Abstract: In the dihedral sensor system, two flat plates are secured to a dihedron so that the distance (L) between the edge and the meniscus and the spacing between the plates (a) on the meniscus will be a function of the dihedron tangent (?). Thus, for pure water the tension (?) is equal to the potential (T) and given by T=?2?/[L tg(?)], wherein ? is the water surface tension. In order to measure water tension in the soil, the system is coupled to porous elements, while the sensor edge is pressed directly against roots and other plant organs. Water potential, instead, is measured with the edge positioned at a few micrometers from the sample and the response takes place after the exchange of a few picoliters of water, when the condition of balance of temperature and water vapor is approached. Visually, with a sliding gauge, one measures water tensions between zero and 0.3 MPa, while with the aid of a microscope the reading extends up to 3.0 MPa. The water activity corresponding to water potentials lower than ?3.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a promoter and/or specific regulatory regions for the expression of genes of interest in roots. The invention further describes DNA constructs containing the polynucleotide of the invention operatively linked to a heterologous and/endogenous gene. Besides, the invention refers to the use of these constructions in the form of expression vectors, recombinant vectors and in plants, plant cells or transgenic protoplasts. The invention further describes a method employing such constructs containing the polynucleotide of the invention for the production of plants, plant cells or transgenic protoplasts.

Abstract: The present invention belongs to an insecticide compound derived from a strain of Bacillus thuringiensis and refers to the field of controlling plant pests, particularly to the control of the boll weevil—Anthonomus grandis. More specifically, the object of the invention refers to a new gene for the new delta-endotoxin designated Cry8Ha and to the cloning and expression of the gene that encodes for the protein Cry8Ha in Escherichia coli. There is provided the nucleotide sequence and encoding protein of the new delta-endotoxin, recombinant vectors and host cells. There is also provided processes and means for recombinant production and the use of the new delta-endotoxin for application in the control of the boll weevil. Additionally, the invention also provides an optimized synthetic gene for expression in cotton plants. Using the gene described herein, it is possible to transform plants based on techniques known by specialists in the art, for the expression of the endotoxin active against the boll weevil.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an apparatus and method for producing non-woven nanofibers from polymers. The method for producing non-woven micro nanofibers from polymers comprises the use of electrospinning and melt blowing elements. The apparatus presented for producing non-woven micro and/or nanofibers from polymers comprises a source of compressed gas, a pressure gauge, a hypodermic syringe with a pump for controlling the injection rate of the polymeric solutions, a pulverizing apparatus and a collector preferably with controlled rotation speed. The technology presented for producing non-woven micro and/or nanofibers is capable of producing micro and nanofibers having diameters similar to those produced by electrospinning, also on an industrial scale. The invention also comprises the use of non-woven nanofibers in pulverizing live tissues and as coating for materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, apparatus and a system of fast diagnosis of stresses and diseases in higher plants. The proposed methodology is based on the hypothesis of that when a plant is in imbalance; there are changes in its metabolism that render an alteration of the chemical composition of its organs. This chemical alteration leads to a change in the physical properties, such as the fluorescence of the leaves. Due to the complexity of the material of the leaves, the present method proposes that the signal be treated with statistical methods and that the classification is made through softwares based on machine learning. As an example of the application of the invention, the results are shown for the Greening disease in citrus.

Abstract: The objective of the current invention is the control of agricultural infestations based on alternative methods that are less aggressive to the environment and that are harmless to other invertebrates and to man; for instance biological control using bacterial strains belonging to species of the genera Bacillus, Brevibacillus and/or Paenibacillus. A first embodiment of the invention refers to compositions based on the systemic utilization of bacterial strains belonging to species of the genera Bacillus, Brevibacillus and/or Paenibacillus to protect plants by using the composition containing the above referred bacteria in wild-type, conjugated, mutant or transgenic forms and/or the substances produced by them. A second embodiment of the invention refers to a method of bioinsecticide application based on bacteria from the genera Bacillus, Brevibacillus and/or Paenibacillus.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a computer vision system for identifying the fungus Guignardia citricarpa, the causing agent of the citrus black spot. The invention refers to a method for identifying Guignardia citricarpa using a computer vision system comprising the steps of a) image acquisition from a collection disk using a digital camera connected to a microscope b) pre-processing to improve (or correct) the scanned images c) image segmentation to segregate each particle in the image d) analysis and extraction of relevant features of the segmented particles and e) identification using artificial intelligence techniques and artificial neural networks.

Abstract: The present invention relates to obtaining a fertilizer with sustained release of phosphorus, enriched with other macro and micronutrients, which can be produced by pyrolysis of pyrobituminous shale, in combination with calcareous shale and with natural phosphatidic rocks. The invention presents a process for obtaining a solid fertilizer with sustained release of phosphorus, enriched with Ca, Mg, S, Si and micronutrients, by a combination of pyrolysis of a pyrobituminous shale at a temperature of 450-500° C., with the addition of calcareous shale and of a phosphatidic rock, which represents a promising innovation compared to the prior art, and will certainly serve to fill a gap in the availability of fertilizers permitted for use in agroecological systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel peptide extracted from guava (Psidium guajava) seeds, that provides bactericide activity, Preferentially against Gram-negative bacteria which are known to cause urinary, hospital, and intestinal tract infections (Proteus sp. And Klebsiella sp.). The peptide, that has the amino acid sequence RESPSSRMEC YEQAERYGYG GYGGGRYGGG YGSGRGQPVG QGVERSHDDN RNQPR, belongs to the class of glycine rich proteins and has approximately 5 kDa of molecular weight. The invention also relates to antibiotic compositions for human, veterinary and plant treatments. Alternatively, the peptide, or a functionally similar derivative, subjects of the present invention, can be used for transforming organisms aiming pathogen resistance, other adaptive advantages, as well as various properties, specially for plants and animals.

Abstract: The Present invention relates to molecules isolated from the nucleic acid that encodes spider web proteins or fragments of these or other derivatives of these. The invention also refers to a chimerical gene and an expression vector containing molecules isolated from the nucleic acid that codes for proteins related to the webs of Nephilengys, Cruentata, Avicularia Juruensis and Parawixia Bistriata spiders. Another embodiment of the present invention are transformed cells containing a chimerical gene or an expression vector of the present invention. Yet another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for obtaining genetically modified organisms containing inventive chimerical genes or expression vectors and a method for obtaining recombinant proteins from the silks of Nephilengys, Cruentata, Aviculana Juruensis and Parawixia Bistriata spiders. Finally, the invention describes products, such as biofilaments and compositions, using the recombinant proteins of the present invention.

Abstract: The present utility model relates to a series of improvements introduced to the system for harvesting grain directly from plants, without cutting or extracting. Advances were substantial, principally concerning harvesting efficiency as well as the capability for harvesting green beans and green soybeans. The more important modifications concern the rotating shafts, now having self-locking and relatively flexible fixing rings for the rods. The operator can easily release these rings through a locking mechanism at the end of the shaft, in a manner so as to allow the replacement of worn rods. Each pair of rings ideally holds three rods which are mounted in an arch in a manner that there are two ends to each rod, with each pair of rings bearing six bristles.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a computer vision system for identifying the fungus Guignardia citricarpa, the causing agent of the citrus black spot. The invention refers to a method for identifying Guignardia citricarpa using a computer vision system comprising the steps of a) image acquisition from a collection disk using a digital camera connected to a microscope b) pre-processing to improve (or correct) the scanned images c) image segmentation to segregate each particle in the image d) analysis and extraction of relevant features of the segmented particles and e) identification using artificial intelligence techniques and artificial neural networks.

Abstract: The present invention relates to obtaining a fertilizer with sustained release of phosphorus, enriched with other macro and micronutrients, which can be produced by pyrolysis of pyrobituminous shale, in combination with calcareous shale and with natural phosphatidic rocks. The invention presents a process for obtaining a solid fertilizer with sustained release of phosphorus, enriched with Ca, Mg, S, Si and micronutrients, by a combination of pyrolysis of a pyrobituminous shale at a temperature of 450-500° C., with the addition of calcareous shale and of a phosphatidic rock, which represents a promising innovation compared to the prior art, and will certainly serve to fill a gap in the availability of fertilizers permitted for use in agroecological systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a class of anti-microbial peptides, called Phyllosepti ns, isolated from Phyllomedusa hypochondrialis. The invention also relates to therapeutic and agricultural compositions comprising one or more Phylloseptins. Methods of treating infections of various mammalian organs such as the skin and methods of treating plant infections are also included in the invention.

Abstract: The present invention deals with a composition for evidencing bacterial plaque based on natural colorants comprising at least one concentrated solution of natural colorant selected from the group consisting of colorants extracted from the aai (Euterpe oleracea) and colorants extracted from urucum (Bixa orellana), in a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle and, optionally, acceptable pharmaceutical additives. Preferentially, in the case of the aai solution, the concentration varies from 60 to 95% of concentrated extract, whilst for the urucum solution, the concentration varies between 56 and 90% of concentrated extract. Also preferentially, in solutions containing a mixture of the extracts, these will be present in a proportion that varies from 10:1 to 1:1.

Abstract: Microbiological agents are provided for control of certain diseases of wheat and other cereals caused by Fusarium species, including Fusarium head blight of wheat and other cereals. These agents can also improve yield of wheat plants and cereals. The agents are novel isolates of Pantoea agglomerans and of Bacillus megaterium that exhibit the property of inhibiting fungal pathogens, particularly those produced by Fusarium species. Biocontrol compositions, and methods of using them to control plant pathogen development on wheat and cereal plants and for increasing plant yield, are also provided. The biocontrol compositions comprise a mixture of at least one microorganism selected from the group consisting of Pantoea agglomerans and Bacillus megaterium.

Abstract: The objective of the present invention is an accelerated drying process for wood, capable of use with all species and of maintaining the quality of the dried wood intact, in which the temperature of the system is kept within the glass transition temperature range, for an appropriate period so as to attain the intended humidity ratio of the wood. It relates to an accelerated drying process for wood based on the rheological properties (hygro-thermalviscoelastic) of the latter, where the glass transition temperature of lignin is used as a relaxant or neutralization agent for the residual growth stress of trees, as well as those from the drying process. The process is controlled by monitoring the temperatures of the wood through the use of thermocouples placed along the length of the pieces. Furthermore, the use of the process of the present invention provides a significant reduction in the drying time and a reduction of the defects because molecular fluidity is maintained.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to isolated Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas putida, and Sporobolomyces roseus which are useful as a biocontrol agent. These organisms are useful in a method of imparting to plants protection against plant pathogens by applying them to plants, plant seeds, or soil surrounding plants under conditions effective to impart disease protection to the plants or plants produced from the plant seeds. The biocontrol agents are also useful in a method of enhancing plant growth which involves applying them to plants, plants seeds, or soil surrounding plants under conditions effective to enhance growth in the plants or plants produced from the plant seeds.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process of selecting germ line-transformed leguminous plants by introducing a DNA construct encoding a protein to confer imidazolinone or glyphosate resistance and selecting transformed shoots with a low concentration of herbicide.

Abstract: The invention relates to an irrigation control system comprising; at least one porous capsule sensor, a pressurized gas source in fluid communication with the at least one capsule sensor, and a pressure sensor configured to detect a change in gas pressure in the capsule sensor, wherein the pressure sensor is configured to control irrigation. The invention also relates to a method for monitoring soil moisture conditions comprising, providing at least one porous capsule sensor, placing the at least one porous capsule sensor in the ground, pressurizing the at least one porous capsule sensor with gas, and monitoring a gas pressure associated with the at least one porous capsule sensor. The irrigation water is controlled based on the gas pressure in the capsule sensor.