Abstract: A sample staining device, comprising a staining platform provided with a staining solution and cleaning solution supply part; glass slide support structures located on either side of the staining platform and forming a certain clearance between a glass slide and the staining platform; and a glass slide driving mechanism that enables the glass slide to move while maintaining a certain clearance from the staining platform. When said device works, a staining solution is supplied to the staining platform, and a convex liquid surface is formed due to surface tension; when the glass slide moves to the convex liquid surface of the staining solution, the staining solution infiltrates and diffuses in the clearance formed between the staining platform and the glass slide to cover the glass slide so as to stain a sample; and after the glass slide is stained, a cleaning solution is supplied to clean the residual staining solution.

Abstract: Methods and systems to improve application of seed applied components to seeds are disclosed. Environmentally controlled enclosures to test, evaluate and develop seed treatment solutions for certain geographical locations are provided. Controlled environments during seed treatment application process in a production location improves the overall seed treatment efficiency and uniformity.

Abstract: In an agricultural product, a seed is contained within a composite coating. The composite coating has successive layers, and one or more of the layers can include fertilizer, a binder, and/or lime.

Abstract: Disclosed are melanin compositions and devices, and methods of use thereof, to protect internal tissues and organs from radiation damage and to prevent or alleviate negative side effects associated with radiation exposure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing disinfected seed, a use of a treatment composition, and an apparatus for disinfecting of seed. The method of the invention comprises contacting seed with a treatment composition comprising at least one disinfecting agent and/or a liquid component, and thereafter or at least partly simultaneously, exposing said seed to a treatment atmosphere for an exposure time of at least 1 second, wherein the treatment atmosphere has a relative humidity of at least 50% and a temperature of at least 40° C.

Abstract: A seed coating assembly (16) includes a housing (36) with a high-speed rotary coating atomizer (66) therein, and a relatively slow speed rotatable body (42) equipped with through-slots (44) located above the atomizer (66) in a location to divert and evenly spread incoming seeds prior to coating thereof. The body (42) is preferably a substantially circular disk mounted coaxially with the atomizer (66) at a distance of from about 1.5-10 inches above the atomizer (66).

Abstract: Seed index system and methods for treating agricultural seeds with one or more seed care products employing a size-adjusted application rate based on the size of the seeds. Such size-adjusted application rates can be determined by a supplier of seed care products and communicated to an applicator who applies the seed care product to a quantity of seeds. Such size-adjusted application rates can be in the form of a chart, an equation, or a calculator.

Abstract: The present invention provides for biochar coated particles and a method for coating the particles with biochar.

Abstract: Methods and articles are provided for reducing the amount of water consumed by a plant over a period of time, sequestering CO2, and producing electricity, where each method includes providing the plant with a composition including at least about 0.1 (wt./wt. or vol./vol.) % CO2 and/or at least about 0.1 wt./wt. % of a composition that generates CO2. An apparatus is also disclosed for providing the plant with a composition including CO2 and/or a composition that generates CO2.

Abstract: The present invention is an organic composition for the protection of crops against black frost and the method for its application over the crops. The novelty of this invention consists not only in the composition of the product itself, but also in the calculation of the percentages of the organic components that intervene in the product; and, in the determination of the moment when the product must be applied over the crops. This invention is a very simple composition where the calculation of the percentages of the two main components is obtained by multiplying the “Filo Index” (real humidity and temperature/historical values of humidity and temperature for the area) by the component; and, the percentage of the second component is calculated by subtracting the first result from 100.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method of treating soil and a method of sequestering heavy metals in soil. The method of treating soil includes applying a blend to the soil to form treated soil, the blend including a slag by-product having a soluble compound. The soluble compound includes silicon. The method of sequestering heavy metals includes applying a blend to soil to form treated soil, the blend including a slag by-product having a soluble compound, and forming a substantially inert particle in the treated soil, the substantially inert particle including the blend and the heavy metals.

Abstract: Methods of coating seeds with polymers and seeds coated with such polymers are disclosed herein. The polymers can be phosphonates, sulfonates, polymers of ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids, polyaminopolyethermethylene phosphonate, polysuccinic oligomers, acrylic acid/2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid, blends of acrylic acid/2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid with polyaminopolyethermethylene phosphonate, sulfomethylated acrylic acid/acrylamide, blends of sulfomethylated acrylic acid/acrylamide with polyaminopolyethermethylene phosphonate, polymaleic acid, acrylic acid/acrylamide copolymers, polyacrylic acid, trimethylglycine hydrochloride, blends of polyaminopolyethermethylene phosphonate with trimethylglycine hydrochloride, and any combination or salt of such polymers. Methods of monitoring, determining, and controlling the concentration of scale inhibitors in an agricultural irrigation system are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a protein/peptide composition for protection of surfaces comprising an aqueous solution of at least two components, the first component (A) being a water-soluble protein or a mixture of water-soluble proteins having an average molecular weight Mw of at least 30000, and being capable of forming a gel, and the second component (B) being a water-soluble peptide or a mixture of water-soluble peptides mixture having an average molecular weight of 200-10000, and being capable of inhibiting gel formation in said composition. The present invention further relates to a method for preparing such a composition, the use of the composition for protecting a surface, a method for protecting a substrate surface using the composition, and to a substrate surface coated with the composition.

Abstract: A seed treatment apparatus provides for minimal waste of products for treating seeds, in that it is precisely controllable and automatically adjustable. A volume of seeds to be treated and a flow rate of treatment product for treating the seeds can both be sensed. At least one of the flow rate of the treatment product and the volume of seeds can automatically be adjusted if it is determined that a ratio of the flow rate of treatment product to the volume of seeds is not the same as a predetermined flow rate to volume ratio.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for the preservation and/or dyeing of plant material including cut flowers. According to the invention, the treated plant material has the color and texture of fresh plant material and is substantially free from curling or distortion. The method may comprise five steps including a first step of substantially removing the protective wax coating from flowers and other plant material without adversely affecting the strength of the plant material; a second step comprising a mild oxidative bleach to remove excess color from the plant material; a third step comprising a mild reductive bleach to neutralize any residual oxidative bleach and to stabilize the color; a fourth step comprising the simultaneous preservation and dyeing of the plant material, and a fifth and last step comprising the rinsing and drying of the preserved and dyed material. This may be followed by a 2nd preservation and dyeing step and a rinsing and drying. The product can then be rewaxed and stored.

Abstract: Plant material has bacteriophage has been attached, wherein the bacteriophage retains infectivity. The plant material includes fruits, vegetables, leaves, stems, flowers, roots, tubers, seedlings and seeds. Plant diseases and animal diseases can be treated. A separate composition comprises a carrier selected from (i) a filament, (ii) a planar material, and (iii) particles and/or beads, and bacteriophage covalently attached thereto, wherein the bacteriophage retains infectivity, useful in treatment or prevention of bacterial infection in a deep wound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the treatment of wounds occurring from cutting bananas and pineapples from a tree with a composition containing natamycin and at least one phosphite containing compound.

Abstract: Protein binding onto a polymeric surface is enhanced by treating the surface with an amine-bearing polymer like poly(ethylene imine). When used in ELISA, the treated surface improves the performance of the assay.

Abstract: A sunscreen composition for application for plants comprises Titanium Dioxide (TiO2), Zinc Oxide (ZnO), Silicon Dioxide (SiO2), a surfactant, wetting agent, dispersant (SWD) and water. The composition forms a suspension concentrate when combined that when diluted in water provides a solution that provides uniform coverage using convention spraying equipment. A method of protecting plants including turfgrass from ultraviolet radiation, heat stress and/or sunburn comprises combining TiO2, ZnO, SiO2, SWD and water to form a suspension concentrate. The suspension concentrate is then diluted in water and applied to an area in which sun protection is desired.

Abstract: A root ball including soil disposed in and around root system and a layer of agricultural polymer around the soil and root system. The agricultural polymer creates a root ball having a semi-permeable, solid outer layer, which provides protection for the root system and eliminates the need for a container.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems for applying a coating to an ear of corn in a high throughput manner are disclosed. The system includes means for moving the ear of corn through the system and means for coating the ear of corn with a coating while passing through the system. The apparatus includes a carrying position for an ear of corn, an automated line having a plurality of the carrying positions, and an automated coating station adapted to apply a coating to the ear of corn on the automated line. The method includes staging a plurality of ears of corn on an automated line, passing the automated line through an ear coating process, and coating the plurality of ears of corn with a coating.

Abstract: Methods for delaying the maturity, coloration and/or senescence of fruits, vegetables, ornamentals, or non-food crops by applying phosphorous acid and/or its salts to the plants; or by applying mixtures of gibberellic acid and/or its salts and phosphorous acid and/or its salts to the plants. Applications may be made pre- or post-harvest at various temperatures and pH ranges. The unique combinations of phosphorous acid/salts with gibberellic acid/salts in embodiments of the present invention have been found to increase the effect of the gibberellic acid/salts on delaying maturation, coloration and senescence of plant tissues, thereby prolonging the shelf life of fruit, vegetables and/or non food crops in ways not previously realized.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for applying a coating to an ear of corn are disclosed. An enclosure having a user accessible workspace and a motor to turn an ear of corn therein to apply a coating to the ear of corn rotated by the motor is also disclosed. The method includes providing an enclosure with a user accessible workspace for housing a motor assembly having a motor with a grip, releasably securing the ear of corn to the grip, rotating the ear of corn with the motor, and spraying the coating on the ear of corn with the coating applicator associated with the workspace. Each ear of corn has an identifier to track and index the ear corn during coating and drying.

Abstract: A seed treater provides enhanced seed coating capabilities and performance. The seed and/or treatment fluid may be heated for improving vaporization and absorption by the seed. Air may be injected in the seed treater to provide heat, dehumidified air, and to provide vaporization enhancement, and component cleaning functions. The functions may be controlled by a control processor based on recipes and may be changed dependent upon sensed or input environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity.

Abstract: The invention relates to active particles, including core-shell particles, having low burst, controllable, sustained release which are useful for coating seeds. The active particles can also be used in sprayable and dry formulations for treating soil or plants. The particulate coating can also contain inert organic or inorganic material. The invention also relates to methods for preparing the active particles. The methods include: adding additional material to core particles to form a shell, removing active ingredient from a core surface to create an active-depleted shell, and crosslinking the outer layers of a core to form a shell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for fungicidal and/or bactericidal treatment of plants or foodstuffs using one or more essential oil(s) that enable the treatment of strains resistant to synthetic fungicides and/or bactericides.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating a least a portion of one or more initial seed samples to create one or more treated seed samples for use in research applications is provided. In various embodiments, the apparatus and method utilize two or more seed treaters operating in parallel to increase throughput for treating a portion of one or more initial seed samples. The apparatus and method may also include a metering station configured to distribute at least a portion of the one or more initial seed samples to the two or more seed treaters. As a result, the apparatus and method are configured to efficiently and accurately treat seed samples.

Abstract: The invention relates to sub-micron compositions, and methods of preparing such compositions, in particular for the treatment of substrates against biological degradation biological pests.

Abstract: Methods for applying a treatment, such as colorant, to an installed landscaping material (such as wood chips or mulch), reducing the need to replace worn or weathered material. The methods include applying a pre-treatment to protect elements proximate the landscape material that are not to be treated, applying a treatment liquid to the landscaping material by spraying, and then rinsing any elements proximate the landscape material that may have be inadvertently and undesirably treated. Also described is a sprayer apparatus for applying treatment liquid to a landscaping material. The sprayer apparatus includes first and second spray outlets and an agitator therebetween. In use, the landscape material to be treated is first sprayed, the material is agitated (e.g., turned), and a second spray of treatment liquid is applied to the landscape material.

Abstract: Described is a method for treating wood, in which the wood is brought into contact with a mixture of liquid or water-soluble organic ammonium carboxylate and an active ingredient which repels invertebrates, characterized in that the organic ammonium carboxylate has the formula (1): [NR1R2R3R4]+n[R5(COO)n]?n??(1), in which R1, R2 and R3 are selected from hydrogen, substituted and unsubstituted alkyls containing 1-6 carbon atoms, R4 is a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl containing 1-6 carbon atoms, R5 is hydrogen, a substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon containing 1-6 carbon atoms and n is an integral 1-6 and whereby wood-preservative active ingredient contains a chelating agent which repels invertebrate, which chelating agent is selected from an aminopolycarboxylic acid or a salt thereof, a hydroxy acid or a salt thereof or a phosphonate or a salt thereof or a mixture of chelating agents which belong to two of more groups thereof.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide automated apparatus, systems, and methods for dispensing a substance on a seed. An example embodiment provides a system for automated dispensing of a substance on a seed. The system comprises a seed container with a plurality of compartments each configured to retain a seed. The system further comprises a supply tank configured to retain the substance. The system also comprises at least one dispensing tip configured to dispense the substance and a pump connected to the supply tank and to the dispensing tip. The pump is configured to pump the substance from the supply tank to the dispensing tip. The system further comprises a controller configured to move at least one of the seed container or the dispensing tip relative to the other and to direct the pump to pump the substance into a compartment of the seed container.

Abstract: A horticultural applicator having a raft, at least one cable attached to the raft, a boom associated with the raft, and a conduit in communication with the raft. The raft includes a lower surface, first and second side surfaces extending upwardly and outwardly from the lower surface at opposite ends thereof, and first and second end surfaces extending generally perpendicular from opposite ends of the lower surface between the first and second side surfaces. The cable is used to drag the raft over a surface containing vegetation. The boom is adapted to apply a substance onto the vegetation traveling below the lower surface of the raft.

Abstract: Improved systems and methods for tissue processing are described here. The chemical process and the construction of the apparatus are simplified by using only two different solutions in two separate reaction modules. They are compatible with processing of tissue specimens for genetic analysis, histology, in situ antibody binding and hybridization, archival preservation of morphology and nucleic acids, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A lipid layer forming composition comprises a volatile silicone oil of a boiling point above 180° C., a polar lipid, optionally a C2-C4 aliphatic alcohol, optionally a pharmacologically or cosmetically active agent or a protective agent. The lipid layer forming composition can be applied to a biological surface by spraying, dipping or brushing to form a stable polar lipid layer on the surface.

Abstract: Coating compositions and methods of use, allowing for improved water and/or nutrient usage by seeds, plants, shrubs, and vegetation, among others, are disclosed.

Abstract: Fuzzy cotton seeds with an aqueous polyurethane dispersion are provided which have a smooth and non-sticky surface. Said coated seeds have at the same time a sufficient hardness for use in machine-seeding and possess also excellent germination properties.

Abstract: A seed treatment system having a central computerized data store, a user interface, and network connections from the data store to a plurality of retail facilities and a plurality of agricultural produce suppliers. Each retail facility having a seed treatment system configured to uniformly treat batches of seeds with any of a variety of precisely measured chemical formulations. The seed treatment apparatus having a treatment applicator coupled to a plurality of dispensing stations. Each dispensing stations having a pump in fluid communication with a container disposed on a scale. The pump and scale of each dispensing station coupled to a system controller. The system controller is coupled to the data store, configured to provide on-demand agricultural seed treatments to the applicator and chemical usage data from each station to the data store. The data store configured to provide centralized remote monitoring inventory control, supply chain monitoring, and container recycling compliance.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aqueous concentrate for agricultural use for dilution and spray application to soil or plant material comprising at least about 25% by weight activated carbon and a method of greening turf using the composition.

Abstract: An automated seed treatment system is adapted for on-site operation at a retail seed distributor. A sealed seed-treater vessel is configured to apply a plurality of chemical treatments to a batch of seed based on a recipe. A programmable system controller is electrically coupled to pump controllers of pump-stations. The controller is configured to receive a material transfer indication from each pump-stations and control the pump controllers in accord with the seed treatment recipe. The programmable system controller is configured to collect operational data representing at least consumption of chemical from the chemical container at each of the pump-stations based on the corresponding material transfer indication during seed treatment and to provide the operational data to a remotely hosted information system located remotely from the site of the retail seed distributor and accessible to at least one third party that is distinct from the retail seed distributor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the authentication of a product, comprising providing said product with at least one marker, wherein said marker is a phosphorescent marker selected from a set of m phosphorescent markers each having a different emission spectrum, wherein m is an integer equal or greater than 3, and wherein said marker is provided at an amount that results in a phosphor-specific emission below background radiation emitted from said product.

Abstract: Disclosed is an insecticidal composition comprising by weight based on the total weight of the composition: (a) from about 9 to about 91% of one or more anthranilic diamide insecticides; and (b) from about 9 to about 91% of an acrylate/methacrylate-based random copolymer component having a water solubility of at least about 5% by weight at 20° C., a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance value of at least about 3, and an average molecular weight ranging from about 1,500 to about 50,000 daltons; wherein the ratio of component (b) to component (a) is about 1:10 to about 10:1 by weight. Also disclosed is a geotropic propagule coated with the insecticidal composition. Further disclosed is a liquid composition comprising the insecticidal composition, and a method for protecting a geotropic propagule and plant derived therefrom from a phytophagous insect pest.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to provide means of pest control which achieve marked pest control effect. The pest control effect is achieved by the incorporation of an inhibitor (IAP inhibitor) against inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) into the body of the target pest. The expression of the IAP is preferably inhibited by RNAi.

Abstract: Disclosed is an insecticidal composition comprising by weight based on the total weight of the composition: (a) from about 9 to about 91% of one or more anthranilic diamide insecticides; and (b) from about 9 to about 91% of a nonionic fatty alcohol ethoxylate component having a water solubility of at least about 5% by weight at 20° C., a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance value of at least about 5, and an average molecular weight ranging from about 300 to about 10,000 daltons; wherein the ratio of component (b) to component (a) is about 1:10 to about 10:1 by weight. Also disclosed is a geotropic propagule coated with an insecticidally effective amount of the aforedescribed composition. Further disclosed is a liquid composition comprising the insecticidal composition, and a method for protecting a geotropic propagule and plant derived therefrom from a phytophagous insect pest.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of soybean cultivar 04KG128407 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean cultivar 04KG128407 and its progeny, and methods of making 04KG128407.

Abstract: A sunscreen composition for application for plants comprises Titanium Dioxide (TiO2), Zinc Oxide (ZnO), Silicon Dioxide (SiO2), a surfactant, wetting agent, dispersant (SWD) and water. The composition forms a suspension concentrate when combined that when diluted in water provides a solution that provides uniform coverage using convention spraying equipment. A method of protecting plants including turfgrass from ultraviolet radiation, heat stress and/or sunburn comprises combining TiO2, ZnO, SiO2, SWD and water to form a suspension concentrate. The suspension concentrate is then diluted in water and applied to an area in which sun protection is desired.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of soybean cultivar 05KL115639 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean cultivar 05KL115639 and its progeny, and methods of making 05KL115639.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of soybean cultivar 05KG030123 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean cultivar 05KG030123 and its progeny, and methods of making 05KG030123.

Abstract: Producing images of a specimen includes introducing a specimen into a specimen chamber of a particle-beam device, selecting a specific position on the surface of the specimen, supplying a contrast-agent precursor on the specific position, providing a particle beam and/or a light beam, guiding the particle beam and/or the light beam onto the specific position, applying a contrast-agent layer to the specific position as a result of the interaction of the particle beam and/or the light beam with the contrast-agent precursor, leaving the contrast-agent layer on the surface of the specimen for a predetermined amount of time. During the predetermined amount of time, a first part of the contrast-agent layer diffuses into the specimen and a second part of the contrast-agent layer remains on the surface of the specimen. The specimen is imaged using an optical device and/or a particle-optical device and/or using the particle beam.

Abstract: A method of identifying the orientation of a tissue sample is provided. The method includes the use of a single-use tissue marking system for use in marking a tissue sample. A first surface of the sample is marked with a first ink defined by a first color; a second surface of the tissue is marked with a second ink defined by a second color; and a third surface of the sample is marked with a third ink defined by a third color.

Abstract: Products are provided that improve overall plant vigor and yield by combining agriculturally effective amounts of at least one spore-forming bacterium and at least one optional insect control agent to a genetically modified plant, plant part, or seed. This product is particularly effective in the presence of plant parasitic nematode and fungal species. Use of the product leads to an overall reduction in crop losses caused by either plant parasitic nematodes or fungi and this reduction is much greater than using genetically modified seed with just an insect control agent. According to some embodiments, the use of the product results in about a 2%-10% increase in soybean bushel yield, 3%-6.5% increase in cotton yield, and 3%-8% in corn bushel yield. Methods for utilizing and manufacturing the combination are also provided.