Abstract: Apparatus for extracting pomegranate seeds from pomegranates including a pomegranate breaker operative for breaking open pomegranates generally without cutting pomegranate seeds at the interior of the pomegranates and a pomegranate seed extractor operative to engage broken open pomegranates for separating the pomegranate seeds from other parts of the pomegranates.

Abstract: Apparatus for extracting pomegranate seeds from pomegranates including a pomegranate breaker operative for breaking open pomegranates generally without cutting pomegranate seeds at the interior of the pomegranates and a pomegranate seed extractor operative to engage broken open pomegranates for separating the pomegranate seeds from other parts of the pomegranates.

Abstract: The present invention is in the area of agriculture and more specifically is directed to a method for improving the culture of the edible fig (Ficus carica). As currently grown in California, the fig tends to have a rather short season so that fresh fruit is available only sporadically. The present invention provides a comprehensive method for improved culture of edible figs to provide fresh fruit throughout the year. The method specifies optimum methods for establishing and maintaining orchards. The method includes steps for extending fruit production into the winter. The method includes steps for enhancing fruit quality especially antioxidant compounds which are believed to be beneficial to human health. The method includes steps ensuring that fresh fruit will have an extended storage life. All of these factors contribute to higher yield and higher overall profitability.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating agricultural produce from stones and clods including at least one generally cylindrical separation assembly arranged to be impinged upon by a mixture of agricultural produce and at least one of stones and clods, the at least one generally cylindrical separation assembly including a plurality of generally mutually contiguous curved impact portions and a mounting assembly supporting the plurality of generally mutually contiguous curved impact portions, the mounting assembly including a metal principal support and at least one intermediate metal support element fixed to the metal principal support and to at least some of the plurality of generally mutually contiguous curved impact portions, the at least one intermediate metal support element having a resiliency greater than a resiliency of the metal principal support.

Abstract: The present invention deals with a microbiocidal aqueous formulation comprising: (i) an effective amount of at least one essential oil component, or derivatives thereof, said derivatives thereof obtained by exposure to light or by oxidation, or mixtures thereof; and (ii) at least one additional stabilizer selected from the group consisting of ethanol in an amount of from 10% to about 50%, an emulsifier, an antioxidant, or an encapsulating agent. The invention is further directed to a method for inhibiting microbial development using said microbiocidal aqueous formulation.

Abstract: A multi-purpose structure, especially useful as a greenhouse or other plant-protective structure, comprising; (a) a framework comprising a plurality of vertical supports, said vertical supports being arranged in rows that extend the entire width of the structure, wherein each of said rows contains at least two vertical supports having substantially the same height, said framework further comprising a plurality of connecting members that connect the vertical supports in a row to one another at junction points located at the tops of said supports; the framework further comprises a plurality of permanent cross strips extending perpendicularly to said connecting members; (b) at least one flexible sheet adapted to be weaved through said connecting members and extending the entire length of the framework so as to form at least a part of a roof of said framework.

Abstract: Paprika cultivars being characterized by fruits having total carotenoids content higher than 10 mg/g dry fruit weight and a branching pattern suitable for mechanical harvesting and methods and systems generating same.

Abstract: Paprika cultivars being characterized by fruits having total carotenoids content higher than 10 mg/g dry fruit weight and a branching pattern suitable for mechanical harvesting and methods and systems generating same.

Abstract: A recombinant promoter which is functional in plant cells, the recombinant promoter comprises at least a minimal functional plant promoter region derived from SEQ ID NOs: 7 or 8.

Abstract: A method of increasing a fraction of free carotenoids in a source of carotenoids in which at least some of the carotenoids are fatty acid esterified carotenoids is disclosed. The method is effected by contacting the source of carotenoids with an effective amount of an esterase under conditions effective in deesterifying the fatty acid esterified carotenoids, thereby increasing the fraction of free carotenoids in the source of carotenoids.

Abstract: An isolated polynucleotide comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide having a flavanone-7-O-glucoside-2″-O-rhamnosyl-transferase catalytic activity and its uses.

Abstract: A recombinant promoter which is functional in plant cells, the recombinant promoter comprises at least a minimal functional plant promoter region derived from SEQ ID NOs: 7, 8 or 9.

Abstract: A method of increasing a fraction of free carotenoids in a source of carotenoids in which at least some of the carotenoids are fatty acid esterified carotenoids is disclosed. The method is effected by contacting the source of carotenoids with an effective amount of an esterase under conditions effective in deesterifying the fatty acid esterified carotenoids, thereby increasing the fraction of free carotenoids in the source of carotenoids.

Abstract: A method and pharmaceutical composition for ceasing milk production, for inducing involution, or for treating infection in a mammary gland of a lactating animal is described. The method is effected by direct administration of calcium chelators to the gland, or upon administration of enzymes which cause production of chelators in situ. The invention can be used to change the physiologic state of a single mammary gland of a lactating animal without significantly affecting the physiologic state of other mammary glands of the same animal. Changes resulting from use of the invention may be either transient or long lasting. The invention is expected to have uses in commercial agriculture and human medicine.

Abstract: Materials comprised of linked, repeat units of beta glucosamine, having a molecular weight in the range of 400 to 10,000 are highly effective in controlling fungus infestation in agricultural crops, both pre-harvest and post-harvest. The antifungal material is preferably combined with a mildly acidic solvent to produce a composition having a slightly acidic, or near neutral pH. When the antifungal material is combined with a chitosan matrix, a synergistic interaction occurs which greatly enhances the effect of the resultant composition. Also disclosed is a method for producing a chitin or chitosan based material which will dissolve in water having a neutral pH.