WO2023135531A1

WO2023135531A1 - A mehtod and system of fogging liquid formulation on agricultral produce to protect from post harvest decay

Info

Publication number: WO2023135531A1
Application number: PCT/IB2023/050259
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sam CLARK; Parama SIKDAR; Sohail Akhter
Original assignee: Decco Worldwide Post Harvest Holding Bv
Priority date: 2022-01-11
Filing date: 2023-01-11
Publication date: 2023-07-20

Abstract

A method of fogging agrochemical product on agricultural produce to protect from post-harvest decay is described. The method includes fluidly connecting a delivery system to a supply module provided within a closed area containing agricultural produce. The method further includes supplying by the delivery system, compressed air of pre-determined pressure through the supply module. A liquid formulation containing agrochemical product is injected at a pre- determined pressure by the delivery system into the supply module containing compressed air. The compressed air being supplied through the supply module atomizes the liquid formulation containing active ingredients and the atomized liquid formulation is fogged on to the produce to protect from post-harvest decay.

Description

A MEHTOD AND SYSTEM OF FOGGING LIQUID FORMULATION ON AGRICULTRAL PRODUCE TO PROTECT FROM POST HARVEST DECAY

TECHNICAL FIELD

Present disclosure relates to a field of agrochemicals. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to protecting agricultural produce from post-harvest decay. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to method and system for fogging liquid formulation on agricultural produce post-harvest cycle to prevent from decay.

BACKGROUND

Plant pathogens, bacteria and physical disorder constitute major constraint on crop yield. In addition to losses on growing in-field crops, some plant pathogens, bacteria etc. carry over on to harvested agricultural produce which can result in significant damage and decay of the agricultural produce during storage. Post-harvest losses during storage of agricultural produce are generally caused by water loss, leaf senescence, regrowth, rotting, fungal and bacterial pathogens, physical disorder. It is a very well-known fact that the crop production across various parts of the globe is lost due to post-harvest diseases, of which damage by bacterial/fungal pathogens is the most important cause. Such post-harvest decays lead to substantial loss of the harvested agricultural produce.

Agrochemical compounds are generally applied on to the harvested agricultural produce to prevent from post-harvest decay. One such conventional technique is thermo-fogging. Although, use of thermo -fogging to apply agrochemical compounds to the harvested agricultural produce could be contemplated. Difficulties are encountered during the use of the thermo-fogging technique, since harvested agricultural produce are stored in closed packages and would be difficult to reach and coat the agrochemical compounds homogenously. It is essential that the coating of the agrochemical compounds should be homogenous in order that the protection is correct and that the admissible limits of residues of the chemical substances should not be exceeded. For a biological product, it is essential that the Colony Forming Unit (CFU) of the biological active substance is at desired values. When live microorganism as biological product is used in thermo -fogging, often the viability of the microorganism is diminished which translate into lower efficacy in the packhouse. The compounds coated via thermo-fogging process are high temperature intolerant and lead to decay of the produce. In addition to the above drawbacks use of synthetic compounds itself pose a major drawback. Use of synthetic chemical compounds causes hazardous effects on humans and environment. A strong regulation has been imposed, amongst other, on their post-harvest use. Since the use of chemical compounds has been reduced due to their harmful effect on human health and the environment, the production of produce free from synthetic chemical residues is a driving cause to find alternative post-harvest treatments to decrease those post-harvest losses. Hence, there is a need to eliminate the use of chemical compounds. Further, the thermo fogging method cannot be employed for most of the biological active ingredients as most biological agrochemicals are temperature sensitive. Most of the biological active ingredients fail to protect produce from decay at high temperatures. Other conventional drenching system include recirculation using city drainage system and hence require post sanitation steps. In other known conventional systems use of biological active ingredients have been iterated. However, such systems also suffer from myriad drawbacks including high maintenance, high volume of liquid necessity for smaller number of produce and the like.

Other disadvantages of the conventional fogging systems include involvement of human/operator efforts for fogging of the agricultural produce. Operators are exposed to chemical substances during the fogging within the stored space. Due to the exposure of operators to chemical substances endangers his/her life causing undesired effects. Since the conventional systems are hand operated it cannot be effectively used in very large rooms. Use of the conventional systems for fogging require substantially very long time.

Hence, there is a need for efficient system which is capable of fogging liquid formulation such as agrochemical over the agricultural produce to protect them from post-harvest decay. Further, such system should be required to consume optimum/minimum amount of water for fogging the agrochemical product. Fogging suitable agrochemical product and/or biological active ingredient over the agricultural produce prevents them from post-harvest decay in storage units or during distribution.

The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitations associated with the conventional systems.

The information disclosed in this background of the disclosure section is only for enhancement of understanding of the general background of the invention and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that this information forms the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by a system and a method as disclosed and additional advantages are provided through the system and the method as described in the present disclosure.

Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a method of fogging liquid formulation on agricultural produce to protect from post-harvest decay is disclosed. The method includes fluidly connecting a delivery system to a supply module provided within a closed area containing agricultural produce. The method further includes supplying by the delivery system, compressed air at a pre-determined pressure through the supply module. A liquid formulation is injected at a pre-determined pressure by the delivery system into the supply module supplied with compressed air. The compressed air being supplied through the supply module atomizes the liquid formulation. The atomized liquid formulation is fogged on to the agricultural produce to protect from postharvest decay. In an embodiment, method enables fogging of chemical liquid formulation with low residue level. The residue level after performing the fogging as per the present invention is not more than 2.5 ppm. In an embodiment, method enables fogging of biological liquid formulation with desired Colony Forming Unit (CFU) levels. The CFU level after performing the fogging as per the present invention is more than 1 cfu/cm².

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the liquid formulation injected to the supply module contains agrochemical and/or biological active ingredient.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the delivery system includes a fluid tank and an air compressor. The supply module includes one or more nozzles securable to the closed area at pre-determined positions and a pipe connecting the one or more nozzles to the delivery system. The pre-determined positions include ceiling (U) and/or walls of the closed area. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the pre-determined pressure of compressed air along the supply module ranges from 5 bar to 10 bar. Further, the pre-determined pressure of liquid formulation in the supply module ranges from 1 bar to 5 bar. Also, the pre-determined pressure of at least one of compressed air and liquid formulation varies based on the variation of height of the closed area. In an embodiment, the height of the closed can be from 1 m to 15 m.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the atomized liquid formulation is applied on to the agricultural produce for a pre-determined time.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the method further includes selectively cooling the closed area to allow the fogged liquid formulation to dry on the agricultural produce. The predetermined time ranges from 15 minutes to 60 minutes.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a system for fogging liquid formulation on agricultural produce is described. The system includes a delivery system including a fluid tank and an air compressor. The system further includes a supply module securable to a closed area at pre-determined position. The supply module includes one or more nozzles and a pipe. One end of the pipe is connectable to the delivery system and other end of the pipe is connectable to the one or more nozzles. The delivery system is configured to supply compressed air and liquid formulation at pre-determined pressures, respectively to the supply module. The compressed air atomizes the liquid formulation, and the atomized liquid formulation is fogged onto the agricultural produce to protect from post-harvest decay.

It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which.

FIG. 1 illustrates a system for fogging liquid formulation on agricultural produce to protect from post-harvest decay, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG.2a illustrates a closed area in which the system of FIG.1 is employed, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2b illustrates a schematic diagram of a nozzle of the system of FIG.l.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the unit illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While embodiments in the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.

It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art would be motivated from the present disclosure and modify various features of bumper assembly for vehicle, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Therefore, such modifications are considered to be part of the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings show only those specific details that are pertinent to understand the embodiments of the present disclosure, so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skilled in the art having benefit of the description herein. Also, the assembly of the present disclosure may be employed in any kind of vehicles including commercial vehicles, passenger vehicles, and the like. However, neither the vehicle nor complete frame supporting the internal combustion engine, exhaust after treatment unit of the vehicle is illustrated in the drawings of the disclosure is for the purpose of simplicity.

The terms “comprises. .. .a”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusions, such that a mechanism comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such mechanism. In other words, one or more elements in mechanism proceeded by “comprises... a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or device.

Embodiments of the present disclosure describes a system and a method for fogging liquid formulation on agricultural produce to protect from post-harvest decay. The system and method as described is substantially efficient and effective in fogging the liquid formulation on produce. Also, the system is designed to optimize the use of agrochemical product and/or biological active ingredient. The system includes a delivery system including a fluid tank and an air compressor, and a supply module securable to a closed area at pre-determined positions. The method according to the present disclosure includes fluidly connecting the delivery system to the supply module provided within a closed area containing the agricultural produce. Further, the delivery system is configured to supply compressed air at a pre-determined pressure to the supply module. Also, the delivery system is adapted to inject liquid formulation at a predetermined pressure into the supply module supplied with compressed air, wherein, the compressed air atomizes the liquid formulation. The atomized liquid formulation is then fogged onto the agricultural produce to protect from post-harvest decay.

In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

In the forthcoming description of the embodiments of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying figures that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to FIG(s) 1 and 2b. In the figures, the same element or elements which have similar functions are indicated by the same reference signs. With general reference to the drawings, a system for fogging liquid formulation onto agricultural produce (8) to protect from post-harvest decay and a method of fogging is illustrated and the system is generally identified with reference numeral 10. The system (10) is capable of effectively fogging the liquid formulation on the agricultural produce (8) which is elucidated in a greater detail. For the purpose of simplicity only certain features of the system (10) are depicted in the figures. The system (10) is explained hereinafter with a preferred embodiment of fogging liquid formulation onto the agricultural produce (8) [hereinafter referred to as produce and used alternatively] such as fruit including pome, apple citrus, blueberries etc. However, the use of system (10) should not be construed as a limitation of the present disclosure.

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit application and uses. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background or summary or the following detailed description. It is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices or components illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions or other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments that may be disclosed are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described referring to the accompanying drawings. While some specific terms directed to a specific direction will be used, the purpose of usage of these terms or words is merely to facilitate understanding of the present invention referring to the drawings. Accordingly, it should be noted that meaning of these terms or words should not improperly limit the technical scope of the present invention. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific devices, methods, applications, conditions, or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention.

Referring to FIG.l, which illustrates an exemplary schematic view of the system (10) for fogging liquid formulation containing biological active ingredient and/or agrochemical product on agricultural produce (8) to protect the agricultural produce (8) from post-harvest decay. The term “liquid formulation” refers to a mixture of one or more ingredients mixed in desired quantities or composition. In a preferred embodiment, the liquid formulation is made of diluting agrochemical product and/or biological active ingredient in water in pre-defined ratio [also referred to as dilution rate]. Dilution rate refers to ratio of solute i.e., agrochemical product and/or biological active ingredient to solvent i.e., water. The agricultural produce (8) includes pome, citrus, blueberries, grapes, avocado, banana, apple, mango. However, the agricultural produce (8) mentioned are exemplary in nature and should not be construed as a limitation of the present disclosure. Such produce once harvested is stored in a closed area including storage units, rooms, compartments before distribution and is subjected to post-harvest diseases [hereinafter referred to as post-harvest decay]. The closed area is depicted by referral numeral 7 in the FIG.2a. The FIG.2a is included in the figures for the purpose of understanding of the present disclosure and should not be construed as a limitation. The post-harvest decay referred above is caused by at least one of the following pathogens Penicillium , Botrytis, Neofabraea, Mucor, Colletotrichum, Phacidiopycnis, and Sphaeropsis. In an embodiment, the liquid formulation used for fogging over the agricultural produce (8) includes agrochemical product and/or biological active ingredient. In a preferred embodiment, the liquid formulation includes a biological active ingredient. The agrochemical products that can be used in preparing liquid formulation include limonene, orthosilicic acid, sulphur, copper, o-phenylphenol, peracetic acid, imazalil, pyrimethanil, fludioxonil, and thiabendazole. The biological active ingredients such as oligosaccharides, polysaccharides or their derivatives (such as chitosan, raffinose, fructooligosaccharides, galactooligosaccharides, and like), antibiotics or bacteriocins (such as nisin, bacilin, bacterial peptides and like), microorganisms including fungi, yeast, bacteria and virus, can also be used in the liquid formulations. In an exemplary embodiment, the biological active ingredient is yeast Candida sp.. Although, a particular active ingredient is described above, the same should not be construed as a limitation of the present disclosure. Any agrochemical product and/or biological active ingredient which is approved and is suitable for particular type of agricultural produce (8) is used for fogging.

The system (10) of the present disclosure among myriad advantages is efficient and effective in fogging the liquid formulation on produce. Also, the system (10) is designed to optimize the use of agrochemical product and/or biological active ingredient. The system (10) includes a delivery system depicted by “D” in corresponding drawings and a supply module depicted by “S” in corresponding figures. Both the delivery system (D) and the supply module (S) is clearly elucidating in the forthcoming embodiments of the present disclosure.

The delivery system (D) of the system (10) as indicated above is configured to supply liquid formulation and compressed air to the supply module (S). Supply of the compressed air and the liquid formulation at pre-determined pressure through the supply module (S) may atomize the liquid formulation into fine atoms which is fogged on to the agricultural produce (8). The term atomize refers to the process of “atomization”. Atomization is the process of transformation of a bulk liquid into a spray of liquid droplets in a surrounding gas or vacuum. For atomizing the liquid formulation, it is necessary to supply right quantity of compressed air through the supply module (S) which is performed by an air compressor (2) of the delivery system (1). The air compressor (2) is at least one of a rotary screw compressor, an axial compressor, centrifugal compressor, and the like. The air compressor (2) is configured to supply compressed air through the supply module (S) at a pre-determined pressure. The predetermined pressure of compressed air through the supply module (S) ranges from 5 bar to 10 bar. Along with the air compressor (2), the system (10) also includes a fluid tank (1) that is structured to contain the liquid formulation. The fluid tank (1) is substantially cylindrical shaped with a conical bottom but not limiting to this particular configuration. The liquid formulation includes agrochemical product and/or biological active ingredient mixed in predefined quantity of water.

The fluid tank (1) and the air compressor (2) work in tandem to atomize the liquid formulation to fog on to the produce. In an embodiment, the air compressor (2) and the fluid tank (1) are individual units working in tandem. In other embodiments, the fluid tank (1) and the air compressor (2) are an integrated unit which is configured to supply atomized liquid formulation to the supply module (S) for fogging the liquid formulation onto the produce. In some embodiments, the compressed air and liquid formulation is supplied to the supply module (S) through separate channels or is supplied through a single channel which is elucidate in forthcoming embodiments. In an embodiment, a pump (4) is disposed between the fluid tank (1) and the supply module (S). In some embodiments, the one or more valves (5 and 6) is provided between the pump (4) and the fluid tank (1). The one or more valves (5 and 6) are relief valves configured to remove excess pressure in the delivery system (D). The pump (4) is configured to supply the liquid formulation to the supply module (S) at a pre-determined pressure and the pre-determined pressure ranges from 1 bar to 5 bar, preferably 2.7 bar. The pre-determined pressure of at least one of compressed air and liquid formulation may vary based on various parameters including height of the closed area (7) in which the agricultural produce (8) is contained for fogging as illustrated in the FIG.2a. The effect of height on predetermined pressure of the at least one of compressed air and the liquid formulation is explained in forthcoming embodiments of the present disclosure.

The delivery system (D) containing the air compressor (2) and the pump (4) is operated by an electric module. In an embodiment, the electric module is an external electrical power supply module or a battery module which is integrated with the delivery system (D). In an embodiment, the delivery system (D) is battery operated. In another embodiment, the delivery system (D) is operated by external AC/DC power unit.

The supply module (S) forms a fluid circuit within the closed area (7) in which the produce is contained. The fluid circuit of the supply module (S) is secured at pre-determined positions within the closed area (7). In an embodiment, the fluid circuit is secured along sidewalls (9) of the closed area (7). In another embodiment, the fluid circuit is defined along one of the sidewalls (9) and extends on to substantially central portion of the ceiling (U) of the closed area (7). In either case, a portion of the fluid circuit extends out of the closed area (7) such that the portion out of the closed area (7) is fluidly coupled to the delivery system (D). This configuration ensures that the operator is not exposed to the liquid formulation that is fogged onto the produce as the delivery system (D) is positioned and operated outside the closed area (7). The fluid circuit of the supply module (S) includes at least one pipe (H) and one or more nozzles (3). The pipe (H) is secured along the sidewall (9) of the closed area (7) and extends along the sidewall (9) till the substantially central portion of the ceiling. In an embodiment, the pipe (H) is secured to the wall and the ceiling (U) using wall mounting such as wall mounted clips, zip ties and the like. One end of the pipe (H) extends out of the closed area (7) through a sealed opening. The one end of the pipe (H) is connected to the delivery system (D) positioned outside of the closed area (7). The pipe (H) is defined with a pair of channels each configured to carry compressed air and the liquid formulation. The end opposite to the one end i.e., the end at the substantially central portion of the ceiling (U) is fluidly connectable to the one or more nozzles (3). The end of the pipe (H) at the substantially central portion of the ceiling (U) is fluidly connected to a branched fluid circuit and each branch of the branched fluid circuit is fluidly connected to each nozzle of the one or more nozzles (3) secured to the ceiling.

Referring now to FIG.2b in conjunction whit FIG.l and 2a, which depicts an exemplary schematic view of a nozzle (3) secured to the ceiling (U) of the closed area (7) which will be elucidated further. The process used for securing the fluid circuit of the supply module (S) to the closed area (7) is used to secure other nozzles to the ceiling (U) and the process should not be construed as a limitation as other known securing process/method. In a preferred embodiment, a bracket (B) is used to secure the nozzle (3) to the ceiling (U). The bracket (B) is “C” shaped with a horizontal section with a provision to mount the nozzle. The bracket (B) is secured to the sealing using appropriate screws with a sealant to prevent air leakage. In an embodiment, the one or more nozzles (3) is secured to the ceilings at a predetermined position. The predetermined position of each nozzle of the one or more nozzles (3) is optimized such that it covers the entire closed area (7) to be fogged. In a preferred embodiment, four nozzles are secured to the ceiling (U) and each of the four nozzles is positioned diagonally opposite to each other in a cruciform manner, thereby optimally covering the closed area (7) for fogging.

In operation, the produce to be protected are contained in the closed area (7). Once the produce is stored in the closed area (7), the access gate is closed. The operator fluidly connects the delivery system (D) to the supply module (S). That is, the air compressor outlet and the fluid tank outlet is fluidly connected to respective channels of the pipe (H). Once the delivery system (D) is fluidly connected to the supply module (S), the operator starts the air compressor (2) and set the output pressure of the compressed air to pre-determined pressure. As iterated above, the pre-determined pressure of the compressed air is in the range of 5 bar to 10 bar. In a preferred embodiment, the pre-determined pressure is set at 7 bar. As shown at 101, the compressed air is supplied through the pipe (H) of the supply module (S). The compressed air is supplied to the one or more nozzles through the pipe (H).

Further, the operator prepares the liquid formulation in the fluid tank (1). In an embodiment, the liquid formulation is prepared at a determined dilution rate as iterated in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Upon preparing the liquid formulation, the operator starts the pump (4) which is in fluid communication with the fluid tank (1) and the supply module (S). The operator sets the outlet pressure of the liquid formulation at the pre-determined range of 1 bar to 5 bar. According to the preferred embodiment, the outlet pressure of the pump (4) to pump the liquid formulation is set at 2.7 bar. The liquid formulation is injected into the supply module

(5) containing the compressed air at a speed of 0 to 40 1/h. In an embodiment, the predetermined pressure of at least one of compressed air and liquid formulation varies based on the variation in height of the closed area (7). For instance, the pre-determined pressure of at least one of compressed air and liquid formulation is selectively adjusted by 0.1 bar based on increase or decrease in height of the closed area (7). In an embodiment, the pre-determined pressure of at least one of compressed air and liquid formulation is decreased by 0.1 bar each time the height of the closed area (7) is decreased by one meter. In another embodiment, the pre-determined pressure of at least one of compressed air and liquid formulation is increased by 0.1 bar each time the height of the closed area (7) is increase by one meter from the predefined height. In a preferred embodiment, the initial height of the closed area (7) is nine meters, the predetermined pressure of liquid formulation is set at 2.7 bar. Now, the height of the closed area (7) is decreased by one meter, the pressure of the liquid formulation is also decreased by 0.1 bar i.e., 2.6 bar. Similarly, the pressure of the compressed air also varies. In case, the height of the closed area (7) is increased, the pressure is increased gradually.

The compressed air at the nozzle (3) of the supply module (S) atomizes the liquid formulation injected into the supply module (S). The air blast along the one or more nozzles (3) atomizes the liquid formulation and fogging the atomized liquid formulation on to the produce contained in the closed area (7). It has been surprisingly found that, at the pre-determined pressures of compressed air and liquid formulation, droplets of desired size are formed, and uniform fogging is enabled. It has also been surprisingly found that, when operated at the pre-determined pressures of compressed air and liquid formulation, residue level of chemical liquid formulation on the produce after fogging is reduced. It has also been surprisingly found that, when operated at the pre-determined pressures of compressed air and liquid formulation, a desired CFU level of biological liquid formulation on the produce after fogging is achieved. In an embodiment, the method further includes selectively cooling the closed area (7) once the liquid formulation is fogged on to the agricultural produce (8). Cooling the closed area (7) allows the liquid formulation to dry on the agricultural produce (8). The closed area (7) is cooled by operating a cooling fan for a third pre-determined time to dry the liquid formulation. The third pre-determined time ranges from 1 minute to 4 minutes. In a preferred embodiment, the room is cooled by operating the cooling fans when the application of the liquid formulation is halfway complete. In other embodiments, the cooling is performed when the operator feels the necessity to dry the liquid formulation on the produce.

Upon completing the fogging application (i.e., when the tank runs empty), a pre-determined quantity of liquid i.e., water is added to the supply module (S) to rinse out the supply module (S). Once the liquid is flushed into the supply module (S) up to the one or more nozzles (3), the liquid is back flushed from the supply module (S). A collection unit is placed under the supply module (S) and the pump (4) is shut off by the operator. The delivery system (D) is disconnected from the supply module (S), the pipe (H) of the supply module (S) is placed in the collection unit. The air pressure forces the liquid in the supply module (S) to flow into the collection unit. The process is repeated until the supply module (S) is rinsed completely.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the method and system (10) for fogging liquid formulation on agricultural produce (8) advantageously can be performed at low temperatures unlike the conventional thermo-fogging. The system (10) of the present disclosure is designed to fog produce that are stored in rooms of varying capacity effectively. That is, the system (10) has the ability to fog liquid formulation on produce stored in very large volume rooms. Similarly, the same system (10) can be used to fog liquid formulation on produce that are stored in small rooms. The method and system (10) have the ability to fog large rooms in a very short time. The system (10) is also capable of delivering recommended amount of agrochemical product and/or biological active ingredient to the closed space using least amount of water. Further, the system (10) of the present disclosure requires minimum maintenance. Also, cost of set-up for the system (10) of the present disclosure is significantly lesser, and the method of the present disclosure enables optimal use of the agrochemical product and/or biological active ingredient product

It is to be understood that a person of ordinary skill in the art may develop a system of similar configuration without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. Such modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure covers such modifications and variations provided they come within the ambit of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Examples Example 1- Cold fogging of Mandarins using Fludioxonil as per present invention:

25 ton of mandarins are stored in a room of 931 m³ size and 7 m height. The supply module comprising pipe and 4 nozzles is set up in the room as per the present invention. The delivery system is connected to the supply module by connecting the air compressor outlet and the fluid tank outlet to the pipe. The compressed air is supplied through the pipe of the supply module to the nozzles at a pressure of 7 bar. A recommended dosage of liquid formulation of commercially available fludioxonil is injected into the supply module at pressure of 3.5 bar and a speed of 14.8 1/h for 15 minutes. The compressed air at the nozzles of the supply module atomizes the fludioxonil injected into the supply module thereby fogging the atomized fludioxonil on to the mandarins in the room. After fogging, fludioxonil is measured in sample mandarins taken from treated rooms. The residue levels of fludioxonil measured after fogging was found to be 0.4 to 1.1 ppm.

Example 2- Cold fogging of Lemons using Peracetic Acid as per present invention:

248 ton of lemons are stored in room of 1834 m³ size and 5.5 m height. The supply module comprising pipe and 4 nozzles is set up in the room as per the present invention. The delivery system is connected to the supply module by connecting the air compressor outlet and the fluid tank outlet to the pipe. The compressed air is supplied through the pipe of the supply module to the nozzles at a pressure of 6.5 bar. A recommended dosage of liquid formulation of commercially available peracetic acid is injected into the supply module at pressure of 2.5 bar and a speed for 35 minutes. The compressed air at the nozzles of the supply module atomizes the peracetic acid injected into the supply module thereby fogging the atomized peracetic acid on to the lemons in the room. After fogging, peracetic acid is measured in sample lemons taken from treated rooms. The residue levels of peracetic acid measured after fogging was found to be 0.1 ppm.

Example 3- Cold fogging of Lemons using Fludioxonil as per present invention:

248 ton of lemons are stored in a room of 1834 m³ size and 5.5 m height. The supply module comprising pipe and 4 nozzles is set up in the room as per the present invention. The delivery system is connected to the supply module by connecting the air compressor outlet and the fluid tank outlet to the pipe. The compressed air is supplied through the pipe of the supply module to the nozzles at a pressure of 6.5 bar. A recommended dosage of liquid formulation of commercially available fludioxonil is injected into the supply module at pressure of 2.5 bar and a speed of 10.2 1/h for 35 minutes. The compressed air at the nozzles of the supply module atomizes the fludioxonil injected into the supply module thereby fogging the atomized fludioxonil on to the lemons in the room. After fogging, fludioxonil is measured in sample lemons taken from treated rooms. The residue levels of fludioxonil measured after fogging was found to be 0.1 to 0.5 ppm.

Example 4- Cold fogging of Apples using Candida oleophila as per present invention:

250 ton of apples are stored in a room of 900 m³ size and 8.5 m height. The supply module comprising pipe and 2 nozzles is set up in the room as per the present invention. The delivery system is connected to the supply module by connecting the air compressor outlet and the fluid tank outlet to the pipe. The compressed air is supplied through the pipe of the supply module to the nozzles at a pressure of 7 bar. A recommended dosage of liquid formulation of commercially available Candida oleophila is injected into the supply module at pressure of 2.7 bar and a speed of 34.4 1/h for 15 minutes. The compressed air at the nozzles of the supply module atomizes the Candida oleophila injected into the supply module thereby fogging the atomized Candida oleophila on to the apples in the room. After fogging, the Colony Forming Unit (CFU) value of Candida oleophila is measured in sample apples taken from treated rooms. The CFU levels of Candida oleophila measured after fogging was found to be 2 cfu/cm².

Comparative Examples:

Example 5- Cold fogging of Mandarins using Fludioxonil with operating conditions outside the optimum ranges:

25 ton of mandarins are stored in a room of 931 m³ size and 7 m height. The supply module comprising pipe and 4 nozzles is set up in the room as per the present invention. The delivery system is connected to the supply module by connecting the air compressor outlet and the fluid tank outlet to the pipe. The compressed air is supplied through the pipe of the supply module to the nozzles at a pressure of 3 bar. A recommended dosage of liquid formulation of commercially available fludioxonil is injected into the supply module at pressure of 1.5 bar and a speed of 9 1/h for 15 minutes. The compressed air at the nozzles of the supply module atomizes the fludioxonil injected into the supply module thereby fogging the atomized fludioxonil on to the mandarins in the room. After fogging, fludioxonil is measured in sample mandarins taken from treated rooms. The residue levels of fludioxonil measured after fogging was found to be 3.8 ppm.

Example 6- Cold fogging of Lemons using Peracetic Acid with operating conditions outside the optimum ranges:

248 ton of lemons are stored in room of 1834 m³ size and 5.5 m height. The supply module comprising pipe and 4 nozzles is set up in the room as per the present invention. The delivery system is connected to the supply module by connecting the air compressor outlet and the fluid tank outlet to the pipe. The compressed air is supplied through the pipe of the supply module to the nozzles at a pressure of 3.5 bar. A recommended dosage of liquid formulation of commercially available peracetic acid is injected into the supply module at pressure of 1 bar and a speed of 10.8 1/h for 2 minutes. The compressed air at the nozzles of the supply module atomizes the peracetic acid injected into the supply module thereby fogging the atomized peracetic acid on to the lemons in the room. After fogging, peracetic acid is measured in sample lemons taken from treated rooms. The residue levels of peracetic acid measured after fogging was found to be 5 ppm.

Example 7- Cold fogging of Apples using Candida oleophila with operating conditions outside the optimum ranges:

250 ton of apples are stored in a room of 900 m³ size and 8.5 m height. The supply module comprising pipe and 1 nozzle is set up in the room as per the present invention. The delivery system is connected to the supply module by connecting the air compressor outlet and the fluid tank outlet to the pipe. The compressed air is supplied through the pipe of the supply module to the nozzles at a pressure of 4.5 bar. A recommended dosage of liquid formulation of commercially available Candida oleophila is injected into the supply module at pressure of 0.5 bar and a speed of 121/h for 51 minutes. The compressed air at the nozzles of the supply module atomizes the Candida oleophila injected into the supply module thereby fogging the atomized Candida oleophila on to the apples in the room. After fogging, CFU value of Candida oleophila is measured in sample apples taken from treated rooms. The CFU levels of Candida oleophila measured after fogging was found to be 0.5 cfu/cm².

Equivalents: With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

List of Reference Numerals:

Claims

Claims:

1. A method of fogging liquid formulation on agricultural produce (8), the method comprising: connecting, a delivery system (D), fluidly to a supply module (S) provided within a closed area (7) containing the agricultural produce (8); supplying, by the delivery system (D), compressed air at a pre-determined pressure through the supply module (S); injecting, by the delivery system (D), liquid formulation at a pre-determined pressure into the supply module (S) supplied with the compressed air, wherein, the compressed air atomizes the liquid formulation; and fogging the atomized liquid formulation on to the agricultural produce (8) to protect from post-harvest decay.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the liquid formulation comprises an agrochemical product and/or a biological active ingredient.

3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the delivery system (D) comprises a fluid tank (1) and an air compressor (2).

4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the supply module (S) includes one or more nozzles (3) securable to the closed area (7) at pre-determined positions and a pipe (H) connecting the one or more nozzles (3) to the delivery system (D).

5. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the pre-determined positions includes a ceiling (U) and/or sidewalls (9) of the closed area (7).

6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pre-determined pressure of the compressed air ranges from 5 bar to 10 bar.

7. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pre-determined pressure of the liquid formulation ranges from 1 bar to 5 bar.

8. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the atomized liquid formulation is fogged on to the agricultural produce (8) for a pre-determined time, wherein the predetermined time ranges from 15 minutes to 60 minutes. The method as claimed in claim 1 further comprises selectively cooling the closed area (7) after fogging to allow the liquid formulation to dry on the agricultural produce (8). A system (10) for fogging liquid formulation on agricultural produce (8), the system (10) comprising: a delivery system (D); a supply module (S) securable to a closed area (7) at a pre-determined position, wherein, the delivery system (D) is configured to supply compressed air and liquid formulation at pre-determined pressures, respectively, to the supply module (S), wherein, the compressed air atomizes the liquid formulation, and the atomized liquid formulation is fogged onto the agricultural produce (8) to protect from post-harvest decay. The system ( 10) as claimed in claim 11 , wherein the pre-determined pressure of the compressed air ranges from 5 bar to 10 bar. The system (10) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the pre-determined pressure of the liquid formulation from 1 bar to 5 bar. The system (10) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the delivery system (D) comprises a fluid tank (1) and an air compressor (2). The system (10) as claimed in claim 11, the supply module (S) includes one or more nozzles (3) secured to the closed area (7) at the pre-determined position, and a pipe (H), one end of the pipe (H) is fluidly connectable to the delivery system (D) and other end of the pipe (H) is connectable to the one or more nozzles (3). The system (10) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the supply module (S) is secured to a bracket (B) is used to secure the nozzle (3) the closed area (7) at the pre-determined position.