Abstract: The strain of Trichoderma asperellum T34(2) CECT No. 20417 is useful for preparing substrates for biological control of vascular fusariose and death of plants caused by Rhizoctonia solani. The substrates can be peats, composts (hardwood compost, pine bark compost, cork compost, sludge compost from sewage treatment plants, garden residues, etc.) or formulations based on CPV-type compost (compost+peat+vermiculite). The fact that said substrates suppress both Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici and Rhizoctonia solani provides an advantage in comparison with other substrates known in prior art. Another advantage is that the use of methyl bromide, a highly harmful product for the environment, in the control of vascular fusariose is avoided.

Abstract: A biologically pure culture of a yeast of the species Metschnikowia fructicola. The yeast is identified as NRRL Y-27328 and is capable of inhibiting growth of a deleterious micro-organism on a portion of a plant to which a biologically effective amount of a culture of the yeast is applied. Further disclosed is a composition for use in protection of agricultural produce including a biologically effective amount of Metschnikowia fructicola and a carrier. Further disclosed is an article of manufacture including packaging material and the disclosed composition which is identified for use in protection of agricultural produce from a deleterious micro-organism. Further disclosed is a method of inhibiting growth of deleterious micro-organism on a portion of a plant including applying at least one time an agriculturally effective amount of yeast of the genus Metschnikowia to the portion of a plant.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wettable composition for use in agriculture comprising microorganisms as an active ingredient, which can maintain a high survival rate of the same over long periods, and exhibit superior physical properties during applications, and provide a method for stably storing the wettable composition for use in agriculture for a long period of time. That is, the present invention corresponds to a wettable composition for use in agriculture comprising spores of filamentous fungi which are in the form of dried powders having a volume median diameter ranging from 2 &mgr;m to 10 &mgr;m, and having a ratio of (volume 90% diameter)/(volume 10% diameter;) of not more than 5.62, and an adsorbent having a water absorption ability in an amount of at least 1% by mass based on the total mass of the composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing arachidonic acid. In one embodiment, Mortierella sect. schmuckeri microorganisms are cultured in fermentation medium, preferably containing a component of a complex nitrogen source. Further disclosed is a food product which includes Mortierella sect. schmuckeri microorganisms or lipid isolated from such microorganisms to enhance the arachidonic acid content of the food product.

Abstract: Disclosed are gel-based cosmetic and wound-healing formulations, methods for making said formulations, and a method for simultaneously treating and concealing injuries to human skin. In one exemplary embodiment, the cosmetic and wound-healing formulation comprises live yeast cell extract, pigment, and a gel.

Abstract: A biopesticidal composition for controlling insects (e.g., pecan weevils, the diaprepes root weevil, fall armyworm, fire ants), containing an agriculturally acceptable carrier and an effective insect (e.g., pecan weevils, the diaprepes root weevil, fall armyworm, fire ants) biopesticidal amount of a fungus selected from the group consisting of Beauveria bassiana having the identifying characteristics of Beauveria bassiana NRRL 30593, Metarhizium anisopliae having the identifying characteristics of Metarhizium anisopliae NRRL 30594, Beauveria bassiana having the identifying characteristics of Beauveria bassiana NRRL 30601, Beauveria bassiana having the identifying characteristics of Beauveria bassiana NRRL 30600, or mixtures thereof. Also, a method for controlling insects (e.g., pecan weevils, the diaprepes root weevil, fall armyworm, fire ants), involving applying an effective insect biopesticidal amount of the composition to the insects or to the plants, areas or substrates infested with the insects.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions suitable for use against one or more pathogens comprising at least one antagonistic micro-organism and at least one stimulating agent, which may be selected from the group consisting of one or more uronic acids, mannans, and/or derivatives thereof and mixtures of said agents. The invention also relates to a method for the biocontrol of disease caused by pathogens to vegetal material using the compositions of the invention.

Abstract: A method for preventing or treating cereal contamination or fungi producing mold toxins by applying a micro-organism of the Geotrichum candidum family.

Abstract: A method for degrading and/or bioremediating waste wood containing pentachlorephenol (penta) using a fungal inoculum is disclosed. The fungal inoculum comprises of at least one penta-tolerant fungi, a lignocellulosic substrate and a nutrient supplement. The fungal inoculum is applied to the waste wood and maintained in an aerated and hydrated environment having temperature conditions sufficient to allow the inoculum to grow and metabolize the pentachlorophenol. The inoculum and the waste wood are combined until an end product is achieved that is at least partially remediated or of a reduced volume.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a yeast strain for human and animal consumption. It may be dispensed as a fermented drink, drink suspension, medicine or component in a baked mixture. Extracts from cells of the strain may also be consumed.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of TL-&ggr;, antibodies to TL-&ggr;, methods of screening for TL-&ggr; modulators using biologically active TL-&ggr;, and kits for screening for TL-&ggr; modulators.

Abstract: A method of producing a ringworm vaccine isolated from at least one dermatophyte along with suitable carrier is disclosed. The method comprises making an antigen preparation comprising the dermatophyte antigen and combining the antigen preparation with a suitable carrier.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an isolated Clavaria pulchra fungus from basidiocarps. The Clavaria pulchra fungus can be propagated to ericaceous plants for growth stimulation. The present invention is also directed to a method for isolating Clavarioid fungi.

Abstract: The invention relates to Monascus purpureus mutants, which are useful in the preparation of fermentation products having blood pressure lowering activity with a very low amount of citrinin.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes the non-sporulating mycelial stage of insect-specific parasitic fungi. The fungus can be present on grain, attracting the pest, and also infecting it through digestion. More than one fungus can be used in combination. The matrix of fungi can be dried or freeze-dried, packaged and reactivated for as an effective bioinsecticide.

Abstract: The entomopathogenic fungus Paecilomyces fumosoroseus and certain related species, such as P. javanicus are useful for controlling infestations by subterranean termites, particularly those belonging to the family Rhinotermitidae. The family Rhinotermitidae includes two species of subterranean termites having extremely high economic importance in the United States; namely the Formosan subterranean termite (Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki), and the native (North American) subterranean termite (Reticulitermes flavipes). Large numbers of infectious propagules of the fungus, such as blastospores and conidia can be readily cultured on media that are easily and inexpensively prepared and incorporated into formulations for controlling termites. These fungi are useful for protecting living trees, plants, wood, wood structures, and other cellulosic materials susceptible to termite infestation and damage.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel endophytic fungus, Muscodor, that produces a mixture of volatile antibiotics with activity on specific plant pathogens, bacteria, nematodes and insects. Also provided is a method for treating or protecting plants, soil and seeds from microbial infections comprising applying an effective amount of a volatile antibiotic producing Muscodor sp. The invention also relates to fungicidal, bactericidal, insecticidal and nematicidal compositions comprising this novel Muscodor strain and the antibiotics and metabolites produced by this strain either alone, or in combination with other chemical and biological pesticides. Also provided is a method for identifying and isolating related gas producing fungi.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to imparting stress resistance to plants. This can be achieved by applying a hypersensitive response elicitor in a non-infectious form to plants or plant seeds under conditions effective to impart stress resistance to plants or plants grown from the plant seeds. Alternatively, transgenic plants or plant seeds transformed with a DNA molecule encoding the elicitor can be provided and the transgenic plants or plants resulting from the transgenic plant seeds are grown under conditions effective to impart stress resistance to plants or plants grown from the plant seeds.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for using red rice fermentation products for the treatment or prevention of osteoporosis and abnormal bone mass conditions. Particular Monascus strains yield fermentation products with the desired biological activities.

Abstract: Species of fungi have been identified, which can be used to control coleopteran infestations of host plants. The fungi are particularly useful for controlling infestations of Diaprepes abbreviatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides an incubation method for obtaining solid culture of Zang Zhi (Antrodia camphorata) comprising the steps of: incubating a stock strain of Zang Zhi in a PP bag for growth of mycelia, followed by an incubation in the air for fruiting the Zang Zhi body. The invention also provides the solid culture of Zang Zhi obtained by the incubation method, and the products processed therefrom and the use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liver-caring medicine that cures alcohol-induced liver cancer and contains active ingredients from the fruiting body and the mycelium of Antrodia Camphorata or Antrodia Cinnamomea, which is a kind of mushroom that only grows inside a unique plant in Taiwan, a Cinnamomum kanehirae tree.

Abstract: Crude drug extracts containing soluble silicon compounds as an effective component are obtained by subjecting a crude drug to extraction with water or an aqueous solvent, preferably at an alkaline pH. The crude drugs subjected to extraction to obtain the extracts may be derived from animals, plants, etc. The quality of the crude drug extract can be standardized using the soluble silicon compounds as an index. The soluble silicon compounds exhibit inhibitory action towards the production of plasma kallikrein. The amount of soluble silicon compounds in the dry extract may be used as an index whereby the quality of various crude drugs can be standardized which contributes to providing crude drug extracts having a stable or consistent quality. Consequently, the present invention greatly contributes to the appropriate standardization of pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: A sprayable pesticidal or herbicidal composition comprises inert carrier particles having supported thereon a fungal growth. The fungal growth comprises mycelium that is grown on the particles using a solid state fermentation process. The particles are provided in a dry state and can be suspended in a liquid carrier for spray application when needed. The invention also provides for a thickening agent that increases the viscosity of the spray solution so as to prevent sedimentation of the particles.

Abstract: A method for identifying and isolating the active fractions in fungus Cordyceps sinensis. It covers a findings of the structure of an active compound that is present in the active fractions, an isolation method that can be used to extract the active fractions and a specific active compound, and the use of F8, one specific active compound, that is present in the active fractions thus isolated, to improve the clinical symptoms of bronchial hyperresponsiveness and pulmonary injury in OA induced BNR model with enhancing Th1 cytokines suppressing Th2 and iNOS cytokines mRNA expression. This work has important pharmacological implications for the prevention and treatment of bronchial asthma in humans.

Abstract: The entomopathogenic fungus Paecilomyces fumosoroseus and certain related species, such as P. javanicus are useful for controlling infestations by subterranean termites, particularly those belonging to the family Rhinotermitidae. The family Rhinotermitidae includes two species of subterranean termites having extremely high economic importance in the United States; namely the Formosan subterranean termite (Coptoterimes formosanus Shiraki), and the native (North American) subterranean termite (Reticulitermes flavipes). Large numbers of infectious propagules of the fungus, such as blastospores and conidia can be readily cultured on media that are easily and inexpensively prepared and incorporated into formulations for controlling termites. These fungi are useful for protecting living trees, plants, wood, wood structures, and other cellulosic materials susceptible to termite infestation and damage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the establishment of a cultivation condition that is suitable for the large-scale production of pharmacologically active filtrates from a culture of A. camphorata, in particular, by optimizing the agitation rate and/or pH value during the cultivation. The present invention also relates to a process for obtaining pharmacologically active compositions from a culture of A. camphorata through a series of fractionation. This invention is further directed to the uses of the above compositions in the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: A solid state fermentation (SSF) method is provided which is effective for both small- and large-scale fungal cultivation. Also provided is SSF media for fungal cultivation. The media preferably contains a carbon source and nitrogen source to provide a carbon to nitrogen ratio of about 5:1 to about 25:1 by weight. The media may also contain a vitamin and an inorganic substance. A preferred SSF medium contains malt extract, yeast extract, peptone, glucose, water, solid base, and calcium carbonate or gypsum. Before propagating fungal mycelia in the SSF medium, the mycelia may be pre-cultivated in a solid culture medium and then in a liquid medium. Although the SSF method can be used in growing most fungi, preferred fungi include Cordyceps sinensis, Ganoderma lucidum, Antrodia camphorata, Trametes versicolor, and Agaricus blazei. The SSF method not only produces high yield of fungi, but also stimulates the production of fungal metabolites, particularly the kinds with pharmaceutical and medicinal activities.

Abstract: To provide an Italian rye grass with excellent characteristics, and in particular, excellent insect resistance and disease resistance, an endophyte, which is a filamentous endophytic fungus living together with a wild plant occurring in nature, is isolated and artificially grown, and made to live symbiotically in Italian rye grass by inoculating and infecting the grass with the artificially grown endophyte.

Abstract: A biocontrol agent containing Phoma glomerata for suppressing development of fungal diseases on plants and methods of using this biocontrol agent in the suppression of fungal disease on plants are provided. The Phoma glomerata is preferably Phoma glomerata ATCC MYA-2373 that suppresses powdery mildew on plants.

Abstract: A grass with improved environmental stress tolerance and low animal toxicity is disclosed where the grass is infected with an isolated endophyte selected from the groups consisting of USDA-PI no. 269850, Ijoukak, Morocco 92060, Ouarzazate, Morocco KBG 5938, Oujda, Morocco KBG 5892, El-Kelaa-des-Mgouna, Morocco KBG 5914, Boumalne-de-Dades, Morocco KBG 5921, USDA-PI no. 516560, mixtures and combinations thereof. A method for stably infecting the grasses is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the preparation of acidic lipase from microbial sources with activity at highly acidic pH, the process comprising growing Aspergillus niger sp. in a fermentation medium containing carbon and nitrogen sources along with nutrients, separating the fungal biomass and recovering the culture filtrate/broth and separating the lipase enzyme.

Abstract: A pesticide composition that includes a metabolite from a fungus selected from homeocarpic basidiomycetes and homeocarpic ascomycetes is produced. In one embodiment, the fungus from which the metabolite is derived is one grown under conditions effective to substantially suppress fruiting of the fungus. More particular the pesticide compositions are provided comprising a fungal metabolite derived from a fungus selected from the group Ganoderma spp., Lactiporus spp. Lentinus spp. Morchella spp., and Pleurotus spp. The pesticide composition may be produced by culturing the fungus on a medium containing vegetable oil and a surfactant. Alternatively a filtrate from a culture of the fungus is added to the medium containing vegetable oil and a surfactant, and mixed until pesticidal activity develops.

Abstract: Species of fungi have been identified, which can be used to control coleopteran infestations of host plants. The fungi are particularly useful for controlling infestations of Diaprepes abbreviatus.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to biological control of plant pathogens (e.g. either preharvest or postharvest diseases) on agricultural commodities (such as fruits, vegetables, cereals, grains, nuts, seeds and silage) by use of at least one microorganism which is an antagonist against plant pathogens.

Abstract: A biocontrol agent and a method of use thereof for controlling diseases caused by fungal pathogens in plants. In one aspect of the invention, novel strains of Gliocladium roseum exhibiting antagonistic effects against plant pathogens are used as biocontrol agents. Most preferably, a novel strain Gliocladium roseum ACM941 (ATCC #74447) is used in a treatment effective against fungal pathogens of plants. The biocontrol agent of the present invention may be used in the treatment of seeds, soil or plants to effectively protect against plant diseases caused by fungal pathogens. The biocontrol agent is particularly effective against fungal infections of pea, bean, canola, wheat, barley, beet, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, canola, califlower, cucumber, egg plant, pepper, tomato, marigold and other horticultural and ornamental plants, caused by Alternaria alternata, Aphanomyces euteiches, Ascochyta spp., Bipolaris sorokiniana, Fusarium graminearum, Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. pisi, Fusarium solani f.sp.

Abstract: A method for degrading and/or bioremediating waste wood containing chromated copper arsenate (CCA) using a fungal inoculurn is disclosed. The fungal inoculum comprises of at least one CCA-tolerant fungi, a lignocellulosic substrate and a nutrient supplement. The fungal inoculum is applied to the waste wood and maintained in an aerated and hydrated environment having temperature conditions sufficient to allow the inoculum to grow and metabolize the CCA. The inoculum and the waste wood are combined until an end product is achieved that is at least partially remediated or of a reduced volume.

Abstract: A method for degrading and/or bioremediating waste wood containing chromated copper arsenate (CCA) using a fungal inoculum is disclosed. The fungal inoculum comprises of at least one CCA-tolerant fungi, a lignocellulosic substrate and a nutrient supplement. The fungal inoculum is applied to the waste wood and maintained in an aerated and hydrated environment having temperature conditions sufficient to allow the inoculum to grow and metabolize the CCA. The inoculum and the waste wood are combined until an end product is achieved that is at least partially remediated or of a reduced volume.

Abstract: A strain of Trichoderma harzianum is obtained that is useful as a nematode inhibitor, fungicide and plant growth promoter. The strain has ATCC accession number PTA-3701. The strain is isolated by treating Trichoderma harzianum isolated from experimental fields of Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP) Field Station with a mutagen such as ethyl methyl sulphonate, and isolating a whitish and fast growing strain of Trichoderma harzianum.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for treating a plant having an exposed wound to increase resistance against a plant pathogen, by applying an effective amount of a benomyl solution, in conjunction with inoculating the pruning wound with a fungal organism resistant to the benomyl concentration. The invention also provides a benomyl tolerant F. lateritium which is particularly adapted for the treatment of grapevine pruning wounds to control Eutypa dieback.

Abstract: An aqueous extract of legumes is prepared for growing agronomically beneficial microorganisms. The extract is prepared by boiling a legume in water and removing solids. Preferably, 150 to 250 grams of legumes are boiled in about one liter of water for 15 to 30 minutes. The legumes include peas, beans, clover, alfalfa, and mixtures thereof. Also pea seeds can be prepared as a legume aqueous extract. A nitrogen source, a salt of an organic acid, an organic alcohol or mixtures thereof can be added to the extract-containing medium. Furthermore, the extract-containing medium is effective for growing agronomically beneficial microbes to a cell density of 108 cells per milliter.

Abstract: A therapeutic agent for a cancer comprising a therapeutically effective amount of an active ingredient, wherein the therapeutic agent is used referring to an ability of acting on NK cell antigen receptor NKR-P1 of NKT cell as an index of the ability to activate the NKT cell.

Abstract: An entomopathogenic fungus virulent against insects of the grasshopper family is described. The entomopathogenic fungus is a strain Beauveria bassiana. Also, formulations that include the entomopathogenic fungus are described. These formulations can be delivered to grasshopper-infested areas by land or by air. In addition, methods of killing an insect of the grasshopper family using the aforementioned formulation and baits and traps for killing an insect of the grasshopper family containing the formulation are described.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes the pre-sporulation (preconidial) mycelial stage of entomopathogenic fungi as insect attractants and/or pathogens. The fungus can be cultivated on grain, wood, agricultural wastes or other cellulosic material, attracting the insect and optionally introducing insect-specific pathogenic fungi. More than one fungus and substrate can be used in combination. The matrix of preconidial fungi can optionally be dried, freeze-dried, cooled and/or pelletized and packaged and reactivated for use as an effective insect attractant and/or biopesticide. Attractant extracts of the preconidial entomopathogenic mycelium are disclosed.

Abstract: There is provided a method of production of an immunostimulatory &bgr;-glucan-mannan preparation, comprising the step of autolysis of cells of a microorganism at a pH of 5 to 6 and a temperature of 35 to 60° C. for 6 to 48 hours, and separating solid material roam the autolysed product. The &bgr;-glucan-mannan preparation may be incorporated as a food component or be used as a pharmaceutical for treatment of conditions such as immuno-suppression, hypercholesterolaemia, hypoglycaemia and heavy metal excretion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for controlling phytopathogenic fungi using pure strains of Rosellinia subiculata ATCC 74386 and fungus ATCC 74387. Further, methods of producing a sordarin compound are disclosed. The method includes cultivating each strain separately in a nutrient medium containing assimilable sources of carbon and nitrogen and recovering the compound. A sordarin compound of formula I is also disclosed. Also an antifungal composition containing a sordarin compound is also disclosed.

Abstract: A ringworm vaccine is disclosed comprising antigen isolated from at least one dermatophyte and a suitable carrier. The “antigen” can include a single antigen from a dermatophyte or a plurality of antigens as long as at least one antigen is included which will produce a sufficient immune response to confer resistance to ringworm infection upon the recipient of the vaccine. The antigen can also be isolated from more than one dermatophyte. If a preparation from more than one dermatophyte is made the antigen can include antigens which are common to all species of dermatophytes employed and/or antigens which are only specific to certain species. A method of producing such a ringworm vaccine is also disclosed. The method comprises making an antigen preparation comprising the dermatophyte antigen described above and combining the antigen preparation with a suitable carrier.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns novel biopesticides and their use to control cockroaches, carpenter ants, and pharaoh ants. Specifically, highly virulent isolates of Beauveria bassiana in an agricultural composition, can be used to effectively control these pests. Exemplified are Beauveria bassiana No. 447, ATCC 20872, and Beauveria bassiana Sp111, ATCC 74038. Also described are unique formulations which are highly effective for delivering biocontrol agents to target pests. By using these novel compositions, target pests can be controlled without the environmental and public safety hazards presented by chemical control agents.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition comprising activated hemicellulose (AHCC), a method for inducing IL-12 in a living body having tumor cells by administering the composition, and a method for treating cancer by administering the composition are provided.

Abstract: A pesticide composition that includes a metabolite from a fungus selected from homeocarpic basidiomycetes and homeocarpic ascomycetes is described. In one embodiment, the fungus from which the metabolite is derived is one grown under conditions effective to substantially suppress fruiting of the fungus. More particular the pesticide compositions are provided comprising a fungal metabolite derived from a fungus selected from the group Ganoderma spp., Lactiporus spp., Lentinus spp., Morchella spp., and Pleurotus spp. The pesticide composition may be produced by culturing the fungus on a medium containing vegetable oil and a surfactant. Alternatively a filtrate from a culture of the fungus is added to the medium containing vegetable oil and a surfactant, and mixed until pesticidal activity develops.