Abstract: Rapid, convenient and inexpensive methods for preparing fungicidal suspensions from Inula are described. Methods for controlling fungal disease and crops by using alkaline solutions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Novel synergistic fungicidal compositions used for protecting seeds, plants and other vegetative material against fungi contain a mixture of one or more compounds selected from group A and one or more compounds selected from group B. Compounds from group A are selected from Beta-Amino butyric acid and its N-benzoyl-octyl ester derivatives. Compounds from group B are selected from the group of fosetyl aluminum, dimethomorph, a mixture of folpet and ofurace (45:5), folpet fencaramid (Bayer SZX), mancozeb, cymoxynil, methalaxyl, the single optical isomer of metalaxyl, a mixture of cymoxamil and mancozeb (4:1), copper sulfate, copper hydroxide, copper sulfate hydrate, azoxystrobin, and acidenzolar-s-methyl.

Abstract: Rapid, convenient and inexpensive methods for preparing fungicidal suspensions from Inula are described. Methods for controlling fungal disease and crops by using alkaline solutions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for protecting a crop against plant-parasitic nematode attack by inducing local and systemic resistance of the crop comprising the application of a composition containing an effective amount of &bgr;-amino butyric acid or derivatives thereof to the crop or its locus.

Abstract: A method for protecting a crop against fungal diseases by inducing local and systemic resistance of the crop comprising applying to the crop or its locus a composition containing an effective amount of at least one .beta.-aminobutyric acid or .beta.-amino valeric acid and salts and derivatives thereof.

Abstract: Rapid, convenient and inexpensive methods for extracting fungicidal compounds from Inula are described, as well as methods for controlling fungal disease in crops by using these extracts. One preferred method of extraction starts with the dipping of leaves and stems of freshly cut Inula shoots for 10-15 seconds in organic solvent, at a ratio of 0.3-0.6 kg of shoots per 1 liter of solvent. A second method of extraction starts by shaking freshly cut Inula shoots in an organic solvent for 30 minutes at a ratio of 0.1-0.3 kg shoots per 1 liter of solvent. A third method is the same as the second, except that dried and ground Inula shoots are used a ratio of 0.05-0.25 kg dried shoots per 1 liter of solvent. For all three extraction methods, the solvent is evaporated and the residual paste (about 0.6-6.6% yield in the first method, 1.6-6.2% yield in the second method and 3.5-30% yield in the third method) is dissolved in acetone.

Abstract: Rapid, convenient and inexpensive methods for preparing fungicidal suspensions from Inula are described. Methods for controlling fungal disease in crops by using these suspensions are also given.

Abstract: A method for protecting a crop against fungal diseases by inducing local and systemic resistance of the crop comprising applying to the crop or its locus a composition containing an effective amount of a .beta.-aminobutyric acid or .beta.-amino valeric acid and derivatives thereof.

Abstract: A composition for protecting a crop against fungal diseases which includes one or more fish oils used in association with an agriculturally acceptable diluent and, preferably, with a metal salt. Also provided is a method for protecting a crop against fungal diseases which includes applying to the seed or foliage of a crop or its locus, a fish oil in an amount sufficient to induce the local and/or systemic resistance of the crop to control the fungal disease.

Abstract: Synergistic mixtures which include dimethomorph and cymoxonil in a fungicidially effective aggregate amount, and the use of such mixtures in the control of plant diseases. In certain embodiments, a contact fungicide is included, along with the dimethomorph and cymoxonil in suitable ratios.

Abstract: A composition for protecting a crop against fungal diseases which includes one or more fish oils used in association with an agriculturally acceptable diluent and, preferably, with a metal salt. Also provided is a method for protecting a crop against fungal diseases which includes applying to the seed, tuber or foliage of a crop or its locus, a fish oil in an amount sufficient to induce the local and/or systemic resistance of the crop to control the fungal disease. Preferably, the fish oil is used to protect a potato or tomato crop against infection by the late blight fungus Phytophthora infestans.