Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning the sample delivery stylus tubing of spiral platers to prevent the carry over of disinfectants or microbes to succeeding samples by maintaining working levels of liquids in the containers to within prescribed limits so as to assure the cleaning of the stylus relative to a defined depth of immersion in the preceding cleaning or sample intake station. Containers are marked to identify the minimum required and maximum allowable levels, providing the basis for the timing and amount of liquid to be replenished. To minimize the frequency of replenishments, a digital (microprocessor implemented) control is used to avoid the use of excess liquids, beyond that needed to assure effective cleaning.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a Fusarium oxysporum suppressing amount of one or more Fusarium oxysporum disease suppressants selected from the group consisting of a Fusarium oxysporum growth suppressing strain of Pseudomonas putida having the identifying characteristics of NRRL B-15001, one or more Fusarium oxysporum disease suppressing ferric iron chelating agents and the corresponding chelates of such agents, and methods of using such compositions for the control of Fusarium oxysporum wilt disease in plants.