Abstract: The present invention provides biological fertilizer compositions that comprise yeast cells and cattle manure. The yeast cells of the invention have an enhanced ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, decompose phosphorus minerals and compounds, decompose potassium minerals and compounds, decompose complex carbon compounds, overproduce growth factors, overproduce ATP, decompose undesirable chemicals, suppress growth of pathogenic microorganisms, or reduce undesirable odor. The biological fertilizer composition of the invention can replace mineral fertilizers in supplying nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to crop plants. Methods of manufacturing biological fertilizer compositions, and methods of uses are also encompassed.

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: 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: There is provided an anti-fouling composition comprising (i) a surface coating material; (ii) an enzyme obtained or obtainable from a marine organism; and (iii) (a) a substrate for the enzyme; and/or (b) a precursor enzyme and a precursor substrate, wherein the precursor enzyme and the precursor substrate are selected such that a substrate for the enzyme is generatable by action of the precursor enzyme on the precursor substrate; wherein the enzyme and the substrate are selected such that an anti-foulant compound is generatable by action of the enzyme on the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a concentrated natural pesticide which contains a soybean component. The soybean component can be soybean extract, soybean slurry, soybean powder, or soybean paste. The soybean component is typically diluted with water and then sprayed onto plants to act as an insecticide or to control plant diseases. The concentrated natural pesticide can also comprise a soybean component and a second component which is selected from a group of oils, or an aldehyde such as cinnamic aldehyde. Although foliar application of the diluted pesticide is the preferred application, soil application can also be used.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of promoting deeper root development, reducing nitrogen usage in plants, imparting drought resistance and increased tolerance of plants to adverse soil conditions, by the application of biologic plant root development agents to a plant or plant seed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the modulation of pesticidal and herbicidal activity by treatment of a membrane transport system in a cell. This entails modifying the extra-cellular phosphatases found in the membranes of these cells. By modifying the ATP gradient across the biological membrane of a target plant, bacteria, insect or mammalian cell via inhibiting one or more extra-cellular phosphatases, it is possible to alter the sensitivity to a pesticide or herbicide. In preferred embodiments, the chemical moieties of the invention act as adjuvants to enhance pesticidal activity.

Abstract: This invention relates to the production and use of encapsulated and/or concentrically-constructed fertilizer or bioremediation granules such as, for example, granules of 0.5 mm to 10 mm in diameter constructed so that there are at least two components to the granule including a core with a surrounding capsule or a core with one or more concentric layers that are distinguishable from the core with respect to nutrient content, density, hardness, solubility, composition, microbial content and permeability, as in permeability to odors or the permeability of nutrients that might volatize to the atmosphere or leach into the soil. The basic idea was to create a method for manufacturing and using fertilizer granules, which incorporate multiple concentric layers or a core plus an encapsulating outer layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biodegradable, weed-preventing sheet comprising biodegradable fibers, and a method of preventing generation and growth of weeds using the sheet. The sheet contains coconut fibers as constituent fibers, exhibits naturally mild and slow biodegradability, and does not adversely affect the environment. Further, when the effect of the sheet becomes insufficient because of biodegradation during use, a new biodegradable, weed-preventing sheet can be laid thereon and used without adversely affecting the environment. Further, the sheet has significantly improved weatherability, durability and mechanical strength. Accordingly, the sheet resists breakage due to its mechanical strength. It has excellent light-shielding properties and suitable water permeability. The sheet is not cleaved by the growing force of vigorously growing plants of the Gramineae family. The sheet is also resistant to breakage by dogs and digging by mice and is impenetrable by weed seeds.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns novel biopesticides and their use to control cockroaches, carpenter ants, and pharaoh ants. Specifically, highly virulent isolates of Beauveria bassiana in an agricultural composition, can be used to effectively control these pests. Exemplified are Beauveria bassiana No. 447, ATCC 20872, and Beauveria bassiana Sp111, ATCC 74038. Also described are unique formulations which are highly effective for delivering biocontrol agents to target pests. By using these novel compositions, target pests can be controlled without the environmental and public safety hazards presented by chemical control agents.

Abstract: We herein reveal a methodology for the dispersal of bioherbicides intended for control of target plants. The methodology can be used for dispersal of various bioactive agents in addition to bioherbicides, for instance to disseminate bioassistive agents such as Rhizobium cultures. We describe a process for selection of live seed carriers, bioherbicide coating of selected seed, and aerial dispersion of live seed formulation. Aerial dispersion of bioherbicide with live seed carriers demonstrates a vast improvement in bioherbicide establishment, including penetration throughout the soil profile and into the target root zone. In addition, the active concentration of the bioherbicide is increased within the root zone of the carrier plant. This novel approach for dispersal of bioherbicides can be used across a wide spectrum of target plants and should greatly improve the efficacy of bioherbicides.

Abstract: Protein kinase inhibition assays are utilized for identifying new fungicides. An assay for detecting substances having fungicidal activity comprises a protein kinase as enzyme in a buffer system, ATP as a phosphate donor, and a phosphate acceptor together with an appropriate solvent and a device for measuring phosphorylation rates.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to compounds and compositions which induce transcripts of the nolA gene in nitrogen-fixing bacteria, such as Bradyrhizobium japonicum. Novel bacterial strains which are insensitive too NolA, soil inoculants comprising NolA insensitive bacteria and/or nolA inducers, and methods of increasing nitrogen fixation in legumes are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method to potentiate and stimulate natural defensive reactions of plants to a pathogenic agent. The method comprises application to plants of a composition comprising an effective amount of one or more oligo &bgr; 1-3 glucans composed of 3 to 250 monosaccharide units and a vehicle, wherein the effective amount of oligo &bgr; 1-3 glucans in the composition does not directly stimulate natural defensive reactions of plants when the pathogenic agent is absent.

Abstract: Species of fungi have been identified, which can be used to control coleopteran infestations of host plants. The fungi are particularly useful for controlling infestations of Diaprepes abbreviatus.

Abstract: A composition for the treatment of natural bodies of water comprising A) beneficial aerobic microorganisms, B) an effective quantity of at least one water-soluble colorant; and, optionally, C) a growth accelerator for component A).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel organochemical compound, referred to as omphalotin for short, a process for its preparation by an essentially microbiological route and its use as microbicide and pesticide, preferably for controlling animal pests, harmful fungi and bacteria.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting the rate of the growth of vegetation is disclosed, which includes contacting the vegetation with an effective amount of a composition including 5-acetamido-2,4-dimethyltrifluoromethanesulfonanilide and/or ethyl 4-cyclopropyl (hydroxy) methylene-3,5-dioxocyclohexanecarboxylate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a plant-activating agent which does not cause chemical injury on plants and which improves efficiently the activity of plants. The present invention uses a substance having not less than 5% of an improved degree in reproduction of green cells measured by a specific method as the plant-activating agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling weeds in corn field which comprises applying a herbicidal composition comprising 2-[2-chloro-4-fluoro-5- {3-methyl-2,6-dioxo-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1,2,3,6- tetrahydropyrimidin-1-yl}phenoxy]propionic acid ester as an active ingredient to corn fields after seeding corn.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for increasing productivity of a plant by spraying Pink Pigmented Facultative Methylotroph (PPFM) on a plant.

Abstract: The present invention provides an agent for inducing resistance against phytophathogenic microorganisms in plants wherein the agent is an extract of biomass from non-plant-pathogenic microorganisms obtainable by the following process: a) resuspending 50 g to 200 g (dry weight) of biomass from non-plant-pathogenic microorganisms per liter of inorganic or organic solvent; b) stirring at room temperature for 1 to 12 hours; c) incubating; d) resuspending; e) allowing to cool to room temperature; and f) optionally filtering.

Abstract: This invention relates to new herbicidal compositions comprising a mixture of

Abstract: Microbial antagonists that will suppress Fusarium head blight (head scab) in cereals, particularly in wheat and barley have been identified. Two superior antagonists include NRRL B-30210 and NRRL B-30211.

Abstract: The invention relates to a strain belonging to Exserohilum monoceras which shows the esterase zymogram pattern shown in FIG. 1, a weed-controlling agent containing the same, and a weed-controlling method using the same. The invention provides a novel strain belonging to Exserohilum monoceras excellent in herbicidal effects as well as in spore productivity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a virus targeting red tide-causing plankton Heterocapsa; a method and an agent for preventing red tide using the virus; a method for isolating the virus; and a method for subculturing the virus.

Abstract: The invention relates to describe host-specific extracellular phytotoxins produced by Lasiodiplodia theobromae (LT, also Botryodiplodia theobromae) that has a broad range as a pre-emergent and/or post-emergent bioherbicide, this isolate has been deposited in Microbial Type Culture Collection, Chandigarh, India and given an accession number MTCC 3068, a method using LT-toxin has been developed for controlling certain herbs including Parthenium hysterophorus, duckweeds, jimsonweed, black nightshade, prickly sida and Euphorbia hirta, these phytotoxins can be used partially pure, as a cell-and spore-free filtrate, a crude filtrate, or a crude suspension of the culture and optionally along with other additives.

Abstract: Methods for the biological control of kudzu (Pueraria lobata) using the fungus Myrothecium verrucaria have been developed. In typical applications, conidia of the fungus are applied by means of a liquid surfactant to kudzu in amounts effective to produce plant lesions which kill or suppress the kudzu. A strain of M. verrucaria is on deposit with the Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, La., and with the patent collection of the International Mycological Institute in surrey, UK, where it has been assigned deposit number IMI 368023.

Abstract: A method of controlling moth and other insect pests in a habitat and attracting, augmenting or conserving natural enemies of the moth or other insect pests, which comprises treating the habitat with yeast.

Abstract: A mycorrhiza have growth-retardant activity for Poa annua and may be used to control the growth of P. annua in high quality sport or amenity turf consisting mainly of Agrostis or Festuca species. Strains of VA mycorrhiza selected from genera Glomus, Acaulospora, Entrophosphora, Gigaspora, Scutellospora and Scierocytis may be used. The VA mycorrhiza is applied to the soil as a formulated product in which the VA mycorrhizae constitute the principal component having biological activity on the growth of turf grass. Dose rates of inoculum having an MPN of from about 200 To 1000 or more propagules per gram are effective and may be formulated with a clay or other solid carrier. The amount of formulated product applied to the turf may be from about 5 g/m2 to about 1 kg/m2. The infective prop are selected from fungal spores, mycelium, hyphae, and fragments of mycorrhiza infected roots. These may be applied to sport or amenity turf, or other grassy area in need of P.

Abstract: A composition containing cAMP, cGMP, forskolin, adenylate cyclase or guanylate cyclase and microorganisms is provided to facilitate bioremediation, detoxication and to enhance plant growth in media contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons. Methods to make the composition and apply it to the contaminated media in order to facilitate bioremediation and detoxication of such contaminants are also provided.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method for obtaining a factor which potentiates the pesticidal activity of a Bacillus related pesticide, a chemical pesticide and/or a virus with pesticidal properties.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns the use of a mixture of fungal pathogens to control the growth of target weed species. Also, the invention concerns three novel fungal pathogens which, in mixture, can be used to control the growth of grassy weeds.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns novel biopesticides and their use to control cockroaches, carpenter ants, and pharaoh ants. Specifically, highly virulent isolates of Beauveria bassiana in an agricultural composition, can be used to effectively control these pests. Exemplified are Beauveria bassiana No. 447, ATCC 20872, and Beauveria bassiana SP111, ATCC 74038. Also described are unique formulations which are highly effective for delivering biocontrol agents to target pests. By using these novel compositions, target pests can be controlled without the environmental and public safety hazards presented by chemical control agents.

Abstract: The invention includes probiotic soil additive compositions including pulverized alfalfa, a wetting agent, granular humate ore, and a calcium source for promoting healthy plant growth without pesticides. Methods are disclosed for applying the additive, and optimizing application to maintain a preferred ratio of bacterial to fungal biomass or mycorrhizal coverage of the roots to promote disease resistant plant growth. A method is disclosed for applying the composition to promote deterioration of thatch when grass is grown. When applied to grass turf the invention imparts resistance to common grass turf diseases.

Abstract: An agriculturally effective active ingredient is applied to plant foliage before, after, or simultaneously with an enhancer component containing a substantially pure bacterial culture, suspension, spores, or cells of a bacteria selected from the genus Bacillus or a soil bacteria.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for increasing productivity of a plant by spraying Pink Pigmented Facultative Methylotroph (PPFM) on a plant. The invention also relates to increasing productivity of a plant under stress by applying Pink Pigmented Facultative Methylotroph (PPFM) to a plant and subsequently applying an aqueous solution containing methanol to the plant.

Abstract: Fertilizer compositions comprising: A) an effective quantity of an inorganic or organic fertilizer; and B) a quantity of beneficial microorganisms sufficient to further enhance plant growth when the fertilizer composition is applied to soil and/or control pathogens in the soil, and methods for their use.

Abstract: Materials inoculated with cyanobacteria are used to reclaim land. Methods and apparatus for making and disseminating cyanobacteria inoculants are disclosed. A thin-film growth method may be used to grow the cyanobacteria directly on a substrate material. Alternatively, the cyanobacteria may be grown separately, followed by application to the substrate material. Pieces of the inoculated substrate material are disseminated on soil. Upon contact with water, the cyanobacteria transform from a dormant stage to an active stage, and act to bind particles of the soil together.

Abstract: A method for controlling harmful fungi in crop plants having modified pathogen resistance to certain harmful fungi, where the crop plant is treated with an active compound from the class of the strobilurins.

Abstract: A liquid and dry formulation suitable for use in enhancing plant growth which includes a plurality of Bacillus and Paenibacillus strains at least one of which function to produce phytohormones in a non-toxic form. The formulation also includes a phytohormone component and a phytohormone precursor to potentiate roots for colonization by the inoculated strains, as well as a low level blend of nutrients and micronutrients for optimal plant development.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of applying the compositions to plants are disclosed. The compositions include a polymer component that releases heat over a range of dropping ambient temperatures beginning at about 32° F. By exhibiting a broad freezing temperature transition range, the compositions, when applied to plants, effectively reduce the threshold temperature at which substantial frost and/or freeze damage to plants will occur.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for increasing productivity of a plant by spraying Pink Pigmented Facultative Methylotroph (PPFM) on a plant. The invention also relates to increasing productivity of a plant under stress by applying Pink Pigmented Facultative Methylotroph (PPFM) to a plant and subsequently applying an aqueous solution containing methanol to the plant.

Abstract: Cells of a novel strain of Drechslera monoceras having practical weed controlling activity against barnyard grass (Echinochloa spp.) at temperatures ranging from 26° C. to 35° C., and exhibiting no pathogenicity to major crops, including rice, are used as a herbicidal component.

Abstract: A herbicidal composition for the control of annual bluegrass, comprising, as active ingredients, a microorganism belonging to the genus Xanthomonas and having control ability against annual bluegrass and paraffin is disclosed. This composition exhibits excellent herbicidal effect against annual bluegrass, but does not cause any phytotoxicity in various turfgrasses.

Abstract: A composition for effective algae control comprising bacteria and humic acid made by extracting the liquid from barley straw soaked in water for a period of time.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for preserving mycorrhizal fungi for long-term storage using lyophilization. This enables use of the fungi for growing and acclimatizing micropropagated plants. The invention is especially useful for preserving mycorrhizal ericoid fungi for long-term storage and use in a soilless medium for growing micropropagated ericaceous plants.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for screening elicitors that induce the production of phytoalexins in rice plants, and agents for controlling rice diseases; and relates to a method for screening elicitors that induce the production of phytoalexins in rice plants, wherein the aforementioned elicitor screening method is characterized by using rice seedlings as the test plant, applying a test sample on a suitable part of the rice seedlings, and then screening the elicitors using the phytoalexins produced in the plant bodies as marker substances, as well as to agents for controlling rice diseases containing as an active ingredient a specific compound having an action in inducing the production of phytoalexins in rice plants.

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: Sprouting in stored potatoes is suppressed with sprout control agents of bacterial origin. These agents are typically applied to the potato surfaces as whole culture broths and they prevent softening and necrosis of the tuber. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, selected isolates also have the secondary effect of Fusarium dry rot control.