Abstract: An apparatus is provided useful for agricultural applications, such as a selective delivery of superheated steam adjacent to leaves of plants such as grape vines in order to defoliate basal leaves and to kill localized insect pests. The apparatus includes a superheated steam applicator, such as a nozzle to deliver superheated steam.

Abstract: Methods for treating plants and fields in agricultural applications are provided by selective delivery of superheated steam. Particularly preferred applications include delivery adjacent to grape vine leaves in order to defoliate basal leaves and to kill localized insect pests, and by injecting superheated steam in strawberry beds prior to planting to kill nematodes. The superheated steam is delivered at temperatures in excess of about 250.degree. F.

Abstract: A harvesting machine particularly useful in harvesting pyrethrum flowers has picking fingers resiliently mounted on a rotatable drum so as to capable of flexions in response to contact with plants during harvesting. The spacing between fingers in one array mounted on the drum is preferably different than the spacing in another array, with the more widely spaced array of fingers serving to comb through a plant canopy while the more closely spaced together array of fingers causes flower picking off the stem. The harvesting machine provides good efficiency picking of flower heads without a large amount of undesired plant material.

Abstract: A tank (2) specially suited for transporting slurries, such as wine grapes (60), while reducing the tendency of the slurry to surge during transport. The tank includes an outer frame (6) and an inner container (4). The frame, typically made of steel, defines a central open region (5) within which the container is supported. The container is preferably plastic, or other thermal insulating material, to reduce heat transfer through the walls of the containers to the slurry. The circumferential sidewall (8) of the container has vertical corrugations (52) sized and spaced to inhibit surging of the slurry material within the tank during transport on a truck (47).