 AGRICULTURE
Our product QL-AGRI, commercialized by
BASF has several applications:
1. Natural nematode control
QL-AGRI has shown to be effective in controlling
nematode population in citrus plantations
and vineyards. QL-AGRI controls fitoparasite
nematodes such as Meloidogine with similar
efficiency as that obtained with chemical
nematicides (e.g. fenamifos-NEMACUR, Bayer;
etoprofos- MOCAP, Rhône Poulenc).
It appears that the nematicide effect in
QL-AGRI is a result of saponins binding
to plant sterol components, inhibiting nematode
cholesterol synthesis, essential for nematode
growth and survival. Independent research
done by Natural Response show the there
is a synergistic effect between saponins
and other active compounds present in quillaja
extracts such as polyphenols. These results
are consistent with scientific literature
that informs of other plants rich in saponins
and tannins capable of controlling nematodes.
2. Natural fungi control
QL-AGRI may help in fungi control, especially
in integrated pest management systems. Saponins
present in QL-AGRI form complexes with cell
wall sterols of fungi producing a “microporation”
which induces cell lysis.
Our research conducted in-vitro and on
field trials shows that QL-AGRI controls
fungi such as Erysiphe cichoracearum (oidium)
that cause severe crop damage, using a dose
of 1- 5 kg QL-AGRI / hectare. The product
is diluted to a concentration of 200 –
300 ppm and applied by aspersion.
3. Natural bio repellent
The addition of QL-AGRI in combination
with other natural products like cimanic
aldehyde, has been proven to be an effective
repellent for pests such as fungi, insects,
arachnids, aphids, etc.
QL-AGRI may also be used in combination
with capsicum oleoresin in polymeric paints
for minimizing the presence of birds, rodents,
mollusks and crustaceae. In combination
with Yucca extract it is very effective
against snails.
4. Plant growth stimulation
Research performed in the Investigations
done in 1940 by the Société
de Biologie de Marseille, France(1) showed
that the germination rate of certain seeds
increases with the use of quillaja extracts
(equivalent to 100 ppm pf QL-AGRI). An increase
in the vegetative growth was also observed
in plants treated with quillaja extracts
once or twice a week this has been confirmed
lately in radish.
These effects seem to be related to a better
transfer of nutrients of the plant due to
changes in the cell wall permeability by
saponins. However, at times growth is accelerated
in such a way that other saponin related
mechanisms are probably involved. In these
cases, the effect is comparable to plant
growth hormones (e.g. IAA).
In field trials greater growing rates have
been observed in tomatoes, cucumbers and
grapes at a dosage of only 25 –30
lt QL-AGRI / hectare rendering crops 20
to 30% greater than that of control groups
with no QL-AGRI. Positive effects have also
been observed in some flower species.
5. Natural surfactant /
wetting agent
Most pesticides commonly used in agriculture
require a wetting agent when applied in
order to obtain good leaf wetting rates.
Surfactants lower the surface tension of
water, allowing it to cover the surface
of the leaves more efficiently giving also
better adherence of the pesticide to the
plant.
QL-AGRI reduces the surface tension of
water from 72 dyne/cm, normal value for
pure water, to approximately 40 dyne/cm
with a dosage of 400 ppm. Surface tension
can be lowered even more with the addition
of small amounts of synthetic surfactants.
This is useful when it is needed to reduce
chemical surfactants use in a given application.
LITERATURE
1. Balansard, J. and Pellisier, F. 1943
Les saponines de quillaya et polygala. Agents
de proliferation cellulaire Proceeding of
the Société de Biologie de
Marseille. Meeting May 10: 523-524.
2. Balansard, J. Pellisier and S. Conil.
1945. Action de saponites de Quillaya et
de Sapindus sur le pouvoir absorbant, la
germination et la croissance de Zea mais
Proceedings Société de Biologie
de Marseille. Meeting November 28: 140-142.
3. Emerson; Ralph W. ; Crandall, Jr.; Bradford
G., 1997. Use of saponin in methods and
compositions for pathogen control USP 5,639,794
4. Fukai Katsuhiko, Hara Masahiko, Hashizume
Akito,1995. Antiplant Viral Agent JP 7025718A
5. Hewlett; Eric M.; Hewlett; Thomas E.,
1997. Compositions and methods for controlling
nematodes USP 5,595,748.
6. Lowe, J.A. 2000. Anti-mollusc compositions.
WO 00/ 04781
7. Mason; Wenda M. A. Puritch; George S.;
Almond; David S., 1994. Saponin containing
anti-feedant and molluscicide for terrestrial
mollusc control USP 5,290,557
8. Omar, S. A.; Abdel-Massih, M. I.; Mohamed,
B. E., 1994. Use of saponin to control the
root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne javanica
in tomato plants. Bulletin of Faculty of
Agriculture, University of Cairo vol. 45
(4): p.933-940
9. Sainz, R. 1999. Uso de extractos de
quillay para el control de nemátodos.
Memoria. Facultad de Ingeniería,
Departamento de Ingeniería Química
y Bioprocesos. P. Universidad Católica
de Chile.
10. Tashiro Eiichi, 1994. Insect-Proofing
Agent For Plant JP 6183925A
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