Abstract: Disclosed is a processing method whereby microorganisms, particularly waste yeast, can be turned into a processed material having high added value. Also disclosed is said processed material. Further disclosed is a production method for a reducing mixture derived from microorganisms which has an oxidation-reduction potential of 0 mV or less, said method being characterized by processing microorganisms or components thereof with superheated steam in the absence of oxygen.

Abstract: Provided is a high-value added fertilizer using a microorganism or a component of a microorganism and especially a fertilizer capable of promoting the bearing of fruit trees and fruit vegetables. A reducing fertilizer obtained by subjecting a mixture of a microorganism or a component of a microorganism with phosphoric acid component and/or potassium component to a hydrothermal reaction treatment is capable of promoting the growth the roots, especially, the root hairs of fruit trees and also promoting the enlargement of their fruits. In particular, because of the reducing characteristic, the reducing fertilizer of the present invention has an excellent affinity for cells constituting the roots, and enables phosphoric acid component and potassium component, which are useful fertilizer components, to be absorbed effectively.

Abstract: Provided is a high-value added fertilizer using a microorganism or a component of a microorganism and especially a fertilizer capable of promoting the bearing of fruit trees and fruit vegetables. A reducing fertilizer obtained by subjecting a mixture of a microorganism or a component of a microorganism with phosphoric acid component and/or potassium component to a hydrothermal reaction treatment is capable of promoting the growth the roots, especially, the root hairs of fruit trees and also promoting the enlargement of their fruits. In particular, because of the reducing characteristic, the reducing fertilizer of the present invention has an excellent affinity for cells constituting the roots, and enables phosphoric acid component and potassium component, which are useful fertilizer components, to be absorbed effectively.

Abstract: Disclosed is a processing method whereby microorganisms, particularly waste yeast, can be turned into a processed material having high added value. Also disclosed is said processed material. Further disclosed is a production method for a reducing mixture derived from microorganisms which has an oxidation-reduction potential of 0 mV or less, said method being characterized by processing microorganisms or components thereof with superheated steam in the absence of oxygen.

Abstract: Herein provided is a plug mixture for raising seedlings, which contains endosymbiotic Pseudomonads mutualistically colonizing in endorhizosphere, Pseudomnonas fluoresceFPT-9601 and Pseudomonas sp. FPH-9601. Using the plug mixture, soil-borne diseases of crop plants and flowering plants can be prevented, and the producibility of such plants can be increased. The plug mixture contains said two Pseudomonads in an amount of not smaller than 10.sup.5 CFU/g each, and may contain 1-?3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propanoyl!-2-piperidone in an amount of not smaller than 10 ppm. The two strains are separately added to different plug mixtures, which are then blended to give the intended plug mixture for raising seedlings. To this is optionally added 1-?3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propanoyl!-2-piperidone. The plug mixture is effective for preventing soil-borne diseases, such as bacterial wilt, fusarium wilt and late blight, of various crop plants.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is plant growth regulator comprising an isolated Pseudomonas fluorescens FPT-9601 strain or an isolated Pseudomonas sp. FPH-9601 strain which are endosymbiotic pseudomonads.

Abstract: A mixture of 2-piperidone and an N-acyllactam compound for use as a soil amending agent which is provided in a molar ratio of 2-piperidone to N-acyllactam compound in the range from 0.1:1 to 10:1 is effective in the promotion of plant growth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to 1-[2-(4-hydroxybenzoyl)ethanoyl]-2-piperidone which is a novel compound of N-acyl lactam compounds and exhibit excellent effects in promoting fermentation in alcohol fermentation.This novel compound can be prepared by converting 2-(4-benzyloxybenzoyl)acetic acid into the acid chloride, then coupling the acid chloride with 2-piperidone or an alkylate of 2-piperidone and then subjecting to debenzylation.