Abstract: A biofertilizer is disclosed that include specific formulations of algae biomass and a mycorrhizal fungus. This biofertilizer may be a useful way of utilizing algae biomass created for carbon sequestration purposes for a productive agricultural purpose. The combination of algae biomass and mycorrhizal fungus may provide advantageous effects to a crop, as the algae may be a nutrient source for both the crop itself and also for the mycorrhizal fungus that allows the fungus to grow and form a mycorrhizal relationship with the root system of the crop. The biofertilizer may be pelletized with rice hull filler and have a specific range of moisture content, so as to be compatible to agricultural fertilizer delivery equipment. Methods of manufacturing the pelletize biofertilizer are also provided.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for enhancing nutrient uptake in plants are disclosed. The primary ingredients of the disclosed compositions are (a) poly amino acids, such as tri-polyaspartic acid (TPA), and (b) citric acid. Another component, (c) L amino acids may also be included in the composition. The composition may be used to enhance fertilizer efficiency and to promote plant growth and/or yield.

Abstract: A plant or algae control composition is disclosed. The composition contains a herbicide and/or algaecide combined with an amplifying agent. The amplifying agent may comprise a polypeptide, such as a protein. The amplifying agent is added in an amount sufficient for the efficacy of the herbicide and/or algaecide to be improved. For instance, the presence of the amplifying agent allows for the herbicide and/or algaecide to be used at lower concentrations but have the same potency.

Abstract: The present invention relates to anti-microbial compositions that may advantageously be added to vase water of cut flowers in order to prevent microbial growth, especially in vase water containing added cut flower nutrients and/or water uptake stimulants. One aspect of the invention relates to the use of an EC 1.1.3 oxidoreductase as an antimicrobial additive for vase water of cut flowers. Another aspect of the invention concerns a method of putting cut flowers into vase water, said method comprising immersing the stems of one or more cut flowers into vase water and adding an antimicrobial composition containing an EC 1.1.3 oxidoreductase to the vase water before, after or at the same time as the cut flowers are immersed into the vase water.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to seeds coated with a coating comprising (a) a water-swellable polymer; (b) one or more controlled-release fertilizers; (c) bone meal substantially free of protein; and (d) optionally one or more fungicides.

Abstract: A composition is provided, comprising a non-ionic, water-soluble, hydrophobically modified lower alkyl hydroxyalkyl linear polysaccharide ether, wherein the hydrophobic group comprises a long-chain C10-C18 alkyl or alkenyl group, the lower alkyl group has 1-4 carbon atoms, and the hydroxyalkyl groups are hydroxyethyl and/or hydroxypropyl; and one or more agriculturally active ingredient. A method for treating a plant is also provided, comprising the step of contacting a plant with a composition of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for supplementing the soil/diet of plants in order to enhance plant growth, yield, hardening, as well as the recovery of plants which undergo transplantation. The present invention provides ribose and other pentose sugars and their derivatives, alone or in combination with other carbohydrates, electrolytes, minerals, enzymes, micronutrients, macronutrients, or other ingredients to enhance plant growth, yield, hardening, and aid in the recovery during and following transplantation.

Abstract: An electrochemically treated solution and method for cut flower and plant preservation, the solution having potassium, hypochlorous acid, dissolved oxygen, and a surfactant.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for the preservation and/or dyeing of plant material including cut flowers. According to the invention, the treated plant material has the color and texture of fresh plant material and is substantially free from curling or distortion. The method may comprise five steps including a first step of substantially removing the protective wax coating from flowers and other plant material without adversely affecting the strength of the plant material; a second step comprising a mild oxidative bleach to remove excess color from the plant material; a third step comprising a mild reductive bleach to neutralize any residual oxidative bleach and to stabilize the color; a fourth step comprising the simultaneous preservation and dyeing of the plant material, and a fifth and last step comprising the rinsing and drying of the preserved and dyed material. This may be followed by a 2nd preservation and dyeing step and a rinsing and drying. The product can then be rewaxed and stored.

Abstract: Provided is a composition comprising (a) at least one cyclopropene molecular encapsulating agent complex, and (b) at least one salt other than calcium chloride, wherein the ratio of dry weight of said salt to dry weight of said cyclopropene molecular encapsulating agent complex is from 0.03 to 500, and wherein said composition either (i) has 30% or less water by weight, based on the weight of said composition, and has at least one said salt that is non-deliquescent, or (ii) has more than 30% water by weight, based on the weight of said composition, and has a ratio of dry weight of said salt to weight of said water of 0.05 or higher. Also provided are methods of storing and using such compositions.

Abstract: Methods for protecting fruit, vegetables and ornamentals against post harvest microbial decay by applying systemic acquired resistance inducers in combination with sorbic acid, and/or one or more of its alkali metal salts, and/or phosphorous acid, and/or one or more of its alkali metal salts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for supplementing the soil/diet of plants in order to enhance plant growth, yield, hardening, as well as the recovery of plants which undergo transplantation. The present invention provides ribose and other pentose sugars and their derivatives, alone or in combination with other carbohydrates, electrolytes, minerals, enzymes, micronutrients, macronutrients, or other ingredients to enhance plant growth, yield, hardening, and aid in the recovery during and following transplantation.

Abstract: Methods of applying cyclopropene amine derivatives and compositions thereof to inhibit ethylene receptors in plants and plant material are disclosed. Methods include applying to the plant an effective ethylene response-inhibiting amount of at least one cyclopropene amine compound or composition thereof. Cyclopropene amine compounds, enantiomers, stereoisomers or salts thereof are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for providing flowers characterized in that they have the look and feel of fresh flowers. The method comprises a selection and cutting step, a step of setting up holder devices on grids, and three optionally repeatable dehydration, infiltration and evaporation steps. The present invention does not require the use of molecular sieves during the method. The method is also technically advanced and can therefore be implemented on an industrial scale.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods and compositions for modulating ethylene and auxin signaling and ethylene production in plants.

Abstract: Methods of applying cyclopropene amine derivatives and compositions thereof to inhibit ethylene receptors in plants and plant material are disclosed. Methods include applying to the plant an effective ethylene response-inhibiting amount of at least one cyclopropene amine compound or composition thereof. Cyclopropene amine compounds, enantiomers, stereoisomers or salts thereof are also provided.

Abstract: This invention is a new floral preservative that utilizes a novel formulation of using a combination of known and readily available over the counter products that, when sprayed onto the flower as directed, approximately doubles the vase life of fresh cut flowers or preserves flowers to a pliable, non crumbly state approximating their naturally vibrant colors. It is applied to the exterior of the fresh cut flowers in a misting apparatus, therein simplifying the art of preserving flowers.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions that comprise one or more N-acylethanolamine compounds for maintaining the freshness and appearance of cut flowers, floral products, decorative foliage, fruits, and other plant cuttings. More specifically, the present invention provides methods for treating and storing cut flowers, Christmas trees, fruits, and other severed plant parts that preserve the appearance, freshness, fragrance and/or aesthetic qualities of the botanical products. Using the disclosed compositions, the shelf life of cut flowers was substantially prolonged, in many cases 2 to 5 times longer than untreated flowers, with the treated flowers or foliage appearing healthy and viable, and without wilting, dehydration, leaf drop, or visible signs of senescence. Likewise, treatment of ornamental coniferous plants with the anti-senescent compositions delayed deterioration and leaf drop, while extending the overall appearance and quality of the plants and plant cuttings.

Abstract: Novel cut flower compositions which yield prompt, complete and homogeneous mixing when delivered in a permeable or semi-permeable container. No separate mixing is required, and the resulting solution if free of pH gradients. This result is attained by including in the composition one or more compounds that give rise to gaseous effervescence.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for creating, manipulating, modifying and enhancing floral scent component to plants and cut flowers.

Abstract: Aqueous polymer latex compositions are disclosed which can be applied as by spraying to the surfaces of cut or live floral and foliage displays and which maintains the appearance of such displays substantially unchanged for an extended period of time following application. Displays thus retain their appearance throughout the length of an event or for some time following delivery to a person. The compositions maintain the appearances of the displays notwithstanding adverse conditions such as the display being in a high heat or low humidity atmosphere. The method of maintaining the appearance by application of the compositions to the plant surfaces is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a preservative with reduced formaldehyde emission which comprises

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel substituted &agr;-hydroxy acid thereof, represented by the general Formula I: where R1-R5, X and Z are defined herein. The present invention also relates to the discovery that compounds having Formula I are potent inhibitors of caspases and apoptotic cell death. Therefore, the inhibitors of this invention can retard or block cell death in a variety of clinical conditions in which the loss of cells, tissues or entire organs occurs.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions and methods for preserving plants and plant parts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions for controlling plant and flower moisture transpiration and thereby extending the period of time in which cut flowers can be displayed before senescence produces a flower which has exceeded its aesthetic value. The compositions of the present invention comprise: a) from about 0.

Abstract: A method for maintaining the freshness of a cut flower is disclosed. The method comprises the step of causing a flowering plant to imbibe an aqueous solution of a composition for maintaining the freshness of flower which comprises a mixture or a reaction product of a silver compound and an organic compound having a functional group capable of forming a water-soluble complex with a silver ion through the sulfur atom thereof to a flowering plant.

Abstract: Organic compounds are recovered from the roots of living plants by treating said roots by an extraction with enzymes. The plant is removed from its growing medium, subjected to the extraction and then returned to its original growing medium. The process is thus nondestructive and the plant can be subjected to the enzyme treatment again when it has regenerate the compounds that have been removed. A preferred growing medium is a hydroponic medium. The method has especial utility for providing lead compounds to the pharmaceutical research industry.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the regulation of plant physiology, in particular to methods for inhibiting the ethylene response in plants or plant products, and has three embodiments. The first embodiment relates to methods of minimizing impurities capable of reversibly binding to plant ethylene receptor sites during the synthesis of cyclopropene and its derivatives such as methylcyclopropene, thereby avoiding the negative effects these impurities have on plants treated with cyclopropene and its derivatives. The second embodiment relates to complexes formed from molecular encapsulation agents such as cyclodextrin, and cyclopropene and its derivatives such as methylcyclopropene, in addition to cyclopentadiene and diazocyclopentadiene and their derivatives, thereby providing a convenient means for storing and transporting these compounds capable of inhibiting the ethylene response in plants, which are reactive gases and highly unstable because of oxidation and other potential reactions.

Abstract: A compound, compound I, is disclosed which inhibits ethylene production in plants. In addition, aqueous formulations comprising compound I are disclosed as well as methods of applying formulations comprising compound I to plants.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the regulation of plant physiology, in particular to methods for inhibiting the ethylene response in plants or plant products, and has three embodiments. The first embodiment relates to methods of minimizing impurities capable of reversibly binding to plant ethylene receptor sites during the synthesis of cyclopropene and its derivatives such as methylcyclopropene, thereby avoiding the negative effects these impurities have on plants treated with cyclopropene and its derivatives. The second embodiment relates to complexes formed from molecular encapsulation agents such as cyclodextrin, and cyclopropene and its derivatives such as methylcyclopropene, in addition to cyclopentadiene and diazocyclopentadiene and their derivatives, thereby providing a convenient means for storing and transporting these compounds capable of inhibiting the ethylene response in plants, which are reactive gases and highly unstable because of oxidation and other potential reactions.

Abstract: A cut flower preservative slurry composition comprising a water insoluble or hardly soluble cut flower preservative component and a dispersing agent for dispersing the preservative component in water to form a slurry.

Abstract: Tree seedlings, especially pine tree nursery seedlings, are treated, for example, by a root soak with a water-soluble, polyorganic acid, having a molecular weight size of more than 1,500 Daltons. Particularly suitable for this purpose are polyamino acids such as polyaspartic acid.

Abstract: A process for preserving cellular structures includes the steps of pre-treating the structures with an aqueous polymeric water solution, drying the structures and then post-treating the structures with an organic solvent, non-water-base solution. Once the structure has been treated with the pre-treatment solution, the specimen is allowed to sit for a predetermined period of time in order for the active ingredients of the solution to penetrate the surface area of the specimen. The specimen is then preferably freeze-dried. The solution may also be applied to the cellular material by drawing it systemically through the material.

Abstract: The specification describes combinations of fertilizer with certain organic compounds to increase fertilizer efficiency, plant productivity, growth, and nutrient accumulation. These beneficial effects are accomplished using combinations of a fertilizer and an amino acid selected from .gamma.-aminobutyric acid, glutamic acid, and a mixture of .gamma.-aminobutyric acid and glutamic acid. A source of proteinaceous amino acids and a carbon skeleton may also be used with the fertilizer and the amino acid. The specification describes compositions and methods employing such combinations to take advantage of their beneficial effects.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of one or more methyl xanthines to enhance the flower and foliage color of plant material and compositions therefor; compositions to promote the continued development of plant material comprising a methyl xanthine and a gibberellin; use of a composition comprising a methyl xanthine and a gibberellin to promote the continued development of plant material; and plant material treated with a composition as defined above

Abstract: A process of inhibiting stem elongation in ornamental bulbous plants or in cut flowers from such plants, involving treating such plants or flowers with an effective amount of ACC synthase inhibitor, such as aminoethoxyvinylglycine and aminooxyacetic acid to inhibit stem elongation, by administration of a solid, semi-solid or a solution of such ACC synthase inhibitor.

Abstract: A protein-polysaccharide complex is used as a non-toxic and sustained release carrier for insecticides, herbicides, foliar nutrients and mixtures thereof. Methods for using a solution, solid or flowable impregnated protein-polysaccharide complex as a delivery agent for the control of plant populations and insect populations and as a preservative for cut flowers are described.

Abstract: A sulfonylsemicarbazide derivative of the general formula (I) is effective as a preservative agent for preserving the freshness of a flower, which can prolong the vase life of the flower petals of cut flowers where the flowers can be enjoyed. ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 represents a (C.sub.3 -C.sub.4)-alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group, a pyridyl group, a thio-phenyl group or others, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group, an alkoxalyl group, an alkoxyalkyl group, a group of the formula --C(X)--X--R.sup.4 where X means an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom and R.sup.4 means an alkyl group, or other, or R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 may form a heterocyclic ring having 4 to 5 carbon atoms or a group of the formula --N.dbd.CR.sup.5 (R.sup.6), as taken with the --N atom to which R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are attached.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition for sustaining plant material comprising an aminopurine or a derivative or salt thereof and at least one water soluble sulfonated polyester or sulfonamide.

Abstract: An agent for preserving freshness of cut flowers, which contains, as an active ingredient, at least one water-soluble polymer selected from the group consisting of:i) a polycondensation product obtained by a reaction of (a) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of an epihalohydrin, an alkylene dihalide, a diepoxide and a dihalogenoalkyl ether, with (b) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of an amine, a diamine and a polyamine,ii) an alkyleneimine polymer, andiii) a mixture of the polymers i) and ii).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for maintaining the freshness and enhancing the fragrance of cut flowers. More specifically, the present invention relates to liquid compositions into which the stems of cut flowers can be immersed, thereby providing a medium for maintaining the freshness and enhancing the fragrance of the cut flowers, comprising at least one or more surfactant, at least one fragrance, at least one fragrance solvent, water, acetylsalicylic acid or acetylsalicylsalicylic acid, sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate and at least one antifoaming agent.

Abstract: A method of preserving cut flowers such as roses, tulips, carnations and mums, by the insertion of the freshly cut stems of cut flowers in a solution of a water-soluble polyamino organic acid, preferably polyaspartic acid. The life of a flower, as it appears healthy and viable without stem bending or senescence of the flower itself, is substantially prolonged, in many cases two to three times longer than untreated flowers.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting an ethylene response in a plant is disclosed herein. The method comprises applying to the plant an effective ethylene response-inhibiting amount of cyclopropene, 1.1.1. propellane, or derivatives thereof. Also disclosed are methods of inhibiting abscission in plants and methods of prolonging the life of cut flowers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a freshness retentive for cut flowers, which comprises a mixture of a silver compound and a primary amine and/or a nucleic acid-related substance and/or reaction products thereof. The silver compound is silver nitrate, silver acetate or silver phosphate; the primary amine is methylamine, ethylamine, monoethanolamine, tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane, 2-amino-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, 2-amino-2-ethyl-1,3-propanediol, .alpha.-aminooxyacetic acid or aminoethoxyvinylglycine; and the nucleic acid-related substance is nucleic base, nucleoside, nucleotide, oligonucleotide, polynucleotide, purine derivative or pyrimidine derivative.The present freshness retentive for cut flowers demonstrates an extremely excellent effect on cut flowers highly sensitive to ethylene, e.g. carnation, Gypsophila elegans, sweet pea, etc., as well as on cut flowers low sensitive to ethylene, e.g. chrysanthemum, rose, orchid, etc., for their freshness retention.

Abstract: Liquid formulations, suitable for use in extending the vase-life of cut flowers and which resist the development of unsightly discoloration and turbidity comprise from about 55 parts by weight to about 98 parts by weight of a sugar; from about 0.05 part by weight to about 1 part by weight of an inhibitor of aminocyclopropanecarboxylate synthase selected from L-trans-2-amino-4-(2-aminoethoxy)-3-butenoic acid and carboxymethoxylamine; from about 0.1 part by weight to about 5 parts by weight of an antimicrobial agent; from about 1 part by weight to about 5 parts by weight of aluminum sulfate; and from about 0.1 part by weight to about 5 parts by weight of a dicarboxylic acid of from two to six carbon atoms. All parts by weight based upon the total weight of the dissolved solid components.

Abstract: Method for extending bloom life of a cut flower by bathing the flower in a solution which contains isoniazid. Also disclosed are compositions for use in the method.

Abstract: Plant growth regulators comprising, as an active ingredient, a substituted dicarboxylic acid derivative having the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are the same as defined in the present specification, the substituted dicarboxylic acid derivatives, and processes for preparing the same, are disclosed. The plant growth regulators provided according to the present invention have a regulating activity on plant growth; more specifically, an action thereof of lowering the content of endogenous ethylene in a plant is utilized.

Abstract: A preservative for plants is described whose active ingredient(s) are the compounds selected from the group consisting of olefin compounds and salts and esters thereof, N-(2-chloro-4-pyridyl)ureas, dipicolinic acid and derivatives and salts thereof, epoxy compounds and salts and esters thereof, and SH-reagents. The preservative is usable for keeping the freshness of plants, in particular fruits, vegetables and cut flowers, and cut flowers for a long period of time.

Abstract: Stable, solid cut flower preservatives having excellent shelf life and stability comprise from about 1 part by weight to about 99 parts by weight of a sugar, glycoside or mixture thereof, from about 0.05 part by weight to about 2 part by weight of an ACC synthase inhibitor selected from L-trans-2-amino-4-(2-aminoethoxy)-3-butenoic acid and carboxymethoxylamine, from about 0.5 part by weight to about 8 parts by weight of aluminum sulfate having less than about 27 percent by weight water of hydration, and from about 0.05 part by weight to about 5 parts by weight of an antimicrobial agent.

Abstract: Plant growth regulators comprising, as an active ingredient, a substituted dicarboxylic acid derivative having the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, D and G are the same as defined in the present specification, the substituted dicarboxylic acid derivatives, and processes for preparing the same, are disclosed. The plant growth regulators provided according to the present invention have a regulating activity on plant growth; more specifically, an action thereof of lowering the content of endogenous ethylene in a plant is utilized.