Abstract: The present media is to be used with a particulate base having particles of a first maximum diameter for growing plants. The media includes granules which are of biodegradable recycled material and have a diameter relative to the first maximum diameter to penetrate further into the particulate base with each watering. The granules include plant nutrients and are of a material which coagulates after watering and adheres to the particulates of the base. The diameter of the granules may be in the range of 1/16 to ? of an inch.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed toward a composition and method of treating and preventing infection of pathogenic microorganisms and endopyhtic microorganisms in a plant through the use of phosphite compositions.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed toward a composition and method of treating and preventing infection of pathogenic microorganisms and endopyhtic microorganisms in a plant through the use of phosphite compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a product for use with new plants comprising a package which is optionally degradable, wherein said package forms an enclosed space is provided. At least one plant enhancer at least one pesticide, and/or at least one pesticide is located in the enclosed space formed by the package. The invention further is directed to method for treating a plant and to method for reducing shock to a plant.

Abstract: This document discloses molecules having the following formula (“Formula One”): and processes associated therewith.

Abstract: A method is provided for modulating transpiration in an organism that is capable of photosynthesis, where the method includes contacting the organism with a composition including an effective amount of an oxygen antagonist. Also provided is an apparatus for modulating transpiration in an organism that is capable of photosynthesis.

Abstract: Methods of controlling the maturation of plants and/or plant products (e.g. fruit, vegetable, ornamentals, etc.) by manipulating Alternative Oxidase (AOX) activity. An increase in activity hastens the maturation process while a decrease in activity slows or stops maturation.

Abstract: In one aspect the invention provides matrix based fertilizer formulations that reduce plant nutrient leaching into water sources. In another aspect, the invention provides matrix based formulations that reduce pesticide leaching into water sources. In still another aspect the invention provides matrix based fertilizer formulations comprising both fertilizers and pesticides wherein the formulation reduces pesticide and plant nutrient leaching into water sources. The invention also provides methods for the application of matrix based fertilizer formulations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel trifluoromethoxyphenyl-substituted tetramic acid derivatives of the formula (I), in which J, X, Y, A, B, D and G have the meanings given above, to a number of processes for their preparation, and to their use as pesticides and/or herbicides. The invention further provides selective herbicidal compositions which comprise, firstly, trifluoromethoxyphenyl-substituted tetramic acid derivatives and, secondly, a crop plant compatibility-improving compound. The invention further relates to the boosting of the action of crop protection compositions comprising compounds of the formula (I) through the additions of ammonium salts or phosphonium salts and optionally penetrants.

Abstract: Provided in various embodiments are surface-modified hydrogels and hydrogel microparticles, methods for their preparation, and uses thereof for delivery of personal care and healthcare active ingredients, and agricultural active ingredients. In some embodiments, such hydrogels and hydrogel microparticles comprise surface coatings that are resistant to solvent washing and can act as barriers for the migration of water and/or water-compatible alcohols and actives soluble therein.

Abstract: A composition for promoting plant growth includes sulfur, soybean oil, and an emulsifier of a fatty acid and a saponifying aqueous base together forming an emulsion, or a soap or a detergent acting as an emulsifier. Regardless of the form of the emulsifier, a composition as applied to vegetation which has a basic pH of between 7.5 and 11 appears to improve efficacy. Specific aqueous compositions as applied for promoting plant growth include 0.05 to 2 total weight percent sulfur, 0.05 to 2 total weight percent soybean oil, 0.05 to 2 total weight percent fatty acid and an aqueous base present to provide a basic pH of between 7.5 and 11. A concentrate for the composition which upon dilution with water is well suited for spraying and promotion of plant growth is provided. Another specific composition for promoting plant growth consists of 0.05 to 2 total weight percent sulfur, 0.05 to 2 total weight percent soybean oil, an aqueous base present to yield an as applied pH of 7.

Abstract: The invention disclosed in this document concerns controlling planthoppers.

Abstract: The invention disclosed in this document concerns controlling planthoppers.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions and methods for increasing the leaf-to-root ratio of the signal metabolite 2-oxoglutaramate and related proline molecules in plants by modulating levels of ?-amidase to increase nitrogen use efficiency, resulting in enhanced growth, faster growth rates, greater seed and fruit/pod yields, earlier and more productive flowering, increased tolerance to high salt conditions, and increased biomass yields.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new formulation activating the absorption of mineral nutrients by plants. Consequently, it has also an effect on the metabolization of these mineral compounds by the plant. These formulations that have been discovered with this property activating nutrient absorption have as main component the compounds represented by general formula 1 CH3—S—CH2—CH2—CH(OR1)—COR2??1 where R1 is selected from the group formed by hydrogen, alkyl rests, (preferably methyl or ethyl), and aryl: while R2 is selected from the group formed by hydroxyl, amides, alkyl rest esters (preferably methyl or ethyl), or aryl. When the rest is hydroxyl, acid salts with monovalent cations, preferably Na+ and K+, polyvalent cations, preferably Cu++ and Fe+++, and electropositive organic compounds such as amines (e.g., ethanolamine) are also considered.

Abstract: An efficient semi-continuous preparation of manganese thiosulfate (MnS2O3, MnTS) from manganese hydrosulfite and sulfur at elevated temperature is described. Manganese hydrosulfite is prepared from commercial manganese carbonate and sulfur dioxide. The resulting product is an emulation of liquid manganese thiosulfate and solid by-products. A manganese thiosulfate solution is produced according to the invention by use of certain mole ratios of MgCO3 to sulfur, and certain parameters such as the temperature of the reaction process and the pH conditions, including rate and duration of SO2 purging, which causes the by-products to be reduced to less than 2% by weight. The resulting manganese thiosulfate is a pinkish liquid with concentration up to 20%.

Abstract: This invention describes a sulfurous acid generator that employs a burn chamber that acts as a sulfur hopper. Generally, the burn chamber is not in sulfur communication with a sulfur hopper that is separate and distinct from the burn chamber. Instead, the burn chamber may be adapted to hold enough sulfur to allow the generator to produce sulfurous acid for a desired period of time without needing more sulfur to be added to the sulfur being combusted in the burn chamber.

Abstract: Soil conditioning products according to the invention preferably include gypsum and organic binder. One or more of an oil, a polymeric binder, a gel, fibers and wax could also be included. The invention further includes surface materials comprising a soil and a soil conditioning product according to the invention. Other materials may be added to any of these soil conditioning products or surface materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides a concentrate for dilution with water in the preparation of an agricultural composition for application to crops, soil or animals. The concentrate is recommended for use with agricultural chemicals whose agricultural activity varies with the pH of the water. It comprises an active ingredient and a combination of pH indicators for colouring the water, the pH indicators being selected so as to indicate different colours of spray water at different pH levels. The proportions of active ingredient and pH indicators are selected so that when the concentrate is added to water, the pH indicators indicate visually upper and lower pH limits for optimum activity of the agricultural chemical.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a product for use with new plants comprising a package which is optionally degradable, wherein said package forms an enclosed space is provided. At least one plant enhancer at least one pesticide, and/or at least one pesticide is located in the enclosed space formed by the package. The invention further is directed to method for treating a plant and to method for reducing shock to a plant.

Abstract: A method of controlling the plant back interval after application of sodium azide. The plant back interval can be significantly shortened by application of a dithiocarbamate, a thiocarbamate, a carbamate, an organic sulfide, an organic disulfide, or an aldehyde, with which the sodium azide may react and become inactivated. These compounds may be applied to soil to deactivate sodium or potassium azide residues and thus allow for immediate planting of a desirable turf or crop, and prevent plant stunting and delayed fruiting of crops without adversely affecting plant growth. The present invention thus provides a method for manipulating the activity period of sodium azide against pests by stopping its activity, when desired, by the application of one or more of these deactivating compounds. The preferred compound is metam sodium which is a dithiocarbamate.

Abstract: Stable concentrated suspensions readily dispersible in water comprising one or more agricultural solids, a single non-ionic surfactant and a water-soluble glycol liquid. The agricultural solids include fertilizers, adjuvants, herbicides, pesticides and combinations thereof approved for use with foods. The non-ionic surfactant is an alkyl-phenoxy-poly(ethylenoxide)alkanol, an ethoxylated aliphatic C11 to C15 alcohol, an ethylene oxide-propylene oxide block copolymer or an ethoxylated fatty acid. Preferably, the surfactant has an average molecular weight from about 300 to about 1000. The water-soluble glycol liquid is ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, or mixtures thereof. The agricultural solid particles are at least about 99 wt. % passable through a Tyler #48 sieve. The suspensions of the invention exhibit physical stability during normal storage conditions, good pourability, and are readily dispersed in water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition useful for the breaking of rest in deciduous fruit species such as apple species and grape species comprising an organic nitrogen-containing compound having a molecular weight of 60 to 300 with the exception of urea and dinitro-ortho-cresol, an inorganic nitrate rest-breaking agent, and a surfactant. Preferably, the organic nitrogen-containing compound is a choline salt such as choline chloride, the inorganic nitrate rest-breaking agent is selected from the group consisting of potassium nitrate, calcium nitrate, ammonium nitrate, calcium ammonium nitrate, urea ammonium nitrate, zinc ammonium nitrate, and mixtures thereof, and the surfactant is an alkoxylated amine such as Armoblen ®*, and Berol®* compound or an alkoxylated quaternary ammonium compound.

Abstract: Disclosed is both a method and composition for controlling deleterious organisms, such as insects, nematodes and weeds by applying a compound comprised of a liquid medium comprising azide and amine. The azide can be selected from the group consisting of sodium azide and potassium azide or a combination of the two. The composition provides an effective pesticide, without causing significant harm to the environment. The composition may be applied to soil to control a population of a deleterious organism.

Abstract: An efficient process for the preparation of magnesium thiosulfate involves reaction of magnesium hydrosulfite and sulfur at elevated temperature. Magnesium hydrosulfite can be prepared from commercial magnesium oxide and sulfur. Sulfur dioxide can be used to maintain pH. The resulting product is an emulsion of liquid magnesium thiosulfate and solid byproducts. Under controlled conditions, including mole ratios of MgO to sulfur, temperature of the reaction process, and pH, as well as rate and duration of SO2 purging, production of byproducts can be reduced to less than about 2% by weight. The magnesium thiosulfate solution can be prepared with concentrations of at least about 25%, preferably at least about 30%.

Abstract: Disclosed is both a method and composition for controlling deleterious organisms, such as insects, nematodes and weeds by applying a compound comprised of a liquid medium comprising an azide and an azide stabilizer. The azide can be selected from the group consisting of sodium azide and potassium azide or a combination of the two. The composition provides an effective pesticide, without causing significant harm to the environment. The composition may be applied to soil to control a population of a deleterious organism.

Abstract: Disclosed is both a method and composition for controlling deleterious organisms, such as insects, nematodes and weeds while maintaining beneficial soil organisms, by applying a compound comprised of a liquid medium and comprising an azide and an amino acid polymer. The azide can be selected from the group consisting of sodium azide and potassium azide or a combination of the two. The composition provides an effective pesticide, without causing significant harm to the environment. The composition may be applied to soil to control a population of a deleterious organism.

Abstract: An enhancer composition for agricultural chemicals which can enhance the effectiveness of an agricultural chemical without causing any phytotoxicity to various crops, which comprises at least one nitrogen-containing compound selected from the group consisting of a tertiary amine, a tertiary amine salt and a quaternary ammonium salt and a chelating agent, wherein the content of the chelating agent ranges from 0.01 to 30 mol per mol of the nitrogen-containing compound.

Abstract: The present inventors have discovered that pyruvate orthophosphate dikinase (PPDK) is essential for plant growth. Specifically, the inhibition PPDK gene expression in plant seedlings results in significant developmental abnormalities, including abnormal cotyledon development, abnormal or aborted primary leaf development and significantly reduced growth. Thus, PPDK can be used as a target for the identification of herbicides. Accordingly, the present invention provides methods for the identification of compounds that inhibit PPDK expression or activity, comprising: contacting a compound with a PPDK and detecting the presence and/or absence of binding between said compound and said a PPDK, or detecting a decrease in PPDK expression or activity. The methods of the invention are useful for the identification of herbicides.

Abstract: A method of using nitric oxide (NO) to enhance crop performance at any stage of its development including sowing, growth, flowering, fruit formation or during many processes associated with the handling of the culture, such as transplantation, root formation in stem cutting, or any other handling that could involve an oxidative stress condition for the plants. The NO application according to the invention has also enhanced the chlorophyll levels thus resulting in a better photosynthetic capacity of the plant cells and also of protective pigments such as anthocianins and flavonoids.

Abstract: A lawn fertilizer to minimize or negate canine waste damage consisting of nitrogen, phosphorus and potash. The dry fertilizer is sprinkled over the canine waste damage and is compounded depending upon the season to provide starter fertilizer, summer fertilizer, and winter fertilizer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for enhancing the photosynthesis of horticultural crops which involves treating the surface of said horticultural crop with an effective amount of one or more highly reflective particulate materials.

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: 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: Stable, concentrated non-aqueous suspensions of water-soluble solids are prepared by using a water soluble active compound comprising water hydratable polysaccharides, biocides, fertilizers and mixtures thereof dispersed in water-miscible organic liquid carriers, preferably lower alkadiols in conjunction with a specific three component surfactant system, i.e., a system comprising a nonionic polymeric viscosity modifier surfactant; an anionic surfactant; and a nonionic surfactant having a bulky hydrophobic substituent group.

Abstract: Activity promoting additives (alkoxylated amines and alkoxylated quaternary ammonium compounds) for rest-breaking agents are disclosed. Further, rest-breaking compositions comprising these additives and a rest-breaking agent are also disclosed. Finally, a process for breaking the rest of deciduous fruit trees is disclosed. The activity promoting additives enhance the activity of rest-breaking agents thereby leading to improvements in the yields and quality of fruit from deciduous fruit trees in regions which have mild winter weather conditions.

Abstract: An isocarbacyclin derivative represented by the following formula [VII'] ##STR1## wherein A represents, a hydrocarbylcarboxylate group, a carboxymethoxycarbonyl group, an amide group, an acyloxymethyl group or a hydroxymethyl group; R.sup.4 represents H, a methyl group or a vinyl group; R.sup.5 represents a (substituted)alkyl group, a phenyl group, a phenoxy group or a cycloalkyl group; R.sup.e22 and R.sup.e32 represent H or a hydroxyprotecting group; n is 0 or 1;and a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Abstract: This invention presents a sulphurous acid generator which employs a combination of novel blending, contact and mixing mechanisms which maximize the efficiency and duration of contact between sulphur dioxide gas and water to form sulphurous acid in an open nonpressurized system, without employing a countercurrent absorption tower. The present invention also incorporates a novel high temperature concrete for use in constructing portions of the present invention.