Abstract: This invention relates to the preparation of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine (“glyphosate”) from N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid (“PMIDA”), and more particularly to methods for control of the conversion of PMIDA, for the identification of reaction end points relating to PMIDA conversion and the preparation of glyphosate products having controlled PMIDA content.

Abstract: Wood preservatives, methods for protecting wood and wood-based products and/or structures utilizing the preservatives, and treated wood and wood-based articles and/or structures incorporating the preservatives are described. Methods are also provided for remediating structures already infected with mold. The subject wood preservative formulation includes a borate compound and a fatty acid. The addition of an emulsifier to the formulation further facilitates application of the treatment. The combination of a borate compound and fatty acid combination typically provide a synergistic effect compared to the additive result provided by the combination's individual components.

Abstract: Wood preservatives, methods for protecting wood and wood-based products and/or structures utilizing the preservatives, and treated wood and wood-based articles and/or structures incorporating the preservatives are described. Methods are also provided for remediating structures already infected with mold. The subject wood preservative formulation includes a borate compound and a fatty acid. The addition of an emulsifier to the formulation further facilitates application of the treatment. The combination of a borate compound and fatty acid combination typically provide a synergistic effect compared to the additive result provided by the combination's individual components.

Abstract: This invention relates to agricultural compositions, particularly pesticidal compositions which find particular use as a fungicide or herbicide composition. The pesticidal composition can include one or more fatty acids and one or more organic acids different from the fatty acid. The organic acid can but need not exhibit any fungicidal activity; however, when combined with a fatty acid, the organic acid functions as a potent synergist for the fatty acid as a fungicide. Additionally, the pesticidal composition can include other components such as emulsifiers, adjuvants, surfactants and diluents. The pesticidal composition significantly reduces or prevents the fungal infection of cash crops including vegetables, fruits, berries, seeds, grains and at higher application rates, can also be used as a herbicide and/or harvest aid or desiccant for harvested crops such as potatoes. The addition of an emulsifier further enhances the herbicidal properties of the compositions.

Abstract: This invention relates to agricultural compositions that find particular use as a fungicide composition. The fungicide composition can include one or more fatty acids and one or more organic acids different from the fatty acid. The organic acid can but need not exhibit any fungicidal activity; however, when combined with a fatty acid, the organic acid functions as a potent synergist for the fatty acid as a fungicide. Additionally, the fungicide composition can include other components such as emulsifiers, adjuvants, surfactants and diluents. The fungicide composition significantly reduces or prevents the fungal infection of cash crops including vegetables, fruits, berries, seeds, grains and at higher application rates, can also be used as a harvest aid or desiccant for harvested crops such as potatoes.

Abstract: This invention relates to agricultural compositions that find particular use as a fungicide composition. The fungicide composition can include one or more fatty acids and one or more organic acids different from the fatty acid. The organic acid can but need not exhibit any fungicidal activity; however, when combined with a fatty acid, the organic acid functions as a potent synergist for the fatty acid as a fungicide. Additionally, the fungicide composition can include other components such as emulsifiers, adjuvants, surfactants and diluents. The fungicide composition significantly reduces or prevents the fungal infection of cash crops including vegetables, fruits, berries, seeds, grains and at higher application rates, can also be used as a harvest aid or desiccant for harvested crops such as potatoes.

Abstract: The specification describes combinations of fertilizer with certain organic compounds to increase fertilizer efficiency, plant productivity, growth, and nutrient accumulation. These beneficial effects are accomplished using combinations of a fertilizer and an amino acid selected from .gamma.-aminobutyric acid, glutamic acid, and a mixture of .gamma.-aminobutyric acid and glutamic acid. A source of proteinaceous amino acids and a carbon skeleton may also be used with the fertilizer and the amino acid. The specification describes compositions and methods employing such combinations to take advantage of their beneficial effects.

Abstract: A water and UV light degradable copolymer of monomers of lactic acid and a modifying monomer selected from the class consisting of ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, P-dioxanone, 1,5 dioxepan-2-one, 1,4-oxathialan-2-one, 1,4-dioxide and mixtures thereof. These copolymers are useful for waste disposal and agricultural purposes. Also disclosed is a water degradable blend of polylactic acid or modified polylactic acid and high molecular weight polyethylene oxide wherein the high molecular weight polyethylene oxide is present in the range of from about 2 by weight to about 50% by weight, suitable for films. A method of applying an active material selected from the class of seeds, seedlings, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers and mixtures thereof to an agricultural site is also disclosed.

Abstract: A water and UV light degradable copolymer of monomers of lactic acid and a modifying monomer selected from the class consisting of ethylene and polyethylene glycols, propylene and polypropylene glycols, P-dioxanone, 1,5 dioxepan-2-one, 1,4 -oxathialan-2-one, 1,4-dioxide and mixtures thereof. These copolymers are useful for waste disposal and agricultural purposes. Also disclosed is a water degradable blend of polylactic acid or modified polylactic acid and high molecular weight polyethylene oxide wherein the high molecular weight polyethylene oxide is present in the range of from about 2% by weight to about 50% by weight, suitable for films. A method of applying an active material selected from the class of seeds, seedlings, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers and mixtures thereof to an agricultural site is also disclosed.

Abstract: The gene coding for a thermostable pullulanase enzyme is incorporated into chimeric plasmids which are inserted into and reproduced by E. coli or B. subtilis host microorganisms. When microorganisms containing the chimeric plasmids are grown in fermentation media, they produce the pullulanase enzyme.