Abstract: A novel method and composition is provided to control Fusarium root rot and damping off on conifer seedlings. When certain bacteria and an ectomycorrhizal fungus are placed in contact with the conifer seed or seedling, the combination reduces or eliminates disease symptoms caused by several Fusarium species.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a protein which is induced in the course of the soaking of mature seeds of plants belonging to species of the families chenopodiaceac, compositae, labiatae and cucurbitaceae, and to its use as a molecular marker of a seed soaking process.

Abstract: In the process of the invention, the seed to be treated, a predetermined amount of solid matrix material and a predetermined amount of water are admixed and the mixture allowed to stand, preferably in a container which allows entry of air but which reduces evaporation losses, for example, a closed metal container with a small top opening, for a time and at a temperature sufficient to enhance resultant plant vigor, i.e., enhance emergence, growth of yield characteristics, but short of that which would cause the seed to sprout. Faulty seeds may be separated by size and systemic resistance to disease can be induced.

Abstract: A mycoherbicide is adapted to be sprayed in solution on to an agricultural property such as seeds, germinating seeds, seedlings or plants and comprises a moisturizer such as water which is microencapsulated for time release on to the surface of agricultural property. In a further embodiment of the invention, a microencapsulated phase change material is also added to the solution to control the temperature on the surface of the agricultural property. A sticker is employed to enhance retention of the microcapsules on the agricultural property. The solution operates to control the microclimate on the surface of the agricultural property in order to enhance the effectiveness of the mycoherbicide fungi or bacteria on the host or to provide frost/freeze protection at low temperatures.

Abstract: In the process of the invention, the seed to be treated, a predetermined amount of solid matrix material and a predetermined amount of water are admixed and the mixture allowed to stand, preferably in a container which allows entry of air but which reduces evaporation losses, for example, a closed metal container with a small top opening, for a time and at a temperature sufficient to enhance resultant plant vigor, i.e., enhance emergence, growth of yield characteristics, but short of that which would cause the seed to sprout. Faulty seeds may be separated by size and systemic resistance to disease can be induced.

Abstract: A method of enhancing the germination of seed by immersing the seed in an aqueous solution including dissolved inert gas and sonicating the seed at a frequency preferably of between about 15 kHz and about 30 kHz and an energy density of between about 1 watt/cm.sup.2 and about 10 watts/cm.sup.2 for a period of between 1 minute and about 15 minutes. The sonicated seed exhibits enhanced germination by a reduction in the time required for germination, an increase in the percentage of total seeds that germinate, and an increase in the percentage of seeds that germinate at reduced temperatures. Plants grown from the treated seeds exhibit improved characteristics.

Abstract: The germination of seeds is improved by treating the seeds with a solid-form super absorbent polymer that has absorbed water. Super absorbent polymer particles that contain an amount of water such as about 5 to 7 times their weight that is significantly less than the amount of water they are able to absorb such as about 80-120 times their weight and do not substantially adhere to each other are mixed with seeds to form a mixture that may contain a volume ratio of seeds to polymer particles of 0.2 to 5:1. The mixture is stirred while supplying air or gaseous oxygen into the mixture for a time and at a temperature sufficient to cause the seeds to imbibe sufficient water to enhance their vigor for sprouting, but insufficient to cause sprouting. The mixture is sieved to obtain seeds having essentially no adhering polymer residue of the particles, after which the seeds may be dried. The polymer particles may be spherical, and before absorbing water have a size of 50 to 300 .mu.m.

Abstract: In the process of the invention, the seed to be treated, a predetermined amount of solid matrix material and a predetermined amount of water are admixed and the mixture allowed to stand, preferably in a container which allows entry of air but which reduces evaporation losses, for example, a closed metal container with a small top opening, for a time and at a temperature sufficient to enhance resultant plant vigor, i.e., enhance emergence, growth of yield characteristics, but short of that which would cause the seed to sprout. Faulty seeds may be separated by size and systemic resistance to disease can be induced.

Abstract: A seed coating apparatus for applying a coating fluid to seeds, consists of a seed input, a housing connected to the seed input, the housing having a seed output, a rotating seed dispersing member within the housing receiving seed from the seed input, a device adapted to produce a moving air curtain between the seed dispersing member and the seed output, whereby coating fluid applied to the seeds is kept within the seed coating apparatus by the moving air curtain, a rotating fluid dispensing member between the air curtain producing device and the seed output, and a source of coating fluid entering the housing. The rotating fluid dispensing member may preferably be a rotating bowl with apertures arranged vertically along the periphery, so that the fluid is dispensed along a vertical axis.

Abstract: A method of rapidly propagating grass and other living plant materials using a sod slurry. The method includes mechanically mixing sod having the desired species of grass or other living plant material with water, fertilizer and a slicking agent to produce a sod slurry which may be sprayed onto a prepared section of land using a conventional pump, hose and nozzle or other types of commercially available spraying equipment. Alternatively, the sod slurry may be poured from a bucket or other suitable container onto the prepared area of land. Mulch and other materials may be added to the mixing tank as appropriate for the selected species of grass or other living plant material. The soil portion of the sod cooperates with other portions of the slurry such as fertilizer or mulch to encourage rapid growth of the selected species of grass or other living plant material on the prepared area of land.

Abstract: A novel and improved method for relieving hydrophobicity of peat moss, bark and rockwool used in horticultural media for plant propagation using an effective level of a composition consisting of certain copolymerized alkane oxides is described. A more effective method of delivering these materials based on a composition of hydrous, amorphous silica using the compositions of the present invention is described.

Abstract: Protective enclosures for seeds provide a self-contained environment for protecting the seeds in their early growth stages in arid or hostile environments. A protective enclosure (10) for one or more seeds (15) comprising an outer shell (11), said shell (11) being permanently or temporarily liquid-impermeable in at least one direction, and a hygroscopic material (14) contained within the the shell (11) surrounding at least one seed (15), said material (14) being capable of absorbing and storing liquid.

Abstract: An artificial seed has a powder structure or powder padded layer as a sealing material for anti-contamination purpose. This powder layer, 2-30 mm preferably 5-20 mm in thickness, consists of numerous fine sandy hydrophobic particles. The openings among the particles are small and winding enough to block micro-organisms from penetrating this dry and nutrientless layer into the seed, but not enough to block the needed oxygen. The hydrophobic nature of the particles is also effective to block water permeation and microbes therein, but not effective to block the tissue to grow out of the seed. The powder layer can cover any exposed part of the artificial seed. For the artificial seeds with a water-proof tough shell, the powder layer covers only the mouth or mouths of the shell. But for those with a water-soluble capsule, or water-soluble film, it covers all over the contents of the seeds. In both cases, the powder layer is again covered with the water-soluble film to kept the powder particles in position.

Abstract: The invention relates to plant embryos having an increased electrolyte content as compared to embryos germinated in tap water, as well as to a method of producing these plant embryos, wherein germinative seeds are germinated in an electrolyte solution.

Abstract: Linter-bearing cottonseed covered with a coat of starch optionally containing one or more biologically related materials selected from vitamins, feed supplements, oils, fats, urea, rodent repellants, insect repellants, medications, anti-germination agents, and preservatives, and a method for preparing it is taught herein. Starch coated cottonseed is useful as an animal feed and as planting stock. The starch coating allows the cottonseed to be used in conventional feed handling and seed planting equipment.

Abstract: An improved coated seed is provided by incorporating a poly(oxyalkylene) substituted organic chromophore in the coating.

Abstract: A tactile-acoustic transducer comprises a vibrator plate, microphone means and first and second electrode members which are connected to a source of information through a tuneable network. The microphone means are coupled to a computer having display devices and a control output delivering control signals to the tuneable network. Rubbing the vibrator plate with the fingertip of his middle finger allows an operator to assess two different states of the transducer, perceived as "stick" and "non-stick" rubbing conditions, the "stick" condition being accompanied by emission of a characteristic sound and occurring when the network is tuned exactly in accordance with the phenomenon or condition of the source to be detected or measured.

Abstract: A liquid fertilizer blends containing alkanoic acids are safely and conveniently applied to young plants or seeds in a dry form. This dry form is generally a granular carrier and facilitates the application of said fertilizers in conjunction with other agrichemicals which are being applied concurrently. Furthermore, this fertilizer has unexpected release characteristics from the granule.

Abstract: The present invention provides manufactured seeds and related compositions and methods. The manufactured seeds comprise a unit of a totipotent plant tissue, preferably in contact with a hydrated gel. Preferably, the shoot of the germinating embryo is enclosed in a shoot restraint that is resistant to penetration by the growing shoot. The manufactured seed may be at least partially surrounded by a protective manufactured seed coat. The gel or the seed coat can include various additives, such as nutrients, antibiotics, or plant growth regulators.

Abstract: A method for improving the germination of seeds or the growth of bulbs in which, prior to planting, the seeds or bulbs are placed into contact with gaseous ozone and the residual moisture content of the seeds or bulbs is adjusted before or simultaneously with the ozone contact to a value in the range of 5 to 60% by weight. The seeds or bulbs produced thereby are suitable for storage without any additional drying step.

Abstract: A manufactured seed is disclosed which comprises a plant embryo preferably encapsulated, or at least in contact with, a hydrated oxygenated gel. The gel can be oxygenated by passing oxygen gas through a gel solution before curing the gel or by exposing the gel to oxygen gas after curing. The gel is preferably oxygenated by adding to an uncured gel solution a suitably stabilized emulsion of a perfluorocarbon compound or a silicone oil, which compounds are capable of absorbing large amounts of oxygen, and are non-toxic and inert. The seed analog can further comprise an outer shell at least partially surrounding the gel and embryo, thereby forming a capsule. The outer shell preferably is shaped to aid the radical of a germinating embryo in protrusively rupturing the capsule, thereby facilitating successful germination and minimizing incidence of seedling malformation. Other shell materials are selected to provide requisite rigidity to the capsule while imparting minimal restriction to successful germination.

Abstract: Single-gene, non-lethal mutations responsible for low phytic acid-containing seeds are selectable by means of a method for assaying seeds which are otherwise phenotypically, or nearly phenotypically, normal. Maize mutants having from 20% to 95% reductions in kernel phytic acid phosphorus compared to the wild-type, without any noticeable reduction in total phosphorus, were isolated by this method. Mutants obtained in accordance with the invention are useful for developing commercial, low phytic acid seed, plant lines.

Abstract: An inexpensive composition effective for forming a long lasting, erosion controlling, germination promoting, pliable film over bare soil. The composition may be formulated in dry or liquid form and applied as either a dry powder or liquid dispersion. The composition includes at least a major proportion of gelatinized starch and a plasticizer. The composition may further include a fungicide, a bactericide, a micronutrient, and a filler. The liquid form will also include sufficient solvent--typically water--and may further include a thickener and an emulsifier for purposes of controlling settling of the components and maintaining a uniform dispersion.

Abstract: The present invention provides manufactured seeds comprising totipotent plant tissue and a hydrated gel, preferably surrounded by a protective seed coat. The cotyledons of the germinating totipotent plant tissue can be enclosed in a shoot restraint that is resistant to penetration by the growing cotyledons. The manufactured seeds can be prepared for long-term storage, e.g., by sparging the hydrated gel with a respiration-limiting gas before, during, or after assembly of the manufactured seed. The seed is then preferably stored in an atmosphere containing levels of a respiration-limiting gas sufficient to keep respiration of the totipotent plant tissue at reduced levels.

Abstract: In the process of the invention, the seed to be treated, a predetermined amount of solid matrix material and a predetermined amount of water are admixed and the mixture allowed to stand, preferably in a container which allows entry of air but which reduces evaporative losses, for example, a closed container with a small top opening, for a time and at a temperature sufficient to allow the seeds to imbibe water from the matrix and come to a water content equilibrium sufficient to enhance resultant plant vigor, i.e., enhance emergence, growth or yield characteristics, but short of that which would cause the seed to sprout. The seeds and matrix may be inoculated with beneficial microorganisms during priming. Moreover, inoculate seeds and matrix may be used to inoculate soil.

Abstract: Pills or pellets containing seeds and inert carrier material, characterized in that the inert carrier material forms the core of the pills or pellets, while the seeds are distributed in a multitude around the core, adhering to that core in an adhesive layer, and method for the preparation of pills or pellets containing seeds and inert carrier material, characterized in that onto cores formed from inert carrier material a fluid adhesive containing seeds is applied, if necessary diluted with other material, in a quantity corresponding with at least two seeds per present inert core, making up the adhesive layer, or that the seeds are first mixed with a powdery adhesive, if necessary diluted with other powdery material in a quantity so that per present core at least two seeds are available, after which the mixture of seeds and at least adhesive, and simultaneous addition of fluid to form the adhesive layer, is applied to the core, and finally, if desired, the layer is dried.

Abstract: An effective method for sterilizing seeds for sprouted vegetables and a sprouted vegetables cultivating method in which the growth of sprouted vegetables is promoted, while restraining the occurrence of their putrefaction caused by the breeding of microorganisms, are provided.

Abstract: Pregerminated seeds comprising desiccation tolerant emerged radicles, processes for their production, and plants produced from such seeds.

Abstract: The invention is drawn to a method of applying a hydrogel coating to embryonic plants to improve early plant growth by controlling the amount of cross-linking. A dry coating of a water-soluble hydrogel in powder form is built up around individual embryonic plants. The powder-coated plants are introduced into a water bath which is free of polyvalent metal ions to partially hydrate the coatings. Rapidly thereafter and before the coatings are fully hydrated, the bath is modified by dispersing cross-linking polyvalent metal ions therein. The contact time of the coated plants in the modified bath is limited so that the polyvalent metal ions diffuse into the coatings and form an inwardly decreasing concentration gradient therein. The plants are separated from the modified bath so that the polyvalent metal ions are redistributed and equilibrated within the coatings. The resulting coatings are in a uniform partially cross-linked condition which promotes leaf emergence and plant vigor.

Abstract: An analog of botanic seed is disclosed which comprises a plant embryo preferably encapsulated, or at least in contact with, a hydrated oxygenated gel. The gel can be oxygenated by passing oxygen gas through a gel solution before curing the gel or by exposing the gel to oxygen gas after curing. The gel is preferably oxygenated by adding to an uncured gel solution a suitably stabilized emulsion of a perfluorocarbon compound or a silicone oil, which compounds are capable of absorbing large amounts of oxygen, and are non-toxic and inert. The seed analog can further comprise an outer shell at least partially surrounding the gel and embryo, thereby forming a capsule. The outer shell preferably is shaped to aid the radicle of a germinating embryo in protrusively rupturing the capsule, thereby facilitating successful germination and minimizing incidence of seedling malformation.

Abstract: A micropropagation system and process for promoting the growth of plant tissue in a sterile environment is provided. The system includes a bioreactor in which the explant tissue is contained and grown. A plurality of fluid reservoirs are connected to the bioreactor for supplying sugar, nutrients, hormones, and water to the plant material. A controller and an analyzer are also included for automating the system by controlling flow rates and by monitoring media concentrations and levels within the bioreactor. Specifically, the controller is capable of monitoring system conditions and making the desired corrections by receiving data from the chemical analyzer. In particular, the controller is capable of calculating and maintaining volume levels of liquid growth media within the bioreactor chamber and maintaining the proper concentrations and proportions of components in the growth media.

Abstract: The present invention relates to coated seeds. The coated seed according to the invention is a seed coated with a coating mass composition comprising 70 to 95 parts by weight of a clay mineral of double-chain structure and 30 to 5 parts by weight of a hydrophobic compound. The coated seed provided by the invention has a coating layer of adequate hardness and yet insures good germination characteristics, thus being contributory to the rationalization and development of agricultural production.

Abstract: Pregerminated seeds comprising desiccation tolerant emerged radicles, processes for their production, and plants produced from such seeds.

Abstract: An analog of botanic seed is disclosed which comprises a plant embryo preferably encapsulated, or at least in contact with, a hydrated oxygenated gel. The gel can be oxygenated by passing oxygen gas through a gel solution before curing the gel or by exposing the gel to oxygen gas after curing. The gel is preferably oxygenated by adding to an uncured gel solution a suitably stabilized emulsion of a perfluorocarbon compound or a silicone oil, which compounds are capable of absorbing large amounts of oxygen, and are non-toxic and inert. An analog of botanic seed can further comprise an outer shell at least partially surrounding the gel and embryo, thereby forming a capsule. The outer shell preferably is shaped to aid the radicle of a germinating embryo in protrusively rupturing the capsule, thereby facilitating successful germination and minimizing incidence of seedling malformation.

Abstract: A growth medium that is capable of supporting plant life includes a water retention component and soil. The water retention component can be a water retaining grain polish, bran or cut, short mineral wool fibers. A method of making the growth medium includes the steps of providing the water retention component and the soil, applying the water retention component to the soil and admixing the water retention component into the soil to distribute the water retention material within the soil to improve the water retaining capabilities of the soil. Vegetation matter, especially when mixed with animal excrement, will also contribute to the water retention property of the growth medium in addition to its slow release nutrient.

Abstract: Methods and materials are provided for the improved production of gel beads useful for encapsulating plant reproductive units.

Abstract: The invention relates to a soybean seed, lucerne seed or clover seed coated with an inoculant composition comprising a carrier medium, a beneficial microorganism and an adhesive polymeric material. A high average loading of viable organisms per seed is maintained in storage.

Abstract: A process for inducing desiccation tolerance in an in vitro formed plant embryo to enable production of viable artificial seeds is disclosed. The process comprises culturing in vitro plant embryos, stimulating the embryos to proceed through globular and a heart shaped stage into an elongate-torpedo shaped stage and early cotyledon stage, inducing the embryos as early as the torpedo-shaped stage with a source of abscisic acid at an effective concentration of abscisic acid and for a sufficient period of time to cause expression of desiccation tolerance which includes change in cellular metabolism, electron transport processes and oxidation-reduction reactions in the embryos and drying the induced embryos to provide stable viable embryos.

Abstract: An analog of botanic seed is disclosed which comprises a plant embryo preferably encapsulated, or at least in contact with, a hydrated oxygenated gel. The gel can be oxygenated by passing oxygen gas through a gel solution before curing the gel or by exposing the gel to oxygen gas after curing. The gel is preferably oxygenated by adding to an uncured gel solution a suitably stabilized emulsion of a perfluorocarbon compound or a silicon oil, which compounds are capable of absorbing large amounts of oxygen, and are non-toxic and inert. An analog of botanic see can further comprise an outer shell at least partially surrounding the gel and embryo, thereby forming a capsule. The outer shell preferably is shaped to aid the radicle of a germinating embryo in protrusively rupturing the capsule, thereby facilitating successful germination and minimizing incidence of seedling malformation.

Abstract: The chemical compounds that induce expression of nodulation genes of Bradyrhizobium japonicum strains have been identified. The isoflavones daidzein and genistein were identified as soybean exudate components that induce nod-genes. Other isoflavones, including 7-hydroxyisoflavone, 5,7-dihydroxyisoflavone, biochanin A, formononetin and prunetin, were also found to act as inducers. In addition, several flavonoid compounds including 4',7-dihydroxyflavone, apigenin, kaempferol and coumestrol, were also found to act as inducers. Nodulation inducing compositions and a method for selectively activating the expression of a gene under the control of a soybean exudate inducible promoter in B. japonicum in response to these inducer molecules are described. In addition, soybean inoculating compositions containing the nod-gene inducers and inoculating methods employing these compositions are described.

Abstract: A process to assist in germination of spruce somatic embryos. The embryos are desiccated at humidity, preferably in the range of 85 to 99%. A process that differentiates somatic embryos of conifer comprises contacting embryogenic calli with a medium containing abscisic acid. A process for determining the quality of a plant to embryo is also described. That process comprises identifying the storage protein content of the embryo and comparing that content with the storage protein content of mature embryos of the same species.

Abstract: By rotating a seed agitater means such as a rotary cutter within a seed container in which seeds such as of spinach and lawn grass are admitted, the seeds are peeled to separate seed cores from seed coats while being stirred. The seed cores free from the seed coats are allowed to pass through a screen attached to the bottom of the seed container so as to collect stripped seeds thus obtained. The stripped seeds enjoy a very high rate of germination.

Abstract: A method for the production of a plant of reduced stature is provided comprising the introduction of a bacterial cell into a seed or a plant, the bacterial cell being capable of replicating in the plant and of inducing a reduction in plant stature. A seed and a plant modified by introduction of such a bacterial cell are also provided.

Abstract: Nodulation gene-inducing factors have been isolated and identified. A number of substituted flavones, some of which are components of exudates and extracts of leguminous plants, have been found to induce expression of certain nodulation genes in Rhizobium strains. Three components of clover extract 7,4'-dihydroxyflavone, 7,4'-dihydroxy-3'methoxyflavone, and 4'-hydroxy-7-methoxyflavone have been identified as nodulation inducers of certain Rhizobium trifolii nod genes. A number of other flavonoids including flavones, flavanones, flavanols and dihydroflavanols, not necessarily found in legume exudates, were also found to induce expression of certain nodulation genes.

Abstract: Coated organisms and particularly coated seeds are provided wherein the coating is comprised of one or more polymeric materials which form a coating having a temperature-dependent permeability with respect to a material such as water permeability. The polymeric materials used in making the coatings are relatively impermeable to the material such as water at cooler temperatures (less than optimum growth or germination temperatures) and relatively permeable at higher temperatures (at or greater than optimum growth or germination temperatures). The variable permeability of the coating prevents imbibition at lower temperatures and allows it at higher temperatures. Accordingly, coated seeds can be planted early in a planting season and undergo imbibition followed by germination under favorable moisture and temperature conditions.

Abstract: Coated seeds covered with a water repellent and a coating layer formed thereon, the water repellent being attached to the seed surface with or without a binder. The coated seeds have a high germination percentage even when sown in a field where the content of soil water is high.

Abstract: Gel capsules having a size approximately equal to that of the seed being planted and which contain: (a) an earthworm cocoon having one or more viable eggs; and (b) a material to provide a density to the capsules approximately equal to that of the seed being planted; are mixed with and planted with the seed to introduce earthworms to a field.

Abstract: Seed is primed by progressive hydration in a rotating drum (1) by water introduced as steam from a steam generator through an outlet pipe (5) to condense as a mist on the drum walls or as liquid water pumped onto the drum walls through several fine bore tubes to form a surface film. The amount of water and its rate of addition is controlled such that the seeds remain free flowing.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of preparing coated seeds, which comprises slurrying seeds with an inoculant composition containing a carrier medium, at least one species of microorganism having a beneficial effect on plants which grow from the seeds and an adhesive polymer, slurrying being effected in the presence of an aqueous suspension of an adhesive polymer; and air drying the resulting product at a temperature not greater than 30.degree. C.

Abstract: The invention relates to plant embryos having an increased electrolyte content as compared to embryos germinated in tap water, as well as to a method of producing these plant embryos, wherein germinative seeds are germinated in an electrolyte solution.