Abstract: Sulfonamide derivatives represented by general formula (I) or salts thereof; insecticides for agricultural and horticultural use containing the same as the active ingredient; and usage thereof: [wherein A is optionally substituted (C1–C6)alkylene, (C3–C6)alkenylene or the like; R1 is H, optionally substituted (C1–C6)alkyl, (C3–C6)alkenyl, (C3–C6)cycloalkyl or the like; R2, R3 and R4 are each H, (C1–C6)alkyl, (C3–C6)alkenyl or the like, or R2 and A or R2 and R1 may form a 3- to 8-membered ring which may be interrupted by one to three atoms selected from among O, S and N; Q is C or N; X and Y are each halogen, CN, NO2, (C1–C6)alkyl, (C2–C6)alkenyl or the like; m is 0 to 2; n is 0 to 3; and two adjacent Xs or Ys on the aromatic ring may be united to form a fused ring]. The compounds exhibit excellent insecticidal activity against insect pests resistant to existing pesticides even when applied in dosages lower than those of similar pesticides.

Abstract: An antibacterial rockwool growth medium for hydroponics is used for hydroponic growth of rice, flowers and ornamental plants, fruitage, etc. The medium includes a rockwool base used as a culture medium for hydroponics, and an inorganic antibacterial agent is dispersed substantially uniformly onto an overall surface of the rockwool base or a part of the surface of the rockwool base.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved aqueous suspension concentrate for water insoluble chemicals comprising a mixture of an anionic suspension agent and a homo- and/or a co-polymer of a heterocyclic vinyl lactam combined in a mole ratio of between about 0.1:1 and about 10:1.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a pesticide delivery system, containing a continuous film having a thickness from about 1 ?m to about 1,000 ?m and noncontinuous areas having sizes less than about 100 ?m, the continuous film containing a particulate material wherein at least 90% by weight of the particulate material has a particle size of about 10 microns or less, and a pest control agent at least partially coating the particulate material.

Abstract: The invention includes a seed treatment composition containing plant macronutrients, micronutrients, a pest inhibitor and at least one growth regulator. The composition additionally contains a vitamin component, an amino acid component, a penetrant and an energy source. The invention also includes treated seed having a treatment material on at least a portion of a seed surface. The treatment material contains macronutrients, micronutrients, vitamins, humic acid, a pest inhibitor, a mold inhibitor, an absorbant, a penetrant and growth regulators. The invention includes methods of formulating seed treatment compositions and methods of treating seeds.

Abstract: A solid pesticidal formulation, such as wettable powders, water dispersible granules and water soluble formulations, enveloped in a water soluble substance, such as polyvinyl alcohol and so on, wherein the solid pesticidal formulation comprises at least one water soluble hydroxy compound selected from the group consisting of alkanols, alkylene glycols, glycol monoethers, tri- or more valent alcohols, alcoholamines, hydroxyfatty acids and hydroxyfatty acid esters, or water soluble glycol ether acetates is excellent in stability after preserved.

Abstract: A controlled release product is provided having a suppressed initial release period and a predetermined longevity. The product includes a particulate water soluble core material and a semi-permeable coating layer applied on the core material for controlling the release rate of the core material.

Abstract: A water-dispersible particle for delivery of nitrogen to a plant is disclosed. The water-dispersible particle also delivers an active ingredient such as a plant hormone to a desirable plant or a pesticide or herbicide to an undesirable organism. Methods for making and using the water-dispersible particle are described.

Abstract: A method for reducing bacterial and fungal soil pathogens which comprises applying to a soil a chemically effective amount of a lignosulfonate, the amount preferably being between 0.05% and about 5% on a volume/weight basis. The method is effective in controlling a number of soil pathogens and can be used to treat the soil for diseases such as potato scab disease.

Abstract: A method of repelling an insect pest such as a tick, mosquito or cockroach comprises applying to a subject or substrate, in an amount effect to repel the insect pest, a compound of Formula I: wherein R is C4-C20 linear or branched alkyl. Particularly preferred compounds of Formula (I) are 2-tridecanone and 2-undecanone.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid fertilizer comprising a mixture of a salt of phosphorous acid together with either a thiosulphate such as ammonium or potassium thiosulphate and/or a salt of salicylic acid or salicyle amide. The use of this combination as a foliar spray, soil drench or irrigation component produces a greater fertilizer effect (on plant vigour and growth) and greater resistance to or control of parasitic fungal diseases, than each of the components applied individually or any combination of just two components.

Abstract: A mollusc repellent, which includes a substantially insoluble metal oxalate and a suitable carrier therefor, which exhibits prolonged efficacy. The mollusc repellent is environmentally friendly, being both non-phytotoxic and harmless to non-target animals, and is therefore suitable for use in sustainable agriculture, where the use of toxic chemicals is unacceptable. The mollusc repellent can be used in the form of a solid or as a coating composition.

Abstract: Method for controlling harmful organisms in genetically modified maize plants containing a gene derived from Bacillus thuringiensis, said gene encoding and expressing protein with an insecticidal action, wherein an insecticidally active quantity of one or more compounds from the groups (a) to (f) specified in detail in the description is applied to the plants, their seeds or propagation material and/or the area in which they are cultivated:

Abstract: A composition for controlling growth of pathological organisms on a plant, said composition comprises an effective amount of one or more of metal ion(s); one or more of chelating agent(s); and phosphorous acid, and/or salt or hydrate thereof, said composition is in an agriculturally compatible carrier or vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed are a multipurpose, high-functional, alkaline solution composition, preparation therefor and use thereof as a nonspecific immunostimulator. The composition comprises 1-25 parts by weight of borax (Na2B4O7.10H2O), 10−5-10−4 parts by weight of sodium thiosulfate (Na2S2O3.5H2O), 30-150 parts by weight of potassium carbonate, 30-200 parts by weight of refined sugar (C12H22O11), and 100-200 parts by weight of water, based on 100 parts by weight of sodium metasilicate (Na2SiO3.5H2O). In addition to bringing about an improvement in disease resistance, weight gain rate, crop yield, crop quality, harvest time, the composition shows nonspecific immunostimulating activities, including antibody production and immune enhancement, by activating immune cells, thereby maximizing vaccination effects on malignant viral diseases.

Abstract: A controlled release product is provided having a suppressed initial release period and a predetermined longevity. The product includes a particulate water soluble core material and a semi-permeable coating layer applied on the core material for controlling the release rate of the core material.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved process for the synthesis and application of sugar esters, that are useful as effective, environmentally-safe pesticides for the control of soft-bodied arthropod pests.

Abstract: A potent and highly specific insecticidal toxin comprising 45 residues and three intramolecular disulfide bonds, as well as a method for selecting potent inhibitors of insect calcium channels.

Abstract: The invention relates to use of (a) compounds of phosphorus containing at least partly lipophilic organic radicals together with (b) urea and/or urea derivatives in selected quantity ratios of (a) to (b) as a soil additive for biologically controlling plant-parasitic soil nematodes by strengthening the correspondingly antagonistic soil potential, more particularly by strengthening the growth of antagonistic and/or nematicidal rhizosphere bacteria and/or corresponding mycorrhiza strains—and at the same time strengthening the growth of cultivated plants in soil. The multicomponent mixtures which strengthen bacterial growth are preferably introduced into the region of the plant roots in the form of an aqueous preparation using plant-compatible emulsifiers before and/or during plant growth. Components (a) and (b) are used in such quantity ratios that the ratio by weight of C to N is no higher than 6:1 and preferably no higher than 5:1.

Abstract: Clear, high load water miscible emulsions of pyrethroid insecticides or triazole fungicides, as a single phase, translocatable composition which is free of xylene and alkylphenol ethoxylate surfactants and concentrate matrix for the active agricultural component at between about 5 and about 25 wt. % active concentration.

Abstract: This invention relates to a buffered phosphorus containing solution comprising at least one phosphorus compound selected from the group consisting of phosphorous acid, hypophosphorous acid, polyphosphorous acid polyhypophosphorous acid, and salts thereof. The solution also contains a buffer including an organic base in the form of a nitrogen containing compound and its conjugate acid. The solution may be used as a fertilizer or as a fungicide. The invention also relates to a method of preparing such a solution.

Abstract: A method is for production of solid agents that contain nutrients for plants, that are coated with at least one biodegradable layer and that are produced by using dispersions containing polymers carrying urethane and urea groups for surface treatment of solid agents containing nutrients for plants.

Abstract: Soil amendment compositions and methods for using the same are provided. The subject compositions are aqueous compositions consisting essentially of a carbon-skeleton energy component, a predisposing agent and a vitamin-cofactor component. The subject compositions find use in a variety of soil amendment applications, including: the control of soil born pests and pathogens; the improvement in soil fertility and/or characteristics, e.g. mineral release, water filtration; the neutralization and/or degradation of toxins, etc. Further, an aqueous composition containing 10 to 50% w/w of a molasses and lignosulfonate, as well as 0.001 to 10% w/w of gallic acid and a yeast extract is also disclosed. In addition, the composition does not include nitrogen, phosphorous, zinc, iron or manganese.

Abstract: An agricultural composition of a garlic extract solution having a concentration greater than 10% by weight of a garlic extract of the garlic extract solution is disclosed. Also disclosed is an agricultural composition of a garlic extract having a concentration of greater than 10% by weight of a garlic extract and a treatment agent. So further disclosed is a method of making a garlic extract of a predetermined concentration. The method includes determining the amount of a garlic puree, separating a substantial amount of a garlic extract from the garlic puree, and adding an inert liquid to the garlic extract to form a predetermined concentration of the extract.

Abstract: A molluscicidal material having a predetermined size, composed of an interior core having predetermined properties, at least one adhesive, a mollusk attractant and a molluscicide coating, and the process of treating plants and mollusks with the same.

Abstract: A plant-cultivating artificial material includes: a porous sintered body containing at least one of silica and alumina; and a substance being mainly composed of a bone material component or calcium phosphate. A process for producing the plant-cultivating artificial material includes the steps of: preparing a base material containing at least one of silica and alumina, and a miring substance mainly composed of at least one of bone material and an additive; forming a green body; and heating the green body to obtain a porous sintered body so as to hold a bone material component or calcium phosphate in the porous sintered body. The porous sintered body may include a nitric acid component. The process may include the step of bringing the porous sintered body into contact with a liquid containing a nitric acid component.

Abstract: A method of repelling an insect pest such as a tick, mosquito or cockroach comprises applying to a subject or substrate, in an amount effect to repel the insect pest, a compound of Formula I: wherein R is C4-C20 linear or branched alkyl. Particularly preferred compounds of Formula (I) are 2-tridecanone and 2-undecanone.

Abstract: Crop protection granules based on the active substance tetrahydro-3,5-dimethyl-1,3,5-thiadiazine-2-thione and comprising an outer shell having a proportion by weight of from 0.1 to 50% by weight, based on the granules, of which at least 50% by weight consists of sulfur or sulfur compounds.

Abstract: An adjuvant containing: (a) a monoglyceride; and (b) a component selected from the group consisting of nonionic surfactants, anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, alkyl esters, phytobland mineral oils, water soluble silicone surfactants, fatty acid dialkyl ethers, fatty acid dialkyl carbonates, vegetable oils, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a bactericide (and a fungicide) that is highly safe and has strong bactericidal power even when used in low concentration, and that can be used repeatedly in a sterilizing process. The object can be achieved by the bactericide (or the fungicide) comprising a polar solvent extract of leaves of eucalyptus plants and chitosan. The polar solvent is preferably chosen from the group consisting of lower alcohols and glycols.

Abstract: Improved methods and compositions for protecting plants or seeds from plant diseases are provided. Broadly, the compositions comprise (and preferably consist essentially of) saponin, such as triterpene type saponins extracted from Quinoa or Quillaja. The methods comprise contacting the portion of the plant (e.g., foliage, shoot, etc.) to be treated with a disease-inhibiting or protective amount of the composition. The compositions can also be used to treat plant seeds or tubers prior to planting thereof, as well as soil adjacent a growing plant. The inventive compositions are particularly useful for the treatment, control and/or prevention of fungal diseases. The saponins of the invention can be applied as liquids or dry particulates, and are especially suited for the treatment of potato seed, tubers and plants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for controlling plant and flower moisture transpiration rates and thereby providing a system for extending the time in which plants and cut flowers can be utilized in aesthetic displays or floral arrangements. The present invention is achieved by controlling the intake of water and nutrients by a cut flower. The first component of the systems of the present invention provide a control over the loss of water by the plant through transpiration. The second component of the systems of the present invention provide a source of energy and water to the cut flower while controlling the growth of microbes and the calcium ion flux produced by the plant.

Abstract: A fertilizer composition, prepared by further diluting an aqueous concentrate and containing an admixture prepared from calcium, potassium, iron, boron and humic acid, when applied to sugar-containing plant leaves infested with sugar-eating, slow-moving, soft-bodied insects, decreases the sugar concentration in such leaves sufficiently to discourage such insects and effectively to rid such leaves of those insects.

Abstract: Improved cation exchange zeolite crystalline and zeolite-like plant bed structures are disclosed, preferably saturated with water-based extracts of particular plant/herb materials exhibiting plant growth acceleration properties and synergistically providing also nutrient, and sometimes anti-microbial and insect and fungus repellent properties, as well, and with the adaptability to present the structures in solid, gel and liquid form.

Abstract: An attrition and shatter resistant plant nutrient/pesticide briquette composition which slowly releases the nutrients and biologically active materials over long periods of time, comprising slow release plant nutrient particles, pesticide sorption particles, liquid systemic pesticide sorbed on the pesticide sorption particles to reduce pesticide leachability, an adhesive, coating the slow release plant nutrient and pesticide sorption particles, the composition formed into briquettes by pressing into dies at elevated pressures and temperatures to make briquettes resistant to attrition and shattering. A six step method is provided for the preparation of the slow releasing briquettes from slow release fertilizers, such as magnesium ammonium phosphate; pesticide sorption particles, such as activated carbon; liquid systemic pesticides emulsions, such as imidachloprid fosetyl-Al, and metalaxyl; and adhesives, such as a vinylidine chloride, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, acrylic acid resin emulsion.

Abstract: Soil amendment compositions and methods for using the same are provided. The subject compositions are aqueous compositions consisting essentially of a carbon-skeleton energy component, a predisposing agent and a vitamin-cofactor component. The subject compositions find use in a variety of soil amendment applications, including: the control of soil born pests and pathogens; the improvement in soil fertility and/or characteristics, e.g. mineral release, water filtration; the neutralization and/or degradation of toxins, etc.

Abstract: This invention relates to a culture medium used to efficiently propagate and acclimatize tissue cultured plantlets and thereafter obtain mature plantlets, a method to produce said medium, and a tissue culture method using said medium. The plant tissue culture medium is a novel plant tissue culture medium comprised in the main of vermiculite with an average particle diameter between 0.1-10 mm and cellulose fibers of an average fiber length between 0.01-5 mm. The culture method uses said culture medium in a light-transmissible container equipped at least in part with a porous gas permeable film, preferably having an air permeability between 1-50 sec/100 ml as measured in accordance with JIS standard P8117. The solid culture medium formed from a specific type of vermiculite and cellulose fibers enables the culturing process as a whole to be performed easily and efficiently.

Abstract: Soil amendment compositions and methods for using the same are provided. The subject compositions are aqueous compositions consisting essentially of a carbon-skeleton energy component, a predisposing agent and a vitamin-cofactor component. The subject compositions find use in a variety of soil amendment applications, including: the control of soil born pests and pathogens; the improvement in soil fertility and/or characteristics, e.g. mineral release, water filtration; the neutralization and/or degradation of toxins, etc. Further, an aqueous composition containing 10 to 50% w/w of a molasses and lignosulfonate, as well as 0.001 to 10% w/w of gallic acid and a yeast extract is also disclosed. In addition, the composition does not include nitrogen, phosphorous, zinc, iron or manganese.

Abstract: Both a process and a method of using peracid compositions, especially mixed peracid systems, to treat field or greenhouse grown plant tissue, seeds, fruits, and growing media and containers. The peracid can lower the natural, plant pathogen and human pathogenic microbial load resulting in less waste to molding, spoilage, and destruction because of pathogenic poisons.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of inhibiting the growth of disease organisms on and in plants by directly applying an aqueous solution comprising urea and at least one water-soluble salt of a divalent cation and a monovalent anion to the seeds, stems, bark, leaves, seed heads or sub-surface root zones of said plants. The weight percent ratio of urea to divalent cation in these solutions should be from about 0.25-10.0 to 1.0. Preferred divalent cations include those of the alkaline earth metals and the transition metals. Most preferred are calcium, magnesium, zinc, manganese, copper, iron, cobalt, nickel and mixtures thereof. Preferred anions include nitrate, chloride, bromide and mixtures thereof. In more preferred solutions, the ratio of urea to divalent cation is from about 2.0-7.0 to 1.0. Particularly preferred solutions include calcium chloride as the water-soluble salt. Optionally, a second water-soluble salt of a divalent cation and a monovalent anion may be included.

Abstract: A method of controlling plant infestation by fungus or insects by administering to a plant an aqueous solution that includes a chelating agent, humic acid and an alpha-keto acid.

Abstract: A solid, water-soluble complex comprising:a) a water-miscible polysiloxane of the formula: ##STR1## wherein n is from 2 to 6; a is from 8 to 25; and b is from 0 to 25; and the oxyalkylene groups may be random or block mixtures; y is from 0 to 5; x is from 1 to 5; and R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C.sub.1- C.sub.4 alkyl, and a C.sub.1- C.sub.4, alkyl ester; or ##STR2## wherein A is a linear or branched alkyl having 6 to 30 carbon atoms; G is a glycol moiety of the formula --R' (OCH.sub.2 CH.sub.2) .sub.m OR" wherein R' is a divalent alkylene group having 2 to 6 carbon atoms; R" is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C.sub.1- C.sub.4 alkyl, and a C.sub.1- C.sub.4 alkyl ester; m is 8 to 100; y is 0 to 5; X is 0.1 to 2.5; and z is 0.1 to 5.0; andb) a complex-forming agent of the formula: ##STR3## wherein X is O, S, Sc, or Te. These complexes are useful useful as adjuvants for dry agricultural chemicals such as pesticides and/or fertilizers.

Abstract: A system to deliver a treating agent of interest to a surrounding environment over an extended period of time is described. The system comprises surrounding a treating agent or agents with one or more biodegradable materials. The biodegradable materials biodegrade at a rate that will slowly and continuously release the treating agent or agents of interest to the surrounding environment. An example of the method of the present invention is described for the treatment of wood supporting structures to prevent their decay and rotting in the earth. The method is particularly advantageous for treating wood supporting structures including, but not limited to: telephone poles, utility poles, pilings, railroad ties, posts, foundations and other building supports and the like.

Abstract: A fertilizer composition for plants containing phosphonate and phosphate slats, and derivatives thereof is disclosed. The composition provides a single product which may be employed to stimulate the growth response in plants.

Abstract: Embodiments of a coating composition and coating method for seeds are described, the coating including molybdenum and a sulfur-containing component and being for improving seed and seedling performance. The preferred molybdenum source is molybdenum trioxide, and the preferred sulfur source is gypsum. After planting, the seed coating provides protection for the seed during dry spells until moisture is received and seed growth is established. During the establishment period for legumes, the invented seed coating serves as a protective coat for the seed under adverse growing conditions, such as temperature and moisture extremes. Within a few days of emergence of legume seedlings, the invented coating stimulates and/or feeds the Rhizobium bacteria that is in place on the seed and speeds up formation of the Rhizobium, which fixes/feeds nitrogen to the plant. The coating and method may also include inoculation with Rhizobium, and, optionally, other nutrients, pesticides, or herbicides and a binder.

Abstract: Materials comprised of linked, repeat units of beta glucosamine, having a molecular weight in the range of 400 to 10,000 are highly effective in controlling fungus infestation in agricultural crops, both pre-harvest and post-harvest. The antifungal material is preferably combined with a mildly acidic solvent to produce a composition having a slightly acidic, or near neutral pH. When the antifungal material is combined with a chitosan matrix, a synergistic interaction occurs which greatly enhances the effect of the resultant composition. Also disclosed is a method for producing a chitin or chitosan based material which will dissolve in water having a neutral pH.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel fungicide composition which has a bicarbonate-containing inorganic salt ingredient which enhances the efficacy of a fungicide ingredient for the treatment of cultivated crops. An invention fungicide composition also contains a surfactant ingredient, and a water-soluble organic compound which functions as a compatibility enhancing ingredient in aqueous formulations, and the ingredients improve the spreadability and adhesiveness of the composition when applied to foliage. An invention fungicide composition also contains a fertilizer-effective ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.

Abstract: An adjuvant containing: (a) a sulfated alkyl oleate; (b) an alkyl polyglycoside corresponding to formula I:R.sub.1 O(R.sub.2 O).sub.b (Z).sub.a Iwherein R.sub.1 is a monovalent organic radical having from about 6 to about 30 carbon atoms; R.sub.2 is a divalent alkylene radical having from 2 to 4 carbon atoms; Z is a saccharide residue having 5 or 6 carbon atoms; b is a number having a value from 0 to about 12; a is a number having a value from 1 to about 6; and (c) an alkyl ester.

Abstract: A fertilizer composition is provided in the form of a water soluble tablet structured to disintegrate and release into a stream of water at a predetermined rate, the composition including: N--P--K components of a desired ratio including 10.0 to 40.0% by weight of a nitrogen containing component, 0.0 to 40.0% by weight of a potassium containing component and 0.0 to 40.0% by weight of a phosphorus containing component; a binder in an amount of between 10.0% to 40.0% by weight; a phosphorothioate containing insecticide in an amount of between 0.05% to 2.0% by weight; and inert components, wherein the amount of components in the composition totals 100%.

Abstract: Improved cation exchange zeolite crystalline and zeolite-like plant bed structures are disclosed, preferably saturated with water-based extracts of particular plant/herb materials exhibiting plant growth acceleration properties and synergistically providing also nutrient, and sometimes anti-microbial and insect and fungus repellent properties, as well, and with the adaptability to present the structures in solid, gel and liquid form.