This disclosure includes a method of improving dormancy break and of perennial tree fruits, and ameliorating uniformity of ripening for manual and mechanical harvests, by the trunk and foliar application of brassinosteroids. The method is able to be based on natural and synthesized material, 24-epibrassinolide and other commercial brassinolides, in contrast to those chemicals based on hydrogen cyanamide or calcium ammonium nitrate that causes skin irritation and serious eye irritation. The method includes inducing bud-breaking of all perennial tree fruits, especially all grapevines after forced dormancy in tropical and subtropical climates, and later treatments with brassinolides or other growth regulators at fruit sizing stage and/or early ripening stage for uniform ripening. This disclosure provides alternative and safe option and possibilities to growers for labor saving manual and mechanical harvests.

This disclosure includes a method of improving dormancy break and of perennial tree fruits, and ameliorating uniformity of ripening for manual and mechanical harvests, by the trunk and foliar application of brassinosteroids. The method is able to be based on natural and synthesized material, 24-epibrassinolide and other commercial brassinolides, in contrast to those chemicals based on hydrogen cyanamide or calcium ammonium nitrate that causes skin irritation and serious eye irritation. The method includes inducing bud-breaking of all perennial tree fruits, especially all grapevines after forced dormancy in tropical and subtropical climates, and later treatments with brassinolides or other growth regulators at fruit sizing stage and/or early ripening stage for uniform ripening. This disclosure provides alternative and safe option and possibilities to growers for labor saving manual and mechanical harvests.

The present invention describes methods and product for protection against microbial colonization associated with the use of hygienic products, such as diapers, bandages, sanitary napkins, tampons, gowns, facemasks, table covers, and the like, through significantly minimizing, inhibiting, or preventing microbial colonization in the hygienic product material. The present invention provides for using a hygienic product containing at least one inner layer of its composition that is integrated with an effective amount of natural, viable, non-pathogenic, antimicrobial, Terpinen-4-ol, for inhibiting the growth and multiplication of microorganisms. The method used for integrating the natural antimicrobial product, the Terpinen-4-ol, to the selected sanitary product layer utilizes, amongst others, a nanotechnology process.

The present invention describes methods and product for protection against microbial colonization associated with the use of hygienic products, such as diapers, bandages, sanitary napkins, tampons, gowns, facemasks, table covers, and the like, through significantly minimizing, inhibiting, or preventing microbial colonization in the hygienic product material. The present invention provides for using a hygienic product containing at least one inner layer of its composition that is integrated with an effective amount of natural, viable, non-pathogenic, antimicrobial, Terpinen-4-ol, for inhibiting the growth and multiplication of microorganisms. The method used for integrating the natural antimicrobial product, the Terpinen-4-ol, to the selected sanitary product layer utilizes, amongst others, a nanotechnology process.

The present invention describes methods and product for protection against microbial colonization associated with the use of hygienic products, such as diapers, bandages, sanitary napkins, tampons, gowns, facemasks, table covers, and the like, through significantly minimizing, inhibiting, or preventing microbial colonization in the hygienic product material. The present invention provides for using a hygienic product containing at least one inner layer of its composition that is integrated with an effective amount of natural, viable, non-pathogenic, antimicrobial, Terpinen-4-ol, for inhibiting the growth and multiplication of microorganisms. The method used for integrating the natural antimicrobial product, the Terpinen-4-ol, to the selected sanitary product layer utilizes, amongst others, a nanotechnology process.

Disclosed are compositions for attracting insects (e.g., harmful or troublesome insects such as blood-sucking and biting insects, ticks and mites) to an object (e.g., insect trap) or area (e.g., field, orchard). Also disclosed are methods for attracting insects involving treating (or exposing) the object or area with a composition containing compounds described herein (e.g., a pro-fragrance compound selected from the group consisting of an acetal, a ketal, hemiacetal and mixtures thereof, wherein at least one of a parent aldehyde, ketone, or alcohol of the pro-fragrance acetal or ketal is a fragrance compound), and optionally a carrier or carrier material.

Disclosed are compositions for attracting insects (e.g., harmful or troublesome insects such as blood-sucking and biting insects, ticks and mites) to an object (e.g., insect trap) or area (e.g., field, orchard). Also disclosed are methods for attracting insects involving treating (or exposing) the object or area with a composition containing compounds described herein (e.g., a pro-fragrance compound selected from the group consisting of an acetal, a ketal, hemiacetal and mixtures thereof, wherein at least one of a parent aldehyde, ketone, or alcohol of the pro-fragrance acetal or ketal is a fragrance compound), and optionally a carrier or carrier material.

Compositions and methods of inhibiting bacterial growth and biofilm formation on surfaces by contacting the surface with an aqueous solution of at least one compound among a terpene, terpene alcohol, and acid obtained from a plant containing such a compound. Exemplary surfaces include tubing used in beer delivery lines in a brewery/restaurant setting, and medical tubing.

Compositions and methods of inhibiting bacterial growth and biofilm formation on surfaces by contacting the surface with an aqueous solution of at least one compound among a terpene, terpene alcohol, and acid obtained from a plant containing such a compound. Exemplary surfaces include tubing used in beer delivery lines in a brewery/restaurant setting, and medical tubing.

The present invention relates to compositions comprising menthone, either alone (i.e., isolated) or within an essential oil such as peppermint oil, for attracting pests, in particular acarids. The present invention also relates to methods and devices for attracting pests, in particular acarids.