Abstract: This invention provides novel devices and methods for manipulation of moisture/fluid levels in and/or upon objects and is used to, e.g., safely dry wet books and documents with minimal deleterious side effects or to add humidity to such books/documents or other objects or areas.

Abstract: Snake repellents include a repellent composition, an inert carrier and an adjuvant. The snake repellents include an essential oil selected from a group of essentials oils or a reagent from one of the essential oils. Methods of repelling snakes include exposing snakes to the snake repellents by aerosol, vapor or fog.

Abstract: A method to improve the health and growth of suckling dairy calves on dairy farms includes supplementing calves' diets with a ruminal fluid preparation obtained from the rumen of a cow. This supplement provides the calves with the protection needed to develop faster and healthier. It also leads to a decreased incidence of scours in the treated calves.

Abstract: ACC synthases of higher plants are coded by multigene families; only certain members of these families are responsible for various plant development characteristics effected by ethylene. Control of the processes in plants which are mediated by ACC synthase, such as fruit ripening, can be effected by controlling expression of the relevant ACC synthase gene. In addition, comparison of the amino acid and nucleotide sequence of the ACC synthases from cucumber and tomato provides consensus sequences that permit the design of PCR primers that permit the isolation of ACC synthases from a variety of higher plants.

Abstract: A method and aerodynamic transport body for delivering biological control agents into a field is provided. The aerodynamic transport body is a biodegradable device into which the biological control agent is placed and then the device is projected into the field using a catapult.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning cotton having a frame which rotatably supports a cylinder member having a cylindrical surface supporting a fiber-engaging structure for seizing contaminated cotton. The frame supports a grid assembly which assists in the removal of undesirable particulates from contaminated cotton engaged to the fiber-engaging structure of the cylinder member. The grid assembly includes a plurality of grid bars connected to the frame in a spatial relationship such that any two contiguous grid bars are separated by a grid space. A shroud member is supported by the frame for controlling the loss of cotton fiber through the grid space between two contiguous grid bars. A method of controlling and/or reducing the loss of cotton during lint cleaning of contaminated cotton. A method for retrofitting a lint cleaner to modify the lint-cleaning ability of the lint cleaner.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns novel peptides which have the property of interfering with the biosynthesis of the enzyme trypsin. This property enables the use of these peptides to, for example, inhibit the formation of progeny in blood-ingesting insects, since trypsin is an essential enzyme for food digestion which provides the essential building blocks for egg development in such insects.

Abstract: Purified bacterial strains that are effective for the inhibition of plant pathogens, including the fungi Rhizoctonia solani and Pythium ultimum have been isolated. These strains are useful as biocontrol agents, and can be used to produce antifungal metabolites, such as antibiotic compounds, active against the plant pathogenic fungi Rhizoctonia solani and Pythium ultimum. Both the purified bacterial strains and the antibiotic compounds can be used as active agents for biocontrol compositions.

Abstract: A method and preparation are disclosed for inhibiting the growth of mold on a pome fruit. The method includes exposing the pome fruit to a preparation which includes a sufficient concentration of Sporobolomyces roseus to significantly inhibit the growth of the mold on the fruit. In particular, the mold is a blue-mold or a gray-mold. The preparation includes Sporobolomyces roseus having a concentration which is sufficient to significantly inhibit the growth of the mold on the fruit. The preparation can further include an additional component which can significantly inhibit the growth of the mold. An example of a suitable additional component is Pseudomonas syringae bacteria.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the control or prevention of aflatoxin contamination of agricultural commodities. Non-toxigenic strains of Aspergillus flavus are shown to inhibit aflatoxin production by toxigenic strains. Additionally, the non-toxigenic strains produce a factor in culture that alone inhibits aflatoxin production by toxigenic strains.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns the identification of novel merozoite surface proteins of Babesia bovis. Also disclosed are monoclonal antibodies to these proteins as well as genes which encode for the proteins.The invention further concerns the use of the novel proteins, recombinant DNA clones, and monoclonal antibodies in the detection, treatment, and prophylaxis of babesiosis.

Abstract: A ponded infiltrometer including a bubble chamber formed in a base that supports a liquid reservoir. A single valve interposed in a channel between the bubble chamber and the reservoir controls both air flow into the device and water flow out of the device. A selectively movable bubble tube communicates between the bubble chamber and the atmosphere, and the position of the lower end of the bubble tube precisely regulates the amount of ponded water in the containment ring which contacts a section of soil. The base and attached reservoir are supported and secured above the containment ring by an adjustable tripod.

Abstract: A lightweight, durable convenient, practical, versatile and efficient insect monitoring system and trap for capturing crawling and flying adult insect or larvae. The trap is a two-piece snap-on plastic unit which contains an adhesive to trap the insects and the food or pheromone to lure the insects to the trap. The trap is useful for protection of stored animal and plant products.

Abstract: An apparatus for sampling staple fibers containing foreign matter is disclosed. A clamping device is provided comprising upper and lower jaws pivoted with respect to each other. The upper jaw is segmented on one end to allow for localized deflection of the individual segments when foreign material is present. On the other end a spring assembly is provided to insure proper clamping pressure during and after the taking of a sample.

Abstract: Esters and mixed ester-amides derived from glycolic acid by substitution at the hydroxyl and carboxyl functions were prepared by conventional procedures and tested for antimicrobial activity. All of the compounds tested showed some inhibition against four microorganisms under the test conditions, and some of them had potent activity. These new compounds have properties which make it possible for them to be used as biostatic agents in commercial products.