Abstract: The present invention relates to novel pesticidal compositions comprising as component A: transfluthrin, as component B: a fungicidal component, that show surprisingly good insecticidal, acaricidal, nematicidal and fungicidal activities. In particular, these compositions are suited for the treatment of seed.

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: 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 colour 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 colour from the plant material; a third step comprising a mild reductive bleach to neutralize any residual oxidative bleach and to stabilize the colour; 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: A method and apparatus by which flowers or food products are treated for the elimination of pathogenic and spoilage bacteria, the scavenging of free radicals that cause oxidative decay, the enhancement of flavor, the stabilization of fats, and the extension of shelf life that consists of alternately exposing the product to a vacuum environment and a saline solution containing organic acids for a predetermined period of time, including such method and means that includes automated devices that is pre-programmed to maximize effectiveness of the process for its intended purpose while minimizing any associated damage to the processed product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a protective layer on a surface of a plant, to a protective layer for a surface of a plant, to a plant coated with said protective layer, to a composition for carrying out the method and for producing the protective layer, and to uses of said composition. According to the invention, a method is proposed, wherein at least one sol gel having nano-scale particles is formed by the hydrolysis of at least one precursor in water and at least one nano-scale layer of the sol gel is applied onto the surface of the plant. The protective layer according to the invention comprises a nano-scale SiO2 layer, and the composition according to the invention comprises at least one SiO2-producing substance.

Abstract: In general the present invention provides various embodiments of an encapsulated seed article and a method for encapsulating a seed to form an encapsulated seed article. The encapsulated seed article may comprise one or more seeds that are encapsulated by a compressible encapsulation medium. In various embodiments, the encapsulated seed article may include a surface coating and/or an intermediate coating. In some embodiments, the encapsulated seed article may include an additive. In some embodiments, a characteristic or a combination of characteristics of the encapsulated seed article may be configured to identify a feature of encapsulated seed article. The present invention also provides various embodiments for a plurality of encapsulated seed articles having uniform seed article sizes or seed article shapes and a method for encapsulating a plurality of seeds to form a plurality of seed articles having uniform seed article sizes or seed article shapes.

Abstract: In some embodiments, global climate change is mitigated by increasing Earth's surface albedo. In some embodiments, a naturally occurring, reflective crystalline material can applied over vast surface areas to provide a durable reflective layer of such material, thereby amplifying the Earth's albedo.

Abstract: A method of controlling the release rate of an agricultural active ingredient from a seed that has been treated with that active includes providing a seed that has been treated with the active ingredient, applying to the treated seed a film that includes an emulsion of a polymer in a liquid in which both the agricultural active ingredient and the polymer have low levels of solubility, and then curing the film to form a water insoluble polymer coating on the surface of the treated seed. Seeds that have been treated by this method are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition for coating fruits, vegetables, fowl eggs, and especially for organically-grown produce for protection and extension of the shelf life of said fruits, vegetables and fowl eggs, wherein said composition is an aqueous dispersion comprised of: (a) a hydrophobic component comprising at least one member of the following group consisting of natural wax, or vegetable oil; (b) an alkali agent; (c) water, wherein components (a) and (b) are derived from natural biological sources. The invention also relates to a method for application of the composition.

Abstract: A method of fertilizing plants and/or seeds involves the application of a growth hormone free formulation of fertilizer and sarcosine, either together as a formulation or separately. The sarcosine is used in an effective amount to enhance plant biomass development and fertilizer uptake. The application method and composition can also include the application of a preservative.

Abstract: There is disclosed a fertilizer composition comprising a water-insoluble slow-release reacted nitrogen fertilizer and an effective amount of a water-soluble, non-aromatic poly(amino acid) of the group poly(aspartic acid), poly(glutamic acid), poly(glycine), poly(lysine) a copolymer of cystein and glutamic acid and a terpolymer of cystein and glutamic acid and aspartic acid, wherein the poly(amino acid) has a molecular size larger than that which can be absorbed by a plant. A method of making and using the fertilizer composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a medium; a specimen; a method for preparing the specimen; a method for observing the specimen; a sample cell; and an electron microscope capable of easily solving the problem of charge-up and further capable of observing a real shape or the like of a sample with a SEM, a TEM or the like. For the purpose of achieving the above-described object, the present invention uses an electrical conductivity-imparting liquid medium, for use in a microscope, which includes an ionic liquid as an essential component thereof and is impregnated into the entirety of a SEM or TEM sample or applied to the observation surface of a SEM or TEM sample to impart electrical conductivity at least to the observation surface of the sample. According to the present invention, the charge built up on the sample surface can be released simply by impregnating or coating the sample with the ionic liquid, and hence the problem of charge-up can be easily solved.

Abstract: A composition and method increases storage stability of cut flowers, particularly roses. A liquid composition is applied onto the cut flowers, and then it is converted to a protective polymeric film of a thickness of from about 0.001 to about 0.5 mm.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, various types of seeds are coated with a coating comprising a) a base buildup layer comprising a porous composition such as pumice; b) an intermediate build up layer comprising a silicate composition such as talc or mica; and c) an outer layer comprising a carbon-based composition such as graphite. A binder is optionally added to one or more layers. Preferably, each layer is applied to a seed in either a batch or continuous process using conventional methods of coating. Hybrid corn and sunflower seeds may be coated in accordance with the present invention resulting in a substantially uniform size seed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are dry film coating compositions comprising of tribasic calcium phosphate as one of the essential ingredient along with other commonly used polymers, plasticizers, excipients like suspending agents, pigments, lubricants, glidents, opacifiers, flavours, sweetener etc. for use in coating of pharmaceutical tablets, nutritional supplements, food products, confectionery, agricultural seeds and the like The invention further discloses method for coating a substrate using the invented coating composition.

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: This application provides bulking compositions and methods of making such compositions. In particular examples, such compositions include bulking agents (such as nutshell fragments of filbert or coconut shells) at least partially coated with a binder and super-absorbent polymer (SAP)-particles adhered to the bulking agents by the binder, and can further include seeds at least partially coated with a binder and containing SAP-particles adhered to the seeds by the binder. Also provided are seeds that have adhered thereto SAP-particles and activated charcoal or coir.

Abstract: A method of stabilization and anchoring for low density objects such as leaves, including applying to the surface of a collection of leaves a solution including a water-soluble polymer selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof, at a rate of 0.5 g/m2 to 20 g/m2, on a dry basis, and suitable solutions for the method optionally including crosslinking agents, surfactants, plasticizers, nanoparticulates, and tackifying agents, are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are environmentally benign crop protection compounds that interfere with the attachment of a broad range of plant pathogens to plant cells surfaces.

Abstract: Methods of fixing and processing tissue and samples on a membrane by using ultrasound radiation as a part of the method are presented. Ultrasound of a frequency in the range of 0.1–50 MHz is used and the sample or tissue receives 0.1–200 W/cm2 of ultrasound intensity. The use of ultrasound allows much shorter times in the methods. Also presented are apparati comprising transducers of one or of multiple heads for producing the ultrasound radiation and further comprising a central processing unit and optionally comprising one or more sensors. Sensors can include those to measure and monitor ultrasound and temperature. This monitoring system allows one to achieve accurate and optimum tissue fixation and processing without overfixation and tissue damage. The system also allows the performance of antigen-antibody reactions or nucleic acid hybridizations to be completed in a very short time while being highly specific and with a very low or no background.

Abstract: A treatment method for preservation of plant leaves wherein the plant leaves are immersed in a dehydrating solvent consisting of acetone and ethyl alcohol to replace the tissue water and remove chlorophyll in the leaves by the dehydrating solvent. Thereafter, the leaves are immersed in a permeating solution containing polyethylene glycol and acetone for allowing polyethylene glycol to permeate the leaves for replacing the dehydrating solvent. Thereafter, the leaves are dyed with a coloring matter.

Abstract: A plurality of semiconductor nanoparticles having an elementally passivated surface are provided. These nanoparticles are capable of being suspended in water without substantial agglomeration and substantial precipitation on container surfaces for at least 30 days. The method of making the semiconductor nanoparticles includes reacting at least a first reactant and a second reactant in a solution to form the semiconductor nanoparticles in the solution. A first reactant provides a passivating element which binds to dangling bonds on a surface of the nanoparticles to passivate the surface of the nanoparticles. The nanoparticle size can be tuned by etching the nanoparticles located in the solution to a desired size.

Abstract: The use of certain siloxane and silane materials for the conservation of organic and inorganic materials. More specifically, this invention deals with a method of impregnating organic and inorganic materials with siloxanes and silanes and ultimately curing such materials to provide preservation properties to such materials. An especially significant use of the method is to preserve and conserve ancient artifacts. The curable materials are represented by silanol containing polymers crosslinked with trialkoxysilanes.

Abstract: The use of certain siloxane and silane materials for the conservation of organic and inorganic materials. More specifically, this invention deals with a method of impregnating organic and inorganic materials with siloxanes and silanes and ultimately curing such materials to provide preservation properties to such materials. An especially significant use of the method is to preserve and conserve ancient artifacts. The curable materials are represented by silanol containing polymers crosslinked with trialkoxysilanes.

Abstract: The present invention is related to methods and compositions for marking and removing turf lines and other markings from artificial and natural turf, including sports fields. The marking compositions include alkali-activatible acrylics, including one or both of alkali-soluble resin and an alkali-swellable thickener to enable removing the dried composition with an alkaline solution.

Abstract: A process generally for preserving fresh-cut flowers and plant tissue, particularly fitted for fresh-cut flowers and plant tissue for use in manufacturing applications to form permanently flexible high-wear products to be used in a wide range of temperature and humidity conditions. A method for preserving the plant tissue wherein the plant tissue is formed and substantially dehydrated, whereupon the plant tissue is subsequently saturated with a saturating mix, removed from the saturating mix, drained, dried, and then subsequently coated with a coating mix, removed, drained, and dried. An optional polishing mix may be applied for cosmetic purposes. The finished product retains the integrity of the original flower in shape, texture, size, and color and is highly flexible and durable under conditions of constant physical wear and disturbance.

Abstract: Live bait colorized with opaque and/or phosphorescent materials to luminesce and exhibit enhanced coloration when suspended within a body of water. In one process, the back of the bait is coated with a suspension mixture (e.g. 30% glow powder and 70% carrier) of a phosphorescent pigment and cured at an elevated temperature. In another process, the back of the bait is coated with a phosphorescent powder that is fixed with a spray applied clear coat and/or adhesive. The coating is subjected for a brief period to a curing temperature in excess of room temperature to set the paint and/or clear coat and/or adhesive. Multiple coatings or combinations of suspension mixtures and powdered coatings provide desired colorized live bait without deleteriously affecting the bodily functions of the bait.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for treating a cattail blossom. A cattail blossom is soaked in a thinned adhesive mixture. When dry, the resulting treated blossom does not burst and can be used for a very long period of time as a decorative item.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of coloring seed, seed-dressing materials, or seed-dressing material formulations with solid pigment preparations containing (a) at least one organic or inorganic pigment and (b) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of polyether polyols, reaction products of alkylene oxides with alkylatable compounds, or oxalkylated phenols, wherein the solid pigment preparations have a water content of less than 10% by weight, based on the pigment preparation, and a mean weight average particle size of 20 to 2000 &mgr;m.

Abstract: The present invention relates to surfactant mixtures with improved wetting and/or emulsifying properties for use in agrochemical preparations, comprising: A) at least an alkylpolyglucoside, B) at least an anionic derivative of an alkylpolyglucoside, and C) at least an anionic derivative of a fatty alcohol.

Abstract: Nanoporous silicone resins and silicone resin films having low dielectric constants and a method for preparing such nanoporous silicone resins. The silicone resin comprises the reaction product of a mixture comprising (A) 15-70 mol % of a tetraalkoxysilane described by formula Si(OR1)4,  where each R1 is an independently selected alkyl group comprising 1 to about 6 carbon atoms, (B) 12 to 60 mol % of a hydrosilane described by formula HSiX3,  where each X is an independently selected hydrolyzable substituent, (C) 15 to 70 mole percent of an organotrialkoxysilane described by formula R2Si(OR3)3,  where R2 is a hydrocarbon group comprising about 8 to 24 carbon atoms or a substituted hydrocarbon group comprising a hydrocarbon chain having about 8 to 24 carbon atoms and each R3 is an independently selected alkyl group comprising 1 to about 6 carbon atoms; in the presence of (D) water, (E) hydrolysis catalyst, and (F) organic solvent for the reaction product.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for barriers on laser capture microdissection samples. A method of processing a biological sample for laser capture microdissection, includes: providing the biological sample; and applying a substance to the biological sample so as to provide a barrier between the biological sample and a surrounding environment. The systems and methods provide advantages because non-specific pick-up is reduced, visualization is improved, sample degradation is reduced, and contamination is reduced.

Abstract: There is a treatment method for allowing cut flowers to be kept appearing like natural flowers for a long period of time for the purpose of decoration, comprising the steps of removing the tissue water of cut flowers of roses or the like, allowing polyethylene glycol to permeate into the tissue once filled with tissue water, and dyeing. The cut flowers are packed with leaves for offering as merchandise. However, leaves are generally thicker than petals and their nerves act as barriers.

Abstract: A method for preserving cytological specimens for histological or histopathological use. A cytological sample from a biological tissue such as a tumor or a tumor cell line is dehydrated, disbursed and evenly distributed throughout a volume of molten material. The molten material is then drawn into a tubular member such as a pipette and allowed to solidify. Upon solidification, the cylindrical specimen is partially or completely extruded from the tube for further processing, including fixation, dehydration and molten paraffin infiltration and embedding as required for presentation to a sectioning device such as a microtome. Thin circular slices of the cylindrical specimen are removed from the cylindrical specimen and transferred to a slide, fixed and stained as desired. The device and method enable the production of a slide bearing a spatially homogeneous distribution of cytological material for microscopic examination.

Abstract: A fabric having plant material adhered between layers of silk or hand-made paper. The silk or paper layers are translucent to allow the fabric to have the appearance of plant material. The fabric is manufactured by soaking dry plant material in water, pressing and drying the plant material to flatten it, adhering bottom and top layers of silk or paper to the plant material, and applying a stiffening agent to the fabric. Articles of various shapes may be formed by shaping the fabric into a predetermined shape prior to the step of applying the stiffening material.

Abstract: A method for making a natural botanical sculpture that captures the plant's form and beauty is provided. A plant or plant part is used as an armature in the creation of a durable representation of the plant. The outer surface of the organic material is plastered with a viscous paste composition that includes composed of an adhesive, a synthetic latex resin prepared by emulsion polymerization, and a thickener. The paste dries to produce an inflexible and air-tight encasement. The plant is permanently preserved within the encasement.

Abstract: The present invention provides certain 3-aryl-5,6-dihydro-1,4,2-oxathiazines and their oxides, useful for the long-term preservation of wood and composite wood materials against wood damaging and wood destroying materials. The present invention also provides compositions containing these 3-aryl-5,6-dihydro-1,4,2-oxathiazines and their oxides, and a suitable vehicle therefor. A method of preserving wood is also disclosed in which a fungicidally or bactericidally effective amount of the present 3-aryl-5,6-dihydro-1,4,2-oxathiazines and their oxides, are applied to the wood substrate to be protected.

Abstract: Methods of fixing and processing tissue and samples on a membrane by using ultrasound radiation as a part of the method are presented. Ultrasound of a frequency in the range of 0.1-50 MHz is used and the sample or tissue receives 0.1-200 W/cm2 of ultrasound intensity. The use of ultrasound allows much shorter times in the methods. Also presented are apparati comprising transducers of one or of multiple heads for producing the ultrasound radiation and further comprising a central processing unit and optionally comprising one or more sensors. Sensors can include those to measure and monitor ultrasound and temperature. This monitoring system allows one to achieve accurate and optimum tissue fixation and processing without overfixation and tissue damage. The system also allows the performance of antigen-antibody reactions or nucleic acid hybridizations to be completed in a very short time while being highly specific and with a very low or no background.

Abstract: An apparatus for coating seeds and particulate material includes an elongated tray operably mounted on a support frame with a motor for oscillating the tray to move particulate material from a rearward end to a forward end therealong. The tray includes a perforated support surface with a saw-toothed cross-sectional shape such that the particulate climbs the inclined tread of each sawtooth and drops from the forward end of one tread to the rearward end of an adjacent tread to form a “curtain”. A plurality of spray nozzles are located over the tray to direct coating solution onto the seeds as they move along the tray. Preferably, the nozzles direct spray towards the curtain of falling seeds between the treads. An upper housing on the support frame includes an air plenum which directs air downwardly onto the seeds on the support surface and through the perforated support surface to a second air plenum formed under the support surface.

Abstract: This invention describes a novel means of introducing foreign genes and/or viruses, wildtype or recombinant, into plant cells via a seed treatment method using recombinant or wildtype furoviruses and their natural fungal vectors. Because of its ease of application, longevity of the seed treatment product, minimal risk of transmission to subsequent seed generations, specificity, and universality within a species, it offers a significant improvement over prior art techniques for viral mediated gene delivery techniques. The unique and critical aspect of the invention is the use of seed treatment technology for delivering foreign genes or viruses into plants for, for example, the enhancement of agronomic traits and production of desirable products such as pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: An improvement in the immunofixation electrophoresis procedure for detecting proteins in serum, urine or cerebral spinal fluids. Samples are placed on a gel and subjected to electrophoresis for resolving or separating proteins. Thereafter, antisera are applied to the sample areas through openings located on a template. The template includes projections and, the template substantially precludes cross-contamination and the adverse effects of ambient conditions on the integrity of the fluid, such as by the projections contacting, depressing or cutting into the gel to form closed cavities.

Abstract: A process for coating seed which comprises applying a mixture comprising a particulate solid and a binder; then a singulating substance; then drying the seed to a point wherein the seeds are substantially separated one from another. Also a coated seed wherein the coating comprises a first layer which comprises a binder and a particulate solid, a second layer which comprises a singulating substance, and a third layer which comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of a biological material and a phytoprotection product.

Abstract: The use of a wood preservative for the afterprotection of wood, comprising a copper compound, a polyamine and an inorganic fungicide, and a bandage for the afterprotection of wood, which contains this wood preservative, is described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composition adapted to be applied to coat a surface area of a vegetable in order to retard environmental degradation thereof. The composition comprises a film-former, a fungicide and a thickener distributed in a carrier liquid. The fungicide may be present in less than one percent (1%) by weight. The composition may include a pH buffer operative to maintain the pH of the mixture between 8.5-10.5. The film-former is operative to coalesce to form a film covering the surface area of the vegetable which is operative to retard dehydration thereof. The fungicide is entrapped throughout the film and is operative to inhibit mildew and fungus growth thereon. The present invention also provides a method of formulating a composition according to the present invention, as well as a method of protecting a decorative vegetable material using a composition according to the present invention.

Abstract: A method for preserving botanical specimens is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a botanical specimen to be preserved, embedding the specimen within oolitic sand, maintaining the specimen within the oolitic sand for a time sufficient to preserve it, removing the specimen from the oolitic sand, and depositing parylene upon the specimen. The resulting specimens offer a lifelike appearance, durability and a substantially permanent lifetime.

Abstract: An apparatus for encapsulating seed by gel of the present invention, wherein seed are drawn from a hopper of a seed supply portion into a stocker, are absorbed by an absorption head from a stocker, and are conveyed by move of the absorption head. The stocker comprising a vibrator and a vibratory plate, wherein one side of the vibratory plate forms a recess for storing the seed thereon, and the other side of the vibratory plate is connected with the vibrator, so that the seed on the vibratory plate are suspended by vibration of the vibrator. Thrust pins exsertably inserted into end nozzles of the absorption head and connected with an actuator, so that the thrust pins project at the period of casting the seed from the end nozzles.

Abstract: This invention relates to the processing of organic tissues to prepare them for further investigation such as by light microscopy, electron microscopy, microwave staining, immunostaining, decalcification, hybridisation etc.The present invention discloses a process for processing organic tissue, which comprises the steps of fixing an organic sample to be processed, dehydrating and clearing the sample and subsequently infiltrating and embedding the sample in a supporting medium to prepare it for further examination wherein the steps of dehydrating and clearing are carried out simultaneously by applying a mixture of a dehydration agent and an essentially lipophilic agent simultaneously to the sample.

Abstract: A pruning sealant composition comprising lanolin and a drying agent effective for forming a film upon an exposed surface of the pruning sealant composition. An optional high temperature viscosity modifier may be included in the sealer composition. Also disclosed is a method of making the pruning sealant composition and a method of sealing a pruning site with the pruning sealant composition.

Abstract: A plant material is preserved by immersing a cross sectional surface of a severed stem, stalk, trunk or vine of a plant material into a preservative solution. The preservative solution can include a suitable dye. The plant material remains intertwined with its trellis, lattice or similar support during a preservation process. Alternatively, the plant material remains in a natural configuration during the preservation process. Also alternatively, the plant material also remains in a natural orientation during the preservation process. The cut stem, stalk, trunk or vine can be immersed in a container of preservative solution, at or near the time the stem, stalk, trunk or vine is severed. The cut stem stalk, trunk or vine of the plant can also be tied to a container of preservative solution. A rain shroud can also be placed over the container of preservative solution that contains the severed stem, stalk, trunk or vine of the severed plant, to protect the preservative solution during the preservation process.

Abstract: Methods and products useful to simultaneously control the root diseases caused by Gaeumannomyces graminis, Rhizoctonia, and Pythium in crops susceptible to these root diseases are described. These include a method to identify seed-treatment products for potential to simultaneously control the three kinds of root diseases; Bacillus strains having activity against the three kinds of root diseases and methods of obtaining the same, and compositions comprising a fungicide and a Bacillus strain having activity against the three kinds of root diseases, which compositions are useful for field control of the combination of the three kinds of root diseases.