Abstract: A method for reducing plant water loss by closing stomatal openings and reducing the transpiration rate. In particular, a water loss reducing composition made of an osmo-adjusting solute such as sorbitol or xylitol is applied to plants. The solution is applied to the root zone by drenching regularly or prior to water deficiency, and preferably includes between about 0.5 and about 25 weight percent of the water loss reducing and conditioning agent.

Abstract: Osmo-adjusting solutes, particularly polyols and/or monosaccharides, are used to control the growth of plants. In particular, aqueous solutions of sorbitol or xylitol are used to reduce plant height and increase stem diameter. The solutions preferably include between about 0.05 and about 25 weight percent of the osmo-adjusting solute, and are applied to the root zone by drenching regularly or prior to transplanting. The solutions are also shown to be effective for conditioning plants for hardiness against certain environmental and handling stresses.

Abstract: Aqueous plant cryoprotectant composition containing between about 0.005 and 25 wt. % tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, tetrahydrofurfuryl amine or mixtures thereof and method of increasing the resistance of plant tissue to damage caused by freezing conditions comprising applying to the plant tissue surfaces at ambient non-freezing temperatures an aqueous solution containing an effective amount of tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, tetrahydrofurfuryl amine or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the protection of plant tissue from damage upon exposure to air pollutants, and to assist plant tissue in recovering from air pollution injury, include the application of an effective amount of stress-protectant compositions selected from the group consisting of tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, tetrahydrofurfuryl amine and mixtures thereof. The compositions are applied as aqueous solutions containing between about 0.005 and about 25 wt % of the stress-protectant components. Surfactants may be included to improve application of the compositions to the plants.

Abstract: Method for the protection of plant tissue from damage upon exposure to chilling temperatures, and to assist plant tissue in recovering from chilling injury, include the application of an effective amount of chilling-protectant compositions selected from the group consisting of tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, tetrahydrofurfuryl amine and mixtures thereof. The compositions are applied as aqueous solutions containing between about 0.005 and about 25 wt % of the chilling-protectant compositions to plant tissue injured due to exposure to chilling temperature.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the protection of plant tissue from damage upon exposure to chemical stresses, and to assist plant tissue in recovering from chemical stress injuries, include the application of an effective amount of chemical stress-protectant compositions selected from the group consisting of tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, tetrahydrofurfuryl amine and mixtures thereof. The compositions are applied as aqueous solutions containing between about 0.005 and about 25 wt % of the stress-protectant components. Surfactants may be included to improve application of the compositions to the plant tissues.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the protection of plant tissue from damage upon exposure to certain environmental and handling stresses, and to assist plant tissue in recovering from environmental and handling stress injuries, include the application of an effective amount of stress-protectant compositions selected from the group consisting of tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, tetrahydrofurfuryl amine and mixtures thereof. The compositions are applied as aqueous solutions containing between about 0.005 and about 25 wt % of the stress-protectant components. Surfactants may be included to improve application of the compositions to the plant tissues.

Abstract: Clear high density fluids for use as completion, packing and perforation media in oil and gas well formations having high carbonate and/or high sulfate ion concentration are formulated from aqueous solutions of zinc bromide and one or more alkali metal bromides and have densities lying in the range of about 15.0 to 20.5 lb./gal and a pH lying in the range of about 1.0 to 5.5, with the alkali metal bromide being provided in an amount approaching its solubility limit in water.

Abstract: Process for recovering gold from a leachate containing AuBr.sub.4.sup.-- comprising contacting the leachate with a quantity of sphagnum peat moss under conditions effective to concentrate the gold on the moss, and thereafter recovering the gold from the sphagnum peat moss.

Abstract: Aqueous plant cryoprotectant composition containing between about 0.005 and 25 wt. % tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, tetrahydrofurfuryl amine or mixtures thereof and method of increasing the resistance of plant tissue to damage caused by freezing conditions comprising applying to the plant tissue surfaces at ambient non-freezing temperatures an aqueous solution containing an effective amount of tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, tetrahydrofurfuryl amine or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Thio group corrosion inhibitors and aldose group antioxidants when combined provide a synergistic corrosion inhibition system for clear, high density oil and gas completion and workover fluids.