This invention provides low-dose, low-concentration formulations of phytotoxic trace inorganic compounds for use in methods and systems for selectively and effectively controlling invasive plants.

Effective delivery of an insecticide to a growing plant can sometimes be problematic. Topical delivery of an insecticide at the post-emergence stage of growth can sometimes be ineffective. It can also be difficult to deliver an insecticide to the roots of a growing plant, such as to combat a subsurface insect infestation. Accordingly, soil blends having insecticidal activity can comprise a soil medium, a porous soil additive, and an insecticide dispersed within the soil medium. Such soil blends may be used in conjunction with cultivating a variety of plants. Methods for producing the soil blends can comprise providing a soil medium and a porous soil additive, and dispersing the porous soil additive and an insecticide within the soil medium.

A composition including (a) at least one (thio)phosphoric acid triamide (T) according to the general formula (Ia)

R.sup.a1R.sup.a2N—P(X)(NH.sub.2).sub.2  (Ia)

wherein X is oxygen or sulfur; R.sup.a1 is a C.sub.1 to C.sub.20 alkyl, C.sub.3 to C.sub.20 cycloalkyl, C.sub.6 to C.sub.20 aryl, or dialkylaminocarbonyl group; R.sup.a2 is H; or R.sup.a1 and R.sup.a2 together with the nitrogen atom linking them define a 5- or 6-membered saturated or unsaturated heterocyclic radical, which optionally comprises 1 or 2 further heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur; and (b) at least one specific herbicide.

A method for enhancing or reducing photosynthetic activity, wherein non-toxic, pigmented matter is applied to a photosynthetic organism. Depending on the composition of the pigmented matter, the method will have the effect of enhancing, reducing, or inhibiting photosynthetic activity.

A method for enhancing or reducing photosynthetic activity, wherein non-toxic, pigmented matter is applied to a photosynthetic organism. Depending on the composition of the pigmented matter, the method will have the effect of enhancing, reducing, or inhibiting photosynthetic activity.

Disclosed are compositions comprising chitosan, glucosamine and amino acids, where the concentration of chitosan is greater than 1.5 wt % and glucosamine is greater than 1.5 wt %. In preferred embodiments the concentration of chitosan is from 2 to 2.5 wt % and glucosamine is 2 to 6 wt %. The composition can also include solid chitin. The composition can also include trace elements, protein and other polysaccharides. The composition is generally a liquid but may be a solid. In most embodiments, the solid can be reconstituted with water prior to use. In preferred embodiments, the composition comprises HYTd and at least one of, HYTa, HYTb and HYTc. In other embodiments the composition comprises HYTd and two or more of, HYTa, HYTb and HYTc. The composition can also comprise HYTd, HYTa, HYTb and HYTc. In the disclosed processes soil, seed, seedling or plant foliage are contacted with HYTd or any of the above compositions.

Controlling insect damage in a plant. In one embodiment, the methods include applying insecticide and at least one fertilizer in-furrow at planting. In particular examples, methods of controlling cutworms in corn include applying tefluthrin and at least one pop-up fertilizer in-furrow at planting.

Controlling insect damage in a plant. In one embodiment, the methods include applying insecticide and at least one fertilizer in-furrow at planting. In particular examples, methods of controlling cutworms in corn include applying tefluthrin and at least one pop-up fertilizer in-furrow at planting.

A method for preparing a solid Trichoderma seed from direct fermentation of crop straws with Trichoderma, and a product prepared by using the same. The method includes adding a liquid amino acid to the crop straws, adjusting the initial pH to 3.0-4.0, and inoculating a liquid Trichoderma seed for solid fermentation. An acidity that allows Trichoderma to grow and multiply rapidly and inhibits the growth of other non-target fungi is established in the material by adjusting its pH value, an optimum nutritional formula for Trichoderma is screened out, and an inexpensive proprietary process for preparing a solid Trichoderma seed through fermentation is established. 1% of the solid Trichoderma seed is added to a matured compost, which allows the density of Trichoderma spores in the Trichoderma amended bioorganic fertilizer to reach above 5×10.sup.7 spores/g, and the production increasing effect is considerable after the Trichoderma amended bioorganic fertilizer is applied.

Disclosed are an antiviral composition, a composition for controlling plant viruses, and a method for controlling plant viruses using the composition. Trichodermin or Trichoderminol which is a tricothecene-based compound and is isolated from Trichoderma albolutescenes strain has antiviral activities against various plant viruses and is thus suitable for controlling plant viruses. This description can facilitate mass production of an active component derived from natural products, provide environment-friendly antifungal agents, which do not harm plants, using safe materials, and be variously utilized in agricultural fields, for example, such as production of high-value crops.