Abstract: A grain crop may have an increased amount of nicotianamine (NA). The increased NA may correlate with an increased bioavailability of iron in the grain and any product, such as ground flour, resulting from processing of the grain. The increase of NA may be achieved through the expression of the OsNAS2 gene. Further, a grain flour produced from a transformed grain plant may have an increased amount of NA, and thus an increased amount of bio-available iron, as compared to a grain flour produced from a non-transformed grain plant of the same species. The grain flour produced from the transformed grain plant (“biofortified flour”) may be used in food production for feed to animals or humans. Such a feed including the biofortified flour may improve the gut health and/or the feed efficiency of the eater as compared to the gut health for an eater of non-biofortified flour.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a mixture of at least one cyclodextrin, a carrier, and optionally one or more vitamins and/or nutrients to improve at least one health factor of a beehive is disclosed. Methods of improving beehive health and apparatuses including such compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to immunogenic polypeptides, immunogenic fragments thereof and compositions comprising same, for use in eliciting an immune response in a subject to a tick. The invention also provides for methods of using said compositions and polypeptides.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a recombinant adenovirus genome, said adenovirus genome comprising a heterologous nucleic acid inserted into a cloning site of said genome, said heterologous nucleic acid comprising: (a) a first nucleic acid sequence comprising an adenovirus tripartite sequence (e.g., SEQ ID NO:1) operably linked to a second nucleic acid sequence encoding an interferon (e.g., SEQ ID NO:2); (b) a third nucleic acid sequence comprising a bovine growth hormone polyA termination sequence operably linked to said second nucleic acid sequence (e.g., SEQ ID NO:3); (c) a fourth nucleic acid sequence comprising a porcine elongation factor 1-alpha (EF1?) promoter (e.g., SEQ ID NO:4); (d) a fifth nucleic acid sequence operably linked to said fourth nucleic acid sequence, said fifth nucleic acid sequence encoding a suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) protein (e.g., SEQ ID NO:5). Furthermore, there is disclosed a method of producing interferon in an animal (e.g., swine).

Abstract: A method of making a binder for extruded, pelleted, or agglomerated animal feed. The binder is made by treating biomass such as soybean hull or lemon peels with an aqueous acidic solution for a time, at a temperature, and at a pH sufficient to yield a first mixture containing biomass solids and partially dissolved biomass; and mechanically treating the first mixture of step to yield a first mechanically treated mixture; and then incorporating the first mechanically treated mixture as a binder in an animal feed. Also described are animal feeds made using the binder.

Abstract: The invention relates to biocontrol compositions comprising an entomopathogenic fungus, kits comprising such an entomopathogenic fungus, and methods of using such a fungus and compositions to reduce or kill the population of agricultural, vegetable, or horticultural crop insect pests.

Abstract: Provided herein are fatty-ammonium salt/starch inclusion complexes comprising one or more of a variety of fatty amines. Such complexes can be combined with film-forming agents, such as poly(vinyl) alcohol (PVOH) and plasticizing agents. The inclusion complexes of the present invention can be utilized as antimicrobial agents, preventing microbial growth on organic and inorganic surfaces. In specific embodiments, inclusion complexes of the present invention are applied to vegetable or fruit surfaces in order to impede microbial growth. Inclusion complexes of the present invention can be applied to wood in order to impede microbial growth and insect consumption and to wound dressings.

Abstract: The fish screen for a suction strainer includes at least one first plate having a central opening formed therethrough, a second plate, a helical spring, and a mesh bag. The helical spring has opposed first and second ends, with the first end secured to the at least one first plate and the second end secured to the second plate. The helical spring has first and second portions positioned respectively adjacent to the first and second ends. The second portion has a smaller diameter than a diameter of the first portion. The mesh bag releasably and removably covers and receives the at least one first plate, the second plate and the helical spring. The second portion of the helical spring is adapted for releasably holding a free end of a suction strainer received within an interior of the helical spring through the central opening of the at least one first plate.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide for uses of grape products, such as Chardonnay grape products and grape seed flour, for use in promoting a healthy liver, promoting healthy fat content in a liver, for treating or preventing NAFLD, and other embodiments and uses as described herein.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of pecan tree, denominated ‘Pueblo’, having a columnar tree shape with a nut crop centered in the core of the tree, high precocity, medium-sized nut clusters, early pollen shed, early bud break, and high resistance to scab fungus (Venturia effusa).

Abstract: A new and distinct blackberry cultivar that originated from seed produced from a cross between the thornless maternal blackberry plant ‘ORDS 2707-1’ (unpatented) and the thornless paternal blackberry plant ‘ORDS 2785-2’ (unpatented)). This new blackberry cultivar can be distinguished by its high yields of small-to-medium sized, uniformly shaped, glossy, and distinctly conical berries that can be machine harvested with good firmness and quality for a trailing type of blackberry. The berries are well suited for processing, with an excellent flavor characterized by mild sweetness, and a good sugar/acid balance. The new and distinct blackberry variety has fruit that are borne on vigorous canes which combine two distinct sources of genetic thornlessness (‘Austin Thornless’, ‘Lincoln Logan’) from the respective female and male parent.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of pecan tree, denominated ‘Zuni’, having large nuts in medium-sized clusters, well-filled cream-colored kernels, medium precocity, and high resistance to scab fungus (Venturia effusa).

Abstract: A new and distinct blackberry cultivar that originated from seed produced from a cross between the thornless semi-erect maternal blackberry plant ‘Eclipse’ and the thorny erect paternal blackberry plant ORUS 3681-1, the latter of which introduces genetics from cultivated and wild Rubus germplasm from the southeastern U.S. This new blackberry cultivar can be distinguished by its high plant vigor, exceptional yields of small-to-medium sized berries with high gloss, low defects, excellent flavor and fruit quality, and high heat tolerance. The berries are well suited for fresh eating, with good sweetness, aroma, and gloss when picked firm. The new and distinct blackberry variety has fruit that are borne on vigorous canes which contain the ‘Merton Thornless’ source of genetic thornlessness.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of pecan tree, denominated ‘Seneca’, having a compact tree shape that is late to break bud in the spring, ceases growth early in the autumn, a determinate pattern of growth that is freeze tolerant, early season production of high-quality nuts, cream-colored kernels, and pecan scab fungus (Venturia effusa) disease resistance.

Abstract: A new and distinct blackberry cultivar that originated from seed produced from a cross between the thorny primocane-fruiting maternal blackberry plant ORUS 4355-2 and the thornless primocane-fruiting paternal blackberry plant ‘Prime-Ark® Freedom’. ‘Thunderhead’ is the first primocane-fruiting blackberry variety released by the USDA-ARS breeding program in Oregon. This new blackberry cultivar can be distinguished by its exceptionally high plant vigor and yields of medium sized berries with high gloss, firmness, excellent flavor and fruit quality, and relatively small seed size. The berries are well suited for fresh eating, with good sweetness and gloss when picked firm, and low bitter notes. The new and distinct blackberry variety contains a genetic background derived from eastern U.S. germplasm and is expected to grow and is expected to perform well in most areas where primocane-fruiting blackberries are currently grown.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of apple tree rootstock Malus domestica x Malus robusta hybrid ‘G.257’ is described. The new variety is a semi-dwarfing rootstock that is resistant to fire blight (Erwinia amylovora) and crown rot (Phytophthora cactorum) and tolerant to the replant disease complex. The ‘G.257’ rootstock is useful in that it can be propagated clonally and used as a rootstock or root system for apple trees as well as for interstems of apple trees.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of apple tree rootstock Malus hybrid ‘G.484’ is described herein. The new variety is a dwarfing, precocious and productive rootstock that is resistant to fire blight (Erwinia amylovora) and crown rot (Phytophthora cactorum). The ‘G.484’ rootstock is useful in that it can be propagated clonally and used as a rootstock or root system for apple trees as well as for interstems of apple trees.

Abstract: A new and distinct primocane-fruiting red raspberry cultivar that originated from seed produced from a cross between the primocane-fruiting red raspberry plant ‘Caroline’ and the red raspberry plant ORUS 4099-1, the latter of which is a sibling of the recent cultivar ‘Kokanee’. This new red raspberry cultivar can be distinguished by its high yields of bright colored, medium sized berries with low defects, excellent firmness and fruit quality, and a unique flavor that is both tangy and aromatic, with a good balance to tartness and sweetness. The berries are well suited for the fresh market, and, due to their ability to be picked at early/pink stages with good flavor and continue ripening in storage with respect to color, they may offer some additional benefit for packing/shipping as a fresh market variety.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of peach tree, denominated ‘May Joy’, has clingstone, melting, yellow-flesh fruit with normal acidity and pleasant eating quality. The fruit typically are round, ripen approximately 1-2 weeks before ‘Flavorich’ (syn. ‘Rich May’) and 2-3 weeks before ‘Carored’ in early to mid-May in Byron, Ga., and have a high percentage of red blush with an attractive yellow ground color. The tree is moderately vigorous and semi-spreading in growth habit, has self-fertile showy pink flowers, and regularly bears crops in absence of severe spring frost. This cultivar has a winter chilling requirement estimated at approximately 650 chill hours and is suited for medium to high chill areas.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of peach tree, denominated ‘Cardinal Joy’, has firm, melting, semi-freestone fruit with a high coverage of red blush, yellow flesh, normal acidity, rich flavor and pleasant eating quality at maturity. The fruit typically ripen about a week after ‘Flavorich’ (syn. ‘Rich May’) and a few days before ‘Carored’ in mid to late May at Byron, Ga. The tree has self-fertile showy pink flowers and is moderately vigorous and semi-spreading in growth habit. This cultivar has a winter chilling requirement of approximately 850 chill hours, crops well most years, and is suited for high chill areas.