Abstract: A new method of preventing and eradicating Sphaerotheca pannossa (powdery mildew) infections on rose plants using a wax ester emulsion is provided wherein the wax esters emulsion is comprised of wax esters, which are derived from esterification of monoethylenic acids and monoethylenic alcohols having between 18 and 24 carbons, and a surfactant at a concentration of between 1% v/v and 7%v/v of the total wax ester component.

Abstract: This invention discloses slow release formulations for use in application of volatile insect repellents. A copolymer of polyvinyl pyrrolidone and an alkyl group of 4-30 carbons provides the slow release properties. The formulations are characterized by high residual action, low skin penetration, and high resistance to removal by water.

Abstract: A new method of eradicating an existing infection of powdery mildew on plants using a wax ester emulsion is provided wherein the wax ester emulsion is comprised of wax esters, which are derived from esterification of monoethylenic acids and monoethylenic alcohols having between 18 and 24 carbons, and surfactant at a concentration of between 1% v/v and 10% v/v of the total wax ester component.

Abstract: A new fruit thinning agent comprising wax esters derived from esterification of monoethylenic acids and monoethylenic alcohols having between 18 and 24 carbons and a surfactant, or a combination of surfactants, said wax esters and surfactant at a concentration of between 1% v/v and 7% v/v of the total wax ester emulsion. Further, the invention provides a method of inhibiting fruit set for a fruit producing plant wherein the method comprises spraying an aqueous emulsion of a wax ester, or a mixture of wax esters, onto a fruit producing plant between the time of first bloom and the date of maximum fruit set, said emulsion in an amount to decrease fruit set by at least 10%.

Abstract: This invention discloses methods for manufacture and use of poly(ammonium acrylate) and polyacrylamide hydrogels in agricultural applications. Such hydrogels are applied to the soil or the plants by spraying. Spraying is advantageous over other methods of application, such as mixing with soil and broadcasting because of enhanced plant contact, evenness of distribution, and reduced labor. The gels are prepared for spraying by adding water to provide a readily deformable polymer which will pass through a spray apparatus. The hydrogels sprayed may include additives including micronutrients, maconutrients, pesticides, microbes, plant growth regulators, surfactants, and freezing point modifiers. Use of the hydrogels saves irrigation water and ameliorates salting of irrigated cropland. Sprayed hydrogels may also be used to protect crops from freezing and to protect foliage from desiccation.

Abstract: Treatment of sugarcane with 2,2-Dimethylvaleric acid enhances growth.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of increasing the sugar (primarily glucose and fructose) content in grapes by applying to grape vines (primarily to the leaves) a compound which is vanillin or a carboxylic acid salt having from 3 to 5 carbon atoms. Grapes are customarily harvested when the sugar level is about 16% "Brix", and application of the compounds of the present invention gives the grower a better means of controlling sugar level so that the fruit can be harvested in an orderly manner.

Abstract: Sucrose yield of sugarcane is increased by treating the cane crop a few weeks prior to harvest with a ripening agent comprising a substituted urea.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of reducing the acid level in pomegranates by applying thereto vanillin or a carboxylic acid salt having from 3 to 5 carbon atoms. Pomegranates are customarily harvested when the acidity level is about 181/2 percent and application of the compounds of the present invention give the grower a better means of controlling acidity level so that the fruit can be harvested in an orderly manner.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of increasing the sugar (primarily glucose and fructose) content in grapes by applying to grape vines (primarily to the leaves) a compound which is vanillin or a carboxylic acid salt having from 3 to 5 carbon atoms. Grapes are customarily harvested when the sugar level is about 16% "Brix" and application of the compounds of the present invention gives the grower a better means of controlling sugar level so that the fruit can be harvested in an orderly manner.

Abstract: Sucrose yield of sugarcane is increased by treating the cane crop a few weeks prior to harvest with a ripening agent comprising an s-triazine.

Abstract: Sucrose yield of sugarcane is increased by treating the cane crop a few weeks prior to harvest with a ripening agent comprising a certain specific phosphorus compound.