Abstract: Methods and compositions for enhancing plant growth provide for foliar application of a substance which enhances the accumulation of formyltetrahydropteroyl polyglutamate (C.sub.1 -THF) in a treated plant. Treatment with substances that contribute to the structure of C.sub.1 -THF increase the rate and quantity of carbon fixation by the plant. Thereafter, plant growth is further improved either by exposure of the plant to elevated oxygen, illumination and heat or by foliar input of single carbon fragment sources. Optimal results are obtained by combined treatment with a substance that can serve as a sink for C.sub.1 fragments produced in the leaf.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for treating plants which comprise application of an oxidant that induces NADPH:cytochrome P450 reductase and application of a reductant that induces cytochrome P450 monooxygenase. The present invention also provides methods for increasing cytochrome P450 in plants and for enhancing the growth of plants. The present invention also provides compositions and systems useful in the methods of the present invention.

Abstract: Plant micronutrient compounds comprising N-acyl ED3A or salts thereof. The N-acyl ED3A derivatives chelate various trace metals, including iron, copper, zinc, manganese, cobalt and nickel.

Abstract: Plant micronutrient compounds comprising N-acyl ED3A or salts thereof. The N-acyl ED3A derivatives chelate various trace metals, including iron, copper, zinc, manganese, cobalt and nickel.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for treating plants, and for enhancing the growth of plants. The methods include applying an alkyl glucoside compound to the plant. The present invention also includes compositions useful in these methods.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for enhancing plant growth provide for foliar application of a substance which enhances the accumulation of formylterahydropteroyl polyglutamate (C.sub.1 -THF) in a treated plant. Treatment with substance that contribute to the structure of (C.sub.1 -THF) increase the rate and quantity of carbon fixation by the plant. Thereafter, plant growth is further improved either by exposure of the plant to elevated oxygen, illumination and heat or by foliar input of single carbon fragment sources. Opitmal results are obtained by combined treatment with a substance that can serve as a sink for C.sub.1 fragments produced in the leaf.

Abstract: Silver chelating agent and surfactant that exhibits photosensitivity and antimicrobial activity. The silver can be chelated with ethylenediaminetriacetic acid (ED3A) or salts thereof, or preferably with N-acyl ED3A or salts thereof. Antimicrobial activity is exhibited even at very low silver levels.

Abstract: Plant growth stimulants containing compounds which increase intracellular carbon dioxide as the main active component and optionally supplemented with specific nutrients have been found to enhance productivity of plants. Exemplary compounds include lower alcohols, such as methanol, ethanol, propanol and butanol, and amino acids, such as glycine, glutamate, and aspartate. Such growth stimulation appears to result, in part, from inhibition of stress induced photorespiration according to a previously unrecognized photosynthetic pathway. Exposure of the plants to sunlight or other sufficient illumination following treatment with the compositions results in enhanced fixation of carbon dioxide and turgor. Stimulant compositions may comprise from 5% to 50% by volume aqueous solutions of methanol or 0.1% to 10% by weight amino acids and are preferably applied by foliar spraying of plants and plant shoots.

Abstract: A composition is described comprising naturally-derived carotene dispersed in a non-petroleum, naturally-derived edible oil. The carotene may be in form of its mixed isomers, or one or more of the individual isomers may be present to the exclusion of the others. Of the isomers the beta-carotene isomer is preferred, although others, notably the alpha- and gamma-carotene isomers, are also desirable components. Naturally-derived stabilizers may be present in the composition. The carotene content is 0.5-7.5 weight percent of the composition. The carotene is preferably obtained from algae. No petro-chemical residues are present in the composition since the formulation is produced at all stages without use of petrochemical contact.

Abstract: A process is described for the formation of a naturally derived composition comprising carotenes, particularly beta-carotene, in oil. The process involves the direct oil extraction of the carotene from algae. The algae are initially harvested as a water slurry and concentrated, as by flocculation, in the slurry. The concentrated portion of the slurry is then mixed with oil and homogenized to form an oil emulsion. Direct contact of the oil and algae results in a high degree of extraction of the carotene from the algae by the oil. The water/oil emulsion is broken and the oil phase containing the carotene separated as by centrifugation and recovered. The resulting carotene/oil composition is useful as a precursor in formation of Vitamin A in human nutrition. The carotene itself may also have some use as a preventative material for certain types of cancers or in supplementation of poultry and livestock feed.

Abstract: A water extract of homogenized Cryptosiphonia woodii is useful for the treatment of herpes simplex viral infections. The active agent in the extract is a polysaccharide containing glucose and galactose.Herpes infections may be treated in subjects, e.g. human patients, by administering to the subject an effective amount of an aqueous extract of C. woodii, particularly a water extract. This treatment method is effective for treating subjects both prior to and subsequent to infection. It may involve topical application to alleviate symptoms associated with herpes infections or desirably may be systemic, e.g. by oral administration, to eradicate the virus and thereby prevent symptom recurrence.

Abstract: Botryococcus braunii var. showa is chemotaxonomically distinct from previously cultured strains of the species in quality and quantity of hydrocarbons produced in vitro. Morphological and cultural differences distinguish this variety from other cultured strains of Botryococcus braunii. In particular, the variety is characterized by the ability to produce and secrete large amounts of botryococcenes during all phases of its growth cycle.