Abstract: A method of enhancing the take of a nitrogen fixing microorganism by exposing it to low-energy electron beams, wherein the energy of electron beams is so controlled that an adequate dose for enhancing the take of the nitrogen fixing microorganism on the root of a plant is applied to the desired site on the epidermis of the plant's tissue.

Abstract: An organic complement for fertilizing vegetable species, as an organic product which fulfills with the features of a growth stimulator, mainly manufactured from green algae (Ulva rigida) and brownish algae (Macrocystis pyrifera). The invention includes a process for obtaining the complement that requires washing, grinding, acid and alkaline digestion, filtering and packaging steps. The most important used supplies are hydrochloric and phosphoric acid, and potassium carbonate. The product allows to improve the absorption efficiency of the nutrients supplied by the fertilizers, guaranteeing an optimal growth for the plant species, achieving a higher production in a short period of time. The product is biodegradable and beneficial for soils.

Abstract: Loline alkaloids (LA), which are 1-aminopyrrolizidines with an oxygen bridge, are produced by Epichloë (anamorph=Neotyphodium) species, endophytes of grasses. LA are insecticidal, thus helping protect host plants from insect herbivory. Suppression subtractive hybridization PCR was used to isolate transcripts up-regulated during loline alkaloid production in cultures of Neotyphodium uncinatum. Subtracted cDNAs were cloned, and a &lgr;-phage cDNA library from an LA-expressing N. uncinatum culture was screened with subtracted cDNA. In BLAST searches, several cDNAs identified had sequence similarities to aspartate kinases, and another with O-acetylhomoserine-(thiol)lyase. Differential expression of these two genes in LA-producing cultures of N. uncinatum was confirmed, and in a survey of 23 isolates from 21 Neotyphodium and Epichloë species these two genes strictly correlated with LA production. Two nucleic acid molecules encoding two loline alkaloid gene clusters have been identified.

Abstract: The present invention relates to proteins belonging to a novel class of proteins designated as &bgr;-expansins, a composition comprising such proteins, isolated polynucleotides encoding &bgr;-expansins, methods for using the polynucleotides and proteins of the invention and methods for identifying, isolating and purifying expansins, including a and &bgr;-expansins. Beta-expansins of the invention have the property of altering physical properties of a plant cell wall, such as for example by loosening or expanding plant cell walls.

Abstract: A plant is activated and the activity is promoted by using a product of Trichoderma harzianum SK-5-5 strain. The activation of a plant and the promotion of the activity can be achieved by culturing Trichoderma harzianum SK-5-5 strain in a solid medium and extracting its product, or by applying the conidiospores of the above strain.

Abstract: Biological pesticide, based on chitosane and entomopathogen nematodes. The invention consists of a new pesticide formulation, bio-stimulating and with fungicide effects, combining the bio-stimulating action due to chitosane to the biological control of plagues in agricultural and forest crops, due to phytopathogen insects by entomopathogen nematodes of the Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae families. There is a synergic action between the bio-stimulating and the biological pesticide due to the action of symbiotic bacteria of the Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus genres, carrying the nematodes of these families. The aforementioned action is synergically enhanced by the bio-stimulating effect of chitosane over plants, on favouring the radicular development and degree of lignification and provoking the elicitation of phytoalexins producer genes, as a defensive mechanism.

Abstract: A biological inoculant for enhancing the growth of plants is disclosed. The inoculant includes the bacterial strains Herbaspirillum seropedicae 2A. Pantoea agglomerans P101, Pantoea agglomerans P102, Klebsiella pneumoniae 342, Klebsiella pneumoniae zmvsy, Herbaspirillum seropedicae Z152, Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus PA15, with or without a carrier. The inoculant also includes strains of the bacterium Pantoea agglomerans and K. pneumoniae which are able to enhance the growth of cereal grasses. Also disclosed are the novel bacterial strains Herbaspirillum seropedicae 2A, Pantoea agglomerans P101 and P102, and Klebsiella pneumoniae 342 and zmvsy.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wettable composition for use in agriculture comprising microorganisms as an active ingredient, which can maintain a high survival rate of the same over long periods, and exhibit superior physical properties during applications, and provide a method for stably storing the wettable composition for use in agriculture for a long period of time. That is, the present invention corresponds to a wettable composition for use in agriculture comprising spores of filamentous fungi which are in the form of dried powders having a volume median diameter ranging from 2 &mgr;m to 10 &mgr;m, and having a ratio of (volume 90% diameter)/(volume 10% diameter;) of not more than 5.62, and an adsorbent having a water absorption ability in an amount of at least 1% by mass based on the total mass of the composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the stimulation of the reactions of natural defence of agronomically useful and of decorative plants, characterized by the fact that there is applied on the plants to be treated an aqueous composition comprising an efficient concentration in sulfate of &bgr; 1-3 glucan and more particularly a concentration of at least 1 mg/l, preferably of at least 5 mg/l, and still more preferably of at least 10 mg/l in laminarin sulfate, whose degree of sulfatation is higher than or equal to 1.9, preferably from 2 to 2.5, the said composition being applied to the culture or crop to be treated in an amount sufficient to provide per hectare an efficient amount of sulfate of &bgr; 1-3 glucan, and in the case of laminarin sulfate in an amount sufficient to provide from 0.4 to 4 g of laminarin sulfate per hectare.

Abstract: This invention relates to new herbicidal compositions comprising a mixture of (a) an alkoxypyrimidyloxybenzoic acid derivatives of formula (I): wherein X is a hydrogen atom or a group (C6H5)2C═N—, or an agriculturally acceptable salts thereof, for example alkali or alkaline earth metal salts and (b) a partner herbicide. This invention additionally relates to a method of controlling weeds comprising applying these new herbicidal compositions to a locus.

Abstract: A natural herbicide for selectively removing weeds from desirable grass/turf, the active components of the natural herbicide being sodium bicarbonate, cinnamon, and wheat flour, with a color indicator included to identify the natural herbicide coverage area.

Abstract: A method for preparing a concentrated inoculating composition which contains a universal use culture medium which is sterilized and cooled, then added to Rhizobium Japonicum and then allowed to multiply for 46 hours. This is followed by the addition to the culture medium of powdered maltose, liquid maltose and lactose saccharides as well as the fungicide potassium sorbate. The general use culture medium can comprise previously treated peat as one of its components. The above results in an inoculating composition for use with leguminous plants with or without peat incorporated as part of the general use culture medium.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and compositions of endophytic fungi that confer stress tolerance in inoculated plants, including both monocots and dicots. In particular, Curvularia species, isolated from a host grass Dichanthelium languinosum growing in the geothermal zones of Lassen Volcanic and Yellowstone National Parks, confers such stress tolerance. Upon inoculating a target plant or plant part with endophytic fungi, the resulting plant shows stress tolerance, particularly drought and thermal tolerance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wettable composition for use in agriculture comprising microorganisms as an active ingredient, which can maintain a high survival rate of the same over long periods, and exhibit superior physical properties during applications, and provide a method for stably storing the wettable composition for use in agriculture for a long period of time. That is, the present invention corresponds to a wettable composition for use in agriculture comprising spores of filamentous fungi which are in the form of dried powders having a volume median diameter ranging from 2 &mgr;m to 10 &mgr;m, and having a ratio of (volume 90% diameter)/(volume 10% diameter) of not more than 5.62, and an adsorbent having a water absorption ability in an amount of at least 1% by mass based on the total mass of the composition.

Abstract: The invention provides a formulation for the protection of a bioactive agent, a method of producing the formulation, and methods for using the formulation. In the formulation, the bioactive agent is coated with a water-soluble protective material, dried, and suspended in a hydrophobic carrier such as an oil. The formulation is used to deliver the bioactive to a target substrate. The bioactive agent may be a biopesticidal microbe, the protective material may be a lignin, and the target substrate may be an insect pest or plant.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for preparing an elicitor from Fusarium oxysporum and the product obtained by means of said process, i.e., an elicitor of systemic resistance in plants. The process is based upon successive extraction of cytoplasmatic fractions from the membrane and the wall of fungus F. oxysporum, mixture which constitutes the mentioned product.

Abstract: Tobacco mild green mosaic virus (TMGMV) induces a lethal, systemic, hypersensitive response in Tropical Soda Apple (TSA). TMGMV is a member of the tobamoviruses, which consist of mechanically transmitted, rod-shaped, RNA viruses that are strictly plant pathogens.

Abstract: The isolation, characterization, and use of a highly potent antioxidant, found in selected foods, is described herein. The antioxidant is formulated alone as a nutritional supplement or is combined with other consumable products, such as foods, beverages, vitamins, herbal extracts, or other antioxidants. Methods for identifying and quantifying the antioxidant in food and beverages are also provided. The activity of this component in selected foods, beverages and nutritional supplements is described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a biocontrol agent Plectosporium tabacinum and methods for the biocontrol of weeds using the biocontrol agent. Preferably the weeds are cleavers (Galium aparine L and Galium spurium L.), and the biocontrol agent is Plectosporium tabacinum CL98-103 (ATCC deposit PTA-3463). The biocontrol agent is effective against herbicide-resistant and herbicide-susceptible cleavers, and it may be used in conjunction with other herbicides.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acids molecules, designated ICK nucleic acid molecules, which encode novel plant cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, gene silencing and recombinant expression vectors containing ICK nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and transgenic plants in which an ICK gene has been introduced or disrupted. The invention still further provides isolated ICK proteins, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and anti-ICK antibodies. Agricultural, diagnostic, and screening methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: This invention provides novel methods for improving plant quality and yield in the presence of pathogens. The method increases the levels of pathogenesis-related proteins, such as PR1, phenylalanine ammonia lyase, or plant cell wall proteins such as hydroxyproline-rich glycoproteins, in a plant by contacting the plant with a plant systemic inducer and a reactive oxygen species wherein the amount of the reactive oxygen species is sufficient to increase the amount of the pathogenesis-related protein above the level induced by the plant systemic inducer in the absence of the reactive oxygen species. A preferred reactive oxygen species is peracetic acid; a preferred plant systemic inducer is salicylic acid.

Abstract: The invention concerns compounds of general formula (I) wherein: R1 represents a hydrogen atom, a hydroxy radical, Ob or Ncd; A represents an oxygen atom, a CH2 radical or a NH radical; B represents the radical of a steroid; R3 represents a hydrogen atom, a methyl or hydroxyl radical; R4 represents a hydrogen atom or a hydroxyl radical; T represents a hydrogen atom, a methyl radical, a CH1CONH2, CH2C≡N radical, a (CH2),NH2 or (CH2)2Nalk+X− radical; X being a halogen atom and alc an alkyl radical; Y represents a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl radical or a halogen atom or a OSO3H radical; W represents a hydrogen atom or a OH radical; Z represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl radical. The compounds of formula (I) exhibit antifungal properties.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel methodologies for virulence enhancement of fungal and bacterial pathogens for biological control of target plants. Described is a selection process for phytopathogenic microorganisms that excrete selected amino acids. Pathogenicity studies demonstrate that these amino acid-excreting plant pathogens show greater virulence against target plants than do corresponding wild type strains. Host range evaluations of these mutants did not reveal any increase of virulence towards non-target plants. This novel approach to enhancement of microbial herbicides can be used across a broad spectrum of microbial groups to improve the efficacy of bio-control. Also disclosed is the use of selected mutants of plant pathogenic microorganisms that overproduce one or more inhibitory amino acids to enhance control of target plants.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition for enhancing growth factor production, comprising a plant-derived enhancer for growth factor production; a therapeutic agent or prophylactic agent for a disease requiring enhancement of growth factor production and a food, beverage or feed for enhancing growth factor production, each comprising the above composition. In addition, the present invention relates to a functional food, beverage or feed excellent in health enhancement.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for identifying and isolating signalling molecules, such as signalling molecules that interact with a plant cell membrane receptor molecule. In the practice of the present invention, the ability of a sample of biological material to induce a pH change in a liquid plant cell culture is used as an assay for the presence of one or more signalling molecules in the biological material.

Abstract: A novel antibiotic-producing Bacillus sp. is provided that exhibits antifungal activity only on certain specific plant pathogens and no antibacterial activity is provided by this invention, as well as a biologically pure culture of a strain having all the identifying characteristics of this strain. Also provided is a method of treating or protecting plants, fruit and roots from fungal infections by applying an effective amount of these strains, supernatants produced by these strains or a metabolite isolated from these strains. The invention further encompasses the synergistic fungicidal effect of using a strain of NRRL Accession Nos. B-30087 together with B-21661 (AQ 713).

Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to confer pest resistance to plants of Poaceae without using any chemically synthesized pesticides.

Abstract: Co-product streams derived from the manufacture of vegetable oil were further processed producing materials that possess strong absorbance of visible and ultraviolet light. The compounds contributing to the light absorbance were increased and standardized to produce a fat-soluble composition with consistent and strong absorbance of ultraviolet and visible light. The fat-soluble composition is a useful photoprotective agent for various applications including protection of herbicides and pesticides. In a preferred embodiment acidulated vegetable oil is blended to a constant absorbance of light between 190 and 400 nm and used in a formula to protect a field-applied herbicide.

Abstract: A method to protect corn against feeding damage by one or more pests includes the treatment of corn seed having a transgenic event that is targeted against at least one of the pests with a pesticide in an amount that is effective against the same or another of the one or more pests. Seeds having such protection are also disclosed, as well as a means for deploying a non-transgenic refuge crop into a field of transgenic crops.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of enzymes for protection of plants against phytopathogenic fungi. In particular, the invention relates to the use of enzymes showing esterase activity for protecting plants against phytopathogenic fungi by inhibition of fungal appressorium formation. In addition, the invention relates to the use of recombinant pepper esterase expressed by using Escherichia coli to protect plants against phytopathogenic fungi by inhibition of fungal appressorium formation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new biocontrol agent and its active metabolites for use in controlling weeds and/or fungal growth and differentiation, the biocontrol agent being a strain (A 153) of the bacterium Serratia plymuthica, an isolate of which has been deposited at NCIMB and received the accession No. 40938, and its active metabolites being haterumalide A, B, E and X and derivatives thereof. The invention also relates to weed and fungus suppressing compositions and methods for suppressing weeds and fungi using said bacterial strain or its active metabolites or said compositions.

Abstract: Tobacco mild green mosaic virus (TMGMV) induces a lethal, systemic, hypersensitive response in Tropical Soda Apple (TSA). TMGMV is a member of the tobamoviruses, which consist of mechanically transmitted, rod-shaped, RNA viruses that are strictly plant pathogens.

Abstract: A novel antibiotic-producing Bacillus sp. is provided that exhibits antifungal activity only on certain specific plant pathogens and no antibacterial activity is provided by this invention as well as a biologically pure culture of a strain having all the identifying characteristics of this strain. Also provided is a method of treating or protecting plants, fruit and roots from fungal infections by applying an effective amount of these strains, supernatants produced by these strains or a metabolite isolated from these strains.

Abstract: A sprayable pesticidal or herbicidal composition comprises inert carrier particles having supported thereon a fungal growth. The fungal growth comprises mycelium that is grown on the particles using a solid state fermentation process. The particles are provided in a dry state and can be suspended in a liquid carrier for spray application when needed. The invention also provides for a thickening agent that increases the viscosity of the spray solution so as to prevent sedimentation of the particles.

Abstract: The invention discloses an isolated, biologically pure culture of a microorganism, Bacillus licheniformis, strain SB3086 for use as an environmentally desirable biofungicide. The invention also discloses a formulation comprising said bacterium and a method for controlling plant fungal diseases and infestation of Aspergillis niger utilizing said strain.

Abstract: A mycoherbicidal composition prepared from a microsclerotium of a fungal pathogen in an aquatic weed population control effective amount to achieve aquatic weed population and growth control in combination with a suitable carrier. The present invention is further directed to a method of using the composition to control aquatic weed populations and a method of preparing the fungal microsclerotium.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to biological control of plant disease. The invention discloses an antagonistic Trichoderma fungal strain that targets soil-born fungi from the genus Fusaria and the genus Rhizoctonia.

Abstract: Four yeasts (NRRL Y-30213, NRRL Y-30214, NRRL Y-30215, and NRRL Y-30216) and 1 bacterium (NRRL B-30212) have been identified as being superior antagonists capable of suppressing Fusarium head blight (head scab) in cereals, particularly in wheat and barley. Fusarium head blight is primarily caused by the fungus Gibberella zeae (anamorph=Fusarium graminearum).

Abstract: A method and composition for the control of bacterial spot and bacterial speck diseases which comprises the step of foliarly spraying on a plant on which the disease is to be controlled a bactericidally amount of a lignosulfonate. In a preferred embodiment, a monophosphate salt is incorporated in a composition including the lignosulfonate.

Abstract: A method of controlling various insect pests on a plant is disclosed which consists of attracting, augmenting or conserving natural enemies of the insect pests in order to produce a population of the natural enemies sufficient to control the insect pest by applying to the plant an effective amount of a brewer's yeast, S. cerevisiae YESTA 20B (a dried debittered brewer's yeast).

Abstract: The present invention provides a virus capable of specifically infecting and growing within a member of algae Heterocapsa sp. A method for isolating the above virus comprises a process of: filtrating with a filter a liquid sample containing a member of algae Heterocapsa sp. infected with a virus capable of specifically infecting and growing within said Heterocapsa sp.; inoculating the obtained filtrate into a culture solution of a member of algae Heterocapsa sp. and culturing; and cloning the above virus by performing a limiting dilution for a culture solution wherein said Heterocapsa sp. is observed to be lysed. The present invention provides an agent for preventing red tide, which comprises, as an active ingredient, the above virus. Furthermore, the present invention provides a method for preventing red tide, which comprises dispersing the above virus in red tide fouled-waters.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated biocontrol agent, or a biocontrol composition, comprising, at least one Pseudomonas strain that exhibits weed suppressive activity. Preferably, the biocontrol composition comprises an acceptable medium such as a liquid culture medium, a solid culture medium, a seed coating, pesta, peat prill, vermiculite, clay, starch, wheat straw, or any combination thereof. The biocontrol agent or biocontrol composition may be used to suppress the growth of a weed. The weed may be selected from the group consisting of green foxtail (Setaria viridis [L.] Beauv.), foxtail barley (Hordeum jubatum), crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis), annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum), barnyard grass (Echinochloa crusgalli), yellow foxtail (Setaria glauca), Italian rye grass (Lolium multiflorum), Goose grass (Eleusine indica), and wild oat (Avena fatua). Furthermore, the biocontrol agent or composition may be applied to soil before, during or after planting crops in the soil.

Abstract: Disclosed are processes for increasing the yields of grain crops, e.g., rice, corn, alfalfa, oats, wheat, barley, hops, and the like, through application of spores or live cells of strain CM-3 of Bacillus laterosporus (deposited at the American Type Culture Collection, P.O. Box 1549, Manassas Va. 20108, under Deposit Designation No. PTA-3593). Application of spores of strain CM-3 to rice plants at between 0.6 trillion to 50 trillion (0.6×1012 to 5.0×1013) colony forming units (“cfu”)/hectare (“ha”)/crop cycle, substantially increased the yield of grain/ha, up to 7.3 metric tons/ha. The applications of strain CM-3 to rice plants can be started during the nursery period, before the plants are placed in the rice paddy.

Abstract: A novel antibiotic-producing Streptomyces sp. is provided that exhibits antifungal activity only on certain specific plant pathogens. Also provided is a method of treating or protecting plants from fungal infections comprising applying an effective amount of an antibiotic-producing Streptomyces sp. having all the identifying characteristics of NRRL Accession number B-30145. The invention also relates to fungicidal compositions comprising this novel Streptomyces strain and the antibiotics and metabolites produced by this strain either alone, or in combination with other chemical and biological pesticides.

Abstract: The invention accelerates the growth of all types of plants, i.e. tomato, cucumber, bell pepper, tobacco, horticultural crops, and others, and increases plant health. The invention is designed to increase the rate of seedling growth in the soil or in the greenhouse; and produce seeds having a coating imparting resistance to disease, thereby decreasing the time required to produce transplants in seedling greenhouses prior to transplanting into agricultural fields; and develop “disease-suppressive” transplant plugs, which are protected for a time from multiple diseases through combined mechanisms of stimulated plant defense and increased activity of indigenous antagonistic microorganisms on plant roots. Compositions and methods of use are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides synergistic combinations of fungicides and enzymes breaking down cell walls of yeasts and filamentous fungi. The fungicides are polyene macrolides, preferably nystatin and/or natamycin. The cell wall degrading enzymes are preferably used in combinations. They include cellulases, chitinases, mannanases, proteases and the like. The use of compositions according to the invention in the field of crop protection, especially for protection of flower bulbs, is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for and compositions comprising coronatine and surfactant for inducing abscission of fruit in plants and trees.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for and compositions for inducing abscission of fruit in plants and trees.

Abstract: An isolate of useful bacteria, preferably of the genus Pseudomonas, preferably of the species Proradix, is used for the treatment of plants and/or seed and incubated in a culture medium containing phosphorus compounds, nitrogen compounds and succinic acid. The solution can be used directly for spraying plants and/or seed, optionally followed by vacuum treatment. Furthermore, the solution can be vacuum-dried, the powder being dissolved in water prior to use.

Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to a naturally occurring fungus, Valdensinia heterodoxa, and to its culture, formulation and delivery systems, as well as its use as a biocontrol agent for salal (Gaultheria shallon Pursh.).