Abstract: An M. paratuberculosis gene referred to as hspX provides a useful target region for the construction of suitable probes and primers that are species-specific for distinguishing M. paratuberculosis from related mycobacteria in a test sample. M. paratuberculosis is the causative agent of Johne's disease and has been isolated from human patients with Crohn's disease.

Abstract: Vaccines against porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) have been produced by attenuation of wild type strains of the virus selected from the group of attenuated NADC-8, attenuated NADC-9 and attenuated NVSL-14. These vaccines are useful in monovalent, bivalent or polyvalent vaccines.

Abstract: DNA sequences from potato which encode the enzyme solanidine UDP-glucose glucosyltransferase (SGT) are disclosed. Recombinant DNA molecules containing the sequences, and use thereof, in particular, use of an antisense DNA construct to inhibit the production of SGT and thereby reduce glycoalkaloid levels in solanaceous plants, e.g., potato, are described.

Abstract: A new species of Syngliocladium, designated as S. tetanopsis Hodge, Humber and Wozniak, has been discovered which is pathogenic to the sugarbeet root maggot, Tetanops myopaeformis Roder. Spore formulations of this entomopathogen are useful for inciting a fatal mycoses in the sugarbeet root maggot. This species represents the only confirmed natural pathogen of this dipteran insect.

Abstract: A strain of Pseudomonas Sp. bacterium (NRRL B-18602) has been discovered which is capable of converting oleic acid to the novel compound, 7,10-dihydroxy-8-octadecenoic acid (DOD). The production of DOD is unique in that it involves a hydroxylation at two positions and a rearrangement of the double bond of the substrate molecule. The new multifunctional, long-chain aliphatic acid has potential utility as a plasticizer and as a source of intermediates in the synthesis of specialty chemicals.

Abstract: A stable and non-separable composition comprised of starch and a water-immiscible material can be prepared in the absence of external emulsifying or dispersing agents by thoroughly solubilizing an aqueous dispersion of the starch at elevated temperatures and incorporating the water-immiscible material into the non-retrograded starch under conditions of high turbulence. The resulting dispersions form soft gels that can be easily converted to pourable fluids by the application of heat. Upon drying, these dispersions yield solid compositions that are easily redispersed in water to form smooth, stable dispersions. These compositions are useful as thickening agents, suspending agents, waterproof coating materials, adhesives, fat substitutes, and seed coatings. They are receptive to the addition of a variety of other water-immiscible materials, such as volatile and essential oils, food flavorants, medicinals, waxes, agricultural chemicals, and the like.

Abstract: A novel compound, 12,13,17-trihydroxy-9(Z)-octadecenoic acid (THOA) was produced from linoleic acid by microbial transformation at 25% yield. The newly isolated microbial strain catalyzing this transformation was identified as Clavibacter sp. ALA2 (Accession No. NRRL B-21660). THOA and its derivatives have application as antifungal agents.

Abstract: A Marek's disease vaccine comprising an attenuated revertant virus derived as a clone of Md11/75/R2 or an antigenic component of the virus is characterized by a markedly reduced pathogenicity compared to the parent virus, without a comparable loss in immunogenicity. Attenuated revertants of the invention are exemplified by Md11/75/R2/23 and Md11/75/R2/29. These viruses or immunogenic components thereof can be formulated into monovalent and polyvalent vaccines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for encapsulating biologically active agents in starch-based adherent granules. Simple and economic methods have been developed to prepare said adherent granules. Compositions and characteristics of the granules are disclosed, including their capability for sustained release of pest control agents. These methods and compositions are useful in controlling insects and other species of pests having chewing mouth parts and amylase digestive enzymes.

Abstract: Bacteria which will suppress fungus-induced potato disease under storage conditions have been screened and selected from soil samples. A method for isolating these antagonists, their use in controlling potato disease, and specific isolates which are inhibitory to potato dry rot disease under post-harvest conditions constitute the essence of the invention. The subject biocontrol agents are considered to be economically-feasible alternatives to chemical agents currently in use for this purpose.

Abstract: Gel substances are prepared from dietary fiber substrates by chemically and physically treating the substrates in a multistage process to substantially complete disintegrate their morphological cellular structures. These gels are characterized by high viscosities and high hydration capacities and can be readily dried and reconstituted. They find utility in a variety of food and non-food compositions, particularly as reduced-calorie fat and/or flour substitutes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polypeptide vaccine and method to immunize subjects against Chlamydia. In particular, this invention relates to essentially pure polypeptides of Chlamydia psittaci strain DD-34 ranging from about 40 to 140 kilodaltons in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. These compositions are used to immunize several species of animals against Chlamydia. More specifically, this invention relates to the discovery of a highly immunogenic essentially pure polypeptide of Chlamydia psittaci strain DD-34 having a molecular weight of about 96 kilodaltons.

Abstract: The compound 1-methyl-2-(1-methylethenyl)-cyclobutaneacetic acid (grandisoic acid) has been found to be useful as an aggregation pheromone for plum curculio weevils. Both male and female plum curculios are attracted to the compound, particularly to the (+)-1R,2S enantiomer. The plum curculio is a major pest of stone and pome fruits. When applied to the habit of these pests via a pheromone dispenser, the compound has utility as a monitoring and/or control agent.

Abstract: Sheet-fed and heat-set web offset ink vehicles, which do not require any volatile organic compounds, are prepared by blending: (I) as the major component, a petroleum resin, an alkyd resin or a heat bodied oil; (II) a non-bodied vegetable oil; and (III) one or more fatty acid esters. Inks prepared from these vehicles are quick drying and meet or exceed industry standards in regard to ruboff resistance, viscosity, and tackiness.

Abstract: Apomictic maize/Tripsacum hybrids having a ratio of maize chromosomes: Tripsacum chromosomes of at least 30:9 have been developed. These hybrids are useful for introgressing diplosporous apomictic reproduction into a maize background toward the ultimate goal of establishing immortalized commercial lines of apomictic maize having stably inherited characteristics without the need for continuously producing hybrid seed by repeated crossings of selected parental lines.DNA primers for use in assaying maize/Tripsacum hybrids for apomictic reproduction behavior are provided.

Abstract: Single-gene, non-lethal mutations responsible for low phytic acid-containing seeds are selectable by means of a method for assaying seeds which are otherwise phenotypically, or nearly phenotypically, normal. Maize mutants having from 20% to 95% reductions in kernel phytic acid phosphorus compared to the wild-type, without any noticeable reduction in total phosphorus, were isolated by this method. Mutants obtained in accordance with the invention are useful for developing commercial, low phytic acid seed, plant lines.

Abstract: A stable and non-separable composition comprised of starch and oil can be prepared in the absence of external emulsifying or dispersing agents by thoroughly solubilizing an aqueous dispersion of the starch at elevated temperatures and incorporating the oil into the non-retrograded starch under conditions of high turbulence. The resulting dispersions form soft gels that can be easily converted to pourable fluids by the application of heat. Upon drying, these dispersions yield solid compositions that are easily redispersed in water to form smooth, stable dispersions that are nongreasy, yet slippery to the touch. These compositions are useful as thickening agents, suspending agents, fat substitutes, and seed coatings. They are receptive to the addition of a variety of water-immiscible materials, such as volatile and essential oils, food flavorants, medicinals, agricultural chemicals, and the like.

Abstract: Plant germplasm is transformed with foreign DNA by introducing the DNA into pollen grains by a technique such as electroporation, mating ova of the desired plant line with the transformed pollen, and selecting for the transformed germplasm. The germinating pollen, resultant seed, and the progeny can each be screened for expression of the foreign gene. The transformed pollen can be used as a vector for introducing the foreign DNA into plant lines of similar or dissimilar origin, including both monocots and dicots.

Abstract: Hybridoma cell lines have been produced which secrete monoclonal antibodies that bind hygromycin B and are effective to detect hygromycin B levels as low as about 0.7 ppm. These monoclonal antibodies may be used for the detection and quantitative determination of trace amounts of hygromycin B in samples, especially in animal tissue and feed material.

Abstract: A sortation conveyor includes elongated slats, of rectangular configuration, travelling in pairs along an endless path. The conveyor is characterized by unique diverters, and mounting assemblies therefor. The diverters are formed of a durable plastic, with an additive for lubricity. The additional lubricity allows the bearing surfaces of the diverter to slide laterally along the adjacent pair of slats, with reduced friction. A metal I-beam insert strengthens the web of the diverter, while reducing the thickness thereof; the reduced thickness allows the web of the diverter to pass easily between adjacent pairs of slats. The diverter pin has flat sides, in horizontal cross-section, for cooperation with pin guides and switches. Two urethane blocks fill the hollow shell at the upper end of the diverter, and the protruding edges of the blocks are angled to impart a downward force to a package striking same.