The present invention relates to Bacillus methylotrophicus strain DR-08 which produces a natural volatile compound and has antimicrobial activity, and a use thereof. The Bacillus methylotrophicus strain DR-08 according to the present invention, which is an antagonistic microorganism for controlling phytopathogenic microorganisms, and secondary metabolites produced by the strain, which include antibacterially- and antifungally-active non-volatile and volatile materials, are harmless to humans and domestic animals, and exhibit excellent control activity against various phytopathogenic bacteria and fungi while not causing environmental pollution. Thus, the strain and the secondary metabolites can be very usefully used for controlling various plant diseases in an environmentally-friendly manner.

A package 10 comprises a main body 12 for containing a seed lubricant; and a chamber 24 for retaining microorganisms in a viable state, wherein the main body 12 and the chamber 24 are separated by a disruptable dividing member 32, and further comprising a mechanism for disrupting the dividing member 32 such that the seed lubricant and the microorganisms may be blended just prior to deployment on a seed planter and wherein the main body 12, the chamber 24 and the disrupting member form an integral package suitable for providing the blend of seed lubricant and viable microorganisms to seeds in a seed planter.

A package 10 comprises a main body 12 for containing a seed lubricant; and a chamber 24 for retaining microorganisms in a viable state, wherein the main body 12 and the chamber 24 are separated by a disruptable dividing member 32, and further comprising a mechanism for disrupting the dividing member 32 such that the seed lubricant and the microorganisms may be blended just prior to deployment on a seed planter and wherein the main body 12, the chamber 24 and the disrupting member form an integral package suitable for providing the blend of seed lubricant and viable microorganisms to seeds in a seed planter.

A device and method for delivering biological material and/or synthetic chemistries to a liquid medium comprising securing a capsule to an opening of a container, the capsule comprising a cap portion for securing the capsule to the container and an elongate portion comprising a cavity defined by a frangible bottom, wherein the cavity comprises live biological material therein and a plunger comprising a disrupting mechanism, suspending the elongate portion of the capsule into an interior cavity of the container, depressing the plunger, cutting or disrupting the frangible bottom of the capsule, and releasing the material into the liquid medium.

A device and method for delivering biological material and/or synthetic chemistries to a liquid medium comprising securing a capsule to an opening of a container, the capsule comprising a cap portion for securing the capsule to the container and an elongate portion comprising a cavity defined by a frangible bottom, wherein the cavity comprises live biological material therein and a plunger comprising a disrupting mechanism, suspending the elongate portion of the capsule into an interior cavity of the container, depressing the plunger, cutting or disrupting the frangible bottom of the capsule, and releasing the material into the liquid medium.

A seed treatment system incorporates an incline conveyor to mix freshly treated seed. A metered seed flow is maintained. A treatment applicator positioned above a tail end of the incline conveyor applies a seed treatment to the metered seed flow to form a treated seed flow. The treated seed flow freefalls into a transition zone and pre-mixes before moving upward within the incline conveyor. An eddy may form within the treated seed flow due to a partial obstruction within the incline conveyor. A prescribed amount of the treated seed flow backflows into the eddy in a cascading manner. Backflow movement may be contrary to conveyance of a substantial amount of the treated seed up through the incline conveyor. The seed treatment distributes about the treated seed flow within the incline conveyor. The treated seed flow discharges with complete cleanout at a head end of the incline conveyor.

Disclosed is a process for the preparation of moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) sprouts by hydroponic cultivation from seed, as well as a process for the preparation of a raw material enriched with isothiocyanates and polyphenols, starting from moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) sprouts obtained from seed by the process and/or from the adult plant, and to the raw material obtained by the process.

Disclosed is a process for the preparation of moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) sprouts by hydroponic cultivation from seed, as well as a process for the preparation of a raw material enriched with isothiocyanates and polyphenols, starting from moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) sprouts obtained from seed by the process and/or from the adult plant, and to the raw material obtained by the process.

A seed coating assembly (16) includes a housing (36) with a high-speed rotary coating atomizer (66) therein, and a relatively slow speed rotatable body (42) equipped with through-slots (44) located above the atomizer (66) in a location to divert and evenly spread incoming seeds prior to coating thereof. The body (42) is preferably a substantially circular disk mounted coaxially with the atomizer (66) at a distance of from about 1.5-10 inches above the atomizer (66).

A seed coating assembly (16) includes a housing (36) with a high-speed rotary coating atomizer (66) therein, and a relatively slow speed rotatable body (42) equipped with through-slots (44) located above the atomizer (66) in a location to divert and evenly spread incoming seeds prior to coating thereof. The body (42) is preferably a substantially circular disk mounted coaxially with the atomizer (66) at a distance of from about 1.5-10 inches above the atomizer (66).