Abstract: An inoculum transfer apparatus for a bee hive having a hive opening includes: (a) a body mountable to the hive; (b) a bee pathway in the body for providing passage for bees between the hive opening and an outside environment external the hive; (c) a reservoir in the body above the bee pathway for storing a powdered inoculum, the reservoir having a reservoir outlet at a lower end thereof; and (d) a vibratory dispenser in the body adjacent the reservoir outlet for controlling dispensing of the powdered inoculum from the reservoir outlet to the bee pathway via a vibratory drive.

Abstract: An inoculation system for a bee hive having a hive opening includes (a) a body mountable to the hive intermediate the hive opening and an outside environment external the hive, (b) a bee pathway in the body for providing passage between the hive opening and the outside environment when the body is mounted to the hive, (c) a removable cartridge installed in the body and having a cartridge chamber storing an inoculum, and (d) an automatic inoculum dispenser in the body. The dispenser is operable to controllably dispense the inoculum from the cartridge chamber into the bee pathway to dust bees passing through the bee pathway with the inoculum.

Abstract: An inoculation system for a bee hive having a hive opening includes (a) a body mountable to the hive intermediate the hive opening and an outside environment external the hive, (b) a bee pathway in the body for providing passage between the hive opening and the outside environment when the body is mounted to the hive, (c) a removable cartridge installed in the body and having a cartridge chamber storing an inoculum, and (d) an automatic inoculum dispenser in the body. The dispenser is operable to controllably dispense the inoculum from the cartridge chamber into the bee pathway to dust bees passing through the bee pathway with the inoculum.

Abstract: Described is an isolated strain of the fungus Colonostachys rosea termed BVT Cr-7 useful as a biological control agent for the treatment of plants. The isolated strain, formulations comprising said strain and/or spores derived from said strain may be applied to plants or plant materials in order to improve plant yield, to improve plant growth, or for the treatment or prevention of diseases or pathogens in the plant.

Abstract: A pressure intensifier system includes a housing including a piston separating a first volume and a second volume. A high pressure pump, a low pressure manifold are coupled to a drain line and a slurry tank. A plurality of valves comprise a first state coupling the high pressure pump to the first volume and coupling the second volume to the low pressure manifold so a first portion of fluid in the second volume is communicated to the slurry tank and a second portion of the fluid is communicated to the drain. The valves comprise a second state coupling the high pressure pump to the second volume and coupling the first volume to the low pressure manifold so a first portion of fluid in the first volume is in communication with the slurry tank and a second portion of the fluid in first volume is in communication with the drain.

Abstract: Described is an isolated strain of the fungus Colonostachys rosea termed BVT Cr-7 useful as a biological control agent for the treatment of plants. The isolated strain, formulations comprising said strain and/or spores derived from said strain may be applied to plants or plant materials in order to improve plant yield, to improve plant growth, or for the treatment or prevention of diseases or pathogens in the plant.

Abstract: A bee vectoring apparatus includes a tray for positioning in the exit path of a beehive. The tray includes a bottom, a bee entrance end, and a bee exit end. The apparatus includes a tray lid positioned above the bottom, with first and second barrier walls extruding downwardly from the lid. A ceiling extends between bottom ends of the first and second barrier walls.

Abstract: A powder plant treatment formulation for application to plants by insect vectoring includes: a plant treatment agent; a stabilizing agent bonded to the plant treatment agent for stabilizing the plant treatment agent; a moisture absorption agent for absorbing moisture from the formulation; an attracting agent for attracting the formulation to plants; and a diluent.

Abstract: A tray for positioning in an exit path of a bee hive comprises a base, a bee entrance end, and a bee exit end. Spaced apart side walls extend upwardly from the base. The sidewalls extend generally lengthwise between the bee entrance end and bee exit end. A plurality of posts extend upwardly from the base and are positioned between the bee entrance end and the bee exit end. The posts are generally circular in cross-section. The posts act as obstacles around which the bees must walk to reach the bee exit end from the bee entrance end.

Abstract: A powder plant treatment formulation for application to plants by insect vectoring includes: a plant treatment agent; a stabilizing agent bonded to the plant treatment agent for stabilizing the plant treatment agent; a moisture absorption agent for absorbing moisture from the formulation; an attracting agent for attracting the formulation to plants; and a diluent.