Abstract: Compounds of the formula: ##STR1## wherein X is hydrogen, halo, trihalomethyl, alkyl, or cyano; Y is hydrogen or halo; and Z is a hydroxy substituted alkyl group and compositions containing these compounds exhibit herbicidal activity.

Abstract: L-(d)-lactic acid, the dextrorotatory isomer of lactic acid, is an effective plant growth regulant which exhibits classical growth regulant activity at very low concentrations and dosage rates. It can be employed to beneficially stimulate the growth of all plant varieties and is particularly useful for stimulating the growth of commercial crops. As is the case with other growth regulants, L-lactic acid can also be employed to inhibit the growth of plants when applied at sufficiently high concentrations. Thus, L-lactic acid can be employed to stimulate the growth of desired plants, to stimulate the fruit production of fruit-bearing plants, and to inhibit the growth of undesired vegetation. Novel compositions which comprise mixtures of L-(d)-lactic acid and one or more preservatives which are sufficient to prevent the hydrolytic and/or bacterial decomposition of the active isomer are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention concerns the use of certain 3-[5- or 3-substituted-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3- or -5-yl]-1-substituted-4-substituted-5-substituted or unsubstituted-2-imidazolidinones to control growth of terrestrial or aquatic plants.

Abstract: A compound of the formula ##STR1## wherein R is halogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.2 alkyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.2 alkoxy, nitro; cyano; C.sub.1 -C.sub.2 haloalkyl, or R.sup.a SO.sub.n - wherein n is 0 or 2 and R.sup.a is C.sub.1 -C.sub.2 alkyl; R.sup.1 is hydrogen or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl; R.sup.2 is hydrogen or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl; or R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 together are alkylene having 2 to 5 carbon atoms; R.sup.3 is hydrogen or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl; R.sup.4 is hydrogen or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl; or R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 can be oxo; R.sup.5 is hydrogen or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl; R.sup.6 is hydrogen or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl; or R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 together are alkylene having 2 to 5 carbon atoms; and R.sup.7 and R.sup.8 independently are (1) hydrogen; (2) halogen; (3) C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl; (4) C.sub. 1 -C.sub.4 alkoxy; (5) trifluoromethoxy; (6) cyano; (7) nitro; (8) C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 haloalkyl; (9) R.sup.b SO.sub.n -wherein n is the integer 0, 1 or 2; and R.sup.b is (a) C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl; (b) C.sub.1 -C.sub.

Abstract: The present application describes herbicidal agents, based on emulsions, which contain two or more active compounds - a water-soluble, salt-like active compound and an active compound which is soluble in organic solvents - a surfactant mixture and a solvent, the surfactant mixture comprising a combination of phenylsulfonate salts, ethoxylated alkyl- (or polyaryl)phenol phosphates, ethoxylated acidic phohsphoric acid esters and alkylphenol polyglycol ether derivatives. These agents are prepared by the action of high shear forces.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the sweetness of citrus fruit comprising treating leaves and/or fruit of citrus trees with an effective amount of a dispersion containing 1-triacontanol at least once in the period of from the flowering stage to the harvesting stage, thereby improving the Brix/acid ratio of citrus fruit.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for enhancing the yield of root crops, such as potatoes, sugar beets, radishes and the like, comprise treating the roots, plants, seeds, seed pieces, or soil in which they are to be planted, with a root crop growth promotant bacteria of the genus Pseudomonas.

Abstract: A plant growth promoter comprising as an active ingredient for plant growth promotion at least one phenylglycine selected from the group consisting of(1) monomeric phenylglycines,(2) N-phenylglycylphenylglycines, and(3) cyclic dimers of phenylglycines.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition for the extension and increase of the activity of herbicidal compositions containing as herbicidally active ingredient at least one carbamate and/or thiolcarbamate and/or chloroacetanilide and/or dichloroacetanilide derivative and optionally antidotes therefore, which comprises at least one thio- or dithiophosphoric acid ester of the formula (I) ##STR1## wherein R stands for identical or different alkyl, alkenyl, isoalkyl, isoalkenyl, haloalkyl, haloalkenyl, isohaloalkyl or isohaloalkenyl groups, each containing up to 4 carbon atoms;R' represents identical or different alkyl, alkenyl, isoalkyl, isoalkenyl, haloalkyl, haloalkenyl, isohaloalkyl, isohaloalkenyl groups, each containing up to 4 carbon atoms;X is oxygen or sulfur,X.sub.1 is oxygen or sulfur, with the proviso that at least one of the X.sub.1 groups is other than oxygen.

Abstract: Asymmetrical triazines form stable tank mixtures with trifluralin in the presence of an effective amount of a suitable divalent metal salt.

Abstract: Plant seeds are beneficiated by contacting them with an aqueous solution of a urea-sulfuric acid component containing the monourea adduct of sulfuric acid. The molar ratio of urea to sulfuric acid in the aqueous solution is preferably within the range of about 1/4 to about 7/4 so that at least about 25 percent of the sulfuric acid is present in the solution as the monourea adduct. The treatment of plant seeds with the aqueous urea-sulfuric acid components is particularly useful for removing residual plant matter from plant seeds, scarifying and improving the germination of plant seeds, and improving the processability and digestibility of plant seeds. Improvements in processability result from softened seed hulls or husks, improved extractability of oil from oil-containing seeds, and improved quality of treated seeds for the manufacture of seed-derived products, particularly for the manufacture of grain-derived products.

Abstract: Bipyridinium quaternary salt compositions are prepared which are dry, free-flowing, wettable powders. The solid compositions are complexes of the bipyridinium salts and algin.

Abstract: Synergistic antimicrobial combination comprising 2-bromo-2-bromomethylglutaronitrile of Formula I: ##STR1## and a 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one of Formula II: ##STR2## where R is hydrogen or C.sub.1-4 alkyl; and R.sup.1 is hydrogen, chloro, or methyl.

Abstract: Herbicidal compositions, containing as an active ingredient herbicidally effective amounts of phosphinotricine derivatives of the formula ##STR1## in combination with simazin wherein the proportion by weight of the phosphinotricine derivative and simazin is in the range of from 1:1.5 to 1:4, exhibit a synergistic herbicidal effect.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for increasing the resistance of plants to damage by non-freezing dehydrating conditions comprising treating the plants with an aqueous medium containing a nonionic surface active polyethoxylated polyoxypropylene block copolymer of about 2,000 to 9,000 average molecular weight, and optionally urea and/or a UV absorber, and/or finely ground, readily dispersible zinc oxide, aluminum oxide or titanium dioxide reflecting agent, and compositions for use in such method.

Abstract: Vegetation comprising herbaceous and woody ornamental plants and vegetable crops are treated by applying to the vegetation a nitrogen containing fertilizer and from 0.006 to 6.0 pounds per acre of a plant growth regulator. The plant growth regulator is one which regulates the growth of the vegetation by retardation of gibberellin synthesis. The ratio by weight of nitrogen in the fertilizer to the plant growth regulator is at least forty to one.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new composition for defoliation of plants with synergistic activity, containing a mixture of 1-phenyl-3-(1,2,3-thiadiazol-5-yl)urea and 1-dodecylazacycloheptan-2-one or a mixture of 1-phenyl-3-(1,2,3-thiadiazol-5-yl)urea, 1-dodecylazacycloheptan-2-one and 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea and its use especially for the defoliation of cotton plants.

Abstract: A dilutant for industrial herbicides applied to non-agricultural areas is disclosed in which a combination of a hydrocarbon filler, lecithin, and a mixture of other chemicals creates a dilutant with a strong affinity for emulsifiable and oil-soluble industrial herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides, and which dilutant is capable of penetrating tree bark and woody plant tissue while retaining the active ingredients and allowing the active ingredients to move upward within the xylem of the plant and downward within the phloem of the plant.

Abstract: Cellulosic materials are physically and/or chemically modified by contact with a combination of urea and sulfuric acid in which at least 25 percent of the sulfuric acid is present as the monourea adduct of sulfuric acid. The cellulosic materials thus treated posses uniquely modified physical and chemical properties. The methods of the invention can be employed to weaken the physical structure of the cellulosic material and thereby to assist in clearing land of vegetation and vegetation residue and in compacting and other processing of waste cellulosic materials. The methods of the invention can also be employed to increase the food value of cellulosic materials for animals, including humans, and, in particular, to increase the food value of such materials for ruminant mammals.

Abstract: This invention relates to alkyl sulfones which are useful as herbicides and plant growth regulants.