Abstract: A system for delivering fertilizer to the roots of a plant includes coated fertilizer particles. The coating can include a cellulose derivative, optionally a fatty acid, and a component, such as an aptamer, which binds specifically to a material, such as serine, which is released by the roots of the plant when the plant is actively taking up nutrients from the soil. The permeability of the coating increases when the coated particles are exposed to the material released by the roots of the plant. Thus, nutrient release from the coated fertilizer particles is synchronized with uptake of the nutrients by the plant during active growth. Advantages of the system may include one or more of improved nitrogen use efficiency by the plant, improved crop productivity, and/or reduced leaching of fertilizer from the soil.

Abstract: A method of transforming a mitochondrion of a plant cell to express a nitrogenase enzyme includes exposing the plant cell to a mitochondrial-targeting nanocarrier polypeptide and one or more nucleic acids encoding the nitrogenase enzyme. The one or more genes encoding the nitrogenase enzyme can be one or more Klebsiella nif genes. The method can be used to generate plants which have the capability of fixing atmospheric elemental nitrogen.

Abstract: An immunogenic polypeptide selected from an isolated Clostridium perfringens pilus polypeptide, a variant of the pilus polypeptide; a fragment of the pilus polypeptide; and a fragment of the variant, is useful for the preparation of a vaccine for the treatment or prevention of enteric necrosis in poultry. The isolated Clostridium perfringens pilus polypeptide includes an assembled pilus or the pilus subunits CnaA, FimA and/or FimB.

Abstract: Bacterial strains, or extracts thereof, are effective to control, treat or prevent infection of solanaceous plants with Phytophthora infestans, the causative agent of potato late blight disease. Also provided are biopesticidal formulations containing one or more of the bacterial strains or extracts thereof, and the use of the bacterial strains, extracts or biopesticidal formulations in the control, treatment and/or prevention of potato late blight disease.

Abstract: Microparticles include a matrix of an encapsulating material, in which are dispersed particles of a low melting point fat and a bioactive material, such as one or more probiotic bacteria. The microparticles are formed by preparing an emulsion of melted low melting point fat in an aqueous mixture of the encapsulating material, cooling the emulsion below the melting point of the low melting point fat, dispersing the bioactive material in the emulsion and spray drying the emulsion. The particles of solid low melting point fat are believed to protect the bioactive material from heat damage during the spray drying process.

Abstract: A method of preventing intramammary infection and accelerating involution by administration of a biological response modifier, specifically a chitosan solution, to the teat of a lactating mammal at drying-off A chitosan solution neutralized with a weak base such as ?-glycerophosphate can remain liquid at room temperature for injection into a teat, but can form a hydrogel at body temperature inside the teat. The neutralized chitosan solution can also be optionally co-administered with a teat sealant.

Abstract: Methods for increasing the levels of avenanthramides in oats through false malting is disclosed. Oats are first subject to induction or enhancement of a secondary dormancy, and then malted for up to 5 days at an elevated temperature. The malted but not germinated oats are then dried and used as is, or further processed or milled to produce food, feed, nutraceutical or personal care products and ingredients. Methods are also provided for rendering non-dormant oats dormant and thus suitable for false malting.

Abstract: Bacterial strains, or extracts thereof, are effective to control, treat or prevent infection of solanaceous plants with Phytophthora infestans, the causative agent of potato late blight disease. Also provided are biopesticidal formulations containing one or more of the bacterial strains or extracts thereof, and the use of the bacterial strains, extracts or biopesticidal formulations in the control, treatment and/or prevention of potato late blight disease.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of shrub rose plant herein referred to by its cultivar name, ‘AAC576’, is provided that abundantly forms attractive very full red blossoms. The plant exhibits an upright and bushy growth habit. The foliage is medium green with a glossy finish. The red blossom coloration contrasts nicely with the medium green foliage. The plant is well suited for providing attractive ornamentation in the landscape.

Abstract: A method for producing bacterial cellulose, said method comprising culturing a biologically pure culture of a cellulose-producing Proteus strain in a liquid medium suitable for culturing facultatively anaerobic microorganisms, separating bacterial cellulose produced in said liquid medium from said liquid medium, washing said separated bacterial cellulose and drying said bacterial cellulose. The cellulose-producing Proteus strain is preferably a Proteus myxofaciens strain, preferably strain IDAC 071005-01 or strain ATCC 19692. The liquid medium is provided with a carbohydrate substrate containing at least one sugar selected from the group consisting of glucose, sucrose, fructose, lactose, xylose, and rhamnose. A bacterial cellulose product produced by culturing a biologically pure culture of a cellulose-producing Proteus strain in a liquid medium suitable for culturing facultatively anaerobic microorganisms.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of shrub rose plant herein referred to by its cultivar name, ‘AAC576’, is provided that abundantly forms attractive very full red blossoms. The plant exhibits an upright and bushy growth habit. The foliage is medium green with a glossy finish. The red blossom coloration contrasts nicely with the medium green foliage. The plant is well suited for providing attractive ornamentation in the landscape.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Rubus idaeus, ‘BC92915’, that is characterized by its upright to semi-upright plant habit, its fruit that is large in size and conical to trapezoidal in shape, its fruit that matures early and machine harvests very well, and its resistance to aphids and root rot.

Abstract: A new cultivar of sweet cherry tree, ‘SPC342’, that is characterized by its very high fruit stem pull force, its large fruit with an attractive appearance, its flowers that are not self-fertile, its distinctive maroon spots on its leaves, and its good fruit storage capacity in MAP (modified atmosphere packaging).

Abstract: A new cultivar of apple tree, ‘SPA766’, that is characterized by its fruit with skin that has a red over color with prominent medium sized lenticels, its fruit that is crisp with a pleasant tasting, its fruit that has a medium storage period, and its weak vigor.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of shrub rose plant herein referred to by its cultivar name, ‘AAC576’, is provided that abundantly forms attractive very full red blossoms. The plant exhibits an upright and bushy growth habit. The foliage is medium green with a glossy finish. The red blossom coloration contrasts nicely with the medium green foliage. The plant is well suited for providing attractive ornamentation in the landscape.

Abstract: A new cultivar of apple tree named ‘8S5505’ that is characterized by its fruit that is flavorful with aromatic tropical notes, its fruit that is crisp, its fruit that is juicy, its fruit with excellent storage life, fruit with excellent shelf life, its trees with strong lateral growth, its high disease resistance to ‘apple scab’ (Venturia inaequalis) due to the presence of the VF gene and its mid-season bloom period (similar timing to Golden Delicious).

Abstract: A new cultivar of Prunus avium tree named ‘SPC495’ that is characterized by its very late fruit harvest, its flowers that are self-fertile, its large fruit with a desirable appearance, its fruit with a low level of natural splitting, and its good storage potential in regular air MAP bag.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Prunus avium tree named ‘SPC414’ that is characterized by its mid-season fruit harvest, its fruit that is large and very firm with a desirable appearance, its fruit with a low level of natural splitting, its flowers that are self-fertile, its fruit with good storage potential in regular air MAP bag, and its slight nose dimple on the calyx at the end of the fruit.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Prunus avium tree named ‘SPC424’ that is characterized by its very late fruit harvest, its flowers that are self-fertile, its large fruit with a desirable appearance, its fruit with a low level of natural splitting, and its fruit with good storage potential in regular air MAP bag.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Prunus avium tree named ‘SPC411’ that is characterized by its fruit that is large and very firm with a desirable appearance, its fruit with a low level of natural splitting, its fruit with good storage potential in regular air MAP bag, and its flowers that are self-fertile.