Abstract: A hybridoma cell line is described which produces and secretes a monoclonal antibody which specifically binds to vitellin in the eggs of the corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea, but does not bind to vitellin in the eggs of the tobacco budworm, Heliothis virescens. Eggs of H. zea may be detected and differentiated from eggs of H. virescens by subjecting a sample of insect eggs to an immunosorbent assay using the above-mentioned monoclonal antibody. The monoclonal antibodies may also be incorporated into kits for the detection of eggs of H. zea in the field.

Abstract: A novel process is described for controlling sprouting in potato tubers by exposure of the tubers to an effective amount of anisic acid, coumaric acid, gallic acid, or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A hybridoma cell lines is described which produces and secretes a monoclonal antibody which selectively binds to the glycoalkaloids of potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplants, as well as their corresponding aglycones. Glycoalkaloids of potatoes, tomatoes, and/or eggplants in biological samples may be detected and quantified by contacting the sample with the antibodies to form a glycoalkaloid/antibody immunocomplex when the glycoalkaloids are present, which immunocomplex may then be detected. The monoclonal antibody may also be incorporated into kits for the detection and quantification of glycoalkaloids in plants, foods, and body tissues and fluids.

Abstract: A defined probiotic or composition of anaerobic bacteria effective for controlling or inhibiting Salmonella colonization of fowl. The probiotic includes populations or cultures of substantially biologically pure bacteria, which bacteria include:(a) at least one Lactobacillus species;(b) one or both of:Lactococcus lactis, andCitrobacter freundii; and(c) at least one of:one or more Enterococcus species,one or more Bifidobacterium species,one or more Propionibacterium species, andone or more Escherichia species.In use, the probiotic is administered to the subject fowl in an amount effective for inhibiting Salmonella colonization thereof. The invention also relates to a novel method for isolating probiotics which are effective for controlling or inhibiting Salmonella colonization of fowl, from fecal droppings or cecal contents of adult fowl. The droppings or cecal contents are combined with a culture medium and incubated without dilution (i.e. batch culture) under anaerobic conditions.

Abstract: Recombinant proteins have been developed for the immunization of animals against cryptosporidiosis. The Proteins are effective for the immunization of a variety of animals against Cryptosporidium parvum, particularly for the production of hyperimmune colostrum that may be used to confer passive immunity against the parasite. Isolated DNA sequences which encode these proteins have also been developed. The DNA sequences may be inserted into recombinant DNA molecules such as cloning vectors or expression vectors for the transformation of cells and the production of the proteins.

Abstract: A vaccine for Marek's disease using mutant strains of a serotype 2 field isolate, designated 471B/1, is disclosed. The mutant viruses, which are produced by serial passage of 471B/1 in cell culture, not only retain effective immunizing ability against Marek's disease virus, but which also exhibit reduced enhancement of lymphoid leukosis in comparison to non-passaged 471B/1 and conventional serotype 2 vaccines. These viruses or immunogenic components thereof can be formulated into monovalent and polyvalent vaccines.

Abstract: Hybridoma cell lines have been generated which produce and secrete monoclonal antibodies which selectively bind bovine haptoglobin, either in its native state or bound to hemoglobin and/or albumin. These hybridomas may be obtained by using as an immunization agent or immunogen, bovine haptoglobin that has been complexed to hemoglobin and optionally albumin. Total bovine haptoglobin, including both native and bound to hemoglobin and/or albumin, present in biological samples may be detected and quantified by contacting the sample with the antibodies to form a bovine haptoglobin/antibody immunocomplex when the bovine haptoglobin is present, which immunocomplex may then be detected. The monoclonal antibodies may also be incorporated into kits for the detection and quantification of bovine haptoglobin.

Abstract: A method for analyzing the structures of chemical organic compounds, polymers, polynucleotides and peptides is disclosed. The method uses the integrated intensity of spectral light absorption in wide or narrow regions of the ultraviolet and/or visible spectrum and relates these parameters additively to the structural characteristics of the analyzed chemical compound. For the analysis of polymers, nucleotides and/or peptides the integrated intensities of spectral absorption are used sequentially in narrow regions of the ultraviolet light which enables the determination of the molecular weight and the complete amino acid composition of the analyzed compound. All these procedures are interconnected in an automatic spectrophotometric structural analyzer.

Abstract: A process and device for managing irrigation of plants or crops using crop canopy temperate measurements by use of a specific time threshold. In this process, the canopy temperature of the target plant is repeatedly measured with an infrared thermometer. After each measurement, the canopy temperature is compared with a predetermined threshold canopy temperature, above which temperature the plant is thermally stressed. If the measured canopy temperature is less than or equal to the threshold canopy temperature, or if the existing humidity is restrictive to plant cooling, then irrigation is not indicated and the canopy temperature measurement is repeated at its designated time. However, if both the measured canopy temperature is greater than the threshold temperature, and the humidity is not restrictive to plant cooling, then an increment of time is added to a time register.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring agricultural spray deposits and maximum liquid formulation retention on plant leaf surfaces are disclosed. The apparatus includes a first chamber having an annular seal mounted thereon which defines a first cavity, and a second separable chamber also having an annular seal thereon defining a second cavity. Each chamber also includes at least one access port communicating with that chamber's respective cavity, and are aligned with their annular seals juxtaposed in an opposable relationship. Releasable force application means are also provided for forcing the chambers together with the seals in an abutting relationship. In use, a leaf of the target plant is inserted between the annular seals and the chambers are forced together, retaining the leaf between the seals and forming first and second accessible compartments defined by the leaf and the cavities of the first and second chambers, respectively.

Abstract: A defined probiotic or composition of anaerobic bacteria effective for controlling or inhibiting Salmonella colonization of fowl. The probiotic includes populations or cultures of 29 substantially biologically pure bacteria. In use, the probiotic is administered to the subject fowl in an amount effective for increasing resistance to Salmonella colonization thereof.The invention also relates to a novel method for isolating probiotics which are effective for controlling or inhibiting Salmonella colonization of domestic animals, from fecal droppings, cecal contents or large intestines of the adult animals. The droppings, cecal contents or large intestine are combined with a culture medium and incubated without dilution (i.e. batch culture) under anaerobic conditions. Following this preliminary incubation, the resultant culture is subjected to continuous flow conditions until a steady state is achieved, after which time the steady state culture may be recovered for use as a probiotic.

Abstract: A composition for preventing or limiting the attack and infestation of trees by pine bark beetles, by inhibiting the response of the beetles to their aggregation pheromones. The composition comprises a green leaf volatile selected from six carbon alcohols, aldehydes, their derivatives such as acetates, and mixtures thereof. The green leaf volatile may be employed alone or in combination with an additional, known inhibitor of the pheromone response of the beetle.

Abstract: Hybridoma cell lines have been produced which produce and secrete monoclonal antibodies which bind salinomycin and are effective to detect salinomycin levels as low as about 0.174 to about 0.793 ng. These monoclonal antibodies may be used for the detection and quantitative determination of very low levels of salinomycin in samples, especially in animal tissue and feed material.

Abstract: A novel process for producing lactic acid using the rumen contents collected from slaughtered cattle or sheep is disclosed. The rumen contents are initially incubated for a period of time and under sufficiently low pH conditions effective to kill and/or inactivate non-lactic acid producing bacteria therein. Prior to or following this inactivation, the rumen contents are combined with a supplemental culture medium to form a fermentation broth and provide additional sources of carbohydrate and organic N for enhanced growth of lactic acid bacteria. In the second stage of the process, the fermentation broth is fermented under conditions promoting growth of the lactic acid bacteria to increase their cell mass to high densities. Optimal growth is attained by adjusting the pH of the fermentation broth to between about 6.6 to 7.2 and then incubating under anaerobic conditions for a sufficient time to lower its pH to between about 4.7 and 5.2.

Abstract: A novel organic compound, designated botcinolide, has been isolated which possesses significant phytotoxic activity and which may be used as a biodegradable contact herbicide. The compound is a hydroxylated nonalactone that is esterified with 4-hydroxy-2-octenoic acid, and has the following structure: ##STR1## Botcinolide is produced by culture of a novel strain of the fungus Botrytis cinerea, designated UK 185, and may be subsequently recovered from the culture medium and purified.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for attracting and subsequently trapping and/or killing crop pests from the Euschistus species. Alkyl esters of (2E,4Z)-decadienoic acid as a chemical attractant pheromone and, in combination with a trap or toxicant, provide an efficient means for controlling these insects.

Abstract: A novel process is described for controlling sprouting in tubers and improving their processing qualities using naturally occurring compounds. Tuber sprouting and/or melanization which occurs during processing, such as cooking or frying, may be controlled by exposure of the tubers to an effective amount of a jasmonate. Further, by varying the amount of jasmonate applied to the tubers, either sprout inhibition or improvement of processed color quality or both, may be preferentially selected.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to fiber cleaning utilizing an alternating series of cleaning saw cylinders and doffing brush cylinders. The doffing brush cylinders transfer ginned fiber from an upstream cleaning saw cylinder to the next downstream cleaning saw cylinder in such a way that the flow of the fiber changes direction at the pinch point between the downstream cleaning saw cylinder and the doffing brush cylinder. Guiding means including control bars are provided to help guide the ginned fiber from the doffing brush cylinder to the next downstream cleaning saw cylinder at the pinch point. Flow deflecting means including air control bars are provided to deflect a substantial portion of the flow of entrained air from flowing around the doffing brush cylinder.

Abstract: A cell line obtained from Heliothis subflexa, designated BCIRL-HS-AM1, and an in vitro process using the cell line to produce viral agents including viruses, viral particles, and/or occlusion bodies. The cell line is particularly useful in the production of baculoviruses and occlusion bodies of baculoviruses.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the disposal of biodegradable solid waste material such as as cellulosic material and paper. The apparatus includes a trench cutter for both cutting a trench in the soil and maintaining the trench open to facilitate subsequent deposit of both waste material and soil therein. Waste material to be disposed of is held in a receptacle, and is delivered into the open trench through a dispenser positioned rearward of the trench cutter. A backfiller is also provided on the apparatus for directing borrow soil removed by the trench cutter back into the trench together with the waste material. A mixer is provided rearward of the dispenser and backfiller for mixing the backfilled soil with the waste material within the trench, increasing contact of the waste material with soil microorganisms and moisture and thereby speeding decomposition.