Abstract: The present invention is to provide a seeding and seedling growing sheet and a seeding and seedling-growing method comprising using the sheet, which are to be used for seeding and growing seedling of grain, vegetable, flower and the like, and which are suitable for efficiently seeding at a desirable position and a desirable density with a higher positional precision and for promoting the growth at germination, by employing the seeding and seedling-growing adhesive sheet comprising a sheet support body composed of water-soluble or water-dispersible paper or water-soluble polymer film, an adhesive agent containing a powdery ferromagnetic substance being coated in spots or in stripes on the support body, and by applying the seeding and seedling-growing method comprising using the adhesive sheet.

Abstract: A fungal biocontrol preparation for control or prevention of plant fungal diseases comprises sporulated fungal biomass, a carrier and acid. The carrier preferably is vermiculite. The biocontrol preparation is resistant to bacterial proliferation in storage and handling and is effective in controlling damping-off diseases caused by soilborne fungal pathogens.

Abstract: The invention includes a substantially pure preparation of Bacillus cereus antibiotic. The invention further includes a seed inoculum for application to seeds to be protected from damping off and root rot including a non-interfering carrier and an effective quantity of Bacillus cereus antibiotic, and a method for protecting plants in a growing medium from damping off and root rot including the step of placing in the growing medium in the immediate vicinity of the plant to be protected an effective guantity of Bacillus cereus antibiotic.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing novel strains of Rhizobium bacteria for legume inoculants which are both competitive and have high nitrogen fixation characteristics. The method involves first isolating and identifying the naturally predominant strains of the Rhizobium species of interest in a particular locale and then mutagenizing that strain to produce mutant strains which retain the competitiveness and add enhanced nitrogen fixation capabilities.

Abstract: Useful plants can be protected against soil-borne and seed-borne diseases by coating the seeds of said plants with fungus spores, in particular ascospores of Chaetomium globosum, mycelium, bacteria or culture extracts thereof. The protection is in some cases superior to that afforded by sugar beet and cotton seeds which are coated with commercially available fungicides.

Abstract: This invention relates to a seed dressing material for application to seeds of plants adapted to be grown in an environment with or without legume-growth-factor, to enhance the trace mineral uptake or growth of the plants. This material comprises effective amounts of fungal spores of the family Coprinus, preferably spores of Coprinus comatus, and a further ingredient selected from GTF chromium and yest, or combinations thereof. The plants resulting from the growth of seeds treated with the dressing material of this invention reach maturity faster, and have increased contents of zinc and chromium, both necessary dietary trace elements for mammals.

Abstract: A novel biodegradable organic fertilizer comprising (A) dead leaves of any type, preferably dried, finely ground, and deciduous, (B) skim milk, dried and powdered and essentially fat free, and (C) water in an amount to give a kneadable mass, the composition being dried and granular, and its production and use, are disclosed. The proportions of A to B by volume are generally between about 1:1 and 10:1, usually between about 1:1 and 6:1, and preferably about 4:1. The fertilizer composition or "compound" is cost effective and readily manufactured, does not contaminate or burn the soil or plantlife, readily supports and improves plant growth, and improves seed and/or plant product yield.

Abstract: A gravity feed apparatus has a plurality of deflecting baffles positioned within a treatment chamber to disperse a flow of plant seed within a treatment chamber and apply sprays of a chemical solution used to treat the plant seed.

Abstract: In the process of the invention the seed to be treated, a predetermined amount of solid matrix material and a predetermined amount of water are admixed and the mixture allowed to stand, preferably in a container which allows entry of air but which reduces evaporative losses, for example, a closed metal container with a small top opening, for a time and at a temperature sufficient to allow the seeds to imbibe water from the matrix and come to a water content equilibrium sufficient to enhance resultant plant vigor, i.e., enhance emergence, growth or yield characteristics, but short of that which would cause the seed to sprout.

Abstract: Processes for sanitizing materials, especialy psyllium, using superheated steam maintained at a relatively constant low level of superheat. These processes are very effective for sanitizing materials, and can produce commercially sterile materials. Furthermore, these processes can be used to produce highly pure, commercially sterile psyllium having substantially intact cell structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to germinated seeds of a plant species other than one characterised by a seminal root system, for example seeds of small seeded vegetables, the seeds having emerged radicles and a moisture content at which radicle development is suspended without loss of seed viability. Seeds may be subjected to a treatment which includes imbibing the seeds to a stage where radicles have emerged in a substantial proportion thereof and drying in a two stage process the first stage comprising drying to a moisture content at which individual seeds are separable and free flowing and the second stage comprising drying in an atmosphere of fairly high relative humidity such as 70% to 90% at a temperature in the range 20.degree. to 30.degree. C.Seeds treated according to the invention have advantageous properties in terms of storage and subsequent development on exposure to a suitable environment.

Abstract: The seeds are coated by means of a polyester the melting temperature of which is low.The process consists in treating the seeds by means of a solution of the polyester in an organic solvent or by means of the polyester in the liquid or molten state.

Abstract: A method for making an agriculturally useful inoculant of dried, dormant bacteria is described. To make the inoculant, a suspension of Rhizobium or other bacteria is maintained, substantially separated from its culture medium, at a temperature in the range of about 0.degree.-30.degree. C. for varying periods of time under aseptic conditions. The bacterial suspension is then mixed with a porous chemically inert granular carrier such that the weight ratio of carrier to bacteria is in the range of about 0.5 to 1.0. Finally, the bacteria-carrier mixture is air dried for a period of about 2 to 10 days under aseptic conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a seed dressing composition containing 20 to 90% of 3-isononyloxypropyl-ammonium methyl phosphonate as active ingredient, optionally 2 to 10% by weight of a metal ion, preferably magnesium or zinc ion as well as a solid carrier and optionally other additives, preferably a surface active agent and/or adhesion promoting agent, in amounts adding up to 100% by weight, and to a method of protecting seeds against fungus attack by the application thereto of said composition.

Abstract: A method for selecting live seeds of sugar beet (those which are able to germinate) from dead seeds (those which are unable to germinate) based on the case of seed-cap releasing. When immersed in water, live seeds absorb much water and expand appreciably, while dead seeds expand only slightly because less water is absorbed. This expansion of live seeds upon absorption of water makes the seed caps, closely fitted onto the outer shells of fruit, ready to be released. When mechanical vibrations are given to a mixture of water-soaked fruit, only the seed caps of expanded fruit are easily released. Thus live seeds of sugar beet can be effectively obtained by selecting out the fruit from which seed caps have been released.

Abstract: For preventing or controlling bacterial harm to plants, as by disease or ice nucleation, a bateriophage composition of matter containing one or more viral h mutants specific to amutant of the bacteria concerned is produced and applied to seed, soil or soil supplements, plants, or plant materials that have been exposed to or are contaiminated with or infected by bacerial disease, or to growing plants subject to ice nucleation or other bacterial harm. The invention is concerned with the composition and with the method of producing and using same.

Abstract: A surface suitable for equestrian and other use such as ball games is formed using a sand mixture which comprises a selected sand within which is distributed in a homogeneous and randomly oriented manner a relatively small percentage by weight of straight (uncrimped) polymeric fibres, the fibres serving to hold the sand together under the weight of the horses hooves or players feet or other users such as wheeled vehicles or implements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the disinfection of seeds, especially rice which comprises applying an acidic solution onto the surface of seeds, thereafter neutralizing the effect of the acid by the addition of an alkaline powder.

Abstract: Multi-coated seeds having two or more coating layers, with the innermost coating layer containing a water repellent such as a fatty acid or a metal salt thereof in higher concentration than the other layer(s).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of fumigation and detoxification of plant seed and to an pneumatic apparatus having a positive pressure air source, seed feed, a vacuum wheel air lock, fumigant and detoxicant source, a spraying apparatus for introducing the fumigant and/or the detoxicant and an exit cyclone having an optional air return for returning fumigant and/or detoxicant saturated air to the apparatus. The inventive apparatus and method have been found effective for aflatoxin B.sub.1 and B.sub.2 suppression as well as for insect extermination in infested plant seed.

Abstract: Methods and materials are provided for desiccated analogs of botanic seeds which are created by removing a portion of the water by slow or fast drying so that the plant tissue is no longer saturated with water. In a second embodiment, the meristematic tissue is encapsulated in a gel or polymer followed by dehydration. In another embodiment, the meristematic tissue is dehydrated prior to encapsulation in a gel. Protectants can be incorporated in the gel capsule. Meristematic tissue can be isolated from, for example, somatic embryos, zygotic and germ line sources.

Abstract: The seed pellets have a core which contains grains of seed, organic substrate, loess, organic fertilizer, fungicides and, possibly, pesticides, and a wetting agent which promotes surface wettability. At least one bitter substance may also be present and made to cover the core in the form of a coat, or be distributed within the core. The core is furthermore provided, with a semipermeable coat, which consists of at least one starch and/or latex. The loess acts as a binding agent which serves to intimately bind the various constituents of the core to each other, and to act as a water storing agent in addition to the organic substrate. The semipermeable coat also contributes to the improvement and control of water conservation. Thus the pellets may be made to include sensitive seeds too which require much water for germination and/or may be sown in relatively dry regions and, furthermore, are resistant to breakage and abrasion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of crosslinkable silicone materials to coat botanic seeds, seedlings, meristematic tissue and plant embryos for their protection and to promote germination. The crosslinkable silicone materials are coated onto the seeds, seedlings, meristematic tissues or plant embryos and crosslinked to cure them. The silicone coatings of the present invention on the surface of the seeds, seedlings, meristematic tissues or plant embryos provide antifungal protection and can be used to carry entrapped plant adjuvants to the site of germination. The crosslinked silicone coatings are permeable to water vapor and oxygen and allow sunlight to pass through to the germinating seed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of pregerminating and planting grass seed. The seeds are first soaked in water to expedite the water uptake and germination of the grass seed. The seeds are then drained and spread over an extended area for a period of time. A hydro-seeder is then used to broadcast the pregerminated seeds over the ground.

Abstract: The seeds are coated by means of a polyester the melting temperature of which is low.The process consists in treating the seeds by means of a solution of the polyester in an organic solvent or by means of the polyester in the liquid or molten state.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing appendages from seeds are described. The apparatus includes a chamber to contain the seed to be threshed. Mounted rotatively in the chamber is at least one filament spool means which, upon rotation, causes filament to be paid out and thresh the seed. Means are attached to the chamber to draw a gaseous medium through the chamber to suspend the seed with appendages in the threshing zone. After the appendages are removed, the appendage-free seed is discharged from the cylinder. The invention finds particular use in the threshing of seeds armed with appendages that are difficult or impossible to remove with existing seed threshing equipment.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for stimulating or inhibiting plant growth and includes the steps of applying a plant growth stimulant or inhibitor and subjecting the plant to high frequency sound waves.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for bringing pregerminated seed n a sowable and for some time storable form. The invention further relates to pilled pregerminated seeds.According to the invention the pregerminated seed is pilled, whereas in the pilling mixture at least one compound which slows down the germinating process is included under formation of a moist pill in which a suitable micro-climate is secured until the time of sowing.This required micro-climate inside the moist pill is obtained by addition of compounds which have a retarding action to the germinating process, such as compounds having an osmotic effect, e.g. water soluble sugars and their derivatives, salts, or glycols and their polymers; or having a growth retarding action, e.g. absicine acid.

Abstract: A method of promoting germination of seeds and apparatus for carrying out the same. The method involves subjecting a bulk of the seeds to a vacuum for a selected period of time and thereafter subjecting a slurry of water and the seeds to a gas pressure for a selected period of time. The seeds when subjected to a vacuum may be dry or in the form of a slurry of water and seeds. The pressurizing gas is preferably carbon dioxide and the apparatus for carrying out the method may simply be a vessel providing a sealed chamber for holding a slurry of seeds and water. The vessel is adapted for entry and exit of seeds and water into and out of the sealed chamber and apparatus provided for subjecting the chamber firstly to a vacuum and then to a pressure. After the seeds have been subjected to a vacuum and pressure they are removed and excess water is separated from the treated seeds.

Abstract: It has been a problem to pellet seeds with inoculum of the beneficial VA mycorrhizal fungus. Hitherto, clay or soil pellets have been tried but they are difficult to adjust to a suitable moisture content and the pellets are too heavy, and there is a problem in placement of the seed so as to ensure that the radicle will grow through the pellet and thereby pick up the desired fungal infection. It has now been found that satisfactory pellets can be made using a mixture of peat, preferably sphagnum moss peat (instead of soil), together with a binder, seed and the VA mycorrhizal fungus, and that even when the pellet is dried considerably the inoculum retains infectivity for at least 6 months, using sphagnum moss peat. The composition in compacted, sowing unit, e.g. pellet, form and a method of growing plant from seed are claimed. The invention is useful for improving the condition of poor soil, e.g. filled-in gravel pits or coal mine spoil tips.

Abstract: Mung bean sprouts of increased diameter are grown in an atmosphere containing oxygen and from about 0.5 to about 3 ppmv of a plant-growth regulator of ethylene, acetylene or mixtures thereof, and under a spray of an aqueous solution containing from about 0.1 to about 5 ppm weight-to-volume of a plant-growth hormone, which is 2,4-D, an auxin, or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A seed treating and conveying apparatus includes an elongated auger unit on which a chemical applicator tank is mounted for treating the seeds as they are conveyed through the auger tube. The auger includes a central shaft having brush flighting thereon for gentle handling of the seeds as well as for picking up treatment and thoroughly and uniformly applying it to the seeds. The auger unit is pivotally supported for adjusting the position of the discharge end without moving the vehicle on which it is mounted. In one embodiment, the auger unit is mounted on a slide track so as to be both longitudinally and pivotally movable. In another embodiment, the auger unit is removable from the associated large seed hopper for use in filling the hopper.

Abstract: A binder solution for applying plant protectants and similar agents to seeds includes a metal pigment such as copper, aluminium or bronze. Presence of the pigment produces a particularly smooth-surfaced coating providing improved abrasion resistance and flow properties.

Abstract: Seeds dressed with 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-benzodioxol-4-yl N-methylcarbamate exhibit excellent resistance to insecticidal attack.

Abstract: A composition comprising an admixture of pulped fibers and a slag characterized by an open pore structure.

Abstract: The survival of micro-organisms when used in conjunction with a seed is markedly improved by using a water soluble polyvinyl-pyrrolidone in conjunction with the micro-organism. The invention is illustrated by legume seeds inoculated with an appropriate rhizobia bacteria.

Abstract: A method of treatment of peanut seeds with a fungicide effective against seed-borne pathogens consisting in treating the seeds with a suspension including oil as a base and also including active chemicals in the form of finely ground particles carried by the oil in the suspension and allowing the seeds to dry with the result that a coating including active chemicals remains on the seeds to minimize chemical dust related environmental and physical problems. The seeds have a dried coating embracing and at least partially penetrating the testa of the seed and producing thorough contact with the entire periphery of the seed, the coating containing at least one fungicide effective against the seed-borne pathogens.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with a method of processing seeds or cereal to accelerate natural germination in which a bed of seeds or cereal are steeped in water which is oxygenated by circulation therethrough of a stream of oxygenated air, the temperature of the bed is controlled during steeping by cooling the circulating oxygenated air, the body of water is drained from the bed, oxygenated air is passed through the bed to dry the seeds or cereal, and the temperature of the bed is controlled during the drying step whereby the bed of seeds or cereal is pregerminated.Advantages of the invention are that the seeds or cereal are in a condition ready for immediate germination when required but may be stored for a indefinite period of time. Also when the seeds or cereal are or is planted they can grow immediately since they have the correct moisture uptake, and further the germination and original growth phases are uniformly and actively promoted by the oxygenated reaction.

Abstract: A cane dipper-planter where the pre-cut cane setts are conveyed from a supply hopper to a rotary drum which contains the treatment liquid and a series of lifting members around its internal wall which lift the treated setts out of the liquid and discharges them via an outlet chute to the furrow for planting.

Abstract: A stable, liquid seed coating composition is provided, including a binding agent, an active ingredient and a coloring agent in a liquid medium including water and a polyol.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for flame treating seed, particularly seed having awn. The method and apparatus entails passing awned seed through successive flame treating stages with cooling periods between successive flame treatments.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for delinting cottonseed wherein a moving body of cottonseed is subjected to a flame treatment for burning off excess linters, then subjected to an acid treatment wherein foamed sulfuric acid of adequate water content is deposited on the seed and the seed agitated, and then the seed is dried and the acid degraded linters removed. In an important embodiment the seed is acid treated, dried and buffed to remove degraded linters serially in at least two successive stages.

Abstract: A process for the gas and liquid-permeable encrusting, pilling and granulating of seed material with the utilization of a three-layer mineral as a laminar coating material which is expandable under the effect of a liquid; the three-layer mineral being constituted of vermiculite or hydrous mica to form the basic material and providing a fine-grained reversibly expandable coating material when applied onto the seed, and which rapidly absorbs and gives off polar liquids such as water. The basic material consists of particles in the form of extremely thin, uniformly even platelets which comprise over 50% of the basic material.

Abstract: Plant seeds designed for germination without substantial delay are coated with a first layer of a mixture of sugar and a water insoluble polymeric material, and have a particulate coating adhered to the first layer while the first layer is still tacky, the first layer being preferably formed from an aqueous coating composition which is cured by simple removal of water therefrom.

Abstract: Coated seeds, the coating of which has sufficient hardness for machine-seeding and adequate disintegration characteristics in soil, are obtained by surface treating a coating powder and then coating seeds with the surface-treated coating powder.

Abstract: A new hydroponically oriented apparatus for the sprouting of legume plants such as alfalfa, green beans, wheat and the like is disclosed. A unique process for sprouting of the legumes from seed, which includes the step of mineralizing the sprouts is also disclosed.

Abstract: A flame treatment apparatus for use in delinting cottonseed comprises a generally vertical stack having a horizontal toothed seed feed roller rotatably mounted across its upper end and gas burners providing a flame curtain across the stack passage through which the seeds to be cleaned drop. The stack walls are dual to provide an annular space surrounding the flame treatment passage and cooling air is passed through that space.

Abstract: A method for the control of agricultural pests such as insects which comprises the application of polymeric particles which release an agent in a controlled manner. The particles can be applied to plants, seeds, soil or to the surface of the soil.

Abstract: Heavy coated seeds for crops such as rice are produced by application of an oleaginous suspension of a solid, inert water-insoluble inorganic particulate material in a discontinuous oil phase dispersed in a continuous water phase. The suspension is mixed with the seeds and the coated seeds are permitted to cure during absorption of the suspension components. The suspension remaining on the seed surfaces inverts and adheres to the surfaces to increase the weight of the seeds. The suspension comprises a continuous water phase, a discontinous oil phase, and a finely ground inert inorganic particulate material.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of sulfur-containing compounds for the control of plant parasitic nematodes by application of the compounds directly to seeds, seed pieces or root systems.