Abstract: The invention provides a method for the rapid detection of biotoxic contaants in a test material comprising combining a sample of the test material with activated spores essentially devoid of detectable enzymatic activity, which activity becomes manifest and increases measurably following germination of the spores and with at least one germinant capable of triggering germination of the spores and a substrate which is catalytically convertible to a product by the enzymatic activity, incubating the mixture for a period of less than one hour to accelarate germination of the spores, increase of the enzyme activity, and a catalytic conversion of the substrate, and detecting the formation of the product of the catalytic conversion of the substrate and the enzyme, the level of the product being maximal in the absence of any biotoxic contaminants, and decreasing in direct proportion to the toxicity of contaminants in the test sample.

Abstract: This invention relates to the production of genetically homogeneous cell lines from coniferous plants. In particular, this invention describes a method for producing isogenic cell lines of embryogenic cultures derived from immature conifer seeds. This method is suited for producing clonal planting stock useful for reforestation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for implanting cells in a host is provided. In an embodiment, an implant assembly for a host tissue is provided comprising wall means defining a chamber for holding cells for implantation, the wall means including means for foxing a porous boundary between the host tissue and the implanted cells in the chamber, the pore size of the boundary being sufficient to isolate the implanted cells from the immune response of the host tissue, and port means for providing selective access to the chamber.

Abstract: A broad spectrum biological herbicide comprises a mammal-sparing bioherbicide fungal mutant, e.g., a S. sclerotiorum mutant, of limited survival time and geographical dissemination characteristics under standard agricultural conditions. The invention also relates to a method of obtaining herbicides of the invention comprising obtaining viable wild type bioherbicide fungal spores, subjecting these to UV light to reduce the number of viable fungi to less than 5% the initial number of spores, selecting mutants which differ from the wild type in at least one characteristic such as altered phenotype or morphology, and further selecting a mammal-sparing bioherbicide fungal mutant of reduced survival time and geographical dissemination characteristics under agricultural conditions when compared with the wild type. The invention also relates to a method of using the broad spectrum biological herbicide to reduce the number of weeds in an area.

Abstract: Biological indicators are provided for use in validating and routinely monitoring oxidizing gas sterilizations. The biological indicators are based on Bacillus circulans spores that are enclosed in packages with sufficient permeability to admit a sterilizing amount of vapor while being substantially bacteria impermeable.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed are Bacillus thuringiensis isolates designated B.t. PS50C, B.t. PS86A1, B.t. PS69D1, B.t. PS72L1, B.t. PS75J1, B.t. PS83E5, B.t. PS45B1, B.t.. PS24J, B.t. PS94R3, B.t. PS17, B.t. PS62B1 and B.t. PS74G1 which are active against acaride pests. Thus, these isolates, or mutants thereof, can be used to control such pests. Further, genes encoding novel .delta.-endotoxins can be removed from these isolates and transferred to other host microbes, or plants. Expression of the .delta.-endotoxins in microbe hosts results in the control of acaride pests, whereas transformed plants become resistant to acaride pests.

Abstract: A process for fabricating a high-reliability composite dielectric layer (19) includes the formation of a first oxynitride layer (14) on the surface (12) of a silicon substrate (10). The formation of the first oxynitride layer (14) is followed by an oxidation step to form a silicon dioxide layer (16) at the surface (12) of the substrate (10) and underlying the first oxynitride layer (14). The composite dielectric layer (19) is completed by exposing the substrate (10) to nitrous oxide, and diffusing a nitrogen bearing species through both the silicon dioxide layer (16) and the first oxynitride layer (14) to form a second oxynitride layer (18) underlying the silicon dioxide layer (16). The composite dielectric layer (19) exhibits a nitrogen-rich region at the interface between second oxynitride layer (18) and the silicon substrate (10). A second nitrogen rich region is also formed near the surface of the first oxynitride layer (14).

Abstract: A novel B.t. isolate with activity against lepidopteran insects is disclosed. This isolate is highly active against the beet armyworm. A gene from this isolate has been cloned. The DNA encoding the B.t. toxin can be used to transform various prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbes to express the B.t. toxin. These recombinant microbes can be used to control lepidopteran insects in various environments.

Abstract: Commercial mycoherbicide compositions for the control of round-leaved mallow weeds (Malva pusilla Sm.), the active ingredient being the spores of the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides f.sp. malvae, ATCC 20767, these spores having been produced by a two-phase multi-staged liquid fermentation process, then separated from the mycelial biomass and concentrated into a spore slurry. The active ingredient of the mycoherbicide compositions, i.e., spores, can be packaged as a concentrated spore slurry or alternatively, dried and then packaged. Both the liquid and dry forms of the myco-herbicide are packaged in gas- and water-impermeable containers. The spores are stabilized prior to packaging or drying by the addition of a stabilizing agent or alternatively, stabilized after drying by adjusting their final water content. The initial, i.e.

Abstract: A vaccine for the prophylaxis of dermatophyte infection in animals, such as horses and guinea pigs, comprising a suspension of two strains of killed T. equinum in an effective amount combined with an adjuvant. The vaccine of the invention contains advantages over prior art dermatophyte vaccines in that it reduces the risk of infection in inoculated animals and persons utilizing the vaccine and provides cross-immunity to dermatophytes other than T. equinum.

Abstract: A vaccine for the prophylaxis of dermatophyte infection in animals, such as guinea pigs, cats, rabbits, horses and lambs comprising a suspension of killed T. equinum, T. mentagrophytes (var. granulare), M. canis and M. gypseum in an effective amount combined with an adjuvant. The vaccine of the invention contains advantages over prior art dermatophyte vaccines in that it reduces the risk of infection in inoculated animals and persons utilizing the vaccine and provides cross-immunity.

Abstract: A natamycin producing Streptomyces species ferments to produce natamycin. A spore suspension of the Streptomyces species is propagated in a predetermined medium to obtain a quantity of Streptomyces cells. The Streptomyces cells ferment in a predetermined production medium having a controlled pH to produce a recoverable amount of natamycin.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed are Bacillus thuringiensis isolates designated B.t. PS86A1 and B.t. PS86Q3, which are active against corn rootworm larvae and the alfalfa weevil. Thus, these isolates, or mutants thereof, can be used to control such pests. Further, genes encoding novel .delta.-endotoxins can be removed from these isolates and transferred to other host microbes, or plants. Expression of the .delta.-endotoxins in such hosts results in the control of corn rootworm larvae and the alfalfa weevil.

Abstract: A method for selecting hyper-producing strains of streptovaricin C by culturing Streptomyces spectabilis and separating the asporogenous colonies. The asporogenous colonies are then separately cultured and tested for streptovaricin productivity. Those colonies having the highest productivity may then be easily selected.

Abstract: Disclosed here is a novel method for producing bacterial endospores which can be used as biocontrol agents for nematodes. Advantageously, the novel method does not require that bacteria be grown on living nematodes. Instead, explanted nematode tissue is used as the growth medium for the bacteria. The invention further concerns novel compositions comprising spores produced using the disclosed process.

Abstract: An in vitro method for determining clonogenicity of and measuring the effect of physical (such as radiation or heat) or chemical treatment on mammalian test cells, including normal and tumor test cells. The method comprises encasing the test cells in agglomerates of non-proliferating, but metabolically active, feeder cells which are capable of forming spheroids. The resulting mixed (hybrid) multicellular spheroids provide an in vivo-like environment for the entrapped test cells. Test cells are subjected to treatment either before or after incorporation into spheroids, and the effect of such treatment is then evaluated from the colony forming ability of spheroids containing test cells.

Abstract: Methods and mutant Bacillus thuringiensis strains are provided for controlling lepidopteran insects. Sporogenic, crystalliferous mutant strains for B. thuringiensis having the identifying characteristics of NRRL B-18195, NRRL B-18196 and NRRL B-18197 are provided for use as biocontrol agents. Said strains have the ability to produce a bypyramidal crystal composed of toxic protein and require a leucine and valine containing nutrient medium for growth, sporulation and crystal production.

Abstract: Novel Bacillus thuringiensis (B.t.) isolates are disclosed and claimed. These novel B.t. isolates have activity against the Egyptian alfalfa weevil, which is known to cause heavy agricultural losses.

Abstract: Sclerotinia stem rot, caused by the fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (L ib.) de Bary, is a major disease of rapeseed (canola) in western Canada and many other parts of the world. Significant yield losses result from severe crop infestatons. A method of stem rot disease forecasting is disclosed. The method is based on the relationship discovered between infestation of top plant parts with spores of the fungus at early bloom and subsequent disease incidence. Also disclosed are media compositions, which facilitate rapid growth of S. sclerotiorum from plant parts under non-sterile conditions and thereby permit detection of the fungus. This forecasting system allows improved disease risk assessement in advance of the need for spraying against sclerotinia stem rot.

Abstract: Disclosed are insecticidal compositions for controlling Scarabaeide comprising an effective amount of sporangium-free spores of pathogens that cause milky disease in said Scarabaeide. Also disclosed is a method for producing infective milky disease bacillus spores in vitro in liquid media containing starch, trechalose, yeast extract, K.sub.2 HPO.sub.4, and CaCO.sub.3 during the vegetative growth stage and MnSO.sub.4 and optionally an ion-exchange resin as sporulation adjuvants.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method of treating a synthetic or naturally occurring implant, such as a vascular graft, intended for implantation in a human patient, comprising obtaining human microvascular rich tissue from that patient; separating microvascular endothelial cells from that tissue; and placing said microvascular endothelial cells onto said implant to provide at least about 50% confluence of said cells on the surface of said implant to be treated. In the preferred embodiment, the microvascular rich tissue is perinephric fat, which is obtained from the donor and subjected to a digestive separation process to provide an abundant supply of microvascular endothelial cells. In the preferred embodiment, these microvascular endothelial cells are placed onto the implant by suspending them in a protein (plasma) containing physiologic saline solution, which is incubated on the graft until the endothelial cells either adhere to the graft surface or clot within the protein solution.

Abstract: The present invention is a bacteria and its use in a Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery (MEOR) process. Any one of two newly isolated strains of bacteria are injected downhole in a petroleum reservoir to modify its profile. This bacteria has the capability to plug the zones of higher permeability within the reservoir so that a subsequent waterflood may selectively enter the oil bearing less permeable zones. The injected water is used to drive this oil to an area where it may then be recovered.

Abstract: A biological control agent comprising the antifungal agent Trichoderma harzianum T-35 (ATCC No. 20691), which is characterized by antifungal activity against fungi of the genus Fusarium. This strain is useful for protecting most crops affected by the fungus Fusarium spp. and is more active than other previously disclosed strains. Biocontrol compositions containing T. harzianum T-35 (ATCC No. 20691) provide antifungal protection to a broad spectrum of plants, including wheat, cotton, melons and tomatoes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling stem break in cereal plants, wherein the fungus Pseudocercosporella anguioides or Pseudocercosporella aestiva is applied to the cereal plants their seed or their area of cultivation.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing oospores of the organism Lagenidium giganteum comprising the steps of incubating zoospores with a medium containing a sterol and particular fatty acids or fatty acid derivatives.

Abstract: This invention relates to the incorporation of C.sub.16 to C.sub.20 unsaturated fatty acids into in vitro growth media of milky disease bacilli, e.g. Bacillus popilliae, to extend culture viability and/or promote sporulation.

Abstract: Biologically pure mutants of Bacillus cereus subspecies israelensis (also called Bacillus thuringiensis sub. sp. israelensis) which are substantially non-spore-forming but which are capable of forming inclusion bodies toxic to Diptera larvae are described. A spore-free insecticide based on these inclusion bodies as well as the method of producing same are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preventing fungus diseases in plants grown in, for example, a bed containing peat, by adding to the vegetation or the soil streptomyces griseaviridis stains ATCC 39271, 39272 and 39273. The aqueous suspension preferably contains at least 10.sup.5 spores/ml, and at least 10 ml of the aqueous suspension is spread per one m.sup.2, or the seeds are immersed in the aqueous suspension.

Abstract: Subterranean paths of water flow are impeded or changed by the facilitation of microbial growth therein. Either indigenous bacterial growth may be stimulated with nutrients or the formation may be first seeded with bacteria or their spores which inhibit fluid flow after proliferation. These methods and bacteria are usable to alter the flow of water in a waterflooded oil formation and to impede the outflow of contaminated water.

Abstract: This invention provides a human parental T cell line which can fuse with normal human T cells, and hybrid cell lines which are prepared by fusion of the human parental T cells and the human T cells, and which are capable of producing lymphokines. This invention also provides methods of obtaining such human T cell lines, and a method of producing lymphokines from such hybrid cell lines.

Abstract: Entomopathogenic fungi useful in the control of insects is prepared by culturing mycelia in a suitable medium, harvesting the growing mycelia, treating the mycelia with a protective agent, drying the treated mycelia and grinding and storing the dried product.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of preparing a seeding material for the production of citric acid by cultivating spores of a fungus on a nutrient medium containing carbon and nitrogen sources and mineral salts and by separating spores from the nutrient medium.The fungus used is the strain Aspergillus niger R-3 selected from the strain Aspergillus niger -119 by the stepwise action on it of ethyleneimine, N-nitrosomethylurea and ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: Cultures of Pisolithus tinctorius and Thelephora terrestris can be grown by aerobic submerged fermentation in modified Pridham-Gottlieb medium at about pH 4-7 on a vermiculite carrier.

Abstract: A method of obtaining mold spore material useful for inhalant allergy comprising growing a mold which includes mold spores and mycelia on a medium which supports growth of the mold. A porous barrier is provided between the medium and at least some of the mold so that a first group of the mold spores and mycelia lies on the side of the barrier remote from the medium and a second group of mycelia lies in the medium and on the other side of the barrier. After optimum growth of the mold has occurred, the barrier and the first group of mold spores and mycelia are removed from the medium and allowed to dry. Subsequently, at least some of the first group of mold spores and mycelia are removed from the barrier so that the step of removing separate the first group of mold spores and mycelia from the second group of mycelia. Following drying, the removed mold spores and mycelia are sieved to separate the mold spores from most of the mycelia.

Abstract: Six oligosporogenic mutant strains obtained from Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki yield parasporal products substantially free of interfering spores when cultivated under normal sporulation conditions. These parasporal products have utility in the biological control of pest insects.

Abstract: Crystal-enriched suspensions are derived from sporulated cultures of Bacillus thuringiensis by a foam flotation process in which added gelatin causes the spores to be selectively entrained in the foam and thereby separated from the suspensions.

Abstract: A method of controlling mosquito larvae, by using a spore-forming bacillus ONR-60A obtained from screening clonal isolates from soil samples of known mosquito larval breeding sites. A larvicide comprising the bacillus and a carrier is formulated as a buoyant colloidal suspension which stabilizes just under the surface of the water to concentrate in the feeding zone of many varieties of mosquito larvae.