Abstract: Methods and compositions for effecting plant root infection with microorganisms, especially vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungi are disclosed. The method relies on a root baiting concept whereby the roots of a plant are caused to grow towards and/or through a material which contains an inoculum of the microorganism. Typically bead-like materials are produced which are comprised of (1) a bait material for which roots have a natural affinity; (2) an inoculum of a microorganism which can infect plant roots and improve their growth and/or health; and (3) a carrier material that supports and localizes the bait and the inoculum. The bait may be water or another suitable material such as a plant growth regulator and the carrier is typically a non-phytotoxic crosslinked polymer especially a water absorbing polymer. The compositions are placed in the vicinity of the plant roots. The bait draws the roots towards the composition to permit infection of the roots with the microorganism.

Abstract: Substantially pure, pyrogen-free beta-1,3-glucan is produced by cultivating Euglena cells in a defined growth medium and under specified conditions that provide a cell mass comprising 70% to 90% beta-1,3-glucan on a dry weight basis, separating the cell mass from the super-natant, extracting the cell mass with methanol and chloroform, acid-washing the extracted cell mass, and washing the acid-treated material with water.

Abstract: A composition for use in disinfecting a surface for personal use, such as a public restroom facility or telephone. The composition and delivery of the composition provides for the placement of a thin layer of disinfectant which includes a dye. The dye disappears as the thin layer effects the germicidal activity of the disinfectant. The composition is also rapidly drying, so that the dye disappears as well as the disinfecting composition leaving the surface dry.

Abstract: An aerosol spray for use in disinfecting a surface for personal use, such as a public restroom facility or telephone. The composition and delivery of the composition provides for the placement of a spray of disinfectant which includes a dye. The dye disappears as the spray effects the germicidal activity of the disinfectant. The composition is also rapidly drying, so that the dye disappears as well as the disinfecting composition leaving the surface dry.