Abstract: Hydroxyterminated PHA is produced by cultivating a PHA-producing microorganism in the presence of an aliphatic diol or an aliphatic polyol. High molecular weight hydroxy-terminated PHA is obtainable by the disclosed process, and is useful in the production of graft, block and random polymers and copolymers with other monomers, oligomers and polymers containing appropriate functionality and end group compatibility. The hydroxyterminated PHAs of the invention display improved thermal stability compared with PHAs not modified to contain increased end-group hydroxyl content. In addition, a branched PHA structure is provided by melt processing polyol terminated PHA.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to tank mixtures and premixtures of a glyphosate herbicide and a second herbicide to which a first species is susceptible and a second species is resistant. Such tank mixtures and premixtures allow control of glyphosate-susceptible weeds and glyphosate-tolerant volunteer individuals of the first species in a crop of glyphosate-tolerant second species with a single application of herbicide.

Abstract: Methods for the biosynthesis of polyhydroxyalkanoate homopolymers and copolymers are described. In a preferred embodiment, the polymers have a single mode molecular weight distribution, and more preferably have a distribution of between about 2 and about 4, and most preferably about 2.1 or 2.5.

Abstract: Hydroxyterminated PHA is produced by cultivating a PHA-producing microorganism in the presence of an aliphatic diol or an aliphatic polyol. High molecular weight hydroxy-terminated PHA is obtainable by the disclosed process, and is useful in the production of graft, block and random polymers and copolymers with other monomers, oligomers and polymers containing appropriate functionality and end group compatibility.

Abstract: Compositions are provided which are useful in the production of polymeric products, such as coatings and films, which comprise branched PHA. The compositions of the invention comprise PHA and 0.001-0.5 wt. % of a free radical initiator. The invention further provides methods of using the compositions for the efficient and cost effective production of films and coatings by reducing draw resonance and neck-in behavior of extruded PHAs.

Abstract: Biodegradable polymer blend compositions are provided which contain oligomeric esters. The oligoester compounds can compatibilize blends of two or more biodegradable polymers resulting in excellent ductility and reduced tendency to embrittlement of products produced from therefrom. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the blend composition comprises a PHA, polycaprolactone (PCL) and one or more oligomeric esters. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the blend composition comprises a PHA, polybutylenesuccinate-adipate (PBSUA), and one or more oligomeric esters.

Abstract: A plant which produces polyhydroxy-alkanoate polymer has a recombinant genome which contains one or more than one of the genes specifying enzymes critical to the polyhydroxyalkanoate biosynthetic pathway which occurs in certain micro-organistas such as Alcaligenes eutrophus which naturally produce same. The plant species is preferably an oil-producing plant.

Abstract: Compositions are provided which are useful in the production of polymeric products, such as coatings and films, which comprise branched PHA. The compositions of the invention comprise PHA and 0.001-0.5 wt. % of a free radical initiator. The invention further provides methods of using the compositions for the efficient and cost effective production of films and coatings by reducing draw resonance and neck-in behavior of extruded PHAs.

Abstract: This invention relates to 4,5-dimethyl-N-2-propenyl-2-(trimethylsilyl)-3-thiophenecarboxamide, a method for the control of Take-All disease (Gaeumannomyces species) in plants by the use of this compound, and to fungicidal compostions for carrying out the method.