Abstract: The present invention provides formulations and methods for preventing, suppressing, treating, or controlling pre- or post-harvest disease or decay in plants. In the inventive method, plants are contacted with a formulation including an antagonistic microorganism and a booster composition. The booster composition generally includes about 3 parts Kaolin clay, about 1 part yeast, about 1 part Yucca plant extract, and about 1 part calcium-source material. The antagonistic microorganism may be included in an amount of between about 0.02 parts and about 0.5 parts by weight of the formulation, with about 0.04 parts antagonistic microorganism being preferred in testing to date. The formulation is typically applied to the above ground structures of the plant, including its leaves, flowers, stems, trunk, blossoms and fruit.

Abstract: The present invention provides formulations and methods for controlling or suppressing bacterial or fungal plant pathogens, including Erwina amylovora the bacteria that causes fire blight. A formulation for controlling of suppressing a plant pathogen may include at least one beneficial species of bacteria, at least one beneficial species of fungi, a nutrient, at least one compound that extends the length of time that the formulation remains effective. Typically the formulation is applied to the above ground structures of the plant including its leaves, flowers, stems, trunk, blossoms and fruit.

Abstract: Transgenic microbial strains are provided which contain the genes required for PHA formation integrated on the chromosome. The strains are advantageous in PHA production processes, because (1) no plasmids need to be maintained, generally obviating the required use of antibiotics or other stabilizing pressures, and (2) no plasmid loss occurs, thereby stabilizing the number of gene copies per cell throughout the fermentation process, resulting in homogeneous PHA product formation throughout the production process. Genes are integrated using standard techniques, preferably transposon mutagenesis. In a preferred embodiment wherein mutiple genes are incorporated, these are incorporated as an operon. Sequences are used to stabilize mRNA, to induce expression as a function of culture conditions (such as phosphate concentration), temperature, and stress, and to aid in selection, through the incorporation of selection markers such as markers conferring antibiotic resistance.

Abstract: A method for converting organic solid waste into humic products and the corresponding apparatus, in which a preliminary aerobic fermentation of the organic solid waste is performed, followed by a second aerobic fermentation of the organic waste in the presence of specific microorganisms in order to provide a basic precursor on which the selective metabolization occurs of specific bacterial strains to provide the humic product.

Abstract: Transgenic microbial strains are provided which contain the genes required for PHA formation integrated on the chromosome. The strains are advantageous in PHA production processes, because (1) no plasmids need to be maintained, generally obviating the required use of antibiotics or other stabilizing pressures, and (2) no plasmid loss occurs, thereby stabilizing the number of gene copies per cell throughout the fermentation process, resulting in homogeneous PHA product formation throughout the production process. Genes are integrated using standard techniques, preferably transposon mutagenesis. In a preferred embodiment wherein mutiple genes are incorporated, these are incorporated as an operon. Sequences are used to stabilize mRNA, to induce expression as a function of culture conditions (such as phosphate concentration), temperature, and stress, and to aid in selection, through the incorporation of selection markers such as markers conferring antibiotic resistance.

Abstract: This invention relates to polymer production and in particular to a novel copolymer and a process for microbiologically producing the same. More specifically this invention provides for a poly-3-hydroxyalkanoate (PHA) that includes medium length 3-hydroxyacyl monomers and a process comprising culturing a microorganism with a medium chain fatty carbon source and a fatty acid oxidation inhibitor. This invention allows the use of microorganisms which normally incorporate only short chain fatty acids to produce PHAs containing short and medium chain 3-hydroxyacyl monomers. The purpose of this invention is to produce a more versatile PHA polymer which includes C6, C7 and/or C8 3-hydroxyacyl monomers.

Abstract: DNA compounds encompassing sequences coding for enzymes having mannuronan C-5-epimerase activity are disclosed and a process for the preparation of such enzymes. The genetic sequences and enzymes prepared may be used in the production of alginates having a definite G/M ratio and block structure. Alginates having a definite G/M ratio may also be produced by selective inactivation of the genetic sequences.

Abstract: New protozoan derived microbial consortia and method for their isolation are provided. Consortia and bacteria isolated therefrom are useful for treating wastes such as trichloroethylene and trinitrotoluene. Consortia, bacteria isolated therefrom, and dispersants isolated therefrom are useful for dispersing hydrocarbons such as oil, creosote, wax, and grease.

Abstract: Method of decontamination of a hydrocarbon-polluted environment by the use of bacterial compositions. The method is a process of biological decomposition of the hydrocarbons using, as decontaminating active ingredients, bacterial compositions composed of one or more strains from among the following microorganisms: Azotobacter vinelandii 21, Pseudomonas sp.9, Pseudomonas sp.19, Pseudomonas sp.31 and Acinetobacter calcoaceticus 23. In the method, prior analysis of the chemical composition of the pollutants is essential in order to select, in accordance with this composition, the mixture of strains of the most active microorganisms from among the five mentioned above, taking into account the natural conditions of the polluted environment. The bacterial composition also contains inorganic salts supplying N and P, and additives needed for bacterial growth.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of a copolymer, which comprises propagating cells of a bacterium having a capacity of producing poly-3-hydroxybutyrate mainly at a former stage, synthesizing and accumulating in the cells a copolymer comprising D-3-hydroxybutyrate and D-3-hydroxyvalerate by contacting the bacterium with a mixture of a carbon source utilizable by the bacterium and a primary alcohol having 3 to 7 carbon atoms, or with a primary alcohol having 3 to 7 carbon atoms, at a latter stage, and recovering the copolymer from the cells. According to this process, a copolymer comprising D-3-hydroxybutyrate and D-3-hydroxyvalerate can be manufactured in a large quantity at a low cost.

Abstract: A mutant strain of Azotobacter vinelandii exhibits hyperproduction of poly-.beta.-hydroxybutyrates during its growth. Poly-.beta.-hydroxybutyrate yield is further enhanced when sugar beet molasses is used as carbon source.

Abstract: A mutant strain of Azotobacter vinelandii exhibits hyper-production of poly-.beta.-hydroxybutyrate during its growth.

Abstract: Process for obtaining a mass of polysaccharide-producing microorganisms, consisting in conducting the growth of the microorganisms in a medium containing an enzyme which hydrolyzes the formed polysaccharide.Application in a process for the production of polysaccharide in two stages, in which the growth stage takes place in the presence of an enzyme, particularly for the production of scleroglucane using sclerotium type fungi.

Abstract: A cartridge for biological regeneration of an aquatic medium such as an aquarium is prepared by providing a receptacle containing an organic compost, and having means for allowing passage of water into the receptacle, through the compost and out of the receptacle. The compost contains nitrophilic bacteria of the azobacter family and is produced by complete fermentation of a mixture of animal manures and vegetable wastes. The receptable has two faces and permits passage of water from one face toward the other. A water permeable layer such as a gravel layer is adjacent each of the faces for retaining the compost. One of the faces may include a bottom panel having a plurality of water passage openings and a removable film sealing the openings. The other face may have a removable cover, and a plate having a plurality of water passage openings positioned between the cover and adjacent water permeable layer. The cartridge may be arranged at the bottom of an aquarium or in an external aquarium filter.

Abstract: This invention relates to a group of autogenic antiammonia azotobacter represented by 851 yellow. It can utilize low price starch medium. This culture fluid of azotobacter can be used for manufacturing single cell proteins rich in Se, Zn, V.sub.E, V.sub.B, V.sub.K, anticancer and antiaging tonic medicines. It also can be used for manufacturing bacteria manure, eel and animal forage, additive, antiseptic and binder.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of microorganisms, ATCC No. 39327 which are capable of reproducible reduction of sulfur, particularly organic sulfur, in coal wherein the novel microorganisms are grown in situ enriched with sulfur compounds and subsequently grown in the presence of a coal substrate and nutrient medium while maintaining an essentially neutral pH. Contacting an aqueous coal slurry with the novel microorganism of the present invention provides coal having reduced organic sulfur content.

Abstract: A method for producing S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine hydrolase, which comprises cultivating a microorganism having the ability to produce S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine hydrolase within its cells in a nutrient medium to accumulate said hydrolase in the cells, said microorganism being a bacterium belonging to the genera Alcaligenes, Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, Arthrobacter, Enterobacter, Rhodopseudomonas, Agrobacterium, Micrococcus, Corynebacterium, Brevibacterium, Chromobacterium, Xanthomonas, Flavobacterium, Cellulomonas, Azotobacter and Protaminobacter, or an actinomycete belonging to the genera Streptomyces, Mycobacterium, Nocardia, Streptoverticillium, Micromonospora, Micropolyspora, Streptosporangium and Microellobosporia; and then recovering S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine hydrolase from the cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel, broad bacterial host range small plasmid deoxyribonucleic acid rings which serve as cloning vehicles for DNA fragments, particularly those separated from other plasmid rings or from chromosones, recombined with the small plasmid rings and to the processes for recombining the plasmid rings and to processes for transferring them between host bacteria. In particular, the present invention relates to the aggregate plasmid ring RP1/pRO1600, to pRO1600 and plasmid ring derivatives thereof, particularly including pRO1601; pRO1613 and pRO1614, all of which are carried for reference purposes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 15692 (also known as strain PAO1c) and are on deposit at the Northern Regional Research Laboratories (NRRL) of the U. S. Dept. of Agriculture at Peoria, Ill. The plasmid ring RP1 (also known as R1822) is deposited in Pseudomonas aeruginosa NRRL-B-12123 (and is a known plasmid ring). The pRO1600 portion of the aggregate is a new plasmid ring.

Abstract: The solution viscosity of a polysaccharide, microbial alginate, produced by culturing strains of Azotobacter vinelandii, is controlled by addition of a protease to the culture broth. The protease can be added during the culture, to obtain a polysaccharide of increased viscosity. Alternatively or additionally protease can also be added after culture but before the polysaccharide is isolated from the broth, for example, to prevent reduction of viscosity during storage. Neutral and alkaline proteases having activity at around pH 7 are particularly suitable.

Abstract: A method of packaging, and the package so produced, for maintaining living organisms viable for a long period of time. The living organisms, such as bacteria, fungi, algae, etc., are mixed with a carrier, such as peat. The organism-carrier mixture is then disposed in a package, such as a heat-sealable plastic envelope, and a gaseous atmosphere is provided in the package effective to induce and maintain substantial nonvegatative state formation of the organisms. Some organisms will form cysts, others spores, but whatever nonvegetative state is assumed, the organisms will be much less susceptible to heat, cold, starvation, and other adverse environmental factors. Suitable gaseous atmospheres include nitrogen, helium, and argon gases. The package is then sealed to prevent contamination of the atmosphere therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process of manufacturing D(-)-3-hydroxybutyric acid by breeding microorganisms capable of producing said acid in a nutrient medium containing certain specific carbon source; bacterial strains especially suitable in carrying out the process; an application of the process for obtaining such microorganisms; and uses of thus produced acid.