Abstract: A process for the production of hydroxy fatty acids and novel estolide compounds, each of which may be used as lubricants, greases, plasticizers and printing inks, as well as in cosmetics. The estolides are of the formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is selected from C.sub.6 -C.sub.16 hydrocarbons which may be saturated or unsaturated, and branched or straight chain, and optionally substituted, such as with one or more hydroxy groups; R.sub.2 is independently selected from C.sub.2 -C.sub.17 hydrocarbons which may be saturated or unsaturated, and branched or straight chain, and optionally substituted, such as with one or more hydroxy groups; A is selected from C.sub.3 -C.sub.14 hydrocarbons which may be saturated or unsaturated, and branched or straight chain, and optionally substituted; n is greater than or equal to 1; y is an integer from 3-13; x is 1 or 2; and . . . designates a single or double carbon/carbon bond.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding and applying pesticides onto animals, particularly wildlife such as deer. The apparatus includes vertical support members carrying pesticide applicators which the animal contacts in the course of feeding.

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: Salmonella colonization of fowl may be effectively controlled or inhibited using a defined composition of anaerobic bacteria (i.e., probiotic). the probiotic includes a first culture of substantially pure anaerobic bacteria effective for fermenting lactic acid to produce volatile organic acids including acetic, propionic and/or butyric acids. A second culture of at least one anaerobic bacteria effective for fermenting carbonhydrates to produce lactic acid is also employed in combination with the above-mentioned first cuture. Suitable organisms for use in this first culture include bacteria of the genera Veillonella, Megasphaera, and mixtures thereof. These first and second cultures are administered to the subject fowl in amounts effective for inhibiting Salmonella colonization thereof. In one embodiment, the above-mentioned probiotic may be combined with a conventional feed, providing a novel feed product which may be orally ingested by the fowl.

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 novel N-methoxy-2-pyridone designated leporin A has been isolated from the sclerotia of the fungus, Aspergillus leporis. Leporin A is characterized by the structural formula ##STR1## and is effective for controlling Lepidopteran insect pests.

Abstract: Plant material may be treated for the removal of gossypol therefrom to provide a protein-rich product and/or oil relatively free of gossypol. The process includes the steps of:a. grinding the plant material to form a meal,b. adding an amine and a buffer to the meal and mixing to form a slurry and react the gossypol in the plant material with the amine and buffer to form a gossypol/amine/buffer complex,c. allowing the slurry to form a crystal layer of the complex above a layer of the meal having gossypol removed therefrom,d. separating the crystal layer from the layer of meal.The gossypol containing complex recovered also possesses insecticidal activity.

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 form 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: A process for producing cultures of Gliocladium virens for use as biocontrol agents wherein the production of viridiol is inhibited. Cells of Gliocladium virens are grown in a culture medium and under conditions effective to produce gliotoxin and/or gliovirin, wherein the culture medium includes an amount of a fungicidal steroid inhibitor which is effective to inhibit production of viridiol but which does not substantially inhibit the growth of G. virens. Following recovery, the resultant culture may be used as a biocontrol agent for the control of plant diseases by application to the locus of a plant, seedling or seed to be protected. Coating seeds with the biocontrol agent prior to planting has been found to be particularly effective for the control of soilborne root or seedling diseases.

Abstract: A method for decreasing the adrenal secretion of glucocorticoids, especially cortisol, in male livestock without substantially suppressing the animal's immune system by oral or other administration of effective doses of melengesterol acetate (MGA) or derivatives thereof. Ideally, the MGA may be used in admixture with the subject animal feed, although it is understood that the compound may be administered separately.

Abstract: A lipase purified from Rhizopus delemar can be produced by cultivating a genetically engineered host microorganism transformed with a gene coding for the lipase. Additionally disclosed is a method for the detection or screening for production of lipase by genetically engineered organisms.

Abstract: A method for the nondestructive measurement of the moisture content of single grain kernels, seeds, nuts, or fruits which is independent of their weight, thickness, and projected area. At least two independent parameters of complex electrical impedance or admittance of a single grain kernel, seed, nut, or fruit are measured at two different frequencies and the moisture content is calculated therefrom.

Abstract: A novel cytotoxic protein is described possessing antifungal activity and which may be used for the treatment of fungal infections, or the prevention or control of fungal growth, as well as being potentially valuable as a biopesticide such as an insecticide, nematicide, or herbicide. The protein is produced by culture of Pichia inositovora strain NRRL Y-18709, and may be subsequently recovered from the culture medium and purified.

Abstract: Compositions of .alpha.-ionone were found to effectively attract rose chafers, Macrodactylus subspinosus (F.). The .alpha.-ionone may be used alone or in combination with one or more low-molecular-weight organic compounds including: (1) an organic acid component selected from the group of valeric acid, hexanoic acid, and mixtures thereof, (2) an ester component comprising octyl butyrate, and/or (3) an alcohol component comprising one or more higher alcohols. By attracting the beetles to field traps, the attractants are useful for the monitoring and control of these agricultural pests.

Abstract: Compositions of trans-2-nonenol were found to effectively attract rose chafter, Macrodactylus subspinosus (F.). The trans-2-nonenol may be used alone or in combination with one or more organic compounds including: (1) an organic acid component selected from the group of valeric acid, hexanoic acid, and mixtures thereof, (2) an ester component comprising octyl butyrate, and/or (3) an .alpha.-ionone component. By attracting the beetles to field traps, the attractants are useful for the monitoring and control of these agricultural pests.

Abstract: N-substituted loline derivatives having the formula ##STR1## have utility as herbicides and insecticides.

Abstract: A 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 upstream 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: An apparatus and method for the treatment of forage material and other agricultural plants by crushing and impact maceration. The apparatus includes a pair of rotatable, generally cylindrical crushing rollers and a rotatable impact rotor having outwardly extending projections such as fins. Forage material is first passed between the crushing rollers where force applied to the rollers flattens the tubular structure of the plant stem, splitting or creating longitudinal cracks and making the plant fiber more compliant and ribbon-like. Additional maceration occurs as the crushed material is next impacted by the impact rotor, resulting in further splitting and separation of the stems into ribbons. The resultant macerated forage material produced may be subsequently pressed into mats for accelerated field drying. The mats could then be harvested by either baling or chopping when the desired moisture content is achieved.

Abstract: An apparatus for bagging produce or other articles susceptible to damage upon impact. The apparatus includes a bag receiver and transfer assembly adapted to receive, hold upright, and gently transfer an open topped bag of articles, such as from an automatic bagger, to a bag closer and optional conveyor.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting sprouting of tubers including the step of exposing tubers to the oxygenated monoterpenes: cineole, fenchone, menthol, or mixtures thereof. Preferably, the tubers are exposed to a composition having an oxygenated monoterpene fraction, and wherein cineole, fenchone, menthol, or a mixture thereof form the major portion of the oxygenated monoterpene fraction.