Abstract: This invention relates to a method for preparing pellets containing living biocontrol fungi. Fungi are selected and grown for sufficient time to produce inoculum. The fungal propagules are harvested, homogenized and diluted with sodium alginate solution. Pelletization is then accomplished by dropwise addition of the fungal propagule-alginate mixture into a solution of calcium chloride or calcium gluconate. The resultant alginate gel pellets containing living fungi can then be dried and are used to inoculate agricultural fields infested with soilborne plant diseases.

Abstract: Acetals of glyceraldehyde, when applied to cotton fabric by conventional pad-dry-cure procedures using special combined acid catalysts, were found to crosslink the cellulose hydroxyl groups at a very rapid rate (e.g., 10 seconds at 170.degree. C.), thereby imparting improved wrinkle recovery. In particular, the aldehydes studied were the diethyl and dimethyl acetals of glyceraldehyde. The best results were obtained with glyceraldehyde dimethyl acetal.

Abstract: The compound ancymidol, a known potent plant growth retardant and weak fungicide, has now been found to inhibit biosynthesis of trichothecene toxins on substrates susceptible to growth of trichothecene-producing fungi. These fungi are known to contaminate cereal grains, forage crops, and potatoes. The effective level of ancymidol addition for toxin inbibition is substantially less than that required for control of fungal growth.

Abstract: Nonwoody lignocellulosic portions of plant fruits, roots, and tubers, such as sugar beet pulp, citrus pulp, seed hulls, and cereal bran are treated with hydrogen peroxide under alkaline conditions thereby delignifying the materials and rendering the cellulose and hemicellulose highly available for subsequent use. The products are characterized by enhanced water-binding capacity of the cellulose as indicated by high water swellability. The products are also nontoxic and thereby useful as carbohydrate sources in ruminant feeds, as microbial feedstocks, and as sources of dietary fiber for humans and other monogastrics.

Abstract: Reaction of lignocellulosic material with uncatalyzed acetic anhydride in the absence of any cosolvent is disclosed. The process improves dimensional stability and resistance to biological attack of the lignocellulosic material. Lignocellulosic material is treated by exposure to liquid acetic anhydride for at least a short period of time, after which it is then heated to acetylate the material. The excess anhydride and byproduct acetic acid can be removed by vacuum.

Abstract: A number of novel amides were found to be highly effective as cockroach repellents.

Abstract: A vaccine for immunization of swine against Trichinella spiralis "T. spiralis" wherein the immunogenic substance is inert newborn larvae of T. spiralis emulsified with a suitable adjuvant. The vaccine induces greater than 60% immunity in swine and offers a novel approach to the control of swine trichinosis. Preferably, the inert newborn larvae preparation is emulsified with Freund's complete adjuvant.

Abstract: Food compositions are prepared incorporating an alkaline peroxide-treated conversion product of a nonwoody, lignocellulosic substrate. In a ruminant system, the conversion product serves as a highly digestible carbohydrate source. When added to foods intended for consumption by humans and monogastric animals, the conversion product functions as a natural source of dietary fiber and a noncaloric substitute for cereal flour or other amylaceous materials. It is also useful as an extender and promoter of functional properties in doughs and batters.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described which allow for placement of fertilizer at an optimum separation distance below seed at the time of seeding with a minimum of soil disturbance so that the creation of high ridges adjacent to the seed row is avoided. The apparatus includes a narrow first furrow opener for opening a narrow furrow for fertilizer; a wider second furrow opener attached to the first furrow opener for opening a seed furrow above the first furrow simultaneously in time and at a slightly differential position; a feed tube attached to the trailing edge of the first furrow opener for feeding fertilizer into the fertilizer furrow as it is opened, and a seed deflector for deflecting seeds rearward so that they do not fall into the seed furrow before the fertilizer furrow is filled with soil. The device can be used with existing implement shanks such as a grain drill opener shank.

Abstract: A method for treating postharvest stone fruit to prevent or inhibit brown rot of stone fruit with effective amounts of any of the following active ingredients in a carrier is disclosed: Bacillus subtilis B-3; Bacillus subtilis B-3 in combination with 2,6-dichloro-4-nitroaniline; Bacillus subtilis B-3 in combination with water based wax; and, Bacillus subtilis B-3 in combination with paraffin and mineral oil base.

Abstract: Novel lower alkyl esters of iodo-trans-2-methylcyclohexanecarboxylic acid are useful to attract the Mediterranean Fruit Fly, "Medfly," for prolonged periods of time. The esters are competitive in attraction with the current "standard" attractant, Trimedlure, but are much more persistent. The esters may be economically produced and possess the dual properties required for effective use in Medfly control programs.

Abstract: A sculptured structural fiberboard product is formed using a mold that includes porous forming areas which, in one embodiment, are porous forming mandrels movably mounted on the mold, and liquid impervious thimbles which removably cover the porous areas. A fiber network is formed as water is drained off through the porous areas and the thimbles are moved to gradually unveil the porous areas during the mat formation. When mandrels are used, the mandrels are withdrawn in cooperation with a pressing force applied to the mat to consolidate and dry the web. The porous areas can also act as heat and mass transfer means during consolidation and drying. An alternative embodiment permits formation of laminated products and another alternative embodiment permits close control over the product density during consolidation and drying.

Abstract: Process for producing smooth dry-cellulose containing fabrics with durable softness and dyeable properties are disclosed. Cellulose containing fabric is treated with a solution of crosslinking agent, acid catalyst and a longchain alkyl bishydroxyethyl quaternary amine salt additive. The resultant fabric is smooth-dry durably softened and can be dyed. Printdyeing is accomplished by selective application of the alkyl quaternary to a fabric padded with a crosslinking agent. This treatment is then followed by curing and dyeing. Differential dyeing is accomplished by first treating separate yarns with different solutions containing crosslinking agent with and without the alkyl quaternary, drying, knitting, curing and then dyeing the knitted fabric.

Abstract: Cereal grains are protected from enzymatic deterioration by inactivation of lipolytic and oxidative enzymes without alteration of the physical and functional properties. The method involves heat treating either the intact grain or the separated germ fraction at a moisture content of about 13-17% and a temperature in the range of about 95.degree.-110.degree. C. The whole grain product and high-fat flour prepared therefrom are characterized by an extended shelf-life and high nutritional value.

Abstract: The following novel oligopeptide compounds which possess phytotoxic and plant growth regulating properties and methods for their use are disclosed: R.sub.1 -N(R.sub.2)-D,L-Ala-D,L-Leu-N(R.sub.2).DELTA.Phe-Gly-OR.sub.3 ; in which R.sub.1 is H or a protecting group at the amino terminus of the type 9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl, or benzyloxycarbonyl, R.sub.2 is an alkyl of 2 to 3 carbon atoms, R.sub.3 is hydrogen or an alkyl of 2 to 3 carbon atoms, and .DELTA.Phe is dehydrophenylalanine. R.sub.1 -D,L-Leu-N(R.sub.4)-.DELTA.Phe-Gly-OR.sub.3 ; R.sub.1 Aib-N(R.sub.2)-.DELTA.Phe-Gly-OR.sub.3 ; R.sub.1 -Ala-N(R.sub.5)-.DELTA.Phe-Gly-OR.sub.3 ; R.sub.1 -Val-N(R.sub.2)-.DELTA.Phe-Gly-OR.sub.3 ; wherein R.sub.1 is H or a protecting group at the amino terminus of the type tert-butyloxycarbonyl-(BOC), 9-fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl, or benzyloxycarbonyl, R.sub.2 is an alkyl of 1 to 3 carbon atoms, R.sub.3 is hydrogen or an alkyl of 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and .DELTA.Phe is dehydrophenylalanine.

Abstract: A pheromonal compound produced by the western corn rootworm has been identified as 8-methyl-2-decanol propanoate (8-M-2-DP) having the structural formula: ##STR1## A synthesis has been devised for racemic 8-M-2-DP which demonstrates activity toward the western corn rootworm comparable to its natural counterpart. Other diabroticites including the Mexican corn rootworm and the northern corn rootworm also respond to the synthetic compound. By attracting rootworms to field traps, 8-M-2-DP is a useful tool for the monitoring and control of these major agricultural pests.

Abstract: A pheromonal compound produced by the sweetpotato weevil has been identified as (Z)-3-dodecen-1-ol (E)-2-butenoate. The synthetically-prepared compound demonstrates activity toward the sweetpotato weevil comparable to or greater than that of the natural female and comparable to that of its natural counterpart under field conditions. The novel compound provides a sensitive tool for detection of the sweetpotato weevil. By attracting adult weevils to field traps, this compound provides a means for monitoring and controlling this major agricultural pest.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing appendages from seeds are described. The apparatus includes a chamber to contain the seed to be threshed. Mounted rotatively in the chamber is at least one filament spool means which, upon rotation, causes filament to be paid out and thresh the seed. Means are attached to the chamber to draw a gaseous medium through the chamber to suspend the seed with appendages in the threshing zone. After the appendages are removed, the appendage-free seed is discharged from the cylinder. The invention finds particular use in the threshing of seeds armed with appendages that are difficult or impossible to remove with existing seed threshing equipment.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for preparing pellets containing living biocontrol fungi. Fungi are selected and grown for sufficient time to produce inoculum. The fungal propagules are harvested, homogenized and diluted with sodium alginate solution. Pelletization is then accomplished by dropwise addition of the fungal propagule-alginate mixture into a solution of calcium chloride or calcium gluconate. The resultant alginate gel pellets containing living fungi can then be dried and are used to inoculate agricultural fields infested with soilborne plant diseases.

Abstract: A new flan-type pudding using cereal flour to improve human nutrition is disclosed. The flan comprises the following combination of ingredients: Non Fat Dry Milk of from about 10 to 30 g; Sucrose of from about 10 to 20 g; Carrageanan of from about 0.2 to 1.0 g; Locust Bean gum of from about 0.07 to 0.3 g; Pectin of from about 0.05 to 0.3 g; Tetra Potassium Pyrophosphate of from about 0.1 to 1.0 g; and, Rice Flour of from about 0.5 to 8.0 g.