Abstract: Provided are methods, kits and compositions suitable for use in organic production for killing, controlling or suppressing a plant by administering to surfaces of the plant a herbicide composition comprising a herbicidally effective limonene component and an emulsifying agent in an aqueous emulsion, wherein the composition has a pH greater than 5. Also provided are methods, kits and compositions for killing, controlling or suppressing a plant, comprising administering to surfaces of the plant a herbicide composition comprising a herbicidally effective limonene component and an emulsifying agent in an aqueous emulsion, wherein the composition includes a wetting agent and an optional oil.

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: There is provided a powder composition comprising a collection of particles (I) having median particle diameter of 10 micrometers to 200 micrometers, wherein each of said particles (I) comprises (a) a covering of a fatty compound having melting point of 50° C. to 110° C. and (b) one or more inner particles (II) comprising one or more complex that contains a cyclopropene compound molecule or a portion of a cyclopropene compound molecule encapsulated in a molecule of a molecular encapsulating agent. Also provided is a slurry comprising water and such a powder. Also provided is a method of contacting plants or plant parts with such a slurry.

Abstract: A water-dispersible particle is provided that includes struvite in an amount ranging from 5% to 99.9% by weight of the total dry weight of the particle. A binder component is present in an amount from 1% to 95% by weight. The struvite and the binder component on that contact with water causes particle dispersion into more than 100 pieces. A process for making a water-dispersible particle includes mechanical aggregation of a struvite into a pellet. A binder component is present in the particle in an amount ranging from 1% to 95% by weight. The struvite and the binder component are present in a form such that contact with water causes particle dispersion into more than 100 pieces. The particle is then dried and ready to be applied.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods of inhibiting ethylene responses in plants and plant materials, and particularly relates to methods of inhibiting various ethylene responses including plant maturation and degradation, by exposing plants to cyclopropene derivatives and compositions thereof wherein: 1) at least one substituent on the cyclopropene ring contains a carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring, or 2) a substituent contains silicon, sulfur, phosphorous, or boron, or 3) least one substituent contains from one to four non-hydrogen atoms and at least one substituent contains more than four non-hydrogen atoms.

Abstract: The invention relates to method for increasing the yield of a plant grown under conditions that cause periodic oxidative stress in said plant, comprising the step of growing a seedling, tissue culture or plantlet into a plant, and further comprising the step of manipulating said plant or the environment of said plant such that an increase in the rate of respiration and/or protein turnover in said plant due to said periodic oxidative stress is intentionally prevented during the early ontogeny of said plant.

Abstract: Disclosed is a microcapsule composition for inhibiting an ethylene response in plants, which comprises a plurality of microcapsules, each including an agent for blocking an ethylene binding site in plants in an oil droplet, and a coating encapsulating the oil droplet and the agent for blocking the ethylene binding site in plants. A method for preparing microcapsules of an agent for blocking the ethylene binding site in plants, and a method for inhibiting an ethylene response in plants are also disclosed.

Abstract: In a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of treating ornamental plants comprising contacting said plants with a liquid composition comprising of one or more cyclopropene compound, wherein the concentration of the total of all of said one or more cyclopropene compound is 0.3 to 300 milligrams of cyclopropene compound per liter of said liquid composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a powdery plant vitalizer and a powdery plant vitalizer composition which are resistant to the oozing of effective components and from which effective components are easily dispersed when the vertilizer is in contact with water to give vitality to plants.

Abstract: Provided are methods, kits and compositions for killing, controlling or suppressing a plant by administering to surfaces of the plant a herbicide composition comprising a herbicidally effective limonene component and an emulsifying agent in an aqueous emulsion, wherein the composition has a pH greater than 5. Also provided are methods, kits and compositions for killing, controlling or suppressing a plant, comprising administering to surfaces of the plant a herbicide composition comprising a herbicidally effective limonene component and an emulsifying agent in an aqueous emulsion, wherein the composition includes a wetting agent. Also provided are methods, kits and compositions for killing, controlling or suppressing a plant, comprising administering to surfaces of the plant a herbicide composition comprising a herbicidally effective limonene component and an emulsifying agent in an aqueous emulsion, wherein the composition has a pH greater than 5 and includes a wetting agent.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to compositions and methods for the control of nematodes and soil borne diseases using compositions comprising high terpene containing oils and one or more surfactants. The invention also relates to methods for increasing the wetted soil volume available for water utilization by plant roots using the disclosed compositions.

Abstract: A composition including an ethylene blocking agent complex formed from the product of an ethylene blocking agent and a host, and at least one water-soluble polymer, wherein the ethylene blocking agent complex and the at least one water-soluble polymer are intermingled is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of growing plants, comprising the step of allowing a seedling, tissue culture or plantlet to develop into a plant, wherein during early ontogeny of said plant an increase in the rate of respiration and/or protein turnover due to oxidative stress is prevented.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of cultivating potato. In the invention, Compound (A) of a specified structure having a C10 to C22 hydrocarbon group is applied at least once in a period from a planting stage to a flowering stage of potato.

Abstract: A composition is provided that contains one or more molecular encapsulation agents within each of which is encapsulated one or more cyclopropenes and that contains one or more adjuvants selected from the group consisting of surfactants, alcohols, hydrocarbon oils, non-hydrocarbon oils, and mixtures thereof. Also provided is a method that includes the step of contacting such compositions to one or more plants or plant parts.

Abstract: An adjuvant for use with systemic herbicides, pesticides, insecticides, ovicides and fungicides and method of application on animals, birds, trees, plants, fruits and vegetables to enhance the action and effect of systemic herbicides, pesticides, insecticides, ovicides and fungicides with which the adjuvant is combined wherein the adjuvant comprises at least one surfactant and at least one high terpene containing natural oil.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for improving plant growth by adding at least one terpene and one or both of an organic solvent and a surfactant to the growth medium of the plant, and to a composition that is useful for improving plant growth comprising at least one terpene, an organic solvent, and optionally a surfactant.

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

Abstract: Provided are methods of treating specific crop plants when those plants have reached specific developmental stages. Also provided is a method for improving the yield of a crop produced by a plurality of plants, which may or may not be any of the specific plants mentioned herein above, wherein said method comprises contacting said plants with at least one composition that comprises at least one cyclopropene.

Abstract: There is provided a method of treating horticultural crop plants comprising the step of contacting said plants one or more times with a liquid composition, wherein said liquid composition comprises one or more cyclopropenes, and wherein said contacting is performed during a reproductive stage of said plants.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods of inhibiting ethylene responses in plants and plant materials, and particularly relates to methods of inhibiting various ethylene responses including plant maturation and degradation, by exposing plants to cyclopropene derivatives and compositions thereof wherein the cyclopropene is associated with another ring system.

Abstract: Dominant negative alleles of human mismatch repair genes can be used to generate hypermutable cells and organisms. By introducing these genes into cells and transgenic animals, new cell lines and animal varieties with novel and useful properties can be prepared more efficiently than by relying on the natural rate of mutation. Methods of generating mutations in genes of interest and of making various cells mismatch repair defective through the use of chemicals to block mismatch repair in in vivo are disclosed.

Abstract: To preserve flowers (6) and provide aromatherapy, low temperature paraffin (1) is heated (2) to a liquid state of approximately 130 degrees Fahrenheit. A floral nutrient and preservative (3) such as a saccharide such as sugar is then added to the low temperature paraffin (1). Optionally, scents (4) and/or color dyes (5) are also added. The heads of flowers (6) to be preserved are then dipped (7) in this paraffin mixture for one to three seconds and thereafter allowed to dry. The flower (6) can then be used immediately, or optionally hung (8) upside down for one to three weeks prior to use to further improved shelf life. The flower (6) can further be sprayed with a floral spray paint (9).

Abstract: Disclosed is a tablet dosage for inhibiting ethylene response in a plant containing a blocking agent, which has ethylene binding site inhibition activity to plants, and an effervescent ingredient in admixture with one or more acceptable excipients. A process of preparing the tablet dosage and a method for inhibiting ethylene response in plants are also disclosed therein.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to methods of reducing weed growth or reducing pests involving applying to plant producing media particulate materials to a depth of at least about 1 cm, wherein the plant producing media to the depth comprises about 1% by weight or more and about 25% by weight or less of particulate materials. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to methods of reducing weed growth involving applying to plant producing media or unwanted vegetation a film of particulate materials, wherein the film has a thickness of about 1 &mgr;m or more and about 5 mm or less.

Abstract: A method of suppressing deterioration of the quality of an agricultural product, comprising a step of contact-treating an agricultural product under reduced pressure conditions with a cyclopropene compound having the following formula: 1

Abstract: The present invention relates to new delivery systems for cyclopropene compounds of a cyclopropene compound generator comprising at least one substrate, a material containing at least one cyclopropene compound and a release agent whereby at least one side of one substrate is coated with the material containing at least one cyclopropene compound and wherein when the material containing at least one cyclopropene compound is exposed to the release agent, a gaseous cyclopropene compound is released. The present invention also provides methods to release a cyclopropene compound from such a generator to deliver a cyclopropene compound to plants, fruits, flowers or vegetables to inhibit an ethylene response in the plants, fruits, flowers or vegetable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to complexes formed from molecular encapsulation agents such as cyclodextrin, and cyclopropene and its derivatives such as methylcyclopropene, which are capable of inhibiting the ethylene response in plants. More specifically this invention relates to compositions of cyclopropenes and molecular encapsulation agents containing additives to improve the release of the cyclopropene when the composition is contacted with water.

Abstract: Improved methods and compositions for protecting plants or seeds from plant diseases are provided. Broadly, the compositions comprise (and preferably consist essentially of) saponin, such as triterpene type saponins extracted from quinoa or quillaja. The methods comprise contacting the portion of the plant (e.g., foliage, shoot, etc.) to be treated with a disease-inhibiting or protective amount of the composition. The compositions can also be used to treat plant seeds or tubers prior to planting thereof, as well as soil adjacent a growing plant. The inventive compositions are particularly useful for the treatment, control and/or prevention of bacterial diseases. The saponins of the invention can be applied as liquids or dry particulates, and are especially suited for the treatment of tomato and potato plants and their respective seeds.

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: This invention is directed to a method for promoting early establishment of potato crops, and is particularly directed to promotion of potato sprout number and length, and reduction of sprout tip necrosis. In one aspect of the invention, a method is provided for increasing the number of sprouts per tuber, comprising the steps of administering an effective amount of aminoethoxyvinylglycine or 1-methylcyclopropene to the tuber to promote sprouting in the tuber. In another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for promoting the elongation of sprouts, comprising the steps of administering an effective amount of aminoethoxyvinylglycine or 1-methylcyclopropene to the tuber to promote sprout elongation. In yet another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for reducing sprout tip necrosis, comprising the steps of administering an effective amount of aminoethoxyvinylglycine to the tuber to reduce sprout tip necrosis.

Abstract: A device and method for generating cyclopropene gas comprising bubbling a gas through a vessel that contains water. A cyclopropene/cyclodextrin complex is added to the water to form an aqueous suspension. Cyclopropenes are used to inhibit the ethylene response in plants and plant products, such as fruits and vegetables. The device of the invention may treat small volume facilities as well as very large volume storage facilities, such as warehouses and the like. The bubbled gas rapidly and completely liberates the cyclopropene gas from its cyclodextrin carrier to provide a cost effective and efficient treatment against the ethylene response in plants.

Abstract: A method for destroying mistletoe by the application of barrier coatings, such as natural oils, to cover the surfaces of a mistletoe plant to block stomatal openings during a dormant period of a host tree affected by the mistletoe so that the mistletoe is effectively deprived of all nutrients.

Abstract: The present invention relates to complexes formed from molecular encapsulation agents such as cyclodextrin, and cyclopropene and its derivatives such as methylcyclopropene, which are capable of inhibiting the ethylene response in plants. More specifically this invention relates to compositions of cyclopropenes and molecular encapsulation agents containing additives to improve the release of the cyclopropene when the composition is contacted with water.

Abstract: Dominant negative alleles of human mismatch repair genes can be used to generate hypermutable cells and organisms. By introducing these genes into cells and transgenic animals, new cell lines and animal varieties with novel and useful properties can be prepared more efficiently than by relying on the natural rate of mutation. Methods of generating mutations in genes of interest and of making various cells mismatch repair defective through the use of chemicals to block mismatch repair in in vivo are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new delivery systems for cyclopropenes in which the cyclopropene, either free or encapsulated within a molecular encapsulation agent is incorporated into produce packaging materials.

Abstract: Herbicidal compositions containing plant essential oils and mixtures or blends thereof. In addition, the present invention is directed to a method for controlling weeds and grasses by applying a herbicidally-effective amount of the above herbicidal compositions to a locus where weed and grass control is desired.

Abstract: Improved methods and compositions for protecting plants or seeds from plant diseases are provided. Broadly, the compositions comprise (and preferably consist essentially of) saponin, such as triterpene type saponins extracted from Quinoa or Quillaja. The methods comprise contacting the portion of the plant (e.g., foliage, shoot, etc.) to be treated with a disease-inhibiting or protective amount of the composition. The compositions can also be used to treat plant seeds or tubers prior to planting thereof, as well as soil adjacent a growing plant. The inventive compositions are particularly useful for the treatment, control and/or prevention of fungal diseases. The saponins of the invention can be applied as liquids or dry particulates, and are especially suited for the treatment of potato seed, tubers and plants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to complexes formed from molecular encapsulation agents such as cyclodextrin, and cyclopropene and its derivatives such as methylcyclopropene, which are capable of inhibiting the ethylene response in plants, wherein the complex is pressure agglomerated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new delivery systems for cyclopropenes in which compositions comprising the cyclopropene and a molecular encapsulation agent complex further comprise additional components which provide slow release of the cyclopropene from the molecular encapsulating agent with water, or release of the cyclopropene from the molecular encapsulating agent with only small amounts of water, or both. The present invention also provides methods to release a cyclopropene from such compositions as well as methods to deliver a cyclopropene compound to a plant to inhibit an ethylene response in the plant.

Abstract: A chemical composition and method useful in the treatment of stored potatoes is disclosed. The chemical composition includes a mixture of a substituted naphthalene compound and an odor-neutralizing ingredient. The instant invention also discloses a method for reducing the odor of naturally-occurring or applied substituted naphthalenes. The odor-neutralizing ingredient neutralizes the odor associated with substituted naphthalene compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new delivery systems for cyclopropenes in which compositions comprising the cyclopropene and a molecular encapsulation agent complex further comprise additional components which provide slow release of the cyclopropene from the molecular encapsulating agent with water, or release of the cyclopropene from the molecular encapsulating agent with only small amounts of water, or both. The present invention also provides methods to release a cyclopropene from such compositions as well as methods to deliver a cyclopropene compound to a plant to inhibit an ethylene response in the plant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to complexes formed from molecular encapsulation agents such as cyclodextrin, and cyclopropene and its derivatives such as methylcyclopropene, which are capable of inhibiting the ethylene response in plants, wherein the complex is pressure agglomerated.

Abstract: A sprout inhibitor for potatoes is introduced into a potato storage facility as a gas phase carried in an air stream. The liquid sprout inhibitor may be heated prior to injection into a flowing air stream or a large surface area of the liquid sprout inhibitor may be exposed to the air stream to induce evaporation of the inhibitor into a gaseous phase. Sprout inhibitors such as dimethylnaphthalene (DMN) and trimethylnaphthalene are especially suitable for introduction to potato storage sheds by thermal fogging or evaporative fogging. A method and composition to promote healing of freshly dug potatoes are further disclosed. Treatment of freshly dug potatoes with DMN either prior to or immediately after storage promotes rapid healing of cuts, abrasions and similar injuries to the potatoes. Stored potatoes first treated with DMN may be later advantageously treated with low levels of CIPC for effective sprout inhibition.

Abstract: Methods of applying C5-20 cyclopropene derivatives and compositions thereof to block ethylene receptors in plants are disclosed. One such method comprises applying to the plant an effective ethylene response-inhibiting amount of cyclopropene derivatives or compositions thereof. Also disclosed are methods of inhibiting abscission in plants, methods of prolonging the life of cut flowers, methods of inhibiting ripening of picked fruits, and methods of inhibiting ripening of picked vegetables.

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: 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 of treating potatoes sequentially with chemically-different sprout inhibitors is disclosed. Sprouting of stored potatoes may be eliminated or minimized by a treatment with CIPC followed sometime later by a treatment with a substituted naphthalene such as 1,4-DMN. Also, an initial treatment with 1,4-DMN soon after the potatoes are harvested may be advantageous in addition to the later treatments with CIPC and 1,4-DMN.

Abstract: Methods of applying C6-20 alkyl cyclopropene derivatives and compositions thereof to block ethylene receptors in plants are disclosed. One such method comprises applying to the plant an effective ethylene response-inhibiting amount of cyclopropene derivatives or compositions thereof. Also disclosed are methods of inhibiting abscission in plants and methods of prolonging the life of cut flowers.