Abstract: A method of protecting plants and seeds thereof which are susceptible to attack by microorganisms. To the plant or seed is applied a compound having the formula ##STR1## wherein R and R' are independently selected from hydrogen and alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms; and R" is a moiety selected from the group consisting of (a) hydrogen, (b) a halogen atom selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, Br and I, and (c) a nitro group or the hydrochloride salt of the compound. The method disclosed is especially useful for protecting ornamental plants, vegetable plants and cereal crop plants and seeds thereof which are susceptible to attack by microorganisms. A composition containing the compound of formula I for use in protecting plants which are susceptible to attack by microorganisms is also provided.

Abstract: 2-(thiocyanomethylthio) benzothiazole and at least one tri-halogenated phenol, preferably 2,4,6-tribromophenol, are used, preferably in synergistic amounts, to control microbiological growth.

Abstract: A method for recovering oil from an oil-bearing formation which comprises introducing into said formation to induce displacement of the oil contained therein, a fluid carrier containing from about 0.25 to about 100 parts by weight of a N,N-dimethylamide of a straight chain carboxylic acid per million parts of said fluid carrier, characterized in that said carboxylic acid contains from 12 to 18 carbon atoms. In addition, this invention encompasses the extraction of oil from mining oil sand operations which comprises the addition and then mixing into said sand to induce displacement of the oil contained thereon, a fluid carrier containing the N,N-dimethylamide.

Abstract: Ring and side chain substituted alkylaryl ketones are useful in controlling the growth of germinating and seedling weed grasses and germinating and seedling broadleaf weeds.