Abstract: Provided is a type of Rhizobium with the classified nomenclature of BradyRhizobium sp. KTMS 0001 or BradyRhizobium sp. KTMS 0002, and the deposit number of CCTCC No. M2017580 or CCTCC No. M2017581. Also provided are a bacterial preparation containing the Rhizobium, a method for restoring rare-earth tailings soil and a use of the Rhizobium.

Abstract: A seed coated with a seed grind, and optionally a source of sugar, a source of bicarbonate, and/or a source of fertilizer nutrient to supply plant roots with additional uptake-available carbon and energy to promote rapid growth. A method of coating seeds with the coating and a method of growing plants from the coated seed.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for obtaining genetic material from plant embryos while preserving their viability as well as methods for performing a molecular analysis of plant embryos, particularly with small quantities of genetic material. The methods may include the steps of collecting shed cellular material from one or more embryos; obtaining DNA from the shed cellular material; performing a molecular analysis of the DNA; and germinating at least one of the one or more embryos. A further extension of this method includes determining whether to germinate and grow the embryo or to discard the embryo based on its genotype as part of a breeding process.

Abstract: A seed activation system includes a shattering layer applied to an outer surface of a seed. The shattering layer forms a water-resistant coating around the seed that prevents the seed from germinating. An activation mechanism for transmitting electromagnetic energy is provided such that the shattering layer is compromised to break the water-resistant coating. The seed is then able to receive water and germinate. A seed activation method includes applying a shattering layer to an outer surface of a seed. The shattering layer forms a water-resistant coating around the seed that prevents the seed from germinating. The method further includes planting the seed in a soil, selecting an activation time, and activating the seed at the activation time by transmitting electromagnetic energy into the soil such that the shattering layer is compromised thereby breaking the water-resistant coating. The seed is then able to receive water for germinating.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the microbiological field, and particularly relates to a Leclercia adcarboxglata biocontrol strain efficiently inhibiting production of aflatoxins by Aspergillus flavus. The Leclercia adcarboxglata biocontrol strain Wt16 was deposited at China Center for Type Culture Collection (CCTCC) on Jun. 13, 2017, and the accession number of the strain is CCTCC No. M2017331. The Leclercia adcarboxglata strain Wt16 is isolated from peanut pods for the first time which can significantly inhibit aflatoxins production by Aspergillus flavus, and also has an extremely good effect on inhibiting aflatoxins production by Aspergillus flavus for peanuts from different sources.

Abstract: A seed delivery device that includes an enclosed container inside which is encapsulated one or more plant seeds and a medium. The medium may comprise one or more particulate materials, one or more aqueous materials, or a combination of one or more particulate materials and aqueous materials. The specific gravity of the entire device is greater than the specific gravity of water. The seed delivery devices may be used to address the planting of seeds in conditions where water is or may become present.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are therapeutic compositions containing non-pathogenic, germination-competent bacterial spores, for the prevention, control, and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, disorders and conditions and for general nutritional health.

Abstract: A pick-and-place system for plant embryos includes a tray for receiving a suspension of plant embryos. The tray is movable to repeatedly reposition the plant embryos. An identification system is proximate the tray for identifying a target plant embryo amongst the plant embryos in the suspension. The identification system is configured to identify the target plant embryo while the tray is moving. A robotic arm is proximate the tray and is in communication with the identification system. The robotic arm is actuatable to pick the target plant embryo out of the suspension while the tray is moving, and deposit the target plant embryo at a target location.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides non-aqueous inoculant compositions and methods for enhancing the survival and/or stability of microbial spores in an inoculant composition. In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosure comprise microbial spores, one or more dispersants, one or more protectants and a non-aqueous liquid carrier.

Abstract: The present application relates generally to the field of plant propagation. In particular, the present invention relates to a method for the propagation of vegetatively reproducing plants and plants and plant parts produced by such methods. The invention also provides encapsulated propagules. The invention also provides various end uses for the encapsulated propagules and for plants grown from the same. The invention also provides a method for the modification of the architecture of rhizomes and rhizomes having modified architecture and a method for the modification of the architecture of stem cuttings and stem cuttings having modified architecture. The invention also provides a coating for a propagule and a propagule coated therewith.

Abstract: Compositions comprising dried formulations of viable Methylobacterium as well as methods for making and using the formulations are provided. In particular the compositions provide for Methylobacterium formulations with improved viability, shelf-life, and plant or seed treatment characteristics.

Abstract: Pesticidally active polycyclic derivatives with 5-membered sulfur containing heterocyclic ring systems of formula (I), wherein the substituents are as defined in claim 1, and the agrochemically acceptable salts salts, stereoisomers, enantiomers, tautomers and N-oxides of those compounds, can be used as insecticides and can be prepared in a manner known per se.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention include compositions for enhancing pollination. Dry compositions according to certain embodiments include a carbon skeleton energy compound, macronutrients, a vitamin cofactor composition, micronutrients, an ionophore, and a source of extracted humate. Methods for using the dry compositions of the invention to enhance pollination are also described.

Abstract: A method of providing packaged, live produce includes providing a plurality of seeds for different plant species, providing a foam growing media, inserting at least one of each type of seed for the different plant species into the foam growing media, growing the seeds inserted into the foam growing media to provide a young rooted plant having roots projecting from the foam growing media and having leaves from the different plant species, and transferring the young rooted plant including the foam growing media to a hydroponic system for producing a fully grown plant having the roots projecting from the foam growing media. While leaving the roots projecting from the foam growing media, the fully grown plant is removed from the hydroponic system and placed in a package having a fluid reservoir. When disposed inside the package, the roots of the fully grown plant are in communication with the fluid reservoir.

Abstract: The present invention includes broccoli plants with curds having detached florets and methods for obtaining such broccoli plants. The present invention also provides reagents that can be used in methods for obtaining such broccoli plants.

Abstract: A composition for agricultural or horticultural application, which contains isoleucine as an active ingredient, and is sprinkled on a fruit vegetable, fruit tree, or grain plant, or a harvested fruit as a solution having an isoleucine concentration of 0.5 to 75 mM, is sprinkled on a leaf surface and/or a fruit of a plant to provide at least one of promotion of blooming, promotion of the appearance of the fruit, improvement in number of fruit produced, promotion of ripening of fruit, improvement in essential amino acid and/or ?-ABA content, promotion of carotenoid synthesis, and improvement in antioxidant capacity.

Abstract: This invention is related to controlled release formulations of volatile antimicrobial compounds against pathogens affecting meats, plants, or plant parts or dairy products. Provided are delivery systems in the form of coatings or films, where controlled release of their volatile components in vapor form is triggered by high relative humidity. The volatile component may include, for example volatile antimicrobial liquids including low molecular weight alcohols and/or aldehydes, 1-methylcyclopropene, and/or other volatile fungicides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new methods of selecting and breeding organisms, in particular organisms which exhibit symbiotic behavior with symbionts such as fungal endophytes or epiphytes or bacterial microbiome in plants, and to new organisms and symbiota developed thereby. More particularly, the present invention provides artificial seeds comprising symbiota, and methods for preparing and using such artificial seeds, as well as plants, plant seeds and other plant parts derived from artificial seeds or symbiont-containing plants of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel bacterium Yersinia entomophaga MH96 as deposited at DSMZ on 4 May 2006 and designated accession no. DSM 18238. The present invention also relates to substances obtained or derived from Yersinia entomophaga MH96, which retain biopesticide activity. Methods for protecting a plant from pest infestation which include applying to the plant or its environment an effective amount of Yersinia entomophaga MH96 or a product delivered from the bacterium are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of treating setts comprising (a) applying a coating of an alginate optionally containing one or more crop protection agents and/or one or more nutrients, and (b) crosslinking the alginate with a divalent metal ion. Also disclosed are compositions used in the disclosed methods of treating setts.

Abstract: Plant metabolism and alkaloid levels can be regulated by transcription factors that regulate the nicotinic alkaloid biosynthetic pathway. In one embodiment, the disclosure provides a transcription factor that negatively regulates alkaloid biosynthesis, such as nicotine biosynthesis. In particular, the present disclosure provides methods for the inhibition of Nicotiana benthamiana auxin response factor (NbTF7) to increase alkaloid biosynthesis in plants.

Abstract: Coating compositions for cotton plant seed, wherein the coating composition comprises an organic carrier material and one or more biological agents that are active against one or more pathogens cotton plant.

Abstract: Coating composition for soya bean seed from which roots and shoots are capable of growing, wherein the coating composition comprises an organic carrier material and one or more biological agents that possess an activity against at least one or more pathogens of the soybean plant.

Abstract: A coated seed product, the product comprising: at least one plant seed; and a coating adhered to the exterior of the plant seed, the coating comprising one or more evaporite minerals, preferably polyhalite.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention include compositions for enhancing pollination. Dry compositions according to certain embodiments include a carbon skeleton energy compound, macronutrients, a vitamin cofactor composition, micronutrients, an ionophore, and a source of extracted humate. Methods for using the dry compositions of the invention to enhance pollination are also described.

Abstract: A plant enhancer includes a ferrocenyl polymer composition, a polyaryl ether nitrile-carbonyl iron magnetic material, silica nanoparticles, and an amino acid powder.

Abstract: A plant growth regulator includes a ferrocenyl polymer composition, a polyaryl ether nitrile-carbonyl iron magnetic material, a deep-sea polysaccharide composition, silica nanoparticles, and an amino acid powder.

Abstract: A compound represented by formula (7): or a salt thereof can be manufactured by the following steps: a step of allowing a compound represented by formula (1-S): to react with a compound represented by formula (2): R2SM2??(2) to give a compound represented by formula (3-S): a step of allowing the compound represented by formula (3-S) to react with hydrogen peroxide in the presence of a tungsten catalyst and an acid to give a compound represented by formula (6-S) or a salt thereof: and a step of reducing the compound represented by formula (6-S) or salt thereof in the presence of a base and a heterogeneous transition metal catalyst to give a compound represented by formula (7) or a salt thereof, wherein X, R1, R2, and M2 are defined in the specification.

Abstract: A seed treated with a fungal/bacterial antagonist combination and a seed assembly comprising a seed and a fungal/bacterial antagonist combination. The fungal/bacterial antagonist combination comprises a Trichoderma virens fungal antagonist and a Bacillus amyloliquefaciens bacterial antagonist for controlling plant pathogens as a biocontrol agent, bio-pesticide or bio-fungicide. In preferred embodiments, the invention produces 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: The present disclosure provides methods of separating plant germinants from gelled germination medium.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed generally towards to embryo insertion systems and methods for use with manufactured seeds. In some embodiments, embryo insertion systems according to the disclosure include an embryo delivery assembly and a fill material deposit assembly. The embryo delivery assembly may include an insertion member, a release assistance member, and a fill material deposit assembly. The fill material deposit assembly may include a fill material containment device, a fill material conveyance device, and optionally, a fill material separation device. Further aspects of the disclosure relate to methods for operating embryo insertion systems according to embodiments of the disclosure to enable simultaneous embryo insertion and fill material delivery.

Abstract: A screening device (110) for screening at least one plant specimen (112) in a plurality of plant specimens (114) is disclosed. The screening device (110) comprises a detector (116) adapted for acquiring spatially resolved images (117). The screening device (110) further comprises at least one selection device (118) adapted for selecting a single plant specimen (120) or a group of plant specimens (122) from the plurality of plant specimens (114) for imaging by the detector (116). The selection device (118) comprises a deflection device (124) adapted for deflecting electromagnetic waves propagating between the plant specimens (112) and the detector (116).

Abstract: A method of sinuglating embryos is provided. The method includes providing a plurality of embryos (40) within a system (20) and sensing (34) at least one of the plurality of embryos in a fluid. The method also includes dispensing (26) at least one of the plurality of embryos on a surface (28).

Abstract: Methods of sorting plant somatic embryos according to germination potential are provided.

Abstract: A method and system for assembling building blocks of colloidal particles and also for shaping of colloids for self-assembly for manufacturing, processing and formation of compositions of matter. A first type of particle is selected as a “key” particle constructed to mate with a “lock” particle, the binding arising from depletion forces. A variety of shapes can be used to carry out this method and system to create compositions of matter. Colloids can be shaped by controlled deformation of multiphase colloid particles.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for measuring the hydration profile of seeds during Soaking. In some example embodiments, the volume change of irregular-shaped seeds during soaking is measured as the difference in the volume for a given chamber and the volume of water to fill a chamber with seeds at pre-defined time intervals. A device according to some example embodiments of the present general inventive concept includes a soak chamber to hold the seed, a water bath as a source of the input water, and a measuring tank where the water volume can be determined with a level sensor. The soaking temperature is maintained constant by water baths with a circulating tank surrounding the soak chamber to reduce heat loss.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle platform and system for selectively performing an in-season management task in an agricultural field while self-navigating between rows of planted crops, the autonomous vehicle platform having a vehicle base with a width so dimensioned as to be insertable through the space between two rows of planted crops, the vehicle base having an in-season task management structure configured to perform various tasks, including selectively applying fertilizer, mapping growth zones and seeding cover crop within an agricultural field.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an insecticidal water based suspension concentrate formulation comprising a water-soluble insecticide selected from the group consisting of N-cyanomethyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)nicotinamide and (EZ)-1-(6-chloro-3-pyridylmethyl)-N-nitroimidazolidin-2-ylidineamine and at least one water-soluble salt selected from the group consisting of magnesium sulfate (hydrated and anhydrous forms) and sodium sulfate, wherein the water-soluble insecticide is present in an insecticidally effective amount and methods of use.

Abstract: A method of coating seeds is provided using observations of coating and coated seeds to modify the coating of yet-to-be coated seeds.

Abstract: An active or Probiotic animal food having a low water activity that can be contained within a package having a low vapor transmission rate. The animal food can have a shelf life sufficient to deliver a target dose of Probiotic to an animal. The water activity of the animal food can be controlled. The activity level of the Probiotic can be controlled.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for coated particles, compositions including coated particles, methods for making coated particles, methods of reducing dust, and the like.

Abstract: Methods for obtaining genetic material from plant embryos while preserving their viability are provided. In the methods, preservation of viability may be maintained by suspending the embryos in an aqueous solution surrounded by an oil matrix. Genetic material may be obtained from an aliquot of the aqueous solution and may be used directly for molecular analysis, or whole genome amplification may be performed prior to molecular analysis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a product for use in agriculture or horticulture comprising a capsule dissolving or disintegrating in the presence of humidity wherein at least a seed and a controlled release system comprising an agrochemical compound is located.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new methods of selecting and breeding organisms, in particular organisms which exhibit symbiotic behaviour with symbionts such as fungal endophytes or epiphytes or bacterial microbiome in plants, and to new organisms and symbiota developed thereby. More particularly, the present invention provides artificial seeds comprising symbiota, and methods for preparing and using such artificial seeds, as well as plants, plant seeds and other plant parts derived from artificial seeds or symbiont-containing plants of the present invention.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a pick-up and delivery system including a pick-up assembly and a delivery assembly. The pick-up assembly includes a robotic arm, a pick-up device rotatably mounted on the robotic arm, and a first vacuum pressure supply port operably connected to the pick-up device. The delivery assembly includes an insertion device and a second vacuum pressure supply port. The insertion device may include an insertion member and a release assistance rod arranged inside the insertion member. The release assistance rod is moveable between an extended position and a retracted position. When the release assistance rod is in the extended position, a proximal end extends beyond an end of the insertion member. Further aspects are directed towards methods for grasping and releasing an object with a pick-up and delivery system.

Abstract: A material for assisting in at least one of germination, protection, hydration, and thriving of seeds and the plants originating therefrom treats a seed with a tackifier or binder, such as corn syrup or the like, which secures a layer of hydrating polymer particles thereto. Nutrients, protectants, and the like may be absorbed in the polymer before or after coating of a seed thereby. Weighting materials, extenders, flowing agents, and the like may assist in the functioning or handling of the coated seeds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to substituted cellulose acetates and methods of use thereof. One embodiment of the present invention provides a coating having a substituted cellulose acetate having a polar substituent that has an oxygen atom covalently bonded to a nonmetal selected from the group of sulfur, phosphorus, and boron; wherein the nonmetal is present in at least about 0.01% by weight of the substituted cellulose acetate.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are several exemplary seed coating compositions, and exemplary methods for creating and using the same. Also disclosed are several exemplary seed coating manufacturing processes, and the products created by such processes. The seed coating compositions for increasing crop production by protecting coated seeds after planting and during seedling emergence. The seed coating comprising a fungicidally effective amount of at least one zeolite.

Abstract: A seed-containing crayon is presented. The crayon includes an elongated member formed of a marking composition to leave a colored mark on a surface when the elongated member contacts the surface. The marking composition is formed of a wax, a pigment, and a plant nutrient that is activated by application of water to the elongated member. Plant seeds are embedded in the marking composition of the elongated member. The crayon can include a paper band that at least partially surrounds the elongated member along at least part of the length of the elongated member in which the plant seeds are embedded.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for reduction on apparent contact angle of seeds coat surface by cold plasma treatment, agricultural devices for said treatment and seeds obtained by methods thereof.