Abstract: The disclosure relates to gel capsules for delivery of one or more dsRNA plant protection materials to internal tree tissue of, for example, fruit trees. The gel capsules generally include a powdered matrix comprising silica gel, dsRNA (double-stranded RNA) bound to the powdered matrix, and, a capsule shell containing the powdered matrix with the bound dsRNA therein. The disclosure also relates to methods of preparing the gel capsules, and methods for delivering a dsRNA plant protection material to trees. After injection into the tree trunk, the gel capsules can provide a uniform, relatively consistent dose of dsRNA to all parts of the tree throughout the growing season, thus reducing waste of material and cost.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to composite pesticide plugs for delivery of one or more plant protection materials to internal tree tissue of, for example, fruit trees. The composite pesticide plugs generally include a thermoplastic matrix including a low-temperature processable thermoplastic polymer such as polyvinyl acetate, a cellulosic reinforcement, and a plant protection material. The disclosure also relates to methods of preparing the composite pesticide plugs, and methods for delivering a plant protection material to trees. After injection into the tree trunk, the composite pesticide plug can provide a uniform, relatively consistent dose of plant protection material (e.g., pesticides, biopesticides, etc.) to all parts of the tree throughout the growing season, thus reducing waste of material and cost.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to composite pesticide plugs for delivery of one or more dsRNA plant protection materials to internal tree tissue of, for example, fruit trees. The composite pesticide plugs generally include a cellulosic material, dsRNA (double-stranded RNA) bound to the cellulosic material, and, optionally, a thermoplastic polymer matrix. The disclosure also relates to methods of preparing the composite pesticide plugs, and methods for delivering a dsRNA plant protection material to trees. After injection into the tree trunk, the composite pesticide plug can provide a uniform, relatively consistent dose of dsRNA to all parts of the tree throughout the growing season, thus reducing waste of material and cost.

Abstract: Pellet insertion apparatus and methods. In accordance with an example, a method of inserting a pellet in a tree includes extending a taper (108) and an actuator rod (118) into the tree. The actuator rod (118) positioned within a through-bore (110) and extending from a taper distal end (112). The method includes securing the taper (108) in the extended position. The method includes retracting the actuator rod (118). The method includes loading a plug into the through-bore (110) of the taper (108). The method includes moving the actuator rod (118) to a plug insertion position.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a slow-release biodegradable composite pesticide plug that can be used for trunk injection delivery of pesticides to protect woody plants such as trees (e.g., fruit trees) against pests. The composite pesticide plug generally includes a thermoplastic polymer matrix with a water-soluble thermoplastic polymer component, a cellulosic reinforcement, and a pesticide or other active ingredient. After injection into the tree trunk, the composite pesticide plug provides a uniform, relatively consistent dose of pesticide or other active ingredient to all parts of the tree throughout the growing season, thus reducing waste of material and cost. The biodegradable nature of the composite plug also enhances the healing of the tree after injection.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a slow-release biodegradable composite pesticide plug that can be used for trunk injection delivery of pesticides to protect woody plants such as trees (e.g., fruit trees) against pests. The composite pesticide plug generally includes a thermoplastic polymer matrix with a water-soluble thermoplastic polymer component, a cellulosic reinforcement, and a pesticide or other active ingredient. After injection into the tree trunk, the composite pesticide plug provides a uniform, relatively consistent dose of pesticide or other active ingredient to all parts of the tree throughout the growing season, thus reducing waste of material and cost. The biodegradable nature of the composite plug also enhances the healing of the tree after injection.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a method for communicating data including prioritizing data by assigning a priority to the data, analyzing a network to determine a status of the network, and communicating the data based at least in part on the priority of the data and the status of the network. Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a system for communicating data including a data prioritization component, a network analysis component, and a data communications component. The data prioritization component is adapted to prioritize data by assigning a priority to the data. The network analysis component is adapted to analyze a network to determine a status of the network. The data communications component is adapted to communicate the data based at least in part on the priority of the data and the status of the network.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a method for communicating data including prioritizing data by assigning a priority to the data, analyzing a network to determine a status of the network, and communicating the data based at least in part on the priority of the data and the status of the network. Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a system for communicating data including a data prioritization component, a network analysis component, and a data communications component. The data prioritization component is adapted to prioritize data by assigning a priority to the data. The network analysis component is adapted to analyze a network to determine a status of the network. The data communications component is adapted to communicate the data based at least in part on the priority of the data and the status of the network.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for mode-driven communication management. Certain embodiments include organizing a plurality of parameters into a profile representing a mode of communication operation. The plurality of parameters define a mode for a network. The network is configured in accordance with parameters of the profile. Quality of service is provided for communication on the network according to the profile. Certain embodiments provide a network communication system providing quality of service. The system includes a communication manager controlling a flow of messages in a network. The system also includes a message management rules module applying one or more rules to affect the flow of the messages in the network. The one or more rules are configured by a mode defined in a profile.