Abstract: This invention relates to a membrane and method for the preservation of agricultural produce. According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a membrane for the preservation of agricultural produce comprising first and second outer polymeric layers, at least one of the outer polymeric layers being impregnated with a hydrophilic agent, and an inner layer dispersed in between the outer layers, the inner layer consisting of a polymer being impregnated with a carrier for incorporation of an antimicrobial volatile into the inner layer, the inner layer further including an absorptive agent, wherein in use, the membrane is placed proximate to agricultural produce to be preserved.

Abstract: Nucleic acids include sequences encoding Ehrlichia ruminantium epitopes which induce a CD4 immune response, and sequences encoding Ehrlichia ruminantium epitopes which induce a CD8 immune response. Multi-epitope DNA vaccines include the nucleic acids and polypeptides are encoded by the nucleic acids. Methods of eliciting an immune response against heartwater disease in a subject make use of the nucleic acids, multi-epitope DNA vaccines and polypeptides.

Abstract: A new Satsuma hybrid (Citrus unshiu X) designated the variety name of ‘Sonet’ is described. The novel characteristics of the fruit include early maturity, tighter rind and firmer fruit does not puff easily and has an improved flavour compared to known varieties of Satsuma ripening at this time.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel strain of Megasphaera elsdenii and its uses. This invention further relates to preparations and methods incorporating such strain. This invention also relates to feedstuffs for ruminants and a preparation and method for the prevention and treatment of lactic acidosis in ruminants. This invention even further relates to a method of isolating a biologically pure culture of a superior ruminal microorganism in a relatively shorter time period than conventional methods. This invention yet further relates to a method of achieving any one or more of the following improvements in ruminants namely increased milk production; improved feedlot performance; improved growth rate; decrease in finishing time; lower digestive morbidity and mortality; lower incidence of lactic acidosis and related diseases; improved feed conversion efficiency; decrease in roughage content in feeds; and capability to feed on relatively higher concentrate diets.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of preparing the stereoisomers of 1,11-diamino-6-aza-undecane-2,4,8,10-tetraol.

Abstract: Foot and mouth disease (FMD) viruses which are able to grow on BHK-21 cells in suspension are described herein. The new viruses are recombinant chimeric viruses formed by replacing the outer capsid coding region of a first FMDV strain, which has previously been shown to be an effective vaccine strain, with the outer capsid coding region of a second FMDV strain. The outer capsid coding region of the second FMDV strain is also modified to introduce a heparan sulphate proteoglycan (HSPG) binding site. The chimeric viruses are then used as seed viruses in the production of inactivated vaccine antigens which have been tailored for specific outbreak situations or locality. The invention also relates to the product of expression of the chimeric FMD viruses and to uses therefor, such as to form antigenic, immunological or vaccine compositions for prevention of FMD.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel strain of Megasphaera elsdenii and its uses. This invention further relates to preparations and methods incorporating such strain. This invention also relates to feedstuffs for ruminants and a preparation and method for the prevention and treatment of lactic acidosis in ruminants. This invention even further relates to a method of isolating a biologically pure culture of a superior ruminal microorganism in a relatively shorter time period than conventional methods. This invention yet further relates to a method of achieving any one or more of the following improvements in ruminants namely increased milk production; improved feedlot performance; improved growth rate; decrease in finishing time; lower digestive morbidity and mortality; lower incidence of lactic acidosis and related diseases; improved feed conversion efficiency; decrease in roughage content in feeds; and capability to feed on relatively higher concentrate diets.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel strain of Megasphaera elsdenii and its uses. This invention further relates to preparations and methods incorporating such strain. This invention also relates to feedstuffs for ruminants and a preparation and method for the prevention and treatment of lactic acidosis in ruminants. This invention even further relates to a method of isolating a biologically pure culture of a superior ruminal microorganism in a relatively shorter time period than conventional methods. This invention yet further relates to a method of achieving any one or more of the following improvements in ruminants namely increased milk production; improved feedlot performance; improved growth rate; decrease in finishing time; lower digestive morbidity and mortality; lower incidence of lactic acidosis and related diseases; improved feed conversion efficiency; decrease in roughage content in feeds; and capability to feed on relatively higher concentrate diets.

Abstract: A new variety of mandarin (Citrus L.) designated ‘African Sunset’ is described. The fruit matures earlier than comparable varieties. In addition, the fruit includes a more pebbled rind, a lower acid content, and is almost seedless.

Abstract: A new variety of mandarin (Citrus L.) designated ‘Valley Gold’ is described. The novel characteristics of the fruit include late onset of maturity of fruit, a distinct tougher rag and rind, and a darker external orange colour as compared to known varieties.

Abstract: A portable, disposable, unitary microorganism proliferation and delivery apparatus (10) is provided. The apparatus (10) comprises a proliferation chamber (12) for containing a growth medium (14); and an inoculation chamber (16) for containing an inoculum (18). The proliferation and inoculation chambers (12 and 16) are connected by a tube (19) defining a passage (20), which is closed by a separating means in the form of a septum (22). The inoculation chamber (16) is provided or defined by a flexible vial having a mouth (16.1) and the septum (22) closes the mouth. Opening means in the form of a spike (24) is mounted in the passage (20) directed at the septum (22). The mouth (16.1) of the inoculation chamber (16) is connected to one end of the tube (19) by an advancement means in the form of a screw thread connection (26).

Abstract: A new variety of mandarin (Citrus L.) designated ‘African Sunset’ is described. The fruit matures earlier than comparable varieties. In addition, the fruit includes a more pebbled rind, a lower acid content, and is almost seedless.

Abstract: A new variety of mandarin (Citrus L.) designated ‘Valley Gold’ is described. The novel characteristics of the fruit include late onset of maturity of fruit, a distinct tougher rag and rind, and a darker external orange color (R.H.S. 28A) as compared to known varieties.

Abstract: A new Satsuma hybrid (Citrus unshiu X) designated the variety name of ‘Sonet’ is described. The novel characteristics of the fruit include early maturity, tighter rind and firmer fruit does not puff easily and has an improved flavour compared to known varieties of Satsuma ripening at this time.

Abstract: A new and distinct form of Lachenalia plant characterized by a bulb plant type having a spreading growth habit of a height of 15-30 centimetres (cm) and width of 10-15 cm having a cerise pink flower and green leave with maroon spots.

Abstract: A new and distinct form of Lachenalia plant characterized by a bulb plant type having a spreading growth habit of a height of 15-30 centimetres (cm) and width of 10-15 cm; a hyacinth-like yellow flower with maroon tip which displays very compact inflorescence; and further having a lanceolate leaf form.

Abstract: A new and distinct form of Lachenalia plant characterized by a bulb plant type having a spreading growth habit of a height of 15-30 centimetres (cm) and width of 10-15 cm having a turquoise blue flower and green leave with maroon spots, further characterized in that the spots are relatively small in size and fairly pronounced in that it has a good contrast.

Abstract: A new and distinct form of Lachenalia plant characterized by a bulb plant type having a spreading growth habit of a height of 15-30 centimetres (cm) and width of 10-15 cm having a hyacinth-like soft pink flower with spreading tips; green leaves with maroon spots, further characterized in that the spots are fairly pronounced in that it has a good contrast.

Abstract: A new and distinct form of Lachenalia plant characterized by a bulb plant type having a spreading growth habit of a height of 15-30 centimetres (cm) and width of 10-15 cm; a bell-shaped multicolored yellow, orange and red flower.

Abstract: A new and distinct form of Lachenalia plant characterized by a bulb plant type having a spreading growth habit of a height of 15-30 centimetres (cm) and width of 10-15 cm having a purple flower with cream tips, and green leave with maroon spots, further characterized in that the spots are fairly pronounced in that it has a good contrast.