Abstract: A biological inoculant is disclosed for facilitating and fostering the growth of edible corn plants. The inoculant includes biologically pure cultures of bacterial strains, including Bacillus circulans, a yet unidentified bacterial strain, and Xanthomonas maltotphilia.

Abstract: A biological inoculant is disclosed for facilitating and fostering the growth of edible corn plants. The inoculant includes spores of strains of Trichoderma hamatum and Trichoderma harzianum, with or without a carrier.

Abstract: An assay method for the detection of a specific nucleotide target sequence in a polynucleotide test extract is disclosed which utilizes a polynucleotide modified probe including both a cDNA sequence substantially complementary to the specific target sequence and a protein binding sequence. The assay is conducted by exposing the modified probe to the polynucleotide test extract for hybridization and then exposing the complex to the protein which binds to the protein binding sequence. An assay, such as an immunoassay, can then be conducted on the test sample to indicate the presence of the specific target sequence by detecting the presence of the binding protein.

Abstract: A device and method are described for collecting and transferring particulate material. The device includes a housing with a porous member and means for connecting the housing to a vacuum attached thereto. A plunger, slidably mounted in the housing, opens and closes fluid-flow communication between the vacuum source and the porous member. In operation the porous member with a vacuum applied to one side thereof is contacted with first a porous filamentary filter and then with the particulate material. The particulate material detachably adheres to the filter and can be transferred to a collection area. The device and method of the invention are specifically suited for collecting and transferring adsorbent chromatographic fractions.