Abstract: Waste such as livestock waste is treated with a combination of protease-producing bacteria and denitrifying bacteria that synergistically reduce nitrogen concentration, and further reduce noxious odors associated with anaerobic decomposition. The protease-producing bacteria break down complex proteins in the waste which enables ammonification by other naturally occurring microorganisms already present in the waste. The denitrifying bacteria then convert products of ammonification such as nitrates and nitrites to nitrogen gas which is released into the atmosphere. The protease-producing bacteria produce neutral and alkaline proteases, and are preferably from the genus Bacillus and include Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens provided at a level of at least approximately 4.5×104 CFU/ml.

Abstract: A broad spectrum Bacillus thuringiensis strain, BtC-18, is provided which displays pesticidal activity against nematodes and against insects from the orders Lepidoptera, Diptera and Coleoptera.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mutant of Bacillus thuringiensis which produces a larger amount of crystal delta-endotoxin with a greater pesticidal activity as compared to the corresponding parental strain. The mutant may also have a larger crystal size as compared to the corresponding parental strain. The crystal delta-endotoxin produced by the mutant Bacillus thuringiensis will have an activity directed towards the same pest(s) as its parental Bacillus thuringiensis crystal delta-endotoxin. The invention further relates to a method for producing such a mutant, compositions comprising such a mutant as well as methods for controlling a pest(s) using these compositions.

Abstract: A method for identifying a strain having a conditional lethal mutation which is essential for survival when strain is incubated under restrictive growth, conditions, and methods of identifying gene products and gene functions thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to isolated polynucleotides and the proteins encoded thereby, and to their use in controlling lamellicorn beetles (Scarabaeidae). In addition, the invention relates to a method of producing those proteins. The polynucleotides of the invention encode proteins that are identical to or at least related to the crystal proteins characteristic of Bacillus popilliae and that are suitable for the inhibition of the feeding activity and/or for the destruction of adult and/or larval scarabaeids, especially Melolontha species and species closely related thereto.

Abstract: The invention relates to specific bacterium and proteins with xylanase activity derived from the bacteria, in particular to xylanases which are free of any significant cellulase activity and which are active at high temperature and at neutral to alkaline pH. Xylanases having these characteristics are particularly useful in the bleaching of wood pulps, such as kraft pulps. The preferred bacterium designated B230 was isolated from white-rotted kerri wood in Western Australia; a sample of which has been deposited under the provision of the Budapest Treaty in the Australian Government Analytical Laboratories under the accession number N94/41262. This preferred bacterium is a gram positive, obligatively aerobic, rod-shaped with a centrally-located spore and has the taxomonic characteristics of Bacillus subtilis (by VITEK method).

Abstract: A liquid and dry formulation suitable for use in enhancing plant growth which includes a plurality of Bacillus and Paenibacillus strains at least one of which function to produce phytohormones in a non-toxic form. The formulation also includes a phytohormone component and a phytohormone precursor to potentiate roots for colonization by the inoculated strains, as well as a low level blend of nutrients and micronutrients for optimal plant development.

Abstract: A biologically pure culture of a microorganism is provided designated SH2A and deposited under ATCC Accession No. 55926, or a mutant derived therefrom. Further provided is a biologically pure culture of a microorganism designated SH2B and deposited under ATCC Accession No. 202050, or a mutant derived therefrom. A method of degrading an organic material is carried out by treating the organic material with an effective, degrading amount of either SH2A or a mutant derived therefrom, or SH2B or a mutant derived therefrom. The microorganism designated SH2A or a mutant derived therefrom, or SH2B or a mutant derived therefrom, is grown by culturing the microorganism at a temperature and in a medium effective to promote growth of the microorganism.

Abstract: A process for producing riboflavin glucoside comprises cultivating a microorganism belonging to the genus Bacillus, such as Bacillus brevis, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus circulans, Bacillus coagulans, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus pumilus or Bacillus subtilis, which is capable of producing riboflavin glucosides, in an aqueous medium containing a starch under aerobic conditions. Amongst the preferred strains are Bacillus subtilis RB50::[pRF69]60Ade+ and Bacillus subtilis RB50::[pRF69]60[pRF93]120Ade+. The so-produced riboflavin glucoside can be used as a more soluble substitute for riboflavin to prepare clear drinks and injection solutions.

Abstract: The present invention provides three fungal cellulases, their coding sequences, recombinant DNA molecules comprising the cellulase coding sequences, recombinant host cells and methods for producing same. The present cellulases are from Orpinomyces PC-2.

Abstract: Microbial spores having increased sensitivity to sterilants are provided. An additive such as a dipeptide, oligosaccharide, and/or polyhydroxyalcohols are added to the spores wherein the additive is bound to sterilant-sensitive sites in the spores. The additive increases sensitivity of the spores to a sterilant. More than one additive can be utilized to alter the sensitivity of the spores to a sterilant. Biological indicators comprising the microbial spores and a solid support are also disclosed and those spores having a dipeptide specifically bound to sterilant-sensitive sites in the spores have an altered sensitivity to a sterilant. Furthermore, a method is disclosed for altering the sensitivity of microbial spores to a sterilant comprising drying the spores at a temperature between 35° C. and 55° C. in a liquid composition having an amount of the additive therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to two lipopeptides a1 and a2 produced by Bacillus subtilis and their use as an anitfungal agent against Aspergillus flavus. Both peptides are cyclic, acidic and have broad range of antifungal and antimicrobial activity. Both peptides belong to the Bacillomycin D family. A method and composition for controlling aflatoxin contamination in plants susceptible to alflatoxin-producing fungi, like Aspergillus flavus or Aspergillus parasiticus is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides polyphenol oxidases from bacteria, particularly from the genus Bacillus including, without limitation, B. licheniformis, B. natto, and B. sphaericus, In some embodiments, the polyphenol oxidase has an optimum reaction pH of about 7; an optimum reaction temperature between 60° C. and 80° C.; and a molecular weight of 51,000 measured by gel filtration chromatography. The enzymes of the invention are useful for oxidizing and/or bleaching a variety of substrates.

Abstract: This invention presents a newly discovered, novel strain of Bacillus bacteria that produces lipase enzymes for the degradation of oleaginous materials such as fats, greases and cooking oils, protease enzymes to degrade proteins and amylases to break down starch. This novel strain and the enzymes produced thereby have a number of applications, including wastewater treatments, agricultural uses, laundry and dish detergents, drain cleaners and spot removers, among others.

Abstract: This invention presents a newly discovered, novel strain of Bacillus bacteria that produces lipase enzymes for the degradation of oleaginous materials such as fats, greases and cooking oils, and protease enzymes to degrade proteins. This novel strain and the enzymes produced thereby have a number of applications, including wastewater treatments, agricultural uses, laundry and dish detergents, drain cleaners and spot removers, among others.

Abstract: This invention presents a newly discovered, novel strain of Bacillus bacteria that produces lipase enzymes for the degradation of oleaginous materials such as fats, greases and cooking oils, protease enzymes to degrade proteins and amylases to break down starch. This novel strain and the enzymes produced thereby have a number of applications, including wastewater treatments, agricultural uses, laundry and dish detergents, drain cleaners and spot removers, among others.

Abstract: This invention presents a newly discovered, novel strain of Bacillus bacteria that produces lipase enzymes for the degradation of oleaginous materials such as fats, greases and cooking oils, protease enzymes to degrade proteins and amylases to break down starch. This novel strain and the enzymes produced thereby have a number of applications, including wastewater treatments, agricultural uses, laundry and dish detergents, drain cleaners and spot removers, among others.