Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions including peroxyacetic acid and peroxyoctanoic acid and methods for preventing microbial growth in aqueous streams including the step of applying a composition of the invention to the stream. The compositions and methods can control microbial growth in aqueous streams used for transporting or processing food products.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for the alteration of fertility in plants through modulation of floral GABA levels. The techniques of the invention may find use in plant breeding techniques. Also provided by the invention are assays for the screening of candidate modulators of GABA metabolism or GABA analogs through the identification of affects on fertility following application of the candidate modulator to a plant. The technique provides an alternative to animal testing and is amenable to large scale application.

Abstract: Described are herbicide compositions, in particular, herbicide compositions that are prepared from microemulsions containing herbicide compound in acid form, and methods of their preparation and use.

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

Abstract: There is provided an essentially non-aqueous homogeneous liquid herbicide composition comprising: a) a lipophilic solvent soluble complex comprising the reaction product of: i) not in excess of about 35% by weight of one or more lipophobic herbicides having an acidic moiety; and ii) not in excess of about 99% by weight of one or more tertiary dimethylamines of the structure (CH3)2N—R wherein R contains an alkyl group of at least 8 carbon atoms and may contain other chemical moieties and wherein is at least one mole equivalent of such amine to each mole of lipophobic herbicide; b) not in excess of about 60% by weight of one or more essentially non-aqueous polar solvents having low volatility; c) not in excess of about 90% by weight of one or more additional solvents selected from the group consisting of low to medium HLB surfactants; and d) not in excess of about 99% by weight of one or more lipophilic carriers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composition, method, and apparatus for protecting plants from injury caused by frost or freezing temperatures by applying an insulating foam to the surface of plants. Plants are sprayed with a foam formed from a pre-emulsion concentrate comprising a vegetable oil, an emulsifier, and a forming agent. The pre-emulsion concentrate is mixed with water and aerated to form a foam. The foam is then directed onto the surfaces of the plant to be covered.

Abstract: Disclosed is a herbicidal composition which combines two known active ingredients at concentrations of the individual active ingredients below the level generally necessary for the individual ingredients to exhibit herbicidal activity. The herbicidal activity of the disclosed composition is greater than that of either of the individual active ingredients used alone. One of the active ingredients is a fatty acid based composition selected from caprylic acid, pelargonic acid, capric acid, undecanoic acid, 10-undecanoic acid, lauric acid, oleic acid, salts thereof and mixtures thereof. In addition, other fatty acid or fatty acid salt mixtures may be used, such as soybean fatty acid or coconut fatty acid. This component is present at a concentration range of about 0.1 to 3.0 percent by weight. The other active ingredient is a glyphosate-based herbicidal active ingredient, e.g., the isopropyl amine salt of N-(phosphonomethyl) glycine, present at about 0.08 to 1.0 percent by weight.

Abstract: Described are herbicide compositions and methods for their preparation and use, in particular, herbicide compositions and methods relating to herbicide compositions containing herbicide compounds in acid form, and further including an acidifying agent.

Abstract: Sordarin derivatives prepared from C-11-hydroxysordarin are antifungal agents useful in the treatment and/or prevention of human and animal fungal infections, as well as in the control of phytopathogenic fungi in crops.

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 provides a method of retarding rootlet formation from one or more plants in a medium that can support the growth thereof, which method includes introducing into the medium a growth inhibiting effective amount of a growth inhibitor which comprises corn steep liquor. In other embodiments, the growth inhibitor is a mixture of a growth medium and lactic acid. In preferred embodiments, the present invention further provides a malting composition that includes a fermentable grain and a growth inhibitor, wherein the growth inhibitor is present in an amount effective to retard rootlet formation.

Abstract: Described are herbicide compositions, in particular, herbicide compositions that are prepared from microemulsions containing herbicide compound in acid form, and methods of their preparation and use.

Abstract: In this application is disclosed a growth promoter for gramineous plants such as lawns and the like, and the like, which comprises, as the active ingredient, serine alone or both serine and inosine. The growth promoter is not a chemical fertilizer and does not adversely affect the environment and humans and animals.

Abstract: The invention provides, improved herbicide compositions, methods of making the compositions and methods of controlling plant growth. The subject invention relates to combining fatty acid based and other herbicides with succinic acid, succinic acid derivatives and other additives such as those having essentially no herbicidal activity to increase the activity of the herbicide and provide methods of controlling plant growth by applying a combination of a herbicidal fatty acid with succinic acid and/or succinic acid derivative chemicals and/or other additives. In addition to the use of succinic acid, combining other Krebs cycle acids with herbicides can also provide beneficial effects. Concentrations of herbicides and additives applied to plants in accordance with the invention can include compositions involving 0.1 to 30% herbicide, preferably 0.5 to 15% herbicide and additive and more preferably 1-8% herbicide.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for manufacture and use of a herbicidal formulation of chlorinated carboxylic acid herbicides. A number of different solvents have been found useful in this application. Furthermore, the use of surfactants that act as solvents for the acid herbicides has been discovered. These formulations have shown superior herbicidal activity when compared to standard salt and ester forms.

Abstract: Pesticidal compositions which are environmentally safe, consisting essentially of a minimum risk pesticide in combination with one or more inert ingredients are disclosed.

Abstract: A plant growth promoter composition is provided comprising: (a) not in excess of 20% by weight of one or more gibberellins; and (b) an essentially non-aqueous solvent system comprising: (i) 30 to 99% by weight of one or more lipophilic solvents; (ii) at least an equivalent molar amount to the gibberellins of one or more lipophilic alkaline coupling agents which enable the gibberellins to form a lipophilic solvent soluble complex; (iii) 1 to 50% by weight of one or more emulsifiers which blend with the lipophilic solvent(s) to form a homogeneous product and enable dispersion of the composition into water for application; and (iv) optionally, not in excess of 15% by weight of one or more viscosity reducing co-solvents.

Abstract: The present invention describes compounds and compositions useful in controlling annual bluegrass weeds, including their methods of use. Included in the invention is a method of controlling annual bluegrass by applying an herbicidally effective amount of a plant growth regulator compound to an annual bluegrass plant. Also included in the present invention is a method of controlling annual bluegrass by applying an acylcyclohexanedione compound to an annual bluegrass plant.

Abstract: A pesticide-free weed and grass killer. More particularly, the invention is a non-selective, water-based herbicidal formulation that is EPA exempt, as all ingredients are Generally Regarded As Safe. Importantly, in the preferred mode, the invention utilizes sodium lauryl sulfate as a surfactant to accomplish the foregoing. The formulation further utilizes 3% to 10% of acetic acid, 2% to 10% of NaCl, and 1% to 5% Sorbitol, with the aforementioned wetting agent present in a range of 0.01% to 0.25%. Therefore, in total, the present invention provides an effective and natural herbicidal composition to be applied to vegetative growth to achieve a complete kill thereof.

Abstract: Aggregates of cellulose-containing particles, such as particles of waste paper and optional other vegetation or waste particles are used as a carrier for additives such as insecticides, herbicides, fertilizers and nutrients. The particles can be also used as a carrier for insect repellants, preferably naturally occurring insect repellants, to repel insects from rooms, buildings, plants, and outdoor areas, and to carry adhered seeds onto an area to be planted with seeds.

Abstract: A method of controlling unwanted plants, the method including providing an herbicidal composition, the herbicidal composition containing at least a naturally-occurring, plant-derived organic compound, and applying the herbicidal composition to the unwanted plants.

Abstract: The invention can be summarized as follows. There is provided a natural herbicide composition comprising urea, water, acetic acid and optionally a binding agent. The natural herbicide may also comprise one or more salts and citric acid cycle intermediates. Also disclosed are methods of treating weeds or plots of land that have weeds, as well as methods of making the natural herbicide composition.

Abstract: Described are herbicide compositions and methods for their preparation and use, in particular, herbicide compositions and methods relating to herbicide compositions containing herbicide compounds in acid form, and further including an acidifying agent.

Abstract: A concise method to promote growth of a plant useful for increase of food production. This invention provides a method to promote growth of a plant by administration of formic acid, an organic acid with a low molecular weight through avoidance of photo-oxidation damage. This invention also provides amino acid sequence of formate dehydrogenase and base sequence encoding the enzyme. The expression of the enzyme is induced by administration of formic acid and the enzyme is involved in metabolism, of formic acid and its salts. Furthermore, this invention provides a method to promote growth of a plant by administration of methanol through avoidance of photo-oxidation damage.

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

Abstract: A plant growth promoter composition is provided comprising: (a) not in excess of 20% by weight of one or more gibberellins; and (b) an essentially non-aqueous solvent system comprising: (i) 30 to 99% by weight of one or more lipophilic solvents; (ii) at least an equivalent molar amount to the gibberellins of one or more lipophilic alkaline coupling agents which enable the gibberellins to form a lipophilic solvent soluble complex; (iii) 1 to 50% by weight of one or more emulsifiers which blend with the lipophilic solvent(s) to form a homogeneous product and enable dispersion of the composition into water for application; and (iv) optionally, not in excess of 15% by weight of one or more viscosity reducing co-solvents.

Abstract: There is disclosed the use of citronella oil as a herbicide. The citronella oil is provided as a herbicidal composition together with a carrier diluent or excipient therefor. The citronella oil or the herbicidal composition is used to control weeds at a locus by applying thereto a herbicidally effective amount of the citronella oil or the herbicidal composition.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel aqueous agriculturally acceptable formulation, a process used to prepare it and a pesticidal method of using it in application to plants or weeds to kill or control plants or weeds. The formulation comprises an effective amount of N-phosphonomethylglycine or an agriculturally acceptable salt of N-phosphonomethylglycine and an effective amount of at least one C5 to C16 or preferably a C8 to C12 agriculturally acceptable fatty acid itself or in the form of an agriculturally acceptable water soluble salt or mixtures thereof. Other ingredients are optional, including surfactant(s), antifoam(s) and antimicrobial(s) or other ingredients such as pesticides including herbicides, insecticides and fungicides.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pesticidal composition of a water-soluble pesticide and processes for its manufacture. More specifically, the invention relates to a soluble granule (SG) pesticidal formulation comprising a water-soluble pesticide and a water-soluble filler. The present invention provides a pesticidal formulation with efficacy equal to the corresponding liquid formulation, yet with improved handler safety, such as lower eye irritation.

Abstract: Methods for increasing the resistance of a plant to the effects of plant stress utilizing glycolic acid, a salt thereof, or a mixture thereof, are described. Methods for stimulating plant growth utilizing an ammonium salt of glycolic acid are also described. Further described are methods for stimulating microbial growth utilizing selected amounts of glycolic acid, a salt thereof, or a mixture thereof.

Abstract: Herein are disclosed a tillering promoter for a plant comprising an amino acid, especially proline, or inosine in addition thereto, as effective ingredient(s), and a method for tillering promotion for a plant wherein the tillering promoter is especially applied onto the leaf surfaces, in accordance with which are provided a tillering promoter for a plant which enables the reduction of the amount of fertilizer hitherto used in a large amount and the maintenance of a satisfactory green state by promoting the tillering of a plant, especially lawn grass without requiring the application of pesticides and plant hormones, also exhibits growth promotion and coloring promotion of leaves, is not a chemical fertilizer, and does not adversely affect the environment and men and beasts, and a method for applying the same.

Abstract: The invention is organic pesticides made from components of hop extract by preparing stable aqueous emulsions of hop acids and other hop extract components. The hop acids and other hop extract components are suspended as stable, colloidal preparations in water, which can be sprayed directly on plants for pest control.

Abstract: A process for improvement of the soil by reducing microbially formed ethylene in the soil by bringing compounds which bind ethylene or of which it is known that they inhibit ethylene biosynthesis between S-adenosyl-L-methionine and 1-aminocyclopropane-carboxylic acid or 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid and ethylene respectively, into the soil zone relevant for the root growth of higher plants and allowing them to act there on the soil microorganisms.

Abstract: The present invention provides a plant-activating agent for improving the activity of plants efficiently without a chemical injury onto the plant.

Abstract: Controlled release compositions of matter are disclosed comprising complexes for treating a population of one or more aquatic organisms in a column of water. The complexes comprise at least one system wherein the system comprises at least one bioactive agent as a component selected for treating a population of aquatic organisms, at least one carrier component, and at least one coating component for regulating the controlled release rate and release profile of the bioactive agent in water or at least one bioactive agent and one joint-function component that can serve as both a carrier and coating to regulate the controlled release rate and release profile of the bioactive agent in water, with or without optional binder components and/or additional formulation materials. The components are selected to sink or float so that the complexes will permeate and/or remain in any planar or volumetric segment of a water column for a period of time that is sufficient to effectively treat a population of aquatic organisms.

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: Methods for increasing the levels of isoflavones in plants are provided. The method comprise applying a biologically effective amount of composition comprising a select nuclear receptor ligand to the plant. Compositions for inducing the production of isoflavones in plants are also provided. Such compositions comprise one or preferably, a combination of the select nuclear receptor ligands. The compositions also comprise a compound that enhances the capacity of the plant to release daidzein and/or utilize it for the production of glyceollin. The action of such a compound is complementary to that of the nuclear receptor ligand.

Abstract: Controlled release compositions of matter are disclosed comprising complexes for treating a population of one or more aquatic organisms in a column of water. The complexes comprise at least one system wherein the system comprises at least one bioactive agent as a component selected for treating a population of aquatic organisms, at least one carrier component, and at least one coating component for regulating the controlled release rate and release profile of the bioactive agent in water or at least one bioactive agent and one joint-function component that can serve as both a carrier and coating to regulate the controlled release rate and release profile of the bioactive agent in water, with or without optional binder components and/or additional formulation materials. The components are selected to sink or float so that the complexes will permeate and/or remain in any planar or volumetric segment of a water column for a period of time that is sufficient to effectively treat a population of aquatic organisms.

Abstract: A method for controlling undesired vegetation that comprises contacting the vegetation with a herbicidally effective amount of a composition containing the compound of the formula R1COO−X+ wherein R1 is a C6 to C19 hydrocarbyl group optionally substituted with one or more hydroxyl or C1-C5 hydrocarbyl groups, and X is ammonium.

Abstract: A method for selectively controlling undesirable vegetation by contacting the leaves with a herbicidal composition comprising a carboxylic or phosphonic acid salt known to form a coordination compound with calcium or magnesium salts. In a preferred embodiment, the carboxylic or phosphonic acid salt is an alkali salt of at least one acid selected from an aminopolycarboxylic acid, an aliphatic carboxylic acid, a hydroxycarboxylic acid, an amino acid, an ether polycarboxylic acid, a phosphonic acid and a polyphosphonic acid.

Abstract: It consists of using a precursor compound of cyclic AMP, or an inhibitor compound of the enzymes of the Phosphodiesterases family, or a stimulating compound of the enzymes of the Adenyl-Cyclase family, or an agonist compound of the &bgr;-adrenergic receptors to which arachidonic acid or a prostaglandin is added. The composition object of the invention can be presented mixed with mineral fertilizers (such as amonic nitrate, monopotassium phosphate, etc.), with phytoregulators (such as cytoquinines, auxines, giberelines, polyamines, n-ethanolamines, sugars . . . ) or with any type of phytosanitary product (such as fungicides, herbicides etc.). The composition object of the invention can be formulated with tensoactive agents (such as Tween 80), moistening agents etc. The composition object of the invention can be applied to any species of plant and at any point in its life cycle.

Abstract: Described is the use, [in the absence of (a) fertilizers and (b) Periodic Table Group IIa and greater Group metal cations and chelated metals], of aqueous solutions of the N-substituted aspartic acids, (i) N-(1,2-dicarboxyethyl)aspartic acid [‘IDS’] and (ii) N,N′-1,2-ethanediylbis-aspartic acid [‘EDDS’], ammonium salts, alkali metal salts, ammonium-alkali metal salts and optical isomers thereof in stimulating or regulating the growth of a living, growing plant precursor [germinating seed] or plant [from the ‘seedling stage’ to the ‘late-maturity stage’]. Such use, optionally, is in the presence of aditional adjuvants free from fertilizer as well as Periodic Table Group IIa and greater metal Group cations and chelated metals.

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: The compound 7,10,12-trihydroxy-8(E)-octadecenoic acid (TOD) has been produced by bioconversion of ricinoleic acid by Pseudomonas aeruginosa PR3. TOD and derivatives thereof are useful for controlling biological organisms, such as fungi and insects.

Abstract: A pregerminated rice seed comprising a plant growth regulator, optionally further comprising a phytoprotection product, especially an insecticide.

Abstract: An effective, environmentally compatible herbicidal composition utilizes under saponified ammonium soaps of fatty acids having from 6 to 11 carbon atoms. Potassium and sodium soap compositions, at 90 to 100% saponification, are effective to kill mosses, lichen, liverworts and algae, without damage to higher plants. The compositions are herbicidally effective and do not stain substrates, such as patios, walks, stairs, walls and the like, to which it is applied.

Abstract: Provided herein is a composition comprising a plant growth regulator, octylpyrrolidone, and an emulsifier. The composition may be provided with a plant growth regulator comprises a substituted oxime-ether of the formula: where R1 and R2 independently of one another are C1-C6-alkyl, n is 2 or 3 and R3 is hydrogen or C1-C6-alkyl. The compositions provided may also contain a blend of nonyl phenol ethoxylate and dioctyl sulfosuccinate. Also provided are methods of making the above compositions.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to fatty acids conjugated to amino acids and their derivatives that elicit the production and/or release of plant volatiles compounds which attract and/or retain beneficial insects and deter herbivorous insect feeding. These conjugates also induce plants to increase production of pharmacologically important compounds such as taxol, increase fragrance of flowers, and increase production of plant essential oil. The invention also relates to methods for isolating the compounds from herbivorous insect oral secretions and to chemically synthesizing the compounds and their active derivatives.