Abstract: The invention relates to a method for dispensing a particulate material in a target area and a device suitable for use in the method. The method comprise (i) providing a reservoir comprising openings for the particulate material, (ii) providing a number of closing means suitable for at least partially closing the openings of the reservoir (iii) providing a number of screens in the void of the reservoir, said screens being movable, through the void of the reservoir between at least a first and a second position (iv) loading particulate material in the reservoir, (v) moving the reservoir loaded with particulate material over the target area and at least partially opening the number of openings while alternatingly moving the screens between a first and a second position and vice versa.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for distributing particulate material in a target area. The method comprises the steps of (i) providing in a reservoir particulate material comprising particles to be distributed in a target area, which reservoir is provided with exits, (ii) providing a gas displacer, (iii) generating with the gas displacer a forced gas flow in the blow direction, and iv) directing the particles from the exits in the forced gas flow. The invention further relates to a device for performing the method according to the invention. Further aspects of the invention relate to the use of the device for distributing particulate material, a gas flow modification device, the use of such modification device for modifying the gas flow in a device for distributing particulate material and a kit of parts comprising (a) the gas flow modification device and (b) a device for distributing particulate material.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved system for releasing beneficial mites and the use of such a system. Mite species that can be used beneficially for human purposes may for example be employed in the control of pests, such as in the field of agriculture, including agricultural production systems for plant products, agricultural production systems for animal products, and animal husbandry, or in the field of storage of food products. The system of the invention may find use in any of these fields.

Abstract: The present invention in general relates to the field of biological crop protection by use of phytoseiid predatory mites. More particularly the present invention relates to a system for releasing a phytoseiid predatory mite in a crop and novel uses of host mites in such phytoseiid predatory mite releasing system. The phytoseiid predatory mite releasing system according to the invention and the uses according to the invention are characterised by the selection a host mite species having an intrinsic growth rate (rm) of <0.28.

Abstract: The present invention according to a first aspect relates to a Trichoderma longibrachiatum strain comprising an autologous nucleotide sequence coding for a protein having at least 70% sequence similarity with the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 and its use for the treatment of a plant. Further aspects of the invention relate to a protein derived from said strain, methods for producing the protein, the use of the protein for the treatment of a plant and compositions comprising a source of the protein of the invention. Yet Further aspects of the invention relate to seeds treated with a source of the protein and methods for growing plants incorporating the step of treating said plants with the composition of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention in general relates to the field of biological crop protection by use of predatory mites. More particularly the present invention relates to a mite composition comprising a predatory mite and a prey. Such a mite composition is suitable for rearing the predatory mite and/or for crop protection using the predatory mite. The prey in the composition comprises individuals of at least one Astigmatid mite species, wherein at least a fraction of the Astigmatid individuals is immobilized. The composition is characterized in that immobilized Astigmatid individuals are contacted with a fungus reducing agent.

Abstract: The present invention in general relates to the field of biological crop protection by use of phytoseiid predatory mites. More particularly the present invention relates to a system for releasing a phytoseiid predatory mite in a crop and novel uses of host mites in such phytoseiid predatory mite releasing system. The phytoseiid predatory mite releasing system according to the invention and the uses according to the invention are characterised by the selection a host mite species having an intrinsic growth rate (rm) of <0.28.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel mite composition comprising a population of a phytoseiid predatory mite species and a factitious host population comprising a species selected from the Glycyphagidae, which may be employed for rearing said phytoseiid predatory mite species or for releasing the phytoseiid predatory mite species in a crop. According to further aspects the invention relates to a method for rearing a phytoseiid predatory mite species, to the use of the mite composition and to a method for biological pest control in a crop, which employ the mite composition.

Abstract: The present invention in general relates to the field of biological crop protection by use of phytoseiid predatory mites. More particularly the present invention relates to a system for releasing a phytoseiid predatory mite in a crop and novel uses of host mites in such phytoseiid predatory mite releasing system. The phytoseiid predatory mite releasing system according to the invention and the uses according to the invention are characterised by the selection a host mite species having an intrinsic growth rate (rm) of <0.28.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel mite composition comprising a population of the phytoseiid predatory mite species Amblyseius swirskii. and a factitious host population, which may be employed for rearing said phytoseiid predatory mite species or for releasing the phytoseiid predatory mite species in a crop. According to further aspects the invention relates to a method for rearing the phytoseiid predatory mite species Amblyseius swirskii, to the use of the mite composition and to a method for biological pest control in a crop, which employ the mite composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel mite composition comprising a population of a phytoseiid predatory mite species and a factitious host population, which may be employed for rearing said phytoseiid predatory mite species or for releasing the pyrltoseiid predatory mite species in a crop. According to further aspects the invention relates to a method for rearing a phytoseiid predatory mite species, to the use of the mite composition and to a method for biological pest control in a crop, which employ the mite composition.

Abstract: A formulation comprising lactoperoxidase, thiocyanate and/or iodide and a hydrogen peroxide donor system, in particular glucose oxidase and glucose, is useful for controlling plant-pathogenic microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria. Preferably the formulation also contains an oil.