Abstract: Water-swellable particulate absorbents surface-treated with one or more polyethers containing oxyethylene and/or oxypropylene units have improved dispersibility in blood.

Abstract: A method is described which uses a composition including a small non-toxic amount (less then about 0.001 part per part of the composition) of a water soluble adhesive agent, particularly an alkali metal salt of carboxymethyl cellulose, with water and with nitrogen fixing bacteria for applying the bacteria on the surfaces of seeds of the plant family leguminosae or on particles surrounding the seeds including soil particles or combinations thereof. The nitrogen fixing bacteria are of a symbiotic species and are selectively isolated from effectively nodulated plants of the variety to be inoculated so that they are efficient in inducing effective root nodulation in the plants. Novel compositions are described which include the bacteria mixed with water and the adhesive agent and which are prepared by a manufacturer, frozen for shipment, and then thawed and substantially diluted with water by the farmer or other user for application.

Abstract: A plant viral disease inhibitor containing as an active ingredient thereof at least one material selected from the group consisting of theaflavin and its derivatives represented by the general formula: ##STR1## wherein R is hydrogen or ##STR2## and their analogues.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming gemmas to be treated to control the blight of sugar cane stumps consists of a hollow rotatable shaft and a rotatable thimble extending from one end of the shaft. An axially movable punch member is mounted in alignment with the thimble so that a piece of material such as sugar cane culm can be placed between the punch and thimble and have the gemma or bud portion punched out by axial movement of the punch member. The punched out portions are expelled and collected at the opposite end of the hollow shaft. The entire apparatus is mounted on a metal frame.

Abstract: When pullulan is used as a binder in coating seeds with inorganic materials, growth hormone preparations, etc., a satisfactory binding effect is obtained with smaller amounts than when conventional binders are used. The resulting inorganic coatings on the seeds are superior in surface hardness and disintegration characteristics in the soil after sowing. Germination of the seed and subsequent growth are not affected by pullulan. Chemically modified pullulan can also be used.

Abstract: Cotton seed is delinted in a continuous system wherein dilute acid is sprayed onto a moving agitated horizontal column of seed while controlling the weight ratio of dilute acid to seed and then the wet seed is partially dried by being conveyed by a hot air stream to a cyclone as a flash drying operation and then formed into a horizontal moving column which is agitated by the combined action of (a) a combination conveyor-agitator and (b) the transverse passage of hot drying air to complete drying and then subjected to a scrubbing operation wherein the degraded fibers are removed and the fibers, other very light particles and odors are removed from the seed mass by an exhaust system.

Abstract: Very thin coatings are applied to irregularly surfaced seeds to enable handling by seed-tape machines and other seed singulators. Improved adhesion of the coating to the seed and retention of the coating thereon is obtained by a spray process carried on while rotating a bed of seeds in a drum.

Abstract: Starch-containing polymer compositions are prepared which absorb amounts of water equaling up to more than 1000 times their own weight. The compositions find many applications including their incorporation into products such as disposable diapers, surgical pads and sheets, and paper towels.

Abstract: The process of freeze-drying vegetable, farm-crop, and flower seeds to increase storage life and germination rate of the seeds.

Abstract: Seeds are subjected to microwave energy and a coolant gas, then subjected to a partial vacuum to stimulate growth and stabilize such stimulation. Seeds so treated have superior growth characteristics and are more resistant to disease and weather hazards. Apparatus for effecting this process is also disclosed.