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 relates to a composition including Bacillus subtilis strains 3A-P4 ATCC Accession No. PTA-6506, 22C-P1 ATCC Accession No. PTA-6508, and LSSA01 NRRL Accession No. NRRL B-50104. The present invention also relates to a method of administering an effective amount of a composition comprising Bacillus subtilis strains 3A-P4 ATCC Accession No. PTA-6506, 22C-P1 ATCC Accession No. PTA-6508, and LSSA01 NRRL Accession No. NRRL B-50104 to a calf.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the antagonistic bacteria for controlling the Fusarium wilt of continuous cropping banana and their microbial organic fertilizer. It belongs to technology of intensive agricultural production. The present invention separates two antagonistic bacteria NJN-6 and NJN-11 and produces the microbial organic fertilizer through inoculating the two said strains into pig manure compost and rapeseed cake compost to conduct solid-state fermentation. The microbial organic fertilizer is characterized in that in the fertilizer, the content of each of the antagonistic bacteria NJN-6 and NJN-11 is above 1×108 cfu/g, total nitrogen is 4˜5% (weight percent), above 90% (weight percent) of the total nitrogen is organic nitrogen, total nitrogen-phosphorus-kalium nutrient is 6˜10% (weight percent) and organic matter is 30˜35% (weight percent).

Abstract: The present invention provides a biocontrol agent for the prevention and/or reduction of mold during mushroom production. In particular, the invention utilizes Bacillus spp. as an agent for the control of mold caused by Trichoderma spp. The Bacillus spp. is a biologically pure culture of Bacillus subtilis strain J-P13.

Abstract: The invention concerns the application of compositions of micro-organisms in biological control of vine cryptogamic diseases. Said composition comprises a mixture of at least one bacterium and at least one yeast, the bacterium or bacteria and the yeast(s) being non-toxic for the plant. The invention also concerns bacterial and yeast strains, as well as biofungicide formulations containing an efficient amount of at least one composition of micro-organisms including in mixture at least one bacterium and one yeast, the bacterium or bacteria and the yeast(s) being non-toxic for the plant, and a composition of filamentous fungi, in particular of the genus Pichia, Pythium, Trichoderma, Gliocladium, Ampelomyces, Talaromyces, Epicococcum, combined with an inert carrier. The invention is useful for treating cryptogamic plant diseases, in particular crop plants and vine.

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: Acetyl esterase producing bacterial strains or functional mutants thereof and methods of using acetyl esterase producing bacterial strains as forage additives are disclosed.

Abstract: Acetyl esterase producing bacterial strains or functional mutants thereof and methods of using acetyl esterase producing bacterial strains as forage additives are disclosed.

Abstract: Fungal/bacterial antagonist combinations, a seed coated with one of the combinations and a plant protected from plant pathogens by one of the combinations. The invention is also a fungal/bacterial antagonist combination comprising a Trichoderma virens fungal antagonist and a Bacillus subtilis var. amyloliquefaciens (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens) bacterial antagonist and its use for controlling plant pathogens as a biocontrol agent, bio-pesticide or bio-fungicide. The invention also finds utility as a fungal/bacterial antagonist combination applied to the seed, stalk or leaf that results in an increase in plant yield. Control of early and late season stalk and root rot caused by fungi such as Fusarium, Phythium, Phytophthora and Penicillium in tomatoes, peppers, turf grass, soybeans, sunflower, wheat and corn is achieved.

Abstract: A cement paste containing microbial cells which has a sustained effect and an excellent function of purifying water. This cement paste contains a mixture of Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus thuringiensis and Bacillus sphaericus cells at a mixing ratio by mass of 0.1 to 50:0.1 to 50:0.1 to 50.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to isolated Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas putida, and Sporobolomyces roseus which are useful as a biocontrol agent. These organisms are useful in a method of imparting to plants protection against plant pathogens by applying them to plants, plant seeds, or soil surrounding plants under conditions effective to impart disease protection to the plants or plants produced from the plant seeds. The biocontrol agents are also useful in a method of enhancing plant growth which involves applying them to plants, plants seeds, or soil surrounding plants under conditions effective to enhance growth in the plants or plants produced from the plant seeds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nucleic acid segment having a coding region segment encoding enzymatically active Streptococcus equisimilis hyaluronate synthase (seHAS), and to the use of this nucleic acid segment in the preparation of recombinant cells which produce hyaluronate synthase and its hyaluronic acid product. Hyaluronate is also known as hyaluronic acid or hyaluronan.

Abstract: The invention relates to a water-thin emulsion comprising a non-phospholipid, non-ethoxylated pseudoemulsifier system, the system having a chemical composition with at least one hydrophobic moiety and at least one polar moiety, the size, shape and/or planar arrangement of the hydrophobic and polar moieties being asymmetrical with respect to each other. The emulsion of the invention is prepared by high-pressure homogenization of a crude oil and water emulsion containing the pseudoemulsifier. The emulsions require little or no traditional emulsifier to maintain stability, and are particularly useful in the preparation of multiple emulsions.

Abstract: The present invention provides an industrially efficient method for producing an L-amino acid useful as medicament, chemical agent, food material and feed additive, and the method comprising culturing in a medium a microorganism having an ability to produce the L-amino acid and having resistance to a DNA gyrase inhibitor or a microorganism having an ability to produce the L-amino acid and having both resistance to a DNA gyrase inhibitor and resistance to an aminoquinoline derivative, producing and accumulating the L-amino acid therein and recovering the L-amino acid therefrom.

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: A poultry eggshell strengthening composition for enhancing eggshell thickness and external eggshell membrane thickness, containing a viable microorganism of the genus Bacillus as an active ingredient, optionally together with a carrier or diluent.

Abstract: Biological control composition comprising specific strains of Bacillus, which are selected from the group of Bacillus cereus NRRL B-30517 and NRRL B-30519, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens NRRL B-30518 and Bacillus subtilis NRRL B-30520, as well as a method therefore are provided. Furthermore, the specific strains in combination provide a synergistic effect against pathogenic fungi. The pathogenic fungi include varied Phytophthora species such as P. capsici.

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 process and composition for treating an animal waste in a waste holding facility to reduce sulfides and enhance efficient degradation of large amounts of organic matter with reduced odor. The process includes administering a probiotic material capable of promoting organic digestion to an animal and maintaining a sulfide gas concentration of less than 10 ppm from a waste produced by the animal. Maintaining a low sulfide gas concentration can be done by adding an innoculum of sulfide-utilizing bacteria to the waste produced by the animal.

Abstract: A novel microorganism such as a Bacillus sp. OYK-01-600 (FERM BP-6394) which has no induction period, immediately undergoes exponential growth, and is nonhemolytic. The bacteria have antimicrobial activities against toxic bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, pathogenic Eschericia coli including O-157, Legionella pneumophila, and Klebsiella pneumoniac. The increased growth rate can inhibit bacteria which emit an ofensive odor and many noxious infection bacteria.

Abstract: Uridine-5′-monophosphate is produced by cultivating in a nutrient medium an uridine-5′-monophosphate producing mutant of coryneform bacterium and which is characterized by at least a resistance to growth inhibition by pyrimidine analogue or a deficiency in uridine degrading activity or combination of said property by protoplast fusion. This method has the advantage of decreased production of uracil. Thus, uridine-5′-monophosphate can be produced in much greater yields, compared with known methods.

Abstract: An antimicrobial agent with a high degree of safety is provided, which is derived from a natural product and can exhibit growth-inhibitory activity against acid-resistant and heat-resistant bacteria such as Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris, which is resistant against pasteurization and causes spoilage of fruit juice. The antimicrobial agent against acid-resistant and heat-resistant bacteria contains as an effective ingredient alpha-type thionin and/or beta-type thionin. A preservative for fruit juice is also provided, which contains as an effective ingredient the alpha-type thionin and/or beta-type thionin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing &ggr;-polyglutamic acid (&ggr;-PGA) from high-viscous culture broth, more particularly, to an economical and efficient process for preparing &ggr;-polyglutamic acid from high-viscous culture broth with easy removal of microorganisms and a subsequent concentrating process employing a filtration membrane. The present invention provides the process for preparing &ggr;-polyglutamic acid from high-viscous culture broth which comprises the steps of: culturing &ggr;-polyglutamic acid-producing microorganism for 15-30 hours under condition of pH 5.0-7.5 and 30-40° C. to obtain high-viscous culture broth with a concentration of 20-30 g/L; removing microorganism from the high-viscous culture broth thus obtained by adjusting pH to 2-4 or 7-9 and centrifuging at 3,000-9,000 rpm for 10-50 minutes; and, obtaining &ggr;-polyglutamic acid by concentrating the culture broth employing filter and precipitating &ggr;-polyglutamic acid by addition of alcohol.

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: The instant invention encompasses isolated stable esterase enzymes characterized by the ability to remain stable at certain temperatures, substrate specificities, and activity profile.

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: 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: To reduce the effects of the contaminants in the measurement of microorganisms and the reduction of the time necessary for the measurement. Measurement is performed of the microorganism prior to and following culture, and the difference between the two is found. This prevents errors caused by the effect of contaminants contained in the specimens. Since the measurement of the microorganism is performed by means of a flow cytometer, the microorganisms can be measured even when the culture period is short. Moreover, the measurements are accurate, since the contaminants are not measured. Furthermore, the growth form of the microorganisms can be determined by measuring the changes in the intensity of the light emission over the duration of emission of the forward scattered light detected by means of a flow cytometer.

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.

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: A suspension of microorganisms includes a detectable indicator material, such as a food coloring, for ensuring that a biological indicator receives a preselected population of the microorganisms. A microorganism delivery system delivers the suspension with the indicator material from a tank (10) to a plurality of needles (18) where it is delivered to a carrier material (22), such as filter, chromatography, or blotter paper, or glass fiber passing beneath the needles or micropipetted onto non-absorptive or non-penetrable carriers, such as plastic polymers or stainless steel coupons. In the event of a malfunction in the system, such as a blockage in one of the needles or intermittent delivery of the microorganism suspension, the absence of color on the impregnated carrier material indicates the absence of microorganisms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel antibiotic-producing and metabolite-producing Bacillus subtilis strain that exhibits insecticidal, antifungal and antibacterial activity. The supernatant of this novel strain contains effective insecticidal, antifungal and antibacterial agents. Also included in the invention is a solvent extractable, small molecular weight (<10,000 daltons) corn rootworm-active metabolite produced in the supernatant. Also included in the invention are methods of protecting or treating plants from fungal and bacterial infections and corn rootworm infestations comprising the step of applying to the plant an effective amount of the antibiotic/metabolite-producing novel Bacillus subtilis strain, the antibiotic/metabolite produced by the novel Bacillus subtilis strain or a combination thereof, optionally further comprising another antibiotic-producing bacterial strain and/or a chemical pesticide.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polypeptide selected from a polypeptide of subunit (A) or a polypeptide of subunit (B) of a prenyl diphosphate synthetase; a DNA coding for the polypeptide; a recombinant vector comprising the DNA; a transformant transformed with the vector; and a method for preparing an active type prenyl diphosphate synthetase. Also disclosed is a method for preparing an active type enzyme on which a specific property has been conferred, comprising mixing polypeptides of the two subunits of a heterodimeric enzyme, the polypeptides being derived from different organisms and one of the polypeptides having the specific property.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel antibiotic-producing and metabolite-producing Bacillus subtilis strain that exhibits insecticidal, antifungal and antibacterial activity. The supernatant of this novel strain contains effective insecticidal, antifungal and antibacterial agents. Also included in the invention is a solvent extractable, small molecular weight (<10,000 daltons) corn rootworm-active metabolite produced in the supernatant. Also included in the invention are methods of protecting or treating plants from fungal and bacterial infections and corn rootworm infestations comprising the step of applying to the plant an effective amount of the antibiotic/metabolite-producing novel Bacillus subtilis strain, the antibiotic/metabolite produced by the novel Bacillus subtilis strain or a combination thereof, optionally further comprising another antibiotic-producing bacterial strain and/or a chemical pesticide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an oral composition containing Bacillus subtilis Kubota FERM BP-5847 for animals.The oral administration of Bacillus subtilis Kubota FERM BP-5847 can deodorize feces and urine from livestock, poultry, fish and the like and also suppresses the occurrence of diarrhea.

Abstract: A method and mixture for denitrifying aerobic bacterial compositions and for aerobic methods for biological treatment of aqueous systems polluted by nitrogen waste products. A mixture of and limited to bacillus bacteria are added to the treatment subject. Optionally enzymes can be added to the mixture. Optionally a particulate carbon ingredient can be placed into the treatment subject. Optionally a living tissue ingredient can be used.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a unique strain of Bacillus subtilis for inhibiting growth of plant pathogenic fungi and bacteria and methods for treating or protecting plants from fingal and bacterial infections.

Abstract: Agricultural methods of biological control and organisms useful in such methods are disclosed, such as novel endophytic symbiotic Bacillus subtilis and methods of biologically controlling fungal diseases of plants. These strains are useful vectors for the delivery of their beneficial gene products to plants.

Abstract: A medium for detecting staphylococci is described. The medium contains components selective for growing staphylococci, and a glucopyranoside indicator substance in sufficient quantity to distinguish colonies containing Bacillus and other microorganisms from colonies containing staphylococci. Methods of detecting staphylococci utilizing such medium are also described.

Abstract: Genes encoding Class II EPSPS enzymes are disclosed. The genes are useful in producing transformed bacteria and plants which are tolerant to glyphosate herbicide. Class II EPSPS genes share little homology with known, Class I EPSPS genes, and do not hybridize to probes from Class I EPSPS's. The Class II EPSPS enzymes are characterized by being more kinetically efficient than Class I EPSPS's in the presence of glyphosate. Plants transformed with Class II EPSPS genes are also disclosed as well as a method for selectively controlling weeds in a planted transgenic crop field.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and the use of biological indicator systems to assess and determine the effectiveness of sterilization processes comprising the steps of contacting an indicator comprising microbial spores with a sterilant; a medium selected to germinate the spores; and calculating a germination rate of the exposed spores to determine the effectiveness of the sterilization process. A method for rapidly determining the effectiveness of the gemination rate of microbial spores with spore viability is also described.

Abstract: A test kit and method for the highly sensitive detection of specific analytes in a sample is provided. The presence of the analyte in the sample results in a decrease in the concentration of a growth inhibiting substance leading to proliferation of cells in the region of the analyte. The presence or absence of the analyte is determined by detecting the presence of increased numbers of cells. Assay sensitivity is accounted for by the exponential amplification of cell number that occurs during cell proliferation in the presence of analyte.

Abstract: A bacteria impermeable container or ampule (10) contains a liquid growth medium and a substrate-indicator complex. The complex includes a substrate component, e.g., starch, and an indicator molecule, e.g., a dye, a fluorescent molecule, or the like, which are tightly bound and complexed, but which are cleavable by a preselected enzyme. A sterilant passes over a carrier (20) for microorganisms which, upon germination, are capable of rapidly generating large quantities of the preselected enzyme. Following the sterilization process, the carrier is immersed in the liquid growth medium. Any viable surviving microorganisms grow, generating the preselected enzyme. The enzymes cleave the bound indicator molecule from the substrate, resulting in a measurable property change in a couple of hours. Typical property changes include fluorescence, a color change, a change in pH which triggers a pH indicator color change, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the application of robotics to screen and optimize microorganisms for their bioremediation capabilities. In particular, the present invention provides methods to screen for the ability of microorganisms to metabolize particular compounds of interest in bioremediation applications. The present invention also provides a method for discovery of microorganisms useful for bioremediation and biomining, as well as other applications where microbial metabolism is useful for catalyzing chemical biotransformations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel strain antibiotic-producing Bacillus subtilis which is effective against plant fungal and bacterial infections. The invention also includes methods of protecting plants from fungal and bacterial infections comprising the step of applying to the plant an effective amount of the antibiotic-producing Bacillus subtilis, the antibiotic produced by the antibiotic-producing Bacillus subtilis or a combination thereof, optionally further comprising another antibiotic-producing bacterial strain and/or a chemical pesticide. The invention includes methods of treating fungal and bacterial infections using whole broth cultures or supernatants obtained from cultures of antibiotic-producing Bacillus subtilis cultures. The invention also includes treating plant infections using a combination of whole broth and/or supernatant obtained from the antibiotic-producing strain of Bacillus subtilis optionally in combination with chemical pesticides.

Abstract: A biodegradable resin molded article molded from a kneaded material obtained by kneading, melting or mixing a biodegradable resin raw material and at least one of a biodegradable additive and an additive made of a substance existing in the nature, an injection molded article of a biodegradable resin containing a biodegradable resin and an anti-biotic substance, a molded article of a resin composition including a polymer material having an ester bond in the polymer main chain thereof and an alkali or acid component in an amount effective for neutralizing an acidic or alkaline component contained in the polymer material, and a resin molded article having a layer of a biodegradable resin, and a layer of a photolytic resin covering the resin layer and containing an antibiotic.

Abstract: A biological indicator which utilizes immobilization to increase the thermostability of the biomaterial (e.g., microorganism or enzyme) contained within the indicator. Due to the increased thermostability of the biomaterial, the indicator can be utilized to monitor sterilization with or without conventional test pack materials or devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to (1) a transglutaminase (hereinafter referred to as TG) isolated from a Bacilli such as those of Bacillus subtilis, (2) a fraction having transglutaminase activity, and (3) a method for producing a protein, a non-proteinaceous amino acid polymer, a peptide or derivatives thereof having a crosslinked structure, by crosslinking the glutamine and lysine residues in the same with the TG or the fraction having TG activity to thereby form intermolecular or intramolecular, crosslinked .epsilon.-(.gamma.-Glu)-Lys bonds. The present invention also relates to (4) a DNA coding for a TG derived from a Bacilli such as Bacillus subtilis, (5) a vector comprising said DNA coding for the TG, (6) a cell transformed with the vector, and (7) a method for producing a Bacillus-derived transglutaminase by incubating the transformant.