A face mask and/or face mask insert infused with specifically aged Artemisia argyi pieces or moxa and at least one essential oil, configured to facilitate the purification of air breathed by a user via the filtration of particulates and pathogens, as well as eradication of pathogens via the natural antiviral and antibacterial properties inherent in Artemisia argyi. Further, a nasal spray, infused with Artemisia argyi, bundled with the face mask and/or face mask insert, is present to enhance the antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties imbued to the face coverings.

Compositions and methods for controlling pests are provided. The methods involve transforming organisms with a nucleic acid sequence encoding an insecticidal protein. In particular, the nucleic acid sequences are useful for preparing plants and microorganisms that possess insecticidal activity. Thus, transformed bacteria, plants, plant cells, plant tissues and seeds are provided. Compositions are insecticidal nucleic acids and proteins of bacterial species. The sequences find use in the construction of expression vectors for subsequent transformation into organisms of interest including plants, as probes for the isolation of other homologous (or partially homologous) genes. The pesticidal proteins find use in controlling, inhibiting growth or killing Lepidopteran, Coleopteran, Dipteran, fungal, Hemipteran and nematode pest populations and for producing compositions with insecticidal activity.

Compositions and methods for controlling pests are provided. The methods involve transforming organisms with a nucleic acid sequence encoding an insecticidal protein. In particular, the nucleic acid sequences are useful for preparing plants and microorganisms that possess insecticidal activity. Thus, transformed bacteria, plants, plant cells, plant tissues and seeds are provided. Compositions are insecticidal nucleic acids and proteins of bacterial species. The sequences find use in the construction of expression vectors for subsequent transformation into organisms of interest including plants, as probes for the isolation of other homologous (or partially homologous) genes. The pesticidal proteins find use in controlling, inhibiting growth or killing Lepidopteran, Coleopteran, Dipteran, fungal, Hemipteran and nematode pest populations and for producing compositions with insecticidal activity.

The present invention concerns a process for preparing a polyphenol-rich extract of dry plant biomass, in particular parts of vines, the extract obtained and its use for antifungal applications, in particular for the prevention and treatment of fungal infections on fruits and plants after harvest, but also for applications related to its antibacterial and antioxidant properties.

Insect repellant articles and the use of the insect repellant articles. In accordance with certain embodiments, the insect repellant article comprises scent releasing component capable of deterring insects and/or other pests. The insect repellant articles are particularly useful in repelling insects such as bees, which can cause allergic reactions in pets or other animals.

Insect repellant articles and the use of the insect repellant articles. In accordance with certain embodiments, the insect repellant article comprises scent releasing component capable of deterring insects and/or other pests. The insect repellant articles are particularly useful in repelling insects such as bees, which can cause allergic reactions in pets or other animals.

The disclosed pest repellants are comprised of dried rosemary leaves and dried lavender buds that are infused into a volume of water. Some embodiments include one or more of the following: basil leaves, lemon grass, thyme leaves, and/or oregano leaves. Other embodiments of the disclosed invention include methods for preparing the pest repellent comprising rosemary leaves, lavender buds, and in some embodiments basil leaves, lemon grass, thyme leaves and/or oregano leaves. The disclosed methods comprising heating water to boiling or near boiling, steeping a package of herbal mix in the water for a period of time, removing the package from the infusion, diluting the infusion to the desired strength, and placing the repellant into a sprayer.

The disclosed pest repellants are comprised of dried rosemary leaves and dried lavender buds that are infused into a volume of water. Some embodiments include one or more of the following: basil leaves, lemon grass, thyme leaves, and/or oregano leaves. Other embodiments of the disclosed invention include methods for preparing the pest repellent comprising rosemary leaves, lavender buds, and in some embodiments basil leaves, lemon grass, thyme leaves and/or oregano leaves. The disclosed methods comprising heating water to boiling or near boiling, steeping a package of herbal mix in the water for a period of time, removing the package from the infusion, diluting the infusion to the desired strength, and placing the repellant into a sprayer.

A non-nematicidal composition comprises at least one glucan and/or at least one fucan which act individually or synergistically with mannitol to reduce losses in crop yield and marketable grade caused by the infestation of growth media with plant pathogenic nematodes, to levels equivalent to those achieved with commercial nematicides, but without posing a risk to the ecosystem or user. In some cases the composition comprises at least one glucan, at least one fucan and at least one mannitol which may be in a weight/weight ratio of approximately 1:2:3 of at least one glucan:at least one fucan:at least one mannitol or between approximately 1:1:1 to 1:1:3 of at least one glucan:at least one fucan:at least one mannitol.

A non-nematicidal composition comprises at least one glucan and/or at least one fucan which act individually or synergistically with mannitol to reduce losses in crop yield and marketable grade caused by the infestation of growth media with plant pathogenic nematodes, to levels equivalent to those achieved with commercial nematicides, but without posing a risk to the ecosystem or user. In some cases the composition comprises at least one glucan, at least one fucan and at least one mannitol which may be in a weight/weight ratio of approximately 1:2:3 of at least one glucan:at least one fucan:at least one mannitol or between approximately 1:1:1 to 1:1:3 of at least one glucan:at least one fucan:at least one mannitol.