Methods and compositions are provided which employ a silencing element that, when ingested by a pest, such as a Coleopteran plant pest or a Diabarotica plant pest, decrease the expression of a target sequence in the pest. In specific embodiments, the decrease in expression of the target sequence controls the pest and thereby the methods and compositions are capable of limiting damage to a plant. The present invention provides various target polynucleotides set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 1-236 or active variants and fragments thereof, wherein a decrease in expression of one or more the sequences in the target pest controls the pest (i.e., has insecticidal activity). Further provided are silencing elements which when ingested by the pest decrease the level of the target polypeptide and thereby control the pest. In specific embodiment, the pest is D. virgifera virgifera, D. barberi, D. speciosa, or D. undecimpunctata howardi. Plants, plant part, bacteria and other host cells comprising the silencing elements or an active variant or fragment thereof of the invention are also provided.

The multiple embodiments described herein comprise the genome of a probiotic Bifidobacterium longum bifidobacteria strain and genes encoded by the genome. Various novel Bifidobacterium longum are described.

The present invention relates to a novel bacteriophage CJ28 (KCCM11466P) and a composition containing the same as an active ingredient. Further, the present invention relates to a method for preventing and/or treating infective diseases caused by enterotoxic Escherichia coli (ETEC) of animals excluding humans by using the composition. A bacteriophage CJ28 (KCCM11466P) has a specific ability to kill enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli.

Aspects of the invention include compositions for fertilizing and remediating soil. Compositions according to certain embodiments include a cellulose nutrient composition, a microbial blend composition, a source of nitrogen, a source of phosphorus and exotic micronutrients. Methods for using compositions of the invention to fertilize and remediate soil and kits having one or more compositions for fertilizing and remediating soil are also described.

There is provided an aqueous seaweed extract in the form of a solution concentrate composition comprising: (a) at least 0.5% by weight soluble alginate based on the weight of concentrate composition; (b) at least 0.1% calcium by weight based on the weight of concentrate composition; (c) a calcium-chelating agent; and (d) a borate compound.

Aspects of the invention include compositions for controlling plant parasitic nematodes. Compositions according to certain embodiments include a carbon skeleton energy compound, a chelating agent, macronutrients, micronutrients, an ionophore, exotic micronutrients and a plant parasitic nematode antagonist. Methods for using the compositions of the invention to control plant parasitic nematodes and kits having one or more compositions for controlling plant parasitic nematodes are also described.

A method for screening an antimicrobial agent which is capable of controlling microorganisms causing offensive odor in an air-conditioning system and a method for removing offensive odor in an air-conditioning system are provided. The method for screening an antimicrobial agent and the method for removing offensive odor in an air-conditioning system may be used for various purposes of industrial application. For example, they may be used to develop a novel antimicrobial agent capable of inhibiting the growth of the microorganisms or to develop an air freshener for removing offensive odor by elucidating the chemical properties of the metabolites of the microorganisms. In addition, they may be used to fundamentally remove the cause of offensive odor by providing an air-conditioning system with an environment where the microorganisms may not live.

A method for screening an antimicrobial agent which is capable of controlling microorganisms causing offensive odor in an air-conditioning system and a method for removing offensive odor in an air-conditioning system are provided. The method for screening an antimicrobial agent and the method for removing offensive odor in an air-conditioning system may be used for various purposes of industrial application. For example, they may be used to develop a novel antimicrobial agent capable of inhibiting the growth of the microorganisms or to develop an air freshener for removing offensive odor by elucidating the chemical properties of the metabolites of the microorganisms. In addition, they may be used to fundamentally remove the cause of offensive odor by providing an air-conditioning system with an environment where the microorganisms may not live.

Methods and compositions are provided for preventing or reducing symptoms or disease associated with Xylella fastidiosa or Xanthomonas axonopodis in a plant. The invention provides novel bacteriophages virulent to Xylella fastidiosa or Xanthomonas axonopodis, including XfaMija and XfaMijo, and further provides methods for treating or preventing Pierce's Disease or Citrus Canker in plants.

This present invention relates to compositions and methods of microbial enhanced oil recovery using Bacillus subtilis strains. The invention also relates to compositions and methods for performing oil degradation with Bacillus subtilis strains. The compositions and methods of the present invention are also used for enhanced commercial biosurfactant and enzyme production.