing a nutrient-enriched botanical fungicide comprising the steps of:
selecting botanical waste residues rich in antifungal and growth-promoting compounds including citrus peels, onion and garlic peels, neem leaves, eucalyptus leaves, pomegranate peels, and banana peels;
processing the residues by drying, pulverizing, and extracting bioactive components;
formulating three different compositions (F1, F2, and F3) by varying the proportions of said residues, wherein citrus peels contribute limonene, flavonoids, and essential oils; onion and garlic peels contribute allicin, quercetin, and sulfur compounds; neem leaves contribute azadirachtin and nimbin; eucalyptus leaves contribute eucalyptol and tannins; pomegranate peels contribute ellagitannins and gallic acid; and banana peels contribute polyphenols and potassium;
wherein the prepared formulation exhibits antifungal efficacy and nutrient enrichment for agricultural application.
The fungicide acts through a multifaceted mode of action involving disruption of fungal cell membranes, inhibition of spore germination, interference with fungal enzymatic activity, and induction of oxidative stress within fungal cells.
The composition further provides plant-derived nutrients including potassium, calcium, and sulfur, thereby enhancing soil fertility and promoting systemic plant resistance to fungal infections.
Three formulations (F1, F2, and F3) are prepared with varied proportions of botanical residues, such that F1 contains higher proportions of citrus and neem residues, F2 contains higher proportions of neem and eucalyptus residues, and F3 contains higher proportions of onion, garlic, pomegranate, and banana residues.
The nutrient-enriched botanical fungicide provides a dual functionality by combining direct antifungal activity with indirect stimulation of plant defense mechanisms, thereby serving as a sustainable, eco-friendly, and cost-effective alternative to synthetic fungicides.
EXAMPLE 1
Materials and Methods
1. Selection of Botanical Residues and Formulation
For the development of the nutrient-enriched botanical fungicide, plant-based waste materials rich in antifungal and health-promoting compounds were selectively chosen based on their bioactive profile, availability, and sustainability. These include residues such as citrus peels, onion and garlic peels, neem leaves, eucalyptus leaves, and others. Each residue contributes unique phytochemicals and essential nutrients that enhance both the antifungal efficacy and the growth-promoting potential of the final formulation. To optimize the performance of the green fungicide, three different formulations (F1, F2, and F3) were prepared, each using varied proportions of selected botanical waste extracts. These formulations are designed to be tested comparatively to identify the most effective combination. The selected residues and their key properties are summarized in Table 1 below:

S. No. Botanical Waste Material Major Bioactive Compounds Primary Properties Source of Waste Formulations (%)
F1 F2 F3
Citrus Peels (lemon, orange, mosambi) Limonene, flavonoids, essential oils Antifungal, antioxidant Juice and fruit processing units 30 25 20
Onion & Garlic Peels Allicin, quercetin, sulfur compounds Antimicrobial, antifungal Kitchen and food processing industries 20 15 25
Neem Leaves Azadirachtin, nimbin, salannin Antifungal, insecticidal Agriculture and neem oil production 25 30 20
Eucalyptus Leaves Eucalyptol, tannins, phenolics Antifungal, aromatic Forestry and landscaping waste 15 20 15
Pomegranate Peels Ellagitannins, gallic acid Antioxidant, antifungal Fruit juice industries 5 5 10
Banana Peels Polyphenols, potassium Mild antifungal, nutrient enrichment Domestic and fruit market waste 5 5 10

2. Mode of Action
The nutrient-enriched botanical fungicide exhibits its antifungal activity through a multifaceted mode of action, primarily governed by the synergistic effect of bioactive phytochemicals present in the selected botanical waste materials. Compounds such as flavonoids, essential oils, alkaloids, tannins, and sulfur-containing molecules disrupt the cellular integrity of phytopathogenic fungi by targeting their cell membranes, inhibiting spore germination, and interfering with enzymatic activities essential for fungal growth and reproduction.
Additionally, the presence of plant-derived micronutrients such as potassium, calcium, and sulfur contributes to enhanced plant immunity, promoting systemic resistance against fungal infections. Some phytochemicals also induce oxidative stress within fungal cells, leading to cell death. The formulation’s dual functionality, i.e., direct antifungal action and indirect stimulation of plant defense mechanisms, makes it a sustainable and effective alternative to conventional synthetic fungicides.
Example 2
Experimental Data & Results
1. Bioassay Methods
To assess the fungicidal efficacy of the developed botanical formulations (F1, F2, and F3), two primary parameters were evaluated:
Zone of Inhibition (ZOI):
The “Well Diffusion Assay” was conducted to determine the clear zone of fungal growth inhibition around wells containing each formulation. This method provides a qualitative and semi-quantitative measurement of antifungal activity. A 6 mm sterile cork borer was used to make wells in agar plates inoculated with fungal spore suspensions. 100 µl of each formulation was introduced into the wells, and plates were incubated at 28 ± 2 °C for 5 - 7 days. The diameter of the inhibition zone (in mm) was measured using a Vernier caliper.
Percent Mycelial Inhibition (% MI):
The “Poisoned Food Technique” was employed to quantify the inhibition of fungal mycelial growth. Formulations were added to Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) medium at a defined concentration (e.g., 10 % v/v). A 5 mm fungal disc from an actively growing culture was placed in the center of the plate. After 7 days of incubation, the radial growth (mm) was measured and compared with control plates. The percentage of mycelial inhibition was calculated using the formula:
Percentage Inhibition (I)=(C-T)/C×100
Where: C = Radial growth in control and T = Radial growth in treatment
These parameters allowed for the comparative evaluation of antifungal performance across the three formulations and served as the basis for identifying the most effective composition.
2. Results and Interpretation
The antifungal activity of the three botanical formulations was assessed in-vitro using ZOI and % MI against selected fungal pathogens. The data are presented in Tables 2 and 3.
Table 2. The antifungal activity of the three botanical formulations was assessed in-vitro using ZOI against selected fungal pathogens
Formulation Aspergillus niger Fusarium oxysporum Alternaria alternata Average ZOI (mm)
F1 15.4 13.8 14.6 14.6
F2 20.1 19.3 20.6 20.0
F3 17.2 15.7 16.9 16.6
Control 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Table 3. The antifungal activity of the three botanical formulations was assessed in-vitro using % MI against selected fungal pathogens
Formulation Aspergillus niger Fusarium oxysporum Alternaria alternata Average Inhibition
F1 71.4 65.8 69.3 68.8
F2 82.6 78.4 80.1 80.4
F3 77.2 70.5 73.9 73.8
Control 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION:
The present invention offers a novel, eco-friendly, and cost-effective approach to fungal disease management by utilizing botanical waste materials to formulate a nutrient-enriched fungicide. Unlike conventional chemical fungicides, which may pose environmental and health risks, this invention is entirely biodegradable and non-toxic to plants, soil, and non-target organisms. The synergistic action of multiple bioactive compounds derived from citrus peels, onion and garlic skins, neem residues, and other agro-wastes enhances broad-spectrum antifungal activity. Also, the formulation is enriched with natural macro-micronutrients that not only suppress fungal pathogens but also promote plant health and immunity. By valorizing agro-industrial residues, the invention contributes to circular bioeconomy practices, supports sustainable agriculture, and reduces the burden of organic waste disposal.
References
Afifi, M. A., & Sahar, A. Z. (2009). Antifungal effect of neem and some medicinal plant extracts against (Alternaria solani) the causes of tomato early blight. Aspects of Applied Biology, 96, 251-257.
Kutawa, A. B., Danladi, M. D., & Haruna, A. (2018). Regular article antifungal activity of garlic (Allium sativum) extract on some selected fungi. J. Med. Herbs Ethnomed, 4, 12-14.
Liu, Y., Benohoud, M., Yamdeu, J. H. G., Gong, Y. Y., & Orfila, C. (2021). Green extraction of polyphenols from citrus peel by-products and their antifungal activity against Aspergillus flavus. Food Chemistry: X, 12, 100144. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fochx.2021.100144
Liu, Y., Benohoud, M., Yamdeu, J. H. G., Gong, Y. Y., & Orfila, C. (2021). Green extraction of polyphenols from citrus peel by-products and their antifungal activity against Aspergillus flavus. Food Chemistry: X, 12, 100144. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fochx.2021.100144
Teixeira, A., Sanchez-Hernandez, E., Noversa, J., Cunha, A., Cortez, I., Marques, G., Martin-Ramos, P., & Oliveira, R. (2023). Antifungal activity of plant waste extracts against phytopathogenic fungi: Allium sativum peels extract as a promising product targeting the fungal plasma membrane and cell wall. Horticulturae, 9(2), 136. https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9020136
 
, Claims:1. A method for preparing a nutrient-enriched botanical fungicide comprising the steps of:
a) selecting botanical waste residues rich in antifungal and growth-promoting compounds including citrus peels, onion and garlic peels, neem leaves, eucalyptus leaves, pomegranate peels, and banana peels;
b) processing the residues by drying, pulverizing, and extracting bioactive components;
c) formulating three different compositions (F1, F2, and F3) by varying the proportions of said residues, wherein citrus peels contribute limonene, flavonoids, and essential oils;
d) onion and garlic peels contribute allicin, quercetin, and sulfur compounds; neem leaves contribute azadirachtin and nimbin;
e) eucalyptus leaves contribute eucalyptol and tannins;
f) pomegranate peels contribute ellagitannins and gallic acid;
g) banana peels contribute polyphenols and potassium; and
h) wherein the prepared formulation exhibits antifungal efficacy and nutrient enrichment for agricultural application.
2. The method as claimed in Claim 1, wherein formulating three different compositions (F1, F2, and F3) by varying the proportions of said residues, wherein citrus peels contribute limonene, flavonoids, and essential oils, onion and garlic peels contribute allicin, quercetin, and sulfur compounds, neem leaves contribute azadirachtin and nimbin, eucalyptus leaves contribute eucalyptol and tannins, pomegranate peels contribute ellagitannins and gallic acid, banana peels contribute polyphenols and potassium.
3. The method as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the fungicide acts through a multifaceted mode of action involving disruption of fungal cell membranes, inhibition of spore germination, interference with fungal enzymatic activity, and induction of oxidative stress within fungal cells.
4. The method as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the composition further provides plant-derived nutrients including potassium, calcium, and sulfur, thereby enhancing soil fertility and promoting systemic plant resistance to fungal infections.
5. The method as claimed in Claim 1, wherein three formulations (F1, F2, and F3) are prepared with varied proportions of botanical residues, such that F1 contains higher proportions of citrus and neem residues, F2 contains higher proportions of neem and eucalyptus residues, and F3 contains higher proportions of onion, garlic, pomegranate, and banana residues.
6. The method as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the nutrient-enriched botanical fungicide provides a dual functionality by combining direct antifungal activity with indirect stimulation of plant defense mechanisms, thereby serving as a sustainable, eco-friendly, and cost-effective alternative to synthetic fungicides.