The present invention provides a synergistic composition of a nematicide comprising of combination of chalcones, chalcone 17 and chalcone 25, or chalcone 17 and chalcone 30 with potent nematicidal and nematostatic properties. The chalcones individually show 100% nematicidal activity at a concentration as high as 10.sup.−2-10.sup.−3 M, whereas, the combination of chalcone 17 and chalcone 25, or chalcone 17 and chalcone 30, show 100% nematicidal activity at concentration as low as 10.sup.−4-10.sup.−6 M bringing a synergistic effect, wherein the ratio of the chalcones is 1:1. These combinations of the chalcones also show potent nematostatic activity compared to each chalcone individually. This synergistic nematicidal composition is environmentally safe and non-toxic to humans and animals.

Although a variety of pest control agents have been used for many years, many of these pest control agents have various problems, such as insufficient effectiveness, and restriction on use thereof due to resistance acquired by pests, and the like. Therefore, it is desired to develop a novel pest control agent that is less likely to have such drawbacks. One of objects of the present invention is to provide a highly active compound or a salt thereof against a pest. The present invention relates to an N-(4-pyridyl)nicotinamide compound represented by the following formula (I) (in the formula (I), for each substituent, see Description) or a salt thereof.

##STR00001##

The present invention provides a compound that have excellent harmful arthropod controlling effects, the compounds being represented by formula (I) [wherein Q represents a group represented by formula Q1 or the like, Z represents an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom, A.sup.1 represents a nitrogen atom or CR.sup.6a, A.sup.2 represents a nitrogen atom or CR.sup.6b, A.sup.3 represents a nitrogen atom or CR.sup.6c, A.sup.4 represents CR.sup.1a or the like, A.sup.5 represents a nitrogen atom or CR.sup.6e or the like, A.sup.6 represents a nitrogen atom or CR.sup.6f, R.sup.6a represents a hydrogen atom or the like, R.sup.6b represents a C1-C6 chain hydrocarbon group or the like, R.sup.6c, R.sup.6e, R.sup.6f are identical to or different from each other, and each represents a C1-C6 chain hydrocarbon group or the like, R.sup.1a represents a C1-C6 chain hydrocarbon group or the like, R.sup.2 represents a C1-C6 chain hydrocarbon group or the like, R.sup.3 represents a C1-C6 chain hydrocarbon group or the like, and n is 0, 1 or 2] or its N oxide compound.

##STR00001##

Described are compositions and methods relating to a coated granule comprising a core coated with cross-linkable polymer, where the cross-linkable polymer is applied using a feed suspension that includes an acid-neutralized volatile base and a calcium salt insoluble at the pH of the neutralized feed suspension. Volatilization of the base decreases the pH of the feed suspension, thereby solubilizing the calcium salt, and inducing in situ ion-mediated cross-linking of the cross-linkable polymer.

Provided herein are long-acting, non-aqueous pharmaceutically acceptable compositions of active ingredients for topical administration.

The present invention relates to methods and compositions for identifying, selecting and/or producing a Disease resistant soybean plant or germplasm using markers, genes and chromosomal intervals derived from Glycine tomentella PI441001, PI441008, PI446958, PI583970, or PI483224. A soybean plant or germplasm that has been identified, selected and/or produced by any of the methods of the present invention is also provided. Disease resistant soybean seeds, plants and germplasms are also provided.

A compound represented by formula (I) or a salt thereof. ##STR00001## In formula (I), R.sup.1 and R.sup.4 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, or an unsubstituted or substituted C1 to C6 alkyl group or the like. R.sup.2 represents a hydrogen atom, or an unsubstituted or substituted C1 to C6 alkyl group or the like. R.sup.3 represents an unsubstituted or substituted C1 to C6 alkyl group or the like. R.sup.5 represents a C1 to C6 haloalkyl group or the like. G represents an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom. R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, or an unsubstituted or substituted C1 to C6 alkyl group or the like. n represents 0 or 1. R.sup.8 and R.sup.9 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, or an unsubstituted or substituted C1 to C6 alkyl group. Ar represents an unsubstituted or substituted C6 to C10 aryl group or the like.

The present invention is directed to a synthetic nematocidal composition comprising a mixture of developmental stages of a predatory nematode, and methods of using same, such as for protecting a plant from a plant-parasitic nematode.

The present invention is directed to a synthetic nematocidal composition comprising a mixture of developmental stages of a predatory nematode, and methods of using same, such as for protecting a plant from a plant-parasitic nematode.

Provided are bioactive compositions and metabolites derived from Bacillus and particularly Bacillus megaterium cultures responsible for controlling pests as well as their methods of use for controlling pests. Further provided are pesticidal Bacillus megaterium strains.