Abstract: The invention provides a method for reducing soil contamination that comprises: establishing growing plants in the contaminated soil, the plants being selected from the group consisting of Hibiscus species in sections Meunchhusia or Striati or hybrids obtained by a cross with one or more species within sections Meunchhusia or Striati; severing and removing hibiscus plant material from the site. In preferred embodiments, the selected plants are hybrids. Especially preferred plants are selected from the group consisting of H. coccineus, H. cubensis, H. dasycalyx, H. laevis, and H. moscheutos. Contaminates may include metals, metal salts, nonmetals and organic wastes.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method of controlling fleas which includes continuously administering to the haircoat of a homeothermic animal an ovicidally effective amount of 2-(1-methyl-2-(4-phenoxyphenoxy)ethoxy)pyridine (pyriproxifen) from a sustained release matrix at a rate of 0.1 mcg/kg/day to 100 mcg/kg/day. The method may also include the use of additional ingredients such as insecticides, plasticizers, lubricants and antioxidants in a sustained release matrix.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tufting machine having a needle bar movable between at least two transverse locations in response to a control signal, a motor, a yarn supply, a backing cloth feed, a stitch drive, looper drive, yarn feed roller and all timed for moving the respective components at times in the stitch cycle when the needles are clear of the backing; the tufting machine operating to produce a series of stitches through the backing material by moving the needle bar to cause the needles to pierce the backing cloth and interact with the looper mechanism to produce a tufted fabric; and having a needle bar shifter comprising:a frame having a first end and a second end;a first belt attachment at the first end and a second belt attachment at the second end;a roller mounted between the first and second belt attachments;a belt attached to the first belt attachment looped around the roller and attached to the second belt attachment,a roller drive supplying rotational energy to the roller;whereby activati

Abstract: An herbaceous perennial Hibiscus plant named "Quatro Rojo" having numerous large polypetalous flowers with four zones of rich reds with petals smoothly reflexed, buds of darker red, and giant, well-branched, upright plants with large, 3- to 5-lobed leaves of deep green color.

Abstract: An herbaceous perennial Hibiscus plant having numerous large polypetalous flowers with blushed deep raspberry red overlapping petal arrangement, a dark red eye, buds of darker red, and medium-sized well-branched, upright plants with one- or three-lobed leaves of dark green color.

Abstract: An herbaceous perennial Hibiscus plant named `Bost Hybrid No. `3` having numerous large polypetalous flowers with rich red color, separate petal arrangement, a dark, 3-zoned red eye, buds of darker red, and moderate to large-sized well-branched, upright plants with three-lobed leaves of dark green color.

Abstract: An herbaceous perennial Hibiscus plant having numerous large polypetalous flowers with blushing white petals, overlapping petal arrangement, a dark red eye, essentially white buds, and medium-sized well-branched, upright plants with one or three-lobed leaves of light to medium green color.