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, Avicularia 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 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 the use of AT(n) insertions in promoter elements for controlling the expression levels of coding sequences in plants. The expression levels of the heat shock protein (Gmhsp17.6-L), when compared in resistant and susceptible individuals in the population, demonstrated that the largest expression levels per quantitative PCR were present in the individuals that contained the largest AT insertions in the promoter region. The invention also refers to gene expression cassettes containing promoter regions of the gene with different numbers of AT insertions fused to the GUS protein, for transforming soybean embryos.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bacterial formulation in vegetable fiber materials, which can be employed by incorporation into soils and by treating seeds, as well as in nutrient in hydroponic systems, for the promotion of plant growth and/or the biologic control of diseases. Preferably, the formulation of the present invention employs coconut fiber. An advantage of the present invention is the possible replacement of turf and other organic or inorganic materials employed in the formulation of inoculants and of agents for the biologic control of bacteria and fungi by coconut fiber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for identifying target regions existing in the interface of monomers constituting the PiIT protein with the view to design molecules potentially applicable in impairing the activity of this protein, thus controlling infectious processes. The method is characterized in (i) selecting at least one amino acid sequence constituting the PiIT monomer; (ii) developing a three-dimensional computational model of the PiIT homo-hexameric structure; (iii) analyzing and determining, with computer aid, the interface-forming residues (IFR) and their physicochemical and structural characteristics for all the chains of the models of hexameric complexes generated; (iv) selecting the regions to be used as therapeutic targets (and preferred therapeutic targets) in the interface between the monomers based on the intensity of determined parameters; (v) computer-aided design of molecules potentially capable of effecting bindings and/or interactions between target regions of the monomers.

Abstract: Provided is a harvesting module including twin parallel rotating shafts. The rotating shafts each have impact rods that are configured to rotation in opposite directions. The shafts are sloped so that one end of the shafts is closer to the ground than another end of the shafts. The rods are fixed to the shafts in a spiral formation using a series of self locking rings fitted over the shafts.

Abstract: Provided is a harvesting module including twin parallel rotating shafts. The rotating shafts each have impact rods that are configured to rotation in opposite directions. The shafts are sloped so that one end of the shafts is closer to the ground than another end of the shafts. The rods are fixed to the shafts in a spiral formation using a series of self locking rings fitted over the shafts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a packaging method for increasing the shelf life of fungal spores and to the packaging that contains such spores. The packaging method comprises the steps of pre-drying the spores to a water activity range viable for the fungus of interest, followed by packing of the spores into gas- and water-vapour-impermeable packaging by means of the use of sachets, thereby providing an atmosphere of low relative humidity and low oxygen content, followed by keeping of the spores in the packaging for a certain period of time at the temperature suitable for the spores prior to the exposure thereof to high temperatures.

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 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 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: 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 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.

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.

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.