The present invention relates to a broad-spectrum biocidal composition, with fungicidal and bactericidal activity, containing metal or metal oxide nanoparticles, polymeric thickeners, plant extracts, surfactants, and additives in an aqueous solvent, as well as the method for in situ production of said metal nanoparticles under controlled operating conditions: concentration, volumetric ratio, time, agitation, temperature, and pH, using plant extracts as reducing agents.

A system for reducing the incidence or severity of fungal infection of a plant, comprising a chemical fungicide component, which may be provided by foliar or root (soil or liquid nutrient) application, together with an antifungal plant defensin not in nature expressed in the plant being protected or expressed in lower amounts or in different tissues, provides synergistic improvement in protection against infection by a plant pathogenic fungus which is susceptible to the defensin and the fungicide. The fungicide can be a strobilurin or a triazole, and the defensin can be selected from a wide range of known defensins, for example, NaD1 and others, or it can be a chimeric defensin engineered for low toxicity to the plant. The defensin can be provided as a protein formulation, optionally together with the fungicide, or it can be provided by recombinant expression in the plant to be protected from fungal infection.

A system for reducing the incidence or severity of fungal infection of a plant, comprising a chemical fungicide component, which may be provided by foliar or root (soil or liquid nutrient) application, together with an antifungal plant defensin not in nature expressed in the plant being protected or expressed in lower amounts or in different tissues, provides synergistic improvement in protection against infection by a plant pathogenic fungus which is susceptible to the defensin and the fungicide. The fungicide can be a strobilurin or a triazole, and the defensin can be selected from a wide range of known defensins, for example, NaD1 and others, or it can be a chimeric defensin engineered for low toxicity to the plant. The defensin can be provided as a protein formulation, optionally together with the fungicide, or it can be provided by recombinant expression in the plant to be protected from fungal infection.

A system for reducing the incidence or severity of fungal infection of a plant, comprising a chemical fungicide component, which may be provided by foliar or root (soil or liquid nutrient) application, together with an antifungal plant defensin not in nature expressed in the plant being protected or expressed in lower amounts or in different tissues, provides synergistic improvement in protection against infection by a plant pathogenic fungus which is susceptible to the defensin and the fungicide. The fungicide can be a strobilurin or a triazole, and the defensin can be selected from a wide range of known defensins, for example, NaD1 and others, or it can be a chimeric defensin engineered for low toxicity to the plant. The defensin can be provided as a protein formulation, optionally together with the fungicide, or it can be provided by recombinant expression in the plant to be protected from fungal infection.

Pure saponins and processes for making such saponins are described herein. In addition, cosmetic compositions, such as skin care compositions, comprising such saponins and methods for improving skin health and appearance with such skincare compositions are also described herein.

A method for forming a composition that includes mixing an antimicrobially active botanical oil (e.g., thymol, carvacrol, etc.) and a modified starch polymer within a melt blending device (e.g., extruder) is provided. Unlike the problems associated with proteins, the use of starch polymers allows for a greater degree of flexibility in the processing conditions and is still able to achieve good properties in the resulting composition. The present inventors have also discovered that a plasticizer may be employed to facilitate melt processing of the starch, as well as to enhance the ability of the botanical oil to flow into the internal structure of the starch where it can be retained in a stable manner. The composition is also typically generally free of solvents. In this manner, the starch will not generally disperse before use and prematurely release the botanical oil. Due to the water sensitivity of the modified starch, however, it may be subsequently dispersed by moisture when it is desired to release the botanical oil.

A method for forming a composition that includes mixing an antimicrobially active botanical oil (e.g., thymol, carvacrol, etc.) and a modified starch polymer within a melt blending device (e.g., extruder) is provided. Unlike the problems associated with proteins, the use of starch polymers allows for a greater degree of flexibility in the processing conditions and is still able to achieve good properties in the resulting composition. The present inventors have also discovered that a plasticizer may be employed to facilitate melt processing of the starch, as well as to enhance the ability of the botanical oil to flow into the internal structure of the starch where it can be retained in a stable manner. The composition is also typically generally free of solvents. In this manner, the starch will not generally disperse before use and prematurely release the botanical oil. Due to the water sensitivity of the modified starch, however, it may be subsequently dispersed by moisture when it is desired to release the botanical oil.

The present invention relates to a novel plant defense signaling peptide and applications thereof.

The present invention relates to a novel plant defense signaling peptide and applications thereof.

A trichome and pistil maturing bud finisher plant treatment formula to which plants, pollinators, and humans respond favorably but which deters insects and contagions. The formulas include a series of edible spices claimed in specific ratios. The spices comprise food grade products manufactured for human consumption and specifically comprise Garlic, Ginger, Cinnamon, Turmeric, Clove, Black Pepper, Powdered Ancho Chili, Coriander, Cayenne, Cumin, Fenugreek, Nutmeg, and Oregano. In the bud finisher formula, these spices are mixed with potassium bicarbonate in a first container in relative quantities. Meanwhile, the bud finisher formula requires mixing sesame oil with apple cider vinegar, also in a particular ratio. The bud finisher formula matures pistils and trichomes. An alternative bud shield formula excludes the potassium bicarbonate and apple cider vinegar to also mature trichomes but matures pistils at a slower rate. After dilution the plant treatment formula is applied to all surfaces of the plant.