Abstract: The present invention is directed to producing a plant containing vitamin B12. Accordingly, the present invention provides a seed and a plant containing vitamin B12. The present invention is also directed to a method of producing a plant containing vitamin B12 comprising soaking a seed, spore or hypha of a plant in a soaking solution containing vitamin B12, and cultivating the seed, spore or hypha of the plant thus soaked. Furthermore, the present invention provides a soaking solution containing vitamin B12 for introducing vitamin B12 into a plant.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved seed coatings which facilitate fall or early spring planting while maintaining seed dormancy until soil temperatures are appropriate for successful germination. The improved seed coatings contain encapsulated phase change materials within a polymeric shell which preserve the dormancy of the seed during early planting by slowing the rate at which the seed temperature rises in the event of a temperature spike thus preventing premature germination. The encapsulated phase change material is a material characterized by a solid/liquid or liquid/solid phase change which occurs at a temperature which ranges from about ?5 to about 20° C., preferably between about 0 to about 19° C., most preferably between about 5 to about 15° C.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an artificial seed (20) is provided. The method includes transporting a seed shell (22) to a media fill station (300) and depositing media (26) into the seed shell. The method also includes sealing (28) the media within one end of the seed shell, depositing an embryo (42) within the seed shell, and sealing (44) the embryo within the seed shell.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an artificial seed blank (20) is provided. The method includes placing a seed shell (22) on one of a plurality of receptacle (72) containing an end seal formation material (218) at the first assembly station. The method also includes forming an end seal (200) at one end of the seed shell by permitting the predetermined amount of an end seal formation material to change state. Further, the method includes depositing media (26) into the seed shell and positioning the seed shell at a second assembly station. The method also includes removing the seed shell from the receptacle at the second assembly station.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating a least a portion of one or more initial seed samples to create one or more treated seed samples for use in research applications is provided. In various embodiments, the apparatus and method utilize two or more seed treaters operating in parallel to increase throughput for treating a portion of one or more initial seed samples. The apparatus and method may also include a metering station configured to distribute at least a portion of the one or more initial seed samples to the two or more seed treaters. As a result, the apparatus and method are configured to efficiently and accurately treat seed samples.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically harvesting and screening plant embryos in multiple stages to identify those embryos that are suited for incorporation into manufactured seeds are provided. The method includes generally three steps. First, plant embryos are automatically sorted according to their rough size/shape and also singulated into discrete embryo units, for example by vibrational sieving. Second, the sorted and singulated plant embryos are classified using a first classification method. For example, each embryo may be imaged by a camera and the image is used to ascertain the embryo's more precise size/shape. Third, for those embryos that have passed the first classification method, a second classification method is applied. For example, a pre-developed classification algorithm to classify embryos according to their putative germination vigor may be applied to the same image used in the first classification method, to identify those embryos that are likely to germinate.

Abstract: A manufactured seed is provided. The manufactured seed includes a seed shell housing a nutritive media and a restraint disposed within the seed shell. The restraint includes a cavity. The manufactured seed also includes an embryo disposed within the cavity and a fill material disposed within the cavity. The manufactured further includes a seal disposed on the seed shell to seal the embryo within the seed shell.

Abstract: The configuration of a feedstock material is controlled by bringing it into contact with at least a first gas moving against it at a location with an area and thickness of the feedstock liquid that forms drops or fibers of a selected size. In one embodiment, drops of agricultural input materials are formed for spraying on agricultural fields. In another embodiment, nanofibers of materials such as chitosan or metals are formed. In another embodiment seeds are planted with gel.

Abstract: A method of preventing defective germination or growth of a plant is provided, by which even plant seeds having small size can be sown easily and securely. The method of preventing defective germination or growth of a plant includes the steps of: encapsulating plant seeds in an aqueous gel capsule; refrigerating the plant seeds under the condition that the plant seeds do not germinate; and sowing the plant seeds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to photostabilised effect pigments in which one or more calcined and vanadium-containing oxide layers, alone or mixed with sulfates, borates or phosphates, have been applied to a substrate, to a process for the preparation thereof, and to the use thereof in plastics, paints, coatings, printing inks, cosmetics, films, in security printing, for laser marking, in thermal protection or for colouring seed.

Abstract: A plant growth-promoting and quality-improving agent is disclosed. The agent contains a water-insoluble inorganic micronutrient pulverized to a particle size of not more than a specified particle size, and is effective for a long period of time if applied a small number of times to a seed, a root, a nursery box, and a base of a plant. A method for promoting the growth and improving the quality of plants is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes fungal spore mass or hyphal fragments in burlap bags or sacks filled with biodegradable materials. The fungi may include saprophytic fungi, including gourmet and medicinal mushrooms, mycorrhizal fungi, entomopathogenic fungi, parasitic fungi and fungi imperfecti. The fungi function as keystone species, delivering benefits to both the microsphere and biosphere. Such fungal delivery systems are useful for purposes including ecological rehabilitation and restoration, preservation and improvement of habitats, bioremediation of toxic wastes and polluted sites, filtration of agricultural, mine and urban runoff, improvement of agricultural yields and control of biological organisms.

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 superabsorbent starch graft copolymer product having particle sizes useful in granule applicators for application to agricultural fields. Starch graft copolymers applied to field crops provide excellent anti-crusting properties, increased seed germination and stand, increased crop growth, increased yields, and reduced water requirements.

Abstract: A pigment preparation comprising C.I. Pigment Yellow 74 of formula (I) as base pigment and C.I. Pigment Yellow 62 of formula (II) as pigment dispersant.

Abstract: A gardening system includes an aeroponic or hydroponic garden including an opening, and a modular seed cartridge. The modular seed cartridge includes a rigid, cup-shaped receptacle including an upper portion having an outer rim adapted to support the rigid, cup-shaped receptacle in the opening of the aeroponic or hydroponic garden, a hydrophilic cellular substrate located in the rigid, cup-shaped receptacle, at least one seed in contact with the hydrophilic cellular substrate, and a seal attached to the outer rim of the rigid, cup-shaped receptacle.

Abstract: A pigment preparation comprising at least one copper phthalocyanine pigment from the group of C.I. Pigment Blue 15, 15:0, 15:1,15:2, 15:3, 15:4, and 15:6, and at least one pigment dispersant of the formula (I), in which n is a number 1, 2, 3 or 4.

Abstract: The invention concerns a pigment preparation based on C.I. Pigment Yellow 155, containing 0.1% to 50% by weight, based on the weight of C.I. Pigment Yellow 155, of at least one pigment dispersant from the group of monoazo or disazo pigments substituted with at least one sulfonic acid group, characterized in that it has a chroma C greater than 53 in the CIELAB system in a solventborne alkyd melamine varnish comprising a 6.7% by weight concentration of the pigment preparation, and/or in that it has a chroma C greater than 35 in the CIELAB system in an aqueous base varnish system in a white reduction comprising a 0.2% by weight concentration of the pigment preparation in white reduction.

Abstract: A fixing agent in the form of an oil/water type, lamellar emulsion or suspension in which the aqueous phase is the principal component, the aqueous phase containing water and a byproduct of agriculture or fermentation and the oil phase containing oil and emulsifiers. The emulsion or suspension is prepared by adding an aqueous solution to the oil phase in order to produce a water/oil type emulsion or suspension, by adding a portion of the aqueous phase in order to produce an inverse oil/water type emulsion or suspension, and by thereafter mixing the oil/water type emulsion or suspension with the remainder of the aqueous phase.

Abstract: Aggregates of cellulose-containing particles, such as particles of waste paper and optional other vegetation or waste particles are used as a carrier for additives such as insecticides, herbicides, fertilizers and nutrients. The particles can be also used as a carrier for insect repellants, preferably naturally occurring insect repellants, to repel insects from rooms, buildings, plants, and outdoor areas, and to carry adhered seeds onto an area to be planted with seeds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to silver pigments based on transparent, low-refractive-index, platelet-shaped substrates which have a high-refractive-index coating consisting of TiO2 having a layer thickness of 5-300 nm and optionally an outer protective layer, and to the use thereof in paints, coatings, printing inks, security printing inks, plastics, button pastes, ceramic materials, glasses, for seed coloring, as dopants in the laser marking of plastics and papers, as additives for coloring in the foods and pharmaceuticals sectors, and in cosmetic formulations and for the preparation of pigment compositions and dry preparations.

Abstract: A pigment composition containing one or more, organic yellow pigments selected from the group C.I. Pigment Yellow (213), Pigment Yellow (214) and disazo pigment of the formula (I) and containing one or more inorganic pigments.

Abstract: A green pigment preparation that is characterized by a C.I. Pigment Yellow 214 and at least one copper phthalocyanine pigment C.I. Pigment Blue 15:3 and/or C.I. Pigment Blue 15:1 content, the ratio of C.I. Pigment Yellow 214 to the at least one copper phthalocyanine pigment being in the range from 1:20 to 20:1. The inventive pigment preparation are especially suitable for the low-warpage colouring of semicrystalline plastics with pure green tones.

Abstract: The invention relates to an azo pigment preparation containing a) at least one azo pigment, b) a resin based on colophonium or modified colophonium with an acid value equal to or higher than 320 mg KOH/g, and c) an ammonium salt of a sulfonated diaryl yellow pigment.

Abstract: A pigment composition containing a disazo pigment of formula (I) and at least one pigment from the group of organic orange, red and violet pigments

Abstract: Effect pigments having improved optical properties based on SiO2 flakes coated with one or more layers, where the SiO2 flakes have a thickness of from 50 nm to 150 nm; processes for the preparation thereof; and use of these pigments in cosmetics, paints, coatings, plastics, films, in security printing, in security features in documents and identity cards, for coloring seed, for coloring foods or in medicament coatings and for the preparation of pigment compositions and dry preparations; are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of attaching an end seal to a manufactured seed is provided. The method includes providing a manufactured seed having an open end and inflating a sealing material to form an enclosure having an interior surface. The method also includes placing the enclosure into contact with the open end of the manufactured seed and attaching the enclosure to the manufactured seed to seal the open end of the manufactured seed.

Abstract: A seed for enhancing the extended delivery of nitrogen needed for plant development and growth, the seed having a slow release nitrogen coating of a particulate UF polymer adhered to the seed with an adhesive binder.

Abstract: A vacuum pick-up device 20 includes a device body 22 having a pick-up tip opening 78 to which vacuum pressure is supplied. The vacuum pick-up device 20 further includes a mechanical release assisting device 36 that assists in the release of a grasped object contemporaneously with or slightly subsequent to the cessation of vacuum pressure. A manifold 38 may be included to efficiently and effectively supply vacuum pressure to the device body 22 from a vacuum pressure source.

Abstract: Compounds of Formula I are disclosed which are useful as fungicides wherein R1 is hydrogen; halogen; C1–C2 alkoxy; C1–C2 haloalkoxy; cyano; or C1–C2 alkyl optionally substituted with halogen, C1–C2 alkoxy or cyano; R2 is hydrogen; halogen; or C1–C4 alkyl optionally substituted with halogen, C1–C2 alkoxy or cyano; R3 is hydrogen; halogen; C1–C4 alkoxy; C1–C4 haloalkoxy; or C1–C4 alkyl optionally substituted with halogen, C1–C2 alkoxy or cyano; or R2 and R3 can be taken together as —CH2CH2—; R4 is C1–C2 alkyl; R5 is R6, CH(R8)OR6, CH(R8)CH(R7)R6 or C(R8)?C(R7)R6; R6, R7 and R8 are as defined in the disclosure. Also disclosed are compositions containing the compounds of Formula I and a method for controlling plant diseases caused by fungal plant pathogens which involves applying an effective amount of a compound of Formula I.

Abstract: The invention provides a rice seed coated with an agricultural chemical, characterized in that a rice seed is deprived of husk and the surface of said rice seed is coated with a binder containing an agricultural chemical. The rice seed is suitable to be germinated by maintaining the seed for at least three days at 20 to 40 degrees C.

Abstract: A new vigor test is used to select seeds which, after appropriate polymeric coating, will perform well under adverse planting and growing conditions. For example, suitably coated hybrid corn seeds can be planted earlier than seeds now available, while still obtaining comparable or better yields. Particularly good results are obtained when seeds are coated with compositions comprising a side chain crystalline polymer and an amorphous polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved coating for manufactured seeds wherein the coating is able to resist cracking at temperatures below about 1° C. The coating usable with the present invention is comprised of a wax impregnated cellulose substrate wherein the wax composition is comprised substantially of paraffin hydrocarbon cellulose substrata having a Gaussian distribution of carbon chain length ranging from 21 carbons per chain to 40 carbons per chain and a maximum number of paraffin hydrocarbon chains having 31 carbons per chain. One aspect of the present invention is that it provides a wax formulation able to resist cracking at low temperatures and also a wax formulation with a desirable viscosity for commercial manufactured seed coat applications.

Abstract: A combination end seal and cotyledon restraint (20) for an artificial seed (22) is provided. The combination end seal and cotyledon restraint includes a cap portion (30) sized to substantially seal one end of an artificial seed and a cotyledon restraint (32) unitarily formed with the cap portion.

Abstract: One or more agricultural active ingredients (such as fungicides or insecticides) are entrapped in polymeric matrixes to form particles having a diameter in the range from about 0.2 to about 200 microns. The particles are applied to soil, to seeds, or to plants and release the active ingredient(s) at a rate sufficiently low to avoid phytoxicity but at a rate sufficiently high to provide effective amounts of the active ingredient(s), preferably throughout the growing period of the plant.

Abstract: A novelty item and method of making same, include a non-germinated dicot seed with a word, symbol, or the like, etched through the seed coating to the cotyledon which remains visible from the time the seedling sprouts through the surface of the soil throughout the germination period.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to new compositions of matter comprising the reaction products of a carboxylic acid and a urea having the formula where R1, R2, R3 and R4 are the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, substituted and unsubstituted alkyl, allyl, vinyl and alkoxyl groups having from 1–6 carbon atoms, substituted and unsubstituted phenyl groups and the halides. Preferably, the reaction product of the present invention is N,N?-diformylurea or N,N?-diacetylurea. These reaction products, e.g., diformylurea, have been found to produce significantly improved growth in a variety of agricultural products when applied to the seed, to the surrounding soil or to the foliage of the emerging plant. Because of the similarity in the carbon, nitrogen, oxygen structure of these reaction products with many biological compounds, it is believed that the reaction products of the present invention may find use in a variety of biological applications.

Abstract: Methods of making and using a superabsorbent starch graft copolymer involve producing starch graft copolymers having particle sizes useful in granule applicators for application to agricultural fields. Starch graft copolymers applied to field crops provide excellent anti-crusting properties, increased seed germination and stand, increased crop growth, increased yields, and reduced water requirements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the protection of germinating seed from pesticide, wherein seed-containing pellets and pesticide-containing pellets are sown separately but simultaneously. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the pesticide-containing pellets have substantially the same shape and diameter as the seed-containg pellets, and the pesticide-containing pellets comprise the exact dosis of pesticide that is sufficient for one seed germ. Generally, the pellets with pesticide have a diameter ranging from 0,5–5.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of a handleable, flowable coated cottonseed product is provided which involves coating cottonseed with a composition of (a) water or a liquid feed product, (b) one or more organic acids and (c) a metal compound capable of interacting with the one or more organic acids to form a coating on the cottonseed, and curing the coating formed thereby, and the flowable cottonseed product formed thereby, as well as its use as a feed supplement for ruminants such as cattle, as a plantable source of cottonseed, in a method for treatment and/or prevention of urinary calculi or prevention of milk fever in cattle, or in a method for increasing milk fat in dairy cattle, a method for increasing milk production in dairy cattle, and a method for preventing ketosis in ruminants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to IR reflective black pigment compositions comprising a halogenated copper phthalocyanine such as C.I. Pigment Green 7 and a perylenetetracarboxylic acid diimide such as C.I. Pigment Violet 29. The compositions are characterized by an IR reflection spectrum with a positive slope in the wavelength range between 800 and 900 nm when incorporated as coloring agents in coatings or plastics. The inventive IR reflective black pigment compositions are useful for coloring high molecular weight materials like coatings, inks and plastics.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel monoazo compounds of formula (1), wherein R1 re resents H, Cl or CH3; R2 represents H or Cl; M2+ represents Mg2+, Mn2+ or Sr2+; Y1=represents COO? or SO3?; Y2=SO3?; Y3=Y4=Y5=H; or Y3=SO331 , Y2=Y4=Y5=H; or Y4=SO3?, Y2=Y3=Y5=H; or Y5=SO3?, Y2=Y3=Y4=H. The compounds of formula (1) are characterized by high intensity and light-fastness.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a pigment form or pigment concentrate comprising of an organic pigment, a growth-promoting additive, and optionally inorganic filler and/or an organic additive for coloring of seeds. Seeds colored by the dry pigment forms or pigment concentrates show homogeneous color and in some cases growth promotion effects.

Abstract: A multi-step process by which plant somatic embryos can be sown and germinated ex vitro using conventional seeding equipment, growing mixes, and plant propagation environments. The process most preferably comprises the steps of: placing a somatic embryo on or within a three-phase substrate, the phases comprising solid, liquid and gas phases, placing the substrate containing a somatic embryo into an environmentally-controlled plant-growing environment in which at least one environmental factor (i.e.

Abstract: A method of attaching an end seal (20) to a manufactured seed (22). The method includes the step of positioning a first manufactured seed on a surface (42). The first manufactured seed includes a seed coat (24) having an opening (12) and an embryo (30) disposed within the opening, the opening having a location relative to the surface. The method further includes prestressing an area (38) of a sheet (50) and positioning the sheet on the first manufactured seed to substantially center the area over the opening, such that the embryo is located below the area. The method also includes the step of attaching the sheet to the first manufactured seed to seal the opening.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel monoazo compounds of formula (1), wherein R represents H or Cl, M2+ represents Ca2+ or SR2+ and Y1=H and Y2=SO3? or Y1=SO3? and Y2=H. The compounds of formula (1) are characterized by their high drying power and high light-fastness.

Abstract: An edible, hardenable coating composition is disclosed which comprises high levels of low viscosity propylene glycol alginate and a surfactant, which may additionally contain a filler, a pigment, and optionally a small amount of a secondary film former and/or a strengthening polymer. The coating composition of the present invention may be applied to pharmaceutical and veterinary solid dosage forms, confectionery, seeds, animal feed, fertilizers, pesticide tablets, and foods and provides an elegant prompt release coating which does not retard the release of active ingredients from the coated substrate.

Abstract: This invention relates to azo pigments of general formula (I) wherein D represents the radical of a diazo component; R1 and R2 are the same or different and represent hydrogen, a C1-C4 alkyl radical which is optionally substituted by hydroxy, amino, halogen or methoxy, or a (C6-C10) aryl radical which is optionally substituted by one, two or three substituents from the group C1-C4 alkyl, C1-C4 alkoxy, F, Cl, Br, CF3, NO2, OH, CONH2, CONH(C1-C4 alkyl), CON(C1-C4 alkyl)2, COO(C1-C4 alkyl), SO2NH2, SO2NH(C1-C4 alkyl) and SO2N(C1-C4 alkyl)2, provided that R1 and R2 do not simultaneously represent hydrogen; R4 represents hydrogen, C1-C4 alkyl, halogen, trifluoromethyl, C1-C4 alkoxy, NO2, or CN; and n represents 1, 2 or 3

Abstract: For the purpose of obtaining disease-free seeds of high quality by efficiently controlling a seed borne disease of seeds of vegetable crops, ornamental plants and other herbage, seeds are subjected to a physical or chemical sterilization to reduce a fungal or bacterial amount held by the seeds and then the thus sterilized seeds are treated by an effective microorganism which is antagonistic against a pathogen of the seed borne disease. Controlling effect and fixing property of the effective microorganism can be enhanced by using a plurality of fungal or bacterial strains thereof. Examples of such effective microorganisms include fungi or bacteria belonging to the genus Pantoea or the genus Leclercia which is antagonistic against the pathogen belonging to the genus Xanthomonas.

Abstract: Pasture grass and legume seeds are protected with an outer coating of insoluble fatty acid salts. The coated seeds are fed to ruminants and bypass their digestive tract. When the coated seeds exit the digestive tract in the manure, they provide ranchers a no-till broadcast technique to easily reseed or improve pasture forage. Legume seeds are preferably coated twice, first with Rhizobia and then with the insoluble fatty acid salts. The Rhizobia coating will improve the legume rate of growth. Alternatively, discreet particles of Rhizobia can be coated with insoluble fatty acid salts and fed to the ruminants along with coated legume seeds.