Abstract: A method and composition for treating swine to increase their resistance to pathogenic microorganisms are disclosed. Microbial infections may be prevented or reduced in swine populations by administration of immune lymphokines which have been produced by the splenic T cells of immunized swine. The process and compositions are particularly useful for the control of Salmonella in swine.

Abstract: Novel pseudopeptide analogs of the insect allatostatin neuropeptide family which possess biological activity mimicking that of the naturally occurring neuropeptides are disclosed. By addition of a hydrophobic moiety to an active portion of the allatostatin peptides, analogs are produced which exhibit an overall amphiphilic nature and which are capable of penetrating the insect cuticle while still retaining biological activity. Furthermore, by substituting sterically hindered amino acids or aromatic acids for any or all of the first, third or fifth amino acid residues of the allatostatin C-terminal pentapeptide, analogs may be produced which are resistant to degradation by insect peptidases while still retaining biological activity. The analogs may be used for insect control by disrupting critical reproductive and/or developmental processes normally regulated by allatostatins in insects.

Abstract: Compositions of cis-jasmone were found to effectively attract adult Lepidoptera. The cis-jasmone may be used alone or in combination with one or more other volatiles of the Japanese honeysuckle flower, particularly linalool and/or phenylacetaldehyde. By attracting the adult Lepidoptera to attracticidal baits and/or field traps, the attractants are useful for the control and monitoring of these agricultural pests.

Abstract: A method which combines the use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or oligonucleotide linkers and restriction enzymes which cleave degenerate or variable recognition site sequences to allow the cloning of multiple DNA sequences into a vector is disclosed. In this invention, a plurality of unrelated DNA sequences may be directionally cloned within a single vector by adding onto the ends of the sequences, restriction sites with specific sequences which are cleaved by corresponding restriction endonucleases which recognize degenerate or variable recognition sites and which generate cohesive ends upon cleavage. The compatibility (or ability to anneal) of the cohesive ends on different DNA sequences is controlled by the choice of the nucleotide sequence within the recognition sequences of the restriction endonucleases, allowing the DNA sequences to be inserted or joined in any desired orientation.

Abstract: Host cells transfected with a recombinant DNA molecule which includes a DNA sequence inserted therein encoding a heterologous chicken BFIV MHC class I protein are disclosed. The transfected cells express the heterologous BFIV protein and may be used as an immunogen to produce chicken MHC class I (BFIV) specific antisera. The antisera so produced may then be used to determine the BF haplotype of any chicken.

Abstract: The present invention provides an composition for attracting noctuid and/or other lepidopteran species. Liquid and solid formulations are provided, along with methods for their use, for controlling or eliminating noctuid and/or other lepidopteran species, and/or protecting plants susceptible to noctuid and/or other lepidopteran species damage.

Abstract: An improved gin saw stand for ginning seed cotton or reginning cotton seed is disclosed. The gin stand of this invention includes an inlet in the roll box allowing seed cotton or seed to be fed directly therein without the need for a huller front or its associated picker roller and huller ribs. A power driven paddle roller having a plurality of outwardly extending elongated paddles rotating in the opposite direction from the first gin saw cylinder is also placed within this roll box. The elongated paddles of this paddle roller are effective for independently turning the seed cotton and/or seeds accumulated in the roll box, consequently bringing them into contact with the gin saw cylinder where the lint may be gripped by the teeth of the saw. To control the rate of seed passage between the blades of the gin saw cylinder and their subsequent discharge from the gin stand, a power driven, seed metering roller is positioned adjacent to the saw cylinder and on the same side thereof as the ginning ribs.

Abstract: Improved shampoos and conditioners are disclosed which provide enhanced rinseability, wet feel, detangling, dry comb feel, style management, shine and/or body to human hair. This improved performance may be achieved by incorporation of fatty acid estolides into the shampoo or conditioner. Thus, the improved shampoos of this invention include aqueous compositions of a surfactant cleansing agent, and a thickener, in combination with one or more fatty acid estolides. Similarly, the improved conditioners of this invention include aqueous compositions of a hair conditioning agent in combination with one or more fatty acid estolides.

Abstract: A novel Plutella xylostella baculovirus (PxMNPV) which is useful for the control of insect pests has been isolated. A variety of insect pests may be controlled by application of an insecticidally effective amount of the baculovirus to the locus or vicinity of the target insect.

Abstract: An improved process for the production of high yields of .delta.-lactones and 5-hydroxy fatty acids from unsaturated fatty acids such as oleic acid is disclosed. The .delta.-lactones may be produced by reacting one or more .DELTA..sup.9 to .DELTA..sup.15 unsaturated fatty acids in the presence of an acid catalyst and at a temperature between about 20 to 70.degree. C. Moreover, yields of the .delta.-lactones may be increased even further by reaction in the presence of dipolar, non-participating, non-aqueous solvents. The unsaturated fatty acids may be free or esterified with glycerol or other aliphatic alcohols, and the .delta.-lactones may be produced by reacting mono-, di- or triglycerides of the unsaturated fatty acids with the same catalysts. Because the .delta.-lactones may be produced from the triglycerides of unsaturated fatty acids, the instant process may be practiced using naturally occurring plant oils directly, without the need for any preliminary steps of saponification or steam splitting.

Abstract: A process for the isolation of simmondsins from jojoba meal is disclosed. Simmondsins are first extracted from defatted jojoba meal with water. After separation from the meal, this water extract is subsequently dried, leaving the simmondsins in the resulting solid. The simmondsins may then be preferentially extracted from the dried water extract by contact with a first ethanolic solvent, forming a first solvent fraction containing simmondsins therein. The first solvent fraction, which is a substantially protein-free concentrate of simmondsins, may be separated from the solid phase, and the ethanolic solvent may then be readily removed, for example, by drying. Residual simmondsins remaining in the meal following extraction with the first ethanolic solvent may also be recovered by a second extraction with ethanolic solvent.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of improving flour by altering glutenin content in seeds of wheat and non-wheat plants. The invention relates to methods of introducing a recombinant construct comprising a glutenin gene into a parental plant.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for the aerial spraying of agricultural chemicals with improved spray deposition and reduced drift. The spraying apparatus includes two oppositely charged sets of spray nozzles which may be fitted onto an aircraft. Both sets include one or more nozzles having spraying tips which produce a hollow cone spray pattern, and at least the tips of these nozzles are constructed of a substantially non-conducting material. Cylindrical electrodes are positioned concentric to the nozzle tips for inducing an electrostatic charge upon liquid spray emitted from the nozzles. The electrodes are in turn connected to high voltage power supplies, with the electrodes corresponding to the first nozzle set being connected to a power supply of opposite potential than the electrodes corresponding the second nozzle set. Consequently, the spray issuing from the nozzle sets will be oppositely charged.

Abstract: A novel entomopathogenic nematode of the genus Steinernema, which is effective as a biopesticide for the control of insects, and particularly the corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea, and the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda. This nematode has been identified as Steinernema riobravis.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of improving flour by altering glutenin content in seeds of wheat and non-wheat plants. The invention relates to methods of introducing a recombinant construct comprising a glutenin gene into a parental plant.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting ingesta or fecal contamination on an animal carcass using fluorescent spectroscopy is disclosed. The surface of the carcass is illuminated with UV or visible light having an appropriate wavelength and fluorescent light emissions having a wavelength between about 660 to 680 nm are then detected. The emission of fluorescent light having wavelengths between about 660 to 680 nm is an indication of the presence of ingesta or fecal material on the carcass.

Abstract: Hybridoma cell lines have been generated which produce and secrete monoclonal antibodies which selectively bind to the ceftiofur. These hybridomas may be obtained by using as an immunization agent or immunogen, desfuroyl ceftiofur which has been conjugated to an immunogenic carrier. Ceftiofur in biological samples may be detected and quantified by contacting the sample with the antibodies to form a ceftiofur/antibody immunocomplex when ceftiofur is present, which immunocomplex may then be detected. The monoclonal antibodies may also be incorporated into kits for the detection and quantification of ceftiofur.

Abstract: An improved artificial diet or growth medium for rearing the insect parasitoid Catolaccus grandis is disclosed. The growth medium is composed of amino acid, mineral, vitamin, lipid, and carbohydrate fractions which are present in amounts and proportions effective to support growth of Catolaccus grandis, and the amino acid fraction includes alanine, glutamic acid, histidine and proline at concentrations of about 3.0-5.0%, 8.4-9.4%, 10.0-15.1% and 11.7-12.8%, by weight, respectively. The growth medium is suitable for mass propagation of C. grandis from egg to adult for their subsequent release as biocontrol agents. Alternatively, the growth medium may be used to support growth of adult female wasps of C. grandis for use as breeding stock for continued mass propagation.

Abstract: A solid or semi-solid culture medium, designated Campy-Cefex, for the isolation of Campylobacter species. The culture medium includes:(a) a nutrient medium with an energy source effective to support growth of Campylobacter;(b) agar;(c) blood;(d) a first selective agent selected from cycloheximide, its salts, or mixtures thereof; and(e) a second selective agent selected from cefoperazone, its salts, or mires thereof.In use, the sample to be analyzed is inoculated onto the Campy-Cefex culture medium, and subsequently incubated for a sufficient time and under conditions effective to promote growth of Campylobacter. Following incubation, the culture medium may then be examined for the presence of any colonies of Campylobacter.

Abstract: Immortal avian T lymphocyte cell lines which produce and secrete immune lymphokines are disclosed. These cell lines may be produced from T cells recovered from fowl which have been hyperimmunized in vivo. The activated T cells are first exposed in vitro to a mitogen effective for secondary stimulation thereof, and then virally transformed to produce an immortal cell line. When cultured in vitro, the cell lines produce and secrete immune lymphokines which may be administered to fowl to increase their resistance to infections.