Plant cuticle supplements and methods of their use are provided.

Plant cuticle supplements and methods of their use are provided.

The current invention includes systems, methods and compositions for the generation of sRNA molecules using select RNase III mutants. In one preferred embodiment, invention includes systems, methods and compositions for the generation of sRNA molecules using RNase III mutants to control a host pathogen through the production and diffusion of sRNA molecules that may initiate an RNAi pathway response directed to a host pathogen. Additional embodiments of the current invention include systems, methods and compositions for the DICER-independent generation of sRNA molecules using select RNase III mutants.

The current invention includes systems, methods and compositions for the generation of sRNA molecules using select RNase III mutants. In one preferred embodiment, invention includes systems, methods and compositions for the generation of sRNA molecules using RNase III mutants to control a host pathogen through the production and diffusion of sRNA molecules that may initiate an RNAi pathway response directed to a host pathogen. Additional embodiments of the current invention include systems, methods and compositions for the DICER-independent generation of sRNA molecules using select RNase III mutants.

The disclosure relates to a slow-release biodegradable composite pesticide plug that can be used for trunk injection delivery of pesticides to protect woody plants such as trees (e.g., fruit trees) against pests. The composite pesticide plug generally includes a thermoplastic polymer matrix with a water-soluble thermoplastic polymer component, a cellulosic reinforcement, and a pesticide or other active ingredient. After injection into the tree trunk, the composite pesticide plug provides a uniform, relatively consistent dose of pesticide or other active ingredient to all parts of the tree throughout the growing season, thus reducing waste of material and cost. The biodegradable nature of the composite plug also enhances the healing of the tree after injection.

The disclosure relates to a slow-release biodegradable composite pesticide plug that can be used for trunk injection delivery of pesticides to protect woody plants such as trees (e.g., fruit trees) against pests. The composite pesticide plug generally includes a thermoplastic polymer matrix with a water-soluble thermoplastic polymer component, a cellulosic reinforcement, and a pesticide or other active ingredient. After injection into the tree trunk, the composite pesticide plug provides a uniform, relatively consistent dose of pesticide or other active ingredient to all parts of the tree throughout the growing season, thus reducing waste of material and cost. The biodegradable nature of the composite plug also enhances the healing of the tree after injection.

The current invention includes systems, methods and compositions for the generation of sRNA molecules using select RNase III mutants. In one preferred embodiment, invention includes systems, methods and compositions for the generation of sRNA molecules using RNase III mutants to control a host pathogen through the production and diffusion of sRNA molecules that may initiate an RNAi pathway response directed to a host pathogen. Additional embodiments of the current invention include systems, methods and compositions for the DICER-independent generation of sRNA molecules using select RNase III mutants.

There is a need for a selective, low-risk herbicide that can be used to control weeds in cereal cultures and turf. The present invention discloses that a bacterial secondary metabolite, thaxtomin and optionally another herbicide is an effective herbicide on broadleaved, sedge and grass weeds. Thaxtomin A and structurally similar compounds can be used as natural herbicides to control the germination and growth of weeds in cereal, turf grass, Timothy grass and pasture grass cultures with no phytotoxicity to these crops. As a natural, non-toxic compound, thaxtomin can be used as a safe alternative for weed control in both conventional and organic farming and gardening systems.

There is a need for a selective, low-risk herbicide that can be used to control weeds in cereal cultures and turf. The present invention discloses that a bacterial secondary metabolite, thaxtomin and optionally another herbicide is an effective herbicide on broadleaved, sedge and grass weeds. Thaxtomin A and structurally similar compounds can be used as natural herbicides to control the germination and growth of weeds in cereal, turf grass, Timothy grass and pasture grass cultures with no phytotoxicity to these crops. As a natural, non-toxic compound, thaxtomin can be used as a safe alternative for weed control in both conventional and organic farming and gardening systems.

There is a need for a selective, low-risk herbicide that can be used to control weeds in cereal cultures and turf. The present invention discloses that a bacterial secondary metabolite, thaxtomin and optionally another herbicide is an effective herbicide on broadleaved, sedge and grass weeds. Thaxtomin A and structurally similar compounds can be used as natural herbicides to control the germination and growth of weeds in cereal, turf grass, Timothy grass and pasture grass cultures with no phytotoxicity to these crops. As a natural, non-toxic compound, thaxtomin can be used as a safe alternative for weed control in both conventional and organic farming and gardening systems.