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Agriculture

"US Town Uses Hot Water -- Not Herbicides -- To Control Weeds"

Plants with Broad-Spectrum Pesticidal Properties

Agricultural Research (February 2003) :"Radio Frequency Puts the Heat on Plant Pests"

Joel Sternheimer: "French Physicist Creates New Melodies -- Plant Songs"

Joel Sternheimer's Patents

Norman T. Harding, Jr: US Patent # 4,756,755, "Rodent Repellent Liquids"

AstroMeteorology & Agriculture

Biochemical Stimulation of Plant Growth

Biodynamic Activated Ferments

"Termites Repelled By Catnip Oil"; USDA Forest Service (3-26-03)

Companion Plants

Insect-Repellant Plants

Beneficial Insects

ElectroCulture Patents

"Novel Farm Machine Checks Soil Erosion" (Popular Science, August 1937)

"Fruit Grove Protection System" (Pop. Sci., November 1940, p. 20)

"Scientists Find New Plant Growth Booster" (Beaumont Enterprise, May 1985)

"Rubber Coated Seeds Resist Parasites" (Pop. Sci., September 1937)

Robert Martin: "Amazing Machine Picks Seeds That Will Grow" (Pop. Sci., January 1940)

"Shocking Weeds to Death" (Popular Science, September 1946)

"Fence Shocks Fish" (Pop. Sci., October 1947)

"Electricity Controls Tree Growth" (Pop. Sci., August 1935)

"Electricity as a Tree Pest Cure"; Scientific American (27 May 1916, p. 549)

Thomas G. Hieronymous: "Cosmiculture"

"US Town Uses Hot Water -- Not Herbicides -- To Control Weeds"Pesticide Action Network North America (PANNA)

Carrboro, North Carolina, is killing weeds with water instead of chemicals. The town is using a machine thatsuperheats water and dispenses it in a carefully controlled stream to kill weeds without using toxic chemicalherbicides. The equipment, which is made in New Zealand, is in use in several other countries but is almost

unknown in the United States.

Carrboro is testing the equipment to implement the town's least toxic Integrated Pest Management policy,adopted in March 1999. The policy calls for phasing out use of conventional pesticides, including herbicides, ontown property, but does not apply to the local residents, their property or businesses. City leaders hope to show

Page 1 of 37Agriculture: Electroculture, Biodynamic agriculture, Joel Sternheimer Plant Protein M...

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how beautiful grounds can be achieved without poisoning the environment.

To date, efforts to reduce pesticide use have emphasized alternatives to conventional herbicides. An earlieranalysis of Carrboro's pest management practices showed that more \pesticides were used on weeds than for anyother purpose. Weeds are a problem around buildings and parking lots, along curbs and gutters and in parks. Thetown is using a comprehensive approach, rather seeking a single solution, including a biodegradable herbicidemade from corn gluten, propane flamers which kill plants by singing them, thick mulch on plant beds to smotherweeds, and now hot water.

The machine in use in Carrboro produces a steady stream of near-boiling water that kills weeds by melting thewaxy outer coating of their leaves. The self-contained machine is mounted on a small truck with hoses connectedto long-handled applicator wands. A quick spray on unwanted weeds kills them; the plants darken almostimmediately and turn brown within a few hours. The flow of water is low and cools quickly. While the resultslook very much like that of a contact herbicide, there is no toxic residue and the area is immediately safe for play.

"That's what it is all about," said Allen Spalt, Director of the Agricultural Resources Center and a member of theCarrboro Board of Aldermen. "We want to find ways to reduce pesticide use so that we can eliminate the risk ofany child being poisoned. Carrboro already uses only small amounts of pesticides; we believe that this hot watersystem may be part of the solution to reducing use completely."

The hot water system, on loan to Carrboro until the end of June, will be used by town staff, who will alsodemonstrate it for other interested parties. At the conclusion of the trials, a final decision will be made whether ornot the town will purchase the equipment.

http://www.ghorganics.com/HotWeedKiller.htmhttp://metalab.unc.edu/arc Pesticide Action Network North America (PANNA) ~ http://www.panna.org/

Plants with Broad-Spectrum Pesticidal Properties

Source: Grainge, M. & Ahmed, S.: Handbook of Plants with Pest-Control Properties; 1988, Resource SystemsInst., East-West Center, Honolulu, HI. Wiley & Sons, New York.

Grainge, M. RIC, East-West Centre, Honolulu, Hawai, U.SAhmed, S. Resource Systems Institute (RIC), East-West Centre, Honolulu, Hawai, United States

African Marigold (Tagetes erecta)American False Hellebore (Veratrum viride)

Angel's Trumpet (Datura metel)Black Pepper (Piper nigrum)Castor Bean (Ricinus communis)Chinaberry, Persian Lilac (Melia azedarach)Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium)Cockroach Plant (Haplophyton cimicidium )Custard Apple (Annona reticulata)Derris (Derris elliptica)Devil's Shoestring (Tephrosia virginiana)European White Hellebore (Veratrum album)French Marigold (Tagetes patula)Ginger (Zingiber officinale)Goatweed (Ageratum conyzoides)Indian Aconite (Aconitum ferox)Jimsonweed (Datura stramonium)

Mammey Apple Tree (Mammea americana)Neem Tree (Azadirachta indica)Peanut (Arachis hypogaea)Purging Cotton (Croton tiglium)Sabadilla (Schoenocaulon officinale)Southern Prickly Ash (Zanthoxylum clava-herculis)Sugar Apple (Annona squamosa)Sweetcane (Mundulea suberosa)Sweetflag (Acorus calamus)Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum)Tung Tree (Aleurites fordii)Vogel Tephrosia (Tephrosia vogelii)Wild Tobacco (Nicotiana rustica)

Chili Peppers act effectively as a stomach poison, repellent, antifeedant and viroid against: Ants, Aphids,

Caterpillars, Colorado Beetle, Cabbage Worm, Rice Weevil, Cucumber Mosaic Virus, Cucumber Ringspot Virus,Tobacco Etch, & Tobacco Mosaic Virus.

Derris (D. elliptica) dust is effective against: Adzuki Bean Beetle, Army Worms, American Bollworm,Diamondback Moth, Fruit Flies, Mediterranean Fruit Fly, Melon Aphid, Pyricularia oryzae (fungus).




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Garlic fights against: Aphids, Army Worms, Colorado Beetle, False Codling Moth, Kharpa Beetle, MexicanBean Beetle, Inported Cabbage Worm, Wire worms.

Mammey Apple (Mammea americana) powdered seeds vs: Aphids, Diamondback Moth, Cucumber Beetle,Imported Cabbage worm, Melon Worm, Mites, Rice Weevil.

Neem (Azadirachta indica) has been found to be effective against about 100 pests including: AmericanBollworm, Aphids, Brown Rice Plant Hopper, Diamondback Moth, Cabbage Worm, Colorado Beetle,Cutworms, Desert Locust, Fall Arm Worm, Flea Beetle, Green Rice Leaf Hopper, Large Cabbage Worm, Leaf

Miner, Mediteranean Fruitfly, Mexican Bean Beetle, Migratory Locust, Mites, Potato Jassid, Rice Stalk Borers,Spotted Stalk Borers, Variegated Grasshopper, White-Backed Rice Plant Hopper, White Fly.

Chrysanthemum (C. cinerariaefolium) contains pyrethrum, effective against: Aphids, Coffee Bugs, ColoradoBeetle, Flea Beetles, Grasshoppers, Cabbage Worm, and many other beetles, caterpillars, beetles, locusts, mites,moths, thrips, etc.

Quassia (Q. amara) is a contact- and stomach poison, insecticide, larvicide, and nematicide, and also actssystematically against: Aphids, Diamondback Moth, Caterpillars, Colorado Beetle, Leaf Miners, Melonworm,Mites, Black Carpet Beetle, and Silkworm. It is not effective against: Codling Moth, Mexican Bean Beetle, orPeach Aphid.

Agricultural Research (February 2003) ~

"Radio Frequency Puts the Heat on Plant Pests"

To prevent influx of pests that could create agricultural problems, produce-importing nations enforce strict rules --depending on the commodity and the infesting insect. The rules often require vulnerable produce to be treated insome way that ensures destruction of pests.

For several decades, methyl bromide has been a mainstay treatment to kill a wide array of quarantined pests aswell as those encountered in orchards, packinghouses, and food plants. But this potent chemical fumigant isbeing phased out because of evidence linking it to damage to Earth's ozone layer.

Although the effectiveness of using radio waves to kill destructive insects in agricultural products has beenknown for 70 years, the technique has never been applied on a commercial scale. A recent cooperative effort byfour ARS research laboratories and two universities aims to overcome the technical barriers for the use of radiowave heating to control pests on a commercial scale.

Electromagnetic waves of radio frequency can make molecules vibrate and heat up -- like microwaves heat food.The trick is to kill pest insects without killing the taste or texture of the food they infest.

Since 2000, a team led by Juming "Jimmy" Tang of Washington State University (WSU) in Pullman, involvingfour ARS laboratories and the University of California-Davis (UC-Davis), has been working on a 4-year study tosee whether radio waves would be an economical, environmentally friendly alternative to methyl bromide andother chemicals to effectively rid fruits and nuts of live, quarantined insects.

In Texas -- It's Chiefly Citrus ~

In Weslaco, Texas, ARS entomologist Guy J. Hallman is checking out use of radio frequency treatment of citrusagainst the Mexican fruit fly. He's in the Crop Quality and Fruit Insect Research Unit at the Kika de la GarzaSubtropical Agricultural Research Center. Hallman is developing a device to simulate what's needed to heat-treatcitrus fruit with radio waves commercially.

"We're trying to bridge the gap between the laboratory and real world," says Hallman. "Once we know how totreat fruit in a commercial situation and how much it will cost, any producer, shipper, or packinghouse operatorcan use the information to decide whether radio wave pest control is a viable option."

In Hallman's system, citrus fruit would pass through a conveyor between a series of radio frequency heaters. Tosimulate a commercial system in the laboratory, the fruit are conveyed in a circulating water bath to keep themmoving during heating. This would prevent the fruit's overheating from extended contact with any one area of thebath. And to ensure continuous heating from the peel in to the fruit's center --essential to killing all fruit flies thatmight be present-- a bumper would dunk any fruit that bobbed above the water surface. This prevents dark-blackrings from forming around the fruit at the water's surface because of an energy concentration where the watermeets the air.

A method using just hot air to treat fruit in boxes or bins has been tried commercially in Mexico with mixedresults. It takes hours to complete and puts a strain on the fruit's skin, sometimes causing heat damage. Radio

frequency heating can be done in less than half an hour and is less damaging, since the fruit is heated uniformlythroughout.

Hallman has focused on grapefruits but is also working with other citrus, including oranges and tangerines. The




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larger the fruit, he notes, the harder it is to heat uniformly and the more likely to form hot and cold spots.

"This multi-lab project is making a serious effort to take a look at things that haven't been looked at with radiofrequency heating," says Hallman. "I think we stand a good chance of finding out how radio frequencydisinfestation can be done to a large volume of fruits or nuts -- and if it can be done on a commercial scale." Hepredicts that by this summer he'll have a good idea of what the treatment will cost.

In Washington -- Apples and Cherries ~

If you're in Wapato, Washington, don't be enticed by the apples floating in the tub in James Hansen's laboratory.You don't want to go bobbing for them.

There are several reasons, says Hansen, an entomologist with ARS' Yakima Agricultural Research Laboratory.The first is that this particular tub is filled with salt water. Second, if you were to latch onto one of the appleswith your teeth, you might bite the proverbial worm-- a larva hatched from a codling moth egg.

And Hansen wants these apples intact -- no tooth marks, please. Such a mark might skew the results of tests he isconducting on use of radio waves to rid the fruit of live, pesky insects like the codling moth before market -- orshipment to trading partners like South Korea and Japan, where such pests might not already occur. Japan isparticularly stringent about what phytosanitary methods it will accept for disinfesting fresh produce.

This rule also applies to sweet cherries, a tree fruit commodity that generates over $145 million in yearly nationalexport sales, notes Hansen. In cooperation with the team led by Tang, a professor in biological systemsengineering at WSU, Hansen plans to "bathe" tubs full of apples and cherries with radio waves to determine

exposure times that will kill codling moth larvae without affecting fruit quality.

From two lines of research, one focusing on the insects, the other on fruit quality, and three major disciplines --engineering, entomology, and plant physiology -- the collaborators hope to position radio wave treatment as atechnology that can be readily adopted by commercial packinghouses or quarantine operations in lieu of methylbromide.

"Without suitable alternatives to methyl bromide, we're going to be up a creek," ARS horticulturist Stephen R.Drake says of the U.S. fruit industry's fight against quarantined pests. He is with ARS' Tree Fruit ResearchLaboratory in Wenatchee, Washington.

"Ideally, you want to treat the fruit with radio frequency while it's being packed and designated for a particularmarket," Hansen explains. "Commercial packers can't afford to have produce sitting there, so we want thistreatment to kill the insects as soon as it can."

Tang, Hansen, Drake, and Lisa Nevens, an ARS entomologist at Yakima, first began working on the radiofrequency project in 1996.

In California -- Tree Nuts and Dried Fruits ~

Meanwhile, in California, entomologist Judy A. Johnson is also keenly attuned to the potential of radio frequencyenergy to zap destructive insects. Her primary targets? The wiggly larvae of the navel orangeworm, Indianmealmoth, and codling moth. These insects are among the worst enemies of walnuts, almonds, and pistachios and ofdried fruits such as figs and raisins. Johnson has newly added red flour beetle to her list of culprits -- a lesser pestof the nut and fruit crops but a major problem in flour mills and food-processing plants.

Johnson is doing the radio frequency work at the ARS San Joaquin Valley Agricultural Sciences Center atParlier, near Fresno, in close association with cooperators at WSU and UC-Davis. They have already developed apreliminary picture of the target insects' ability to endure heat -- their "thermal tolerance."

The laboratory experiments that Johnson and her ARS and university colleagues conducted are the first toextensively detail the thermal tolerance of the navel orangeworm, Indianmeal moth, and codling moth.

For one test, Johnson and co-investigators drilled tiny holes in over 500 in-the-shell walnuts; enticed the slender,whitish navel orangeworms to enter the shells; then plugged the holes to block the insects' escape. The scientiststhen tried some novel combinations of radio waves and hot forced air, that is, air that's heated and blown into thetest chamber holding the nuts. Radio waves, alone or combined with hot forced air, were used to heat the nuts to55 C (131 F) in about 5 minutes. Hot forced air was then used to keep the nuts at 55 C for 5 or 10 minutes.

"All the treatments killed 100 percent of the navel orangeworms," reports Johnson. What's more, tests led by co-researchers Tang at Pullman and Elizabeth J. Mitcham at UC-Davis, showed that the treatments didn't harm thequality of the nuts -- even in long-term storage.

"That's critical," Johnson points out, "because walnuts are often stored for a year or more before they show up atyour supermarket."

In addition, walnuts are rich in oil, so they're more vulnerable to heat damage than some other kinds of nuts, suchas almonds. "That's why we think that if a treatment is okay for walnuts," Johnson continues, "it will likely beokay for almonds."




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Indianmeal moths proved to be more susceptible to heat than navel orangeworms are. "Indian meal moths aresilvery, and wedge-shaped. If you open a kitchen cupboard where you keep raisins or breakfast cereals and a littlemoth flies out at you," Johnson explains, "chances are it's an Indianmeal moth."

For this experiment, Johnson and her colleagues used metal heating blocks, or plates, specially designed by Tangfor the radio frequency research. They placed target insects in the small gap between the plates, which were thenheated to specific temperatures and held at those temperatures for precise periods.

She and her associates assembled some 15,000 Indianmeal moth larvae for the study, exposing them to

temperatures ranging from 44 C to 52 C (about 111 F to 126 F) for 2 to 100 minutes. "In general," Johnsoncomments, "the lower the temperature, the longer it took to kill the larvae. These readings are the basis for a new,math-based model for projecting the rate of kill at other time-and-temperature regimens. Because of the largenumber of larvae tested and the range of temperatures that we investigated, we're very confident of the accuracyof the model's projections."

Johnson and her cooperators also used the special heat plates to discover more about the amount of time and heatthat it takes to kill navel orangeworms. They exposed 15,000 navel orangeworms to temperatures ranging from46 C to 54 C (about 115 F to 129 F) for 1 to 120 minutes. Using the new data, they created a mathematicalmodel of the navel orangeworm's thermal tolerances.

The findings from the Texas, Washington, and California experiments are an essential starting point for makingthe radio frequency energy approach a success, Johnson says. The scientists have published their findings in theJournal of Economic Entomology, Journal of Stored Products Research, and Postharvest Biology andTechnology.-- By Alfredo Flores, Jan Suszkiw, and Marcia Wood, Agricultural Research Service Information

Staff.

This research is part of Methyl Bromide Alternatives, an ARS National Program (#308) described on the WorldWide Web at http://www.nps.ars.usda.gov/.

Guy J. Hallman is in the USDA-ARS Crop Quality and Fruit Insect Research Unit, Kika de la Garza SubtropicalAgricultural Research Center, 2413 E. Hwy. 83, Bldg. 200, Weslaco, TX 78596; phone (956) 447-6313, fax(956) 447-6345.

Stephen R. Drake is with the USDA-ARS Tree Fruit Research Laboratory, 1104 N. Western Ave., Wenatchee,WA 98801; phone (509) 664-2280, fax (509) 664-2287.

James D. Hansen is in the USDA-ARS Fruit and Vegetable Insect Research Unit, 5230 Konnowac Pass Rd.,Wapato, WA 98951; phone (509) 454-6573, fax (509) 454-5646.

Judy A. Johnson is with the USDA-ARS Commodity Protection and Quarantine Insect Research Laboratory, SanJoaquin Valley Agricultural Sciences Center, 9611 S. Riverbend Ave., Parlier, CA 93468; phone (559) 596-2768,fax (559) 596-2721.

http://www.earthpulse.com/science/songs.html

"French Physicist Creates New Melodies - Plant Songs"

Remember those song birds we used to hear in the fields? The sounds of animals in nature singing asymphony of soft and subtle sounds as all things flow together to create a living and vibrantconcerto? Science is now showing that these sounds actually do influence the growth of plants.Researchers have demonstrated that plants respond to sounds in pro-found ways which not only

influence their overall health but also increase the speed of growth and the size of the plant.

Many people remember hearing in the late 1960's and 1970's about the idea that plants respond tomusic. There were lots of projects in high schools and colleges which successfully tested the effectsof sound on plant growth. It was determined through repetitive testing that plants did respond tomusic and sound. The first book which brought this idea to most of us was: The Secret Life ofPlants, by Peter Tompkins and Christopher Bird (Harper & Row 1973). In this best selling book anumber of astounding revelations about plant growth were revealed. The idea that plants wereinfluenced by sound in both positive and negative ways was demonstrated by several world classscientists at that time.

When we think of plants being affected by sunlight we are really looking at the effect of a portion ofthe electromagnetic spectrum on plants that portion which includes visible light. It should notsurprise us that sound also impacts plant growth because it is, in essence, an extension to other partsof the electromagnetic spectrum.

The science was first disclosed in an article by Andy Coghlan which appeared in New Scientist(May 28, 1994, p.10). The article confirmed old ideas by placing them in a scientific context. It tellsan excellent story about the impact of sound on plant growth, bringing to light what was beforeconsidered esoteric or mysterious science. After reading this short article and those which follow in




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this issue of the Flashpoints a good deal more will be thought of "singing gardeners" and "plantcommunicators."

Many people remember reading accounts of plant growth being stimulated by sound waves. At thattime, "talking" to plants and playing plants different types of music was used to influence growth. Anumber of people were using these techniques without being able to completely explain thephenomena. This article is part of that story a story which could have a profound impact on the waywe grow and produce our food.

Eccentrics who sing to their plants? People playing melodies to organic matter with the expectationthat it will help stimulate growth? These ideas were the thoughts of some "non-scientists" untilFrench physicist and musician, Joel Sternheimer, discovered the mechanism for how plants respondto the stimulation of sound waves. Sternheimer composes musical note sequences which help plantsgrow and has applied for an international patent1 covering the concept.

The sound sequences are not random but are carefully constructed melodies. Each note is chosen tocorrespond to an amino acid in a protein with the full tune corresponding to the entire protein. Whatthis means is that the sounds sequenced in just the right order results in a tune which is unique andharmonizes with the internal structure of a specific plant type. Each plant type has a differentsequence of notes to stimulate its growth. According to New Scientist, "Sternheimer claims thatwhen plants "hear" the appropriate tune, they produce more of that protein. He also writes tunes thatinhibit the synthesis of proteins." In other words, desirable plants could be stimulated to grow whileundesirable plants (weeds for instance) could be inhibited. This is done with electromagnetic energy,in this case sound waves, pulsed to the right set of frequencies thus effecting the plant at an energetic

and submolecular level.

Sternheimer translates into audible vibrations of music the quantum vibrations that occur at themolecular level as a protein is being assembled from its constituent amino acids. By using simplephysics he is able to compose music which achieves this correlation. Sternheimer indicated to NewScientist that each musical note which he composes for the plant is a multiple of original frequenciesthat occur when amino acids join the protein chain. He says that playing the right notes stimulatesthe plant and increases growth. This idea is particularly interesting because it may lead to theeventual obsolescence of fertilizers used to stimulate plant growth. This new method would be cheapand relatively easily provided throughout the world, thereby avoiding many of the problemsassociated with the extraction, shipping, environmental and economic costs of chemical fertilizers.

Playing the right tune stimulates the formation of a plant's protein. "The length of a note correspondsto the real time it takes for each amino acid to come after the next," according to Sternheimer, whostudied quantum physics and mathematics at Princeton University in New Jersey.

In experiments by Sternheimer, he claims that tomatoes exposed to his melodies grew two-and-a-halftimes as large as those which were untreated. Some of the treated plants were sweeter in addition tobeing significantly larger. The musical sequences stimulated three tomato growth promoters,cytochrome C, and thaumatin (a flavoring compound). According to Sternheimer in the NewScientist, "Six molecules were being played to the tomatoes for a total of three minutes a day."

Sternheimer also claims to have stopped the mosaic virus by playing note sequences that inhibitedenzymes required by the virus. This virus would have harmed the tomato plants.

The note sequences used by the inventor are very short and need only be played one time. Forexample, the sequence for for cytochrome C lasts just 29 seconds. According to Sternheimer, "onaverage, you get four amino acids played per second" in this series.

The inventor also issued a warning for those repeating his experiments. He warns to be careful withthe sound sequences because they can affect people. "Don't ask a musician to play them," he says.Sternheimer indicated that one of his musicians had difficulty breathing after playing the tune forcytochrome C.

Plant stimulation by sound may have profound implications. The idea that a cheap source of"electromagnetic fertilizer" has been developed should be exciting for many third world countries.At a time when human progress can be made through simple solutions in agriculture, resources arebeing wasted in the extraction of mineral and oil compounds for fertilizers. If this method offertilization were followed the human intellect would prove superior to physical capital in terms ofdistribution and production of this new technology.

The idea that sound can have a healing effect on humans is being explored by a number ofindependent scientists around the world. The know-ledge of the "sound effect on proteins" offersinsights to health practitioners of the benefits to humans. In addition to the favorable economicfactors, the increased vitality of the plant substances can positively impact the health of all humansthat consume them.

The patent includes melodies for cytochrome oxidase and cytochrome C which are two proteinsinvolved in respiration. It also includes sound sequences for troponin C which regulates calciumuptake in muscles. Further, a tune was developed for inhibiting chalcone synthase which is an




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enzyme involved in making plant pigments.

http://www.bekkoame.ne.jp/%7Edr.fuk/IndexE.html

Joel Sternheimer Patents

US Patent # 4,756,755

Rodent Repellent LiquidsJuly 12, 1988

Norman T. Harding, Jr

Abstract ~

Rodent repellent liquids are disclosed which are comprised of thujone oil in pure form or in the form of cedar leafoil in a suitable low odor liquid carrier such as mineral oil.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a liquid having rodent repellent characteristics.




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DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

For many years numerous attempts have been made to keep rats and mice away from homes, storage bins andother areas. Most commonly, traps or poisons are used to kill the vermin. In addition to creating dead animaldisposal problems, traps and poisons also pose dangers to children, pets and animals. Furthermore, traps andpoisons must be monitored. Sprung traps must be reset and consumed poison must be replaced. Also, manypeople have found that for each rat they kill with traps or poison there are others in the area who survive.

Rather than try to kill the rodents which are present, a better approach is to deter them from entering the area.

Certain plant extracts have been found to have repellent properties Bottrell in U.S. Pat. No. 1,871,949 uses oil ofpeppermint to repell rodents. Cross in U.S. Pat. No. 2,159,550 teaches that extracts from the wood and fruit of theAreca catechu plant have repellent properties. Yet, neither of these materials have had any commercial success.

The art has also recognized that certain plants repel rodents. For example, pieces of the wormwood plant(Artemsia Absinthium) have been used as moth and rodent repellents. But, these pieces are only effective for arelatively short period of time, typically a few days.

The art has generally attributed the repellent characteristics of the wormwood and other plants to the presence ofalkyloids in the plant. Apparently, these alkyloids are poisonous. However, I have discovered that thujone oil, anatural oil of the wormwood plant and a component of cedar leaf oil from the cedar tree, not alkyloids, will repelrodents when used in the manner here described.

In my U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,668,294 and 4,654,080 I disclose liquid rodent repellents in which thujone oil is combinedwith sodium silicate, lacquer or kerosene. Although these products work well they are not suitable for warm

environments. The flash points of lacquer and kerosene are so low that there is a risk of ignition. Thus, there is aneed for a liquid rodent repellent which is non-flammable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

I provide a rodent repellent in liquid form by combining pure thujone oil or cedar leaf oil which contains thujoneoil with a low odor liquid carrier. Several liquids such as mineral oil, alcohol, kerosene or lacquer are suitable.

I prefer to use a liquid comprised of thujone oil in the form of cedar leaf oil and a low odor liquid carrier, such asmineral oil, in a mixture having from 0.5 to 10 ounces carrier per 1 ounce cedar leaf oil. If pure thujone oil isused the mixture should contain a higher percentage of carrier.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

I have found that certain compositions of thujone oil or cedar leaf oil and a low odor liquid carrier will repel

rodents for a significant period of time. A combination of thujone oil or cedar leaf oil and liquid when used like apaint will keep rodents away from the painted area for between three and five years.

To make these products, I first extract the oil from the plant source. Thujone oil is extracted from the wormwoodplant and cedar leaf oil is obtained from the cedar tree. Thujone oil is also commercially available as it is used inperfume. Both oils have a similar aroma and can be used interchangeably. Then the oil is combined with asuitable, low odor carrier such as mineral oil, alcohol, white kerosene or any of the low odor solvents sold byExxon under the trade name ISOPAR.

I have found that mineral oil is a suitable carrier for thujone oil and cedar leaf oil. Cedar leaf oil and mineral oilare combined to provide from 0.5 to 10 ounces mineral oil per ounce of cedar leaf oil. Then, the combination isapplied to a surface like any standard paint.

Other low odor carriers in addition to mineral oil could also be used as a carrier. These solvents must be non-reactive with thujone oil and evaporate at room temperature or lower. They also must not leave an odorous

residue which would overpower the odor of thujone oil.

I have conducted several experiments to show the effectiveness of my rat and mice repellents. The firstexperiment consisted of three boxes with the entrances to each blocked with sheets of screen. The rats wereplaced in the middle box. The box on the left contained food and the walls of the box were stained with the ratand mice repellent. This repellent was a mixture of 12% thujone oil and 88% lacquer. The box on the rightcontained only food and the walls were not stained. At the end of five days, the metal screens were lifted. Therats would not enter the box with the rat and mice repellent, but ate from the box that contained no repellent.

I have also applied my liquid repellent to underfloor areas of homes that I identified as rodent nests or pathways.A few days later I returned and saw no signs of rats or mice. The owners of the homes I treated also reported nosigns of rodents after treatment.

In a second experiment, I used two boxes separated by a metal screen. A neutral box without repellent on thewalls housed the rats. The remaining box contained the rat and mice repellent and contained the food. After five

days the metal screen which separated the boxes was lifted. The rats would not enter the box stained with the ratand mice repellent to get the food. The repellent used in this experiment was a mixture of 12% thujone oil and88% lacquer.

While I have described certain present preferred embodiments of my invention, it should be distinctly understood




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that the invention is not limited thereto but may be variously embodied within the scope of the following claims.

AstroMeteorology & Agriculture

By Robert Nelson

"All things have their season, and a time to every purpose under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; atime to plant, and a time to reap". (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2)

Many biodynamic cultivators plant and harvest with respect to lunar phases and planetary aspects, and they swearby the results. Almanacs and calendars offer traditional lore for the consideration of farmers. Some of thesepractices are ancient and universal, occurring with variations in many cultures around the world.

Many of these beliefs are grounded in fact. The sun, moon, and planets are surrounded by magnetospheres whichtrail behind them for millions of miles like wakes behind ships. These fields affect life on earth by modifyingatmospheric electrical field conditions and the geomagnetic field.

In 1938, Dr Harry Marvis announced the discovery that stars exercise a daily influence on terrestrial weather.Sidereal air pressure, or barometric variations in relation to the positions of stars, is sometimes as high as 3% ofthat occurring in common storms.

The zodiacal signs exert a fruitful or barren influence upon Earth through the channel of Luna, according to thenature of the sign through which the moon is passing. The time to plant is when the Sun and Earths horizon (theAscendant or Rising Sign) are in favorable signs (Figure 1). The optimal day for planting is when the Moon alsoenters that sign.

Leafy vegetable crops that grow above ground should be planted during a new or waxing moon in Pisces, Taurus,Cancer or Scorpio. Trees and crops requiring longer than one year to produce should be planted during a full orwaning moon in Taurus. Subsoil crops (potatoes, peanuts, carrots, etc.) should be planted under a waning moon.

Figure 1: Astrological Ascendant Calculator ~

Figure 2: Lunar Phases & Plant Growth ~




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As indicated in Figure 2, seeds that have a short (up to 7 days) or extra-long (one month) germination periodshould be sown two days before the new moon, up to 7 days later.

During the first week of its cycle, the moons light increases, and its gravitational pull decreases. The relativeinfluence of terrestrial gravity increases at that time, stimulating balanced growth of leaves and roots. In thesecond week, lunar gravity increases, and its light increases to a maximum. Leaf growth increases during thatperiod. During the third week, both moonlight and lunar gravity decrease, and root growth is enhancedaccordingly. Transplant at that time. In the fourth week, lunar gravity increases, and moonlight decreases. Bothleaf and root growth decrease during this rest phase.

Traditional sources suggest that flower seeds should be plants during the crescent moon unless seeds are desired;in that case, sow just before the Full Moon. Seeds planted when Luna is in Capricorn produce rapid growth, butpoor yields. Seeds planted under an Aquarian moon will rot or produce watery fruit.

Cancer and Scorpio are fruitful signs which prompt germination and assure abundant yields. Leaf growth isgreater when water signs are effective. Root growth is best in Earth signs. The Fire signs stimulate the rapidgrowth of seeds and fruit. Air signs promote the growth of lowers.

Prepare the soil, pull weeds, and fight pests during the new moon phase in a barren sign (Aries, Gemini, Virgo,Sagittarius, or Aquarius). Lay mulch under the Full Moon, and turn manure and compost piles during the waningmoon. Apply it at the new or half moon. Irrigate and feed plants when the moon is in a Water sign.

Harvest under a full or waning moon in a barren sign. If timber is cut under the full moon in Leo, it will lastlonger than wood cut at any other time, and it will not become worm-eaten. Trees planted under a waxing moonwill produce more fruit, while trees planted during the dark phase of the moon will produce better quality fruit.

Astro-Meteorology ~

Weather prediction by astro-meteorology is a highly refined area of sidereal science which has claimed anamazing 90%-plus record of accuracy for both short- and long-term forecasts of weather patterns. This system isan accumulation of tried-and-true observational data going back several millennia.

The subject was widely popularized by Joseph Goodavage in his book, Our Threatened Planet (1978, Simon &Schuster), in which he represented the work of pioneers such as Dr Irving Krick, Dr Andrew Douglass, George

McCormack and others. According to Goodavage, the sun has entered a period of prolonged and violentinstability with which we must cope. Modern astronomy has confirmed Goodavages prediction.

Classical horoscopic weather prediction is based on forecasts of the influences of the planets in solstice orequinox horoscopes. Each zodiacal sign colors the characteristics of the planets occupying that region. Forinstance, a "wet" planet such as Luna indicates extra-wet weather when it is located in a water sign; much drierconditions are indicated when Luna is in a fire sign.

Half of the total influence of a weather horoscope should be judged from the 4th house cusp and planets therein,and their aspects. The 4th house governs the locale.

One quarter of the total influence of ingress weather charts should be judged from the first house, from itsoccupying planets and their aspects, from the sign on its cusp, and from the planet ruling the cusp sign, the sign itis in, and its aspects.

One-eighth of the influence of a weather chart is judged from the planet for which the chart is erected. Sol =temperature, Luna = moisture, Mercury = air. For example, if Sol is in Aries, then Mars, the ruling planet ofAries, and its aspects also must be considered.

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One-eighth of the influence on weather is to be judged by the planets in angular houses, their aspects, and thesigns they occupy.

The temperature chart gives an average indication of the weather, but indications of storms should be comparedwith both air and moisture charts for that time.

The primary mutual aspects are the conjunction, opposition, square and trine, but even the minor aspects areeffective. Trines and sextiles are not necessarily beneficial, but they tend to exert a more gentle influence than theinharmonious aspects (square and opposition). Interpretation depends on the planetary positions in the signs and

houses, and the aspects and parallels of declination to other planets, and the ascendant of the chart and the aspectsto it by transiting planets. Table 1 lists indicators of weather attributes of the planets and signs.

Table 2 is Dr Adam Clarks system for predicting the weather throughout the lunations forever. It foretells theweather that is most likely to occur during each phase of the moon.

The nearer to midnight that the moon changes its phase in the full and last quarter, the better the weather will befor the seven days following. The t ime span for this calculation of from 10 pm to 2 am.

The nearer to noon (from 10 am to 2 pm) that the moon changes phase, the more wet weather may be expectedfor the next week. These observations are for the summer season, though they also are adaptable to spring andfall observations. Changing phases of the moon occurring from 4 pm to 10 pm may be followed by fair weather,depending on the wind, as indicated in Table 2.

Table 1 ~ Astro-Meteorology

Planet ~ Temperature ~ Wind ~ Moisture

Sun ~ warm ~ still ~ dryMoon ~ cool ~ breeze ~ wettestMercury ~ cold ~ windy ~ dryVenus ~ pleasant ~ light ~ rainMars ~ hot/cold ~ still/storm ~ wet/droughtJupiter ~ warm ~ calm, light ~ drySaturn ~ cold ~ still/storm ~ wet/droughtUranus ~ cold snaps ~ gusty ~ dry, lightningNeptune ~ cool ~ still/storm ~ mist, fogPluto ~ cool ~ windy, extremes ~ moist, sleet

Sign ~ Temperature ~ Wind ~ Moisture

Aries ~ hot ~ windy ~ dry (1st or 4th moon: violent)Taurus ~ moderate ~ calm ~ wetGemini ~ cold ~ fickle windy ~ dryCancer ~ cold ~ calm, zephyr ~ steady rainLeo ~ hot ~ still ~ dryVirgo ~ cold ~ cutting wind ~ dryLibra ~ cool, windy ~ dryScorpio ~ cold/hot ~ violent ~ drier/wetterSagittarius ~ warm ~ moderate ~ dryCapricorn ~ extremes ~ increasing wind ~ wetAquarius ~ cold ~ moderate ~ dry, lightningPisces ~ cool ~ calm ~ rain

Table 2 ~ Dr Adam Clarks System of Astro-Meteorology

Time of ChangeBetween ~ In Summer ~ In Winter

12 midnight-2 am ~ fair ~ frost unless wind S or W2-4 am ~ cold, showers ~ cold, storm4-6 am ~ rain ~ rain6-8 am ~ wind, rain ~ stormy8-10 am ~ change by 6 pm ~ cold if wind W, snow if E10-12 noon ~ showers ~ cold windNoon-2 pm ~ rain ~ rain, snow2-4 pm ~ changing ~ fair4-6 pm ~ fair ~ fair6-8 pm ~ fair if wind SW ~ frosty if wind N or NE8-10 pm ~ rain if wind SW ~ rain, snow if wind S or SW10-12 midnight ~ rain if wind SW ~ fair, frosty

References ~

Marvis, Dr H. B.: Journal American (NY), 1 Oct. 1938




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Goss, M.: J. Geophysical Reviews, March 1953.Jevons, W. S.: Nature, 14 Nov 1878.Hove, Jim Ten: Astrological J. 15 (3): 17-23Luby, W. A.: Popular Astronomy, Dec. 1940.Nelson, John H.: Cosmic Patterns: Their Influence on Man and His Communications; 1974, American Federationof Astrologers.Nelson, J. H.: RCA Review, April 1951.Nelson, J. H.: J. Geocosmic Research, Summer 1974.Abbot, C. G.: Scientific Monthly, April 1946.

Clough, H. W.: Monthly Weather Review, April 1946.Gillette, H. P.: Water & Sewage Works, June 1946.Gree, Joseph: Astrological Almanac; Pyramid Communications, NY

Biochemical Stimulation of Plant Growth

by Robert Nelson

Besides the Biodynamic Formulas, there exist several other methods of stimulating seed germination and plantgrowth with non-toxic substances. Several other methods are in general use by farmers:

(1) Nutrient Presoaking ~ Presoak seeds in a solution of nutrients that will add to the vigor of the seeds. Purewater tends to dissolve out substances contained in the seeds shells that are needed for the germination and

growth. One easy method of stimulating the germination of seeds is to soak them in an aqueous extract of thefull-grown plant from the preceding crop. Low-voltage direct electrical current can facilitate the electrophoresisof nutrients into the seeds, as described in the review ofElectroCulture.

(2) Acid Scarification ~ This technique is recommended for thick-shell seeds. Place dry seeds in a glasscontainer and cover them with concentrated sulfuric acid (sp. gr 1.84) for 5 minutes. Pour off the acid and washthe seeds very thoroughly with fresh water to remove any residual acid. Never add water to the acid; it willspatter violently. Always add acid to the water. The seeds should be planted immediately while wet.

(3) Moist-Chilling ~ Also known as Vermiculization or Stratification, this technique of preconditioning seedsaccelerates the after-ripening of seeds by exposing them to low temperature (0-10 degrees), moisture, and air fora period of time. Moist chilling is most effective when applied after hot water presoaking. Seeds are mixed withtwo volumes of sand and are kept in plastic bags in a refrigerator or outdoors. At the end of the after-ripeningperiod some of the seeds may begin to germinate while in storage. The seeds can be separated from their mediumby shaking the mixture on a screen. The seeds should be planted immediately before they dry out.

(4) Thiourea ~ Aqueous solutions (0.5-3%) stimulate germination, but inhibit later growth. Therefore seedsshould be soaked no longer than 12 hours, and must be thoroughly rinsed with fresh water.

(5) Potassium Nitrate ~ Seeds will germinate faster when placed in sand moistened with 0.2% aqueouspotassium nitrate. Rewater with pure water rather than additional nitrate solution.

(6) Hydrogen Peroxide ~ 30% hydrogen peroxide also is effective as a stimulant of germination. Very dilutehydrogen peroxide also accelerates later growth if used only occasionally.

(7) Gibberillin ~ When seeds absorb water, the hormone gibberillin appears in the embryo and is translocated tothe aleurone layer, where it activates the metabolism to initiate sprouting. Gibberillin causes the rapid growth ofbeans and bamboo, which contain large amounts of the hormone.

Gibberillin is not, however, appropriate for application to all plants. In most cases, gibberillin increases the

thickness and internodal length of the stalk. Sometimes the terminal nodes are weak branching is suppressed, andthe roots develop poorly. The number of flowers increase, and they are larger. Germination and flowering arestimulated, but leaf growth and chlorophyll production are reduced proportionately.

Gibberillin is extracted from cucumber seeds, fresh cantelope seeds, dried corn kernels, and from pencil rod,lupine, and pinto beans. Soak 200 gr of powdered seeds for one week in 110 ml of a mixture of acetone (10parts), isopropyl alcohol (5 parts) ethanol (2 parts) and water (5 parts). Filter the mush and rinse it with 20 mlacetone and 20 ml isopropyl alcohol. Combine the rinse and mother liquor, evaporate the solvent, and dissolvethe residual gum in alkaline water for experimental use.

(8) Auxin ~ Auxin is the general name of a group of plant hormones that includes indole-acetic-, -propionic-, and-butyric-acids. Auxins are active in many platn functions, such as stem growth, root development, and flowering.

The sexual expression of plants is strongly influenced by the amount of auxin present during the flowering phase.Other factors being equal, females develop with higher levels of auxin.

Combine auxin (1:5000 water) with vitamin B-1 (1 ppm) to increase the effect of both nutrients, which areavailable in commercial preparations.

(9) Triacontanol ~ This fatty acid is found in many plants. It increases growth rates and yields up to 25%, and




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increases the protein content, even in darkness, when most plants are dormant. It seems to enhance the growth ofplants without increasing their consumption of nitrogen.

Triacontanol is non-toxic, and incredibly potent. The applied dosage is one part in 10 million of water, applied asa foliar spray. The simplest way to use triacontanol is to plow under a crop of alfalfa, which contains relativelylarge amounts of the substance. Other common sources include cotton, apples, and sunflower seeds (whichcontain up to 8% in the fatty acid fraction).

Triacontanol is extracted from dried plants by chloroform, which is then filtered and evaporated. Extract the

residue with acetone, filter and evaporate the acetone, and extract the residue with petroleum ether to yield crudetriacontanol. It can be purified by reverse chromatography.

Other stimulants of plant growth include: ascorbic acid (vitamin C); use one to five parts in 10,000 of water.Dilute camphor also stimulates plant growth.

Biodynamic Activated Ferments

by Robert Nelson

Biodynamic cultivators stimulate plant growth and enlive compost and manure heaps with "activated ferments"of select plants: Oak bark, Dandelion, Yarrow, Stinging Nettle, and Valerian.

The preparation of these activated ferments may seem bizarre, yet they are very potent and virtually magical ineffect when concocted correctly and applied in homeopathic dilution as described elsewhere in this article.

Activated Oak Bark ~

Obtain the skull of any domestic animal. The skull must be new and undamaged. Remove the brain through theoccipital foramen of the cranium with a small stick, then immediately fill the skull with pulverized oak bark.Close the opening with a piece of bone, and bury the skull in a wet place during winter. The skull can be buriedin a leaky barrel filled with compost. The activated oak bark will be ready by spring. It is to be diluted byhomeopathic potentization and applied as a spray to the soil, copost pile or manure heap. The activated oak barkinfluences the calcium process in plants.

Activated Dandelion ~

Dandelion ferment affects the relationships of silicic acid and potassium in the plant organism. Collect youngdandelion flowers, dry them, and fill the mesentery of an ox with them. Keep this in a cool, dry place coveredwith peat moss until October, then bury it in the soil during winter. By Easter it will be ready for use in thecompost heap. The dandelion ferment is applied at a rate of one or two grams in 10-20- ml water per 2 cubicmeters of compost.

Chamomile Preparation ~

Collect the flowers in May or June, dry them carefully, and store them in glass jars until autumn. Then obtain alarge, fresh piece of cow intestine, cut it into 12-inch sections, and stuff them with the flowers to form sausages.Bury them in good soil during the winter, and dig them up in the spring. Use one or two grams of ferment perthree cubic meters of compost.

Activated Yarrow ~

Obtain the fresh bladder from a stag and fill it with yarrow, then dew the hole. Hand the bladder in the sunlightduring the summer. It must be protected from birds by a cloth-covered wooden frame. During the autumn andwinter it must be buried in the earth until spring. Keep the finished preparation in the bladder, and use one or twograms to enliven manure or compost heaps by sulfur processes.Stinging Nettle Preparation ~

Collect as many young nettles as you can, let them fade a little, then bury them in the ground. Isolate the plantsfrom the soil with a layer of peat moss above and below. They must remain buried for one winter and summer.They are to be added in small amounts to the compost pile, Activated nettles affect silica processes in their sphereof influence.

Activated Valerian ~

This plant is prepared in a simple manner: collect its flowers, moisten them with lukewarm rain water, and keepthem in a loosely stoppered jar for several days. Then squeeze the juice from the flowers, and preserve thistincture. Prepare a 7x or 8x potency solution of this tincture and apply it as a spray.

Silica Preparation ~

Fill a cows horn with a paste of fine mesh silica gel. Bury the horn about 3 feet deep in good soil, leave it for the




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summer, and dig it up in the autumn. Keep it intact until it is needed. Use one gram of this silica preparationdissolved in one liter of lukewarm rain water. The silica must be very well stirred for at least two hours. Thendilute the solution with an additional 9 liters of rainwater. Spray the plants at the rate of 10 liters per acre. Silicaapplied in this manner protects plants from insects, and gives seeds greater resistance to harsh weather.

Homeopathic Potentization ~

Biodynamic farmers apply the activated ferments in extremely dilute solutions, called "homeopathic potencies",to stimulate plant growth and the fermentation of compost.

Homeopathic preparations work by virtue of the specific "vital essence" of a substance, liberated from thematerial form by the process of "potentization" (dilution and vibration). The quintessence permeates the compost,soil and plants like astral perfume, and affects plant growth with subtle yet powerful forces of the cosmos.

Homeopathic formulas are prepared by grinding the substance into fine powder; one part of this powder is mixedby grinding with nine parts of lactose (milk sugar), thus forming a "1x potency". The grinding process is called"trituration". By another method of preparation, the substance is diluted with nine parts of water or alcohol. Thesolution must be stirred vigorously, and/or stimulated with select frequencies by a signal generator. Thistreatment with vibrations is called "succussion".

Homeopathic remedies are prepared in successive dilutions on a decimal scale. A 1:9 dilution is a 1x potency;1:100 is 2x; 1:1000 is 3x, and so on. Each time the next higher potency is prepared, one part of the precedingpotency is diluted with 9 parts of water or lactose. Some triturated powders can be prepared in a lapidary tumbler,using steel balls to do the grinding. A blender also can be used to prepare both triturations and successions.

From a chemical standpoint, the quantity of the triturated substance in a homeopathic dose of 6x or higher isnegligible, being scarcely a trace, yet the effects are clearly pronounced. Homeopathic theory posits that themechanical energy applied by trituration and succussion distends the molecules of the original substance, thusaltering the fundamental nature and releasing its essential energy.

"Termites Repelled By Catnip Oil"

Source: Southern Research Station - USDA Forest ServiceDate: 2003-03-26

NEW ORLEANS, LA - Known for its intoxicating effects on felines, catnip oil may also have a future in termitecontrol. Recent experiments by USDA Forest Service researcher Chris Peterson show that catnip oil repels andeven kills termites in a laboratory setting.

Peterson, a researcher with the Forest Service Southern Research Station (SRS), and fellow researcher JaniceEms-Wilson, a chemist at Valencia Community College in Orlando, FL, presented the results of their research atthe national meeting of the American Chemical Society held March 23 - 27 in New Orleans.

An entomologist with the SRS Wood Products Insect Research unit in Starkville, MS, Peterson has been testingessential catnip oil as a possible replacement for the more toxic pesticides presently used to control termites.Probably the most common termite control method is treating the soil next to wood structures with chemicalcompounds: some of the active ingredients of traditional termiticides, such as chlordane and chlorpyrifos, havelost their registrations in the U.S. due to their toxicity. New, more eco-friendly compounds are being sought tofill the void.

The search for new termiticidal products is active. "The USDA Forest Service routinely tests about three newtermite formulations for effectiveness every year, with a new active ingredient tested about once in every twoyears," said Peterson. "Natural compounds from plants, bacteria, and fungi could provide new commercialproducts that are less toxic to humans and the environment."

For their termite study, Peterson and Ems-Wilson infused sand with catnip essential oil--the kind routinely soldin pet stores--to test the effectiveness of the oil as a barrier to termite tunneling. To test vertical tunneling, theresearchers placed yellow pine sapwood in the bottom of a test tube filled with sand. A two-inch barrier ofcatnip-treated sand separated the termites in the top layer of untreated sand from the pine. To test horizontaltunneling, the researchers constructed a barrier of treated sand across the middle of a transparent box of sand,again with the tempting pine placed across the barrier from the termites. In both tests, catnip oil reduced oreliminated termite tunneling.

Peterson and Ems-Wilson also tested the catnip oil for its toxicity to termites by treating them directly with a

dilution of the oil, fumigating them, and exposing them to catnip-infused soil. The researchers carefully countedthe termites in the multiple tests on barriers to make sure the barrier-effect they found was not due to termitemortality.

"At higher concentrations, the oil does kill termites, but not as effectively as the commercial compounds




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currently used in soil treatments," said Peterson. "Our results show that catnip oil is a very effective deterrent totermite tunneling, with the effective doses tested much lower than those reported for similar natural products."

Unfortunately, catnip oil breaks down quickly in the environment. The chemicals now used to prevent termiteinfestation must remain effective for more than five years in government testing. "There is the inevitabletradeoff," said Peterson. "Chemicals that last a long time also have greater potential for environmental damage.We hope that the active ingredients in catnip oil can eventually be modified to last longer."

Peterson emphasizes that his experiments are preliminary: catnip oil has not been officially tested for safety and

effectiveness in the field. "The other factor is cost," said Peterson. "Catnip oil is much too expensive to use ateffective rates when compared to other compounds. Until a way is found to produce the oil competitively andformulate it for long-term use, its only practical use would be for controlling isolated populations of termites."

The mission of the SRS Wood Products Insect Research unit is to improve the protection of wood products fromsubterranean termite damage, define the role of termites in forest ecosystems, and understand their impact onforest health. For more information: http://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/termites/research.htm

Companion Plants

Amaranth -- Corn, Onion, PotatoAngelica -- Incompatible with DillAnise -- Beans, Coriander /// Incompatible with Basil, RueApple -- Chives /// Incompatible with: PotatoAsparagus -- Basil, Marigold, Nasturnium, Parsley, Tomato /// Incompatible with Mint, OnionBasil -- Beans, Cabbage, Marigold, Pepper, Tomato -- Incompatible with RueBeans -- Beets, Borage, Cabbage, Carrot, Cauliflower, Celery, Collards, Corn, Cucumber, Nasturnium, Petunia,Potato, Squash, Strawberry, Summer Savory, Sunflower, Tomato /// Incompatible with Chives, Onion, Garlic,Fennel, Gladiolus, LeekBee Balm -- Tomato /// Incompatible with Field MustardBeets -- Basil, Bush beans, Cabbage, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Onion, Sage, Tomato /// Incompatible with Pole beans,MustardBorage -- Squash, Strawberry, TomatoBroad Beans -- Corn /// Incompatible with KohlrabiBroccoli -- Beans, Celery, Chamomile, Dill, Mints, Nasturtium, Onion, Oregano, Potato, Rosemary, Sage ///Incompatible with Lettuce, Strawberry, Tomato

Brussel Sprouts -- Beans, Celery, Dill, Hyssop, Mints, Nasturtium, Potato, Rosemary, Sage /// Incompatiblewith StrawberryCabbage -- Aromatic herbs (repel Cabbage Worms), Bush Beans, Beets, Celery, Chamomile, Dill, Geranium,Hyssop, Lavender, Marigold, Mint, Nasturnium, Onions, Oregano, Potato, Rosemary, Sage, Tansy, Thyme,Tomato /// Incompatible with Dill, Grapes, Mustards, Rue, Strawberries, TomatoesCalendula -- Tomato (Repels tomato worms, asparagus beetles)Caraway -- Peas /// Incompatible with FennelCarrots -- Chervil, Chives, Leaf lettuce, Leeks, Onion, Peas, Radish, Rosemary, Sage, Tomato, Wormwood ///Incompatible with Anise, DillCauliflower -- Beans, Beet, Celery, Chamomile, Dill, Hyssop, Lavender, Mints, Nasturtium, Onion, Oregano,Radish /// Incompatible with Dill, Strawberries, TomatoesCelery --Beans, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Leek, Onion, Spinach, Tomato /// Incompatible with CornChamomile -- Cabbage, Mint, Onion, SquashChervil -- Carrots, RadishChives -- Carrots, Grapes, Parsley, Tomato /// Incompatible with Peas, Beans

Collard Greens -- TomatoesCoriander -- Anise, Potato /// Incompatible with FennelCorn -- Amaranth, Beans, Cucumber, Geranium, Lamb's Quarters, Melons, Morning Glory, Peas, Potato,Pumpkin, Sow Thistle, Squash, Sunflower /// Incompatible with Celery, TomatoCucumbers -- Beans, Broccoli, Celery, Corn, Lettuce, Marigold, Nasturnium, Onion, Peas, Radish, Savory,Sunflower, Tomato /// Incompatible with: Potato, Rue, SageDill -- Cabbage, Lettuce, Onion /// Incompatible with Carrot, TomatoEggplant -- Amaranth, Beans, Peas, Spinach, Tarragon, ThymeFennel -- Incompatible with Beans, Caraway, Dill, Fennel, Kohlrabi, Tomato, WormwoodFig -- Incompatible with RueFlax -- Carrot, PotatoesGarlic -- Beets, Carrots, Chamomile, Lettuce, Raspberry, Roses, Tomato, Summer savory /// Incompatible withBeans, Cabbage, Peas, StrawberriesGrapes -- Clover, Geranium, Hyssop, Oregano /// Incompatible with Cabbage, RadishHyssop -- Cabbage, GrapeKohlrabi -- Beets, Cucumber, Onion /// Incompatible with Pole Beans, Pepper, Strawberry, TomatoLeek -- Carrots, Celery, Onions /// Incompatible with Beans, BroccoliLettuce -- Beet, Cabbage, Carrot, Clover, Corn, Cucumber, Melon, Onion, Peanuts, Peas, Radish, Strawberry,SunflowerLovage -- Beans




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Melons -- Corn, Nasturnium, RadishMint -- Cabbage, Tomatoes /// Incompatible with Chamomile, ParsleyNettle -- Increases the oil production of herbsOnions -- Amaranth, Beets, Cabbage, Carrot, Celery, Chamomile, Leeks, Lettuce, Pepper, Potato, Roses, SowThistle, Strawberry, Summer savory, Tomato /// Incompatible with Beans, PeasOregano -- Cabbage, CucumberParsley -- Asparagus, Carrot, Chives, Onions, Roses, Tomato /// Incompatible with MintPetunia -- BeansPeanuts -- Squash, Corn

Peas -- Aromatic herbs, Beans, Carrots, Corn, Cucumber, Eggplant, Lettuce, Potato, Radish, Spinach, Turnips ///Incompatible with Garlic, Gladiolus, Leek, Onion, Potoato, ShallotsPeppers -- Basil, Carrot, Lovage, Marjoram, Onion, Oregano /// Incompatible with Fennel, KohlrabiPlum -- HorseradishPole Beans -- Radish // Incompatible with Beets, SunflowerPotatoes -- Amaranth, Beans, Corn, Cabbage, Eggplant, Flax, Horseradish, Lettuce, Lima Beans, Marigold,Onion, Petunia /// Incompatible with Cucumber, Pumpkin, Radish, Raspberry, Sunflower, Squash, TomatoPumpkin -- Corn, Dastura /// Incompatible with Apple, Potato, Raspberry, Rosemary, TomatoRadishes -- Beans, Beets, Carrots, Chervil, Cucumber, Lettuce, Melons, Nasturnium, Parsnips, Peas, Spinach,Squash /// Incompatible with: Brussels sprouts, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Grape, Hyssop, Kohlrabi,Potato, TurnipsRaspberry -- Tansy /// Incompatible with PotatoRhubarb -- Columbine, Garlic, Onion, RosesRose -- Beans, Cabbage, Carrot, Sage /// Incompatible with PotatoRosemary -- Beans, Cabbage, Carrots, Sage /// Incompatible with PotatoesRue -- Figs, Raspberry, Rose, Strawberry /// Incompatible with Basil, Cabbage, SageSage -- Beans, Cabbage, Carrot, Marjoram, Peas, Rosemary, Strawberry, Tomato /// Incompatible withCucumber, RueSavory -- Beans, OnionsSouthernwood -- CabbageSowthistle -- Corn, Onions, TomatoSoybeans -- EverythingSpinach -- Cabbage, Cauliflower, Celery, Eggplant, Onion, Peas, StrawberrySquash -- Beans, Corn, Cucumbers, Icicle radishes, Mint, Nasturnium, Onion /// Incompatible with PotatoesStrawberries -- Beans, Borage, Comfrey, Lettuce, Onion, Spinach///Incompatible with Broccoli, BrussleSprouts, Cabbage, Califlower, KohlrabiSunflower -- Cucumber///Incompatible with CabbageTansy -- Fruits, Peppers, Potato, Rose, RaspberryThyme -- CabbageTomatoes -- Asparagus, Basil, Bee Balm, Carrot, Celery, Chives, Garlic, Lemon Balm, Onions, Marigold, Mint,Nasturtium, Parsley, Peas, Sage///Incompatible with Cabbage, Cauliflower, Corn, Dill, Fennel, Kohlrabi, Potato

Turnip -- Peas

Insect-Repellant Plants

Basil -- Flies, Mosquitoes, Asparagus BeetleBorage -- Tomato WormCalendula -- Asparagus Beetles, Tomato WormsCatnip -- Ants, Aphids, Cockroaches, Flea Beetle, Japanese BeetlesChrysanthemum -- Mexican Bean BeetleCosmos -- Mexican Bean BeetleCoriander -- AphidsDandelion -- Colorado Potato BeetleDead Nettle -- Potato BeetleFennel -- FleasFlax -- Potato BeetleGarlic -- Aphids, Apple Scab, Borers, Japanese Beetles, Peach Leaf Curl Disease, Spider MitesGeranium -- Cabbage Worm, Red Spider MiteHenbit -- General insect repellantHorseradish -- Potato BeetleHyssop -- Cabbage MothLavender -- Mice, Ticks, MothsMarigold -- Mexican Bean Beetle, NematodesMint -- Ants, Aphids, Cabbage Moth, Fleas, MiceMole Plant -- Mice, MolesNasturnium -- White Flies, Squash Bugs, Striped Pumpkin Beetle, Wooly Aphid (apple)Oregano -- Cabbage Butterfly, Cucumber BeetleParsley -- BeetlesPennyroyal -- Fleas, Flies, Mosquitoes

Pot Marigold -- Asparagus Beetle, Tomato WormRadish -- Cucumber BeetleRosemary -- Bean Beetles, Cabbage Moth, Carrot FlyRue -- Flies, Japanese Beetle, Cats, DogsSage -- Bean beetle, Cabbage Moth, Carrot Fly, Slugs




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Southernwood -- Cabbage MothSunflower -- ArmywormTansy -- Ants, Fleas, Flies, Japanese Beetle, Moths, Striped Cucumber Beetles, Squash BugsThyme -- Cabbage WormWormwood -- Animals

Beneficial Parasitoid Wasps and Hoverflies are attracted to: Alyssum, Buckwheat, Cilantro, Fennel, Mustard,Phacelia, and Yarrow (J. Luna, et al., Organic Farming Research 6:7-9)

"Pollen and Nectar plants" that attract beneficial predator insects: Carrot, Catnip, Coneflowers, Daisy, Dill,Fennel, Goldenrod, Lemon Balm, Mint, Parsley, Peppermint, Spearmint, Thyme, Yarrow.

Note: Whiteflies are a vector for Tomato Yellow Leaf Virus. Several people on GardenWeb have experimentedwith cups of liquid Sevin bainted with clove oil or tayuya root powder to control cucumber beetle, andrecommend it for whitefly also.

Beneficial Insects

Assassin Bug -- Caterpillars, FliesBig-Eyed Bug -- Aphids, Caterpillars, Leafhoppers, Mites; attracted by Clover, Goldenrod, Soybeans.Braconid Wasp -- Aphids, Armyworm, Cabbageworm, Cornborer, Codling Moth, Elm Bark Beetle, HornWorm; Attracted by Dill, Parsley, Yarrow.

Damselbug -- Aphids, Caterpillars, Leafhoppers, Thrips; Attracted by Alfalfa.Ground Beetle -- Caterpillars, Cabbage Maggot, Colorado Potato Beetle Larvae, Cutworms, Slugs, Snails;Attracted by Clover.Honeybee -- PollinatorHover Fly (Syrphid Fly) -- AphidsIchneumon Wasp -- Beetle larvae, Caterpillars, Sawfly,Lacewing -- Aphids, Corn Earworms, Mites, ThripsLady Beetle -- AphidsMinute Pirate Bug -- Leafhopper nymphs, Spider mites, ThripsPredatory Mite -- European Red Mites, Spider MitesPraying Mantis -- Also predates beneficialsRove Beetle -- Aphids, Cabbage Maggot, Flies, Mites, SpringtailsSoldier Beetle -- Aphids, Beetle larvae, Caterpillars, Corn Rootworm, Cucumber Beetle, Grasshopper eggs ;Attracted by Goldenrod, Milkweed, HydrangeaSpined Soldier Bug -- Caterpillars, Sawfly larvae

Tachinid Fly -- CaterpillarsTiger Beetle -- General predatorYellowjacket -- Flies, caterpillars

ElectroCulture Patents (US Cl. 47/1.3)

USP # 3,935,670Apparatus for Selectively Applying Electrical Current to PlantsRicks H. Pluenneke / Willis G.DykesFebruary 3, 1976Abstract ~ Apparatus for destroying selected plants by the application of electricity thereto. A source of high-

voltage electrical current is mounted on a moveable platform, and a grounding wheel or the like is provided forinsuring safety of the apparatus by grounding various electrical source components. A conductive tip portion of anon-conductive staff member may be connected to the source of current by a cord, and an operator controlledswitch in a secondary control circuit is mounted on the staff member. The switch is normally open so that theconductive tip portion will not be energized should the operator release his grip on the staff member. Byactuating the switch and bringing the tip portion into mere touching engagement with a plant stem, plantdestruction may be effected.

USP # 3,940,885Process and Equipment for Treating Seeds and Product ThereofOscar S.GrayMarch 2, 1976Abstract ~ Seeds are subjected to microwave energy and a coolant gas, then subjected to a partial vacuum tostimulate growth and stabilize such stimulation. Seeds so treated have superior growth characteristics and are

more resistant to disease and weather hazards. Apparatus for effecting this process is also disclosed.

USP # 4,007,794Top Desiccation of Crop Plants




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Ricks H. Pluenneke / Willis G.DykesFebruary 15, 1977Abstract ~ The above-ground growth of potatoes and like root crops are contacted with high voltage electricityseveral days prior to harvesting, the electricity desiccating the above-ground portion of the crops while notharming the tubers. A no-load voltage of about 20 kv with an energy density of about 11-15 kw/foot of widthtreated is effective. Low-bush blueberries, and like perennial crops, are pruned by contacting the above-groundgrowth thereof with electricity. Pruning, in the case of blueberries, is most effective when done approximatelyevery other year in the case of blueberries, a no-load voltage of 10-20 kv with an energy density of about 2-3kw/foot of width treated being effective.

USP # 4,020,590Apparatus and Method for Exposing Seeds to a Magnetic FieldAlbert R.DavisMay 3, 1977Abstract ~ Apparatus for magnetically treating seeds comprises a magnet for producing a unipolar magneticfield, an enclosed generally cylindrical housing having a closable access opening therein in which said seeds areplaced for treatment, drive means associated with the housing for rotating said housing and imparting rolling andtumbling motion to the seeds within the housing, the housing being disposed with respect to the magnet such thatthe seeds move through the magnetic field as they roll and tumble. By magnetically treating the seeds in aunipolar magnetic field while rolling and tumbling the seeds, the characteristics of plants grown therefrom arefavorably altered.

USP # 4,047,326Vascular Contact Rotating and Stationary Abrading Electrode Devices for Electric Weed KillingRobert C. TibbsSeptember 13, 1977Abstract ~ Undesirable vegetation or weeds are destroyed by electrical current conducted therethrough byprolonged contact with electrodes. Internal plant tissues of the vegetation are exposed for electrode contact byremoval of electrically resistant external layer portions through abrasion of the plant stems or stalks along a pathof movement of the apparatus to reduce the electrical energy requirements for plant destroying purposes.

USP # 4,092,800Vegetation ControlJames R.Wayland, Jr., et al.June 6, 1978Abstract ~ Microwave transmitters generate electromagnetic energy at a desired frequency in the range of from300 MHz to 300 GHz. Energy derived from the microwave transmitters is coupled into a waveguide fortransmission to an energy radiator coupled to the waveguide. The energy radiator, waveguide and microwavetransmitters are vehicle mounted such that the radiator is made to pass over areas in which it is desired to controlvegetation. Vegetation, including seeds, in the path of energy emitting from the radiator absorbs the energy fromthe field resulting in internal changes in the plant or seed causing death or debilitation of the vegetation or seed.

USP # 4,094,095Method and Apparatus for Using Electrical Current to Destroy Weeds...

Willis DykesJune 13, 1978Abstract ~ A method and apparatus for destroying weeds growing in and around crop rows without destructionof crops growing therein. A plurality of electrically conductive spring members are disposed in a generallyhorizontal plane and connected to a high voltage source of electricity. The spring members have a spring constantsuch that relatively stiff crops plants will deflect the spring members while relatively flexible weeds will notdeflect them. Substantially all of the plants in and around the crop rows are contacted with current-carrying

portions of the spring members by moving the spring members relative to the crop rows parallel to the crop rows.A larger dwell time of contact is provided between the spring members and the relatively flexible weeds then thedwell time of contact between the spring members and the relatively stiff crop plant so that the weeds receivesufficient electrical energy to result in destruction thereof, while the crop plants do not receive sufficientelectrical energy to result in destruction thereof. The difference in dwell time is provided by forming each springmember so that it has one end connected to a supporting member and the first portion extending from theconnected end making a first angle .alpha. with a line along the direction of movement of the spring member, andhaving a free end with a second portion adjacent the free end making a second angle .beta. with a line along thedirection of movement of the spring member, the angle .beta. being substantially greater than the angle .alpha.,and by disposing the connected end of the spring member between crop rows while the free end extends into acrop row during movement of the spring member to affect contacting.

USP # 4,177,603Plant Destruction Using Electricity

Willis DykesDecember 11, 1979Abstract ~ A machine and method for destroying plant growth. A specialty application is provided for plantgrowth around and between railroad tracks, and a general description is provided for preventing damage to thehigh voltage source of electricity used for the plant destruction, and for minimizing the number of fires started in




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dry material accessory to plant destruction. A vehicle with a high voltage electricity source is mounted onrailroad tracks, with wheels of each wheel set for the vehicle being electrically isolated, and the high voltagesource being grounded through one of the wheels. Special plant contacting devices comprising rounded endgenerally cylindrical contacting members are provided. The current output of the high voltage source is limited toprevent damage to the high voltage source, and the no-load voltage of the high voltage source is held to generallythe same level as the full-load current limited voltage to minimize the number of fires started by the plantcontactors.

USP # 4,188,751Magnetic Seed Treating DeviceMinoruSaruwatariFebruary 19, 1980Abstract ~ A device for magnetically treating seeds prior to planting so as to increase the yield of plants grownfrom the seeds. The device includes a tubular member provided with an internal support for securing a permanentmagnet therein so that as seeds are poured through the tubular member, they are magnetically treated. Themagnet, which has opposite poles disposed at opposite ends thereof, is oriented with its longitudinal axisextending in the direction of the passage, the passage adjacent the magnet being of substantially annular shape incross-section whereby a uniform cylindrical shaped magnetic field occupies the annular passage through whichthe grain must pass. The tubular member has a converging portion in the direction of seed travel so as to providean area of maximum constriction adjacent the magnet which results in the seeds being funnelled radially inwardtowards the more concentrated magnetic field closest to the magnet. The converging or constricted portion maybe shaped to provide the flow of seeds along streamlines so that the rate of flow is enhanced.

USP # 4,198,781Plant Destruction Utilizing Electrically Conductive LiquidWillisDykesApril 22, 1980Abstract ~ A machine is provided for destroying plants with electricity comprising a tank adapted to holdelectrically conductive liquid, an electrode for placing the electrically conductive liquid in the tank at highelectrical potential, including a high voltage source of electricity; nozzles for spraying the electrically conductiveliquid on plants to be destroyed; and a structure for grounding the high voltage source. Air pressure providedover the liquid in the tank provides the motive force for spraying, and pneumatically operated valves in line withthe nozzles are provided for selectively supplying liquid to the nozzles. In this way, there are no moving partswhich are electrically charged. Condition-responsive structures, responsive to plant position, are provided forcontrolling operation of the pneumatic valves, such as air limit proximity switches. The current output of the highvoltage source is limited so that damage to the source is prevented, and the no-load voltage of the high voltagesource also is preferably controlled.

USP # 4,240,365Magnetic Seed PlanterRaymond D.AmburnDecember 23, 1980Abstract ~ Planting apparatus including a supporting frame adapted to be connected to a tractor or similarvehicle; a seed hopper mounted on the supporting frame for containing a supply of seeds, and seed meteringmechanism spaced beneath the discharge outlet of the seed hopper for controlling the movement of the seedsdischarged from the hopper on the ground. A magnetic seed treating device is disposed in the path of seedsdischarged from the hopper for causing the seeds to pass through a magnetic field to magnetically treat the seedsas the seeds are planted.

USP # 4,291,125Method for Electronic Control of Infections Using Silver Ions

Wilson GreatbatchSeptember 22, 1981Abstract ~ A method and apparatus for killing plant and animal bacteria and plant viroids by electricallygenerated silver ions. The silver ions serve as germicidal agents in infection control and are generated by veryslow electrical anodic corrosion of a silver wire located closely adjacent the infection site. In particular, a silveranode and a cathode of non-corroding metal are located in an electrolytic nutrient medium with the silver anodebeing within five millimeters of the infection site, and a direct voltage is applied to the anode and cathode in amanner passing a positive current in the microampere range into the silver anode causing it to corrode slightlyand give off silver ions which produce a germicidal environment about the infection site.

USP # 4,302,670

Electrogenic Seed Treater

Andrew Zaderej / Claude E. Corson

November 24, 1981




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Abstract ~ Method and apparatus for treating seeds, such as corn, soy beans and rice, in which the seeds are firstcoated with a mixture of water and enzyme and then subjected to a series of electrical potentials that causeswater, ion particles, and nitrogen components to be impregnated within the seed for the purpose of improving theembryonic and growth potential of the seeds.

USP # 4,338,743Safety System for Weed Destroying Apparatus...Thomas P.Gilmore

July 13, 1982Abstract ~ Weed destroying apparatus carried on a vehicle has a generator; a step-up transformer having itssecondary winding coupled to electrodes for contacting and killing weeds; a programmable semiconductor logicarray; a first contactor coupled to an output of the logic array for connecting the generator to the transformerprimary winding in the weed killing mode; a second contactor coupled to an output of the logic array forconnecting the generator to electrical outlets for supplying electrical power to auxiliary farm equipment in astandby mode; a run/standby switch for providing binary signals to the logic array indicative as to whether theapparatus is to operate in the weed killing mode or the standby mode; a plurality of safety systems each of whichhas redundant interlock means for preventing an unsafe condition in which high voltage would be a hazard in theweed killing mode and sensing means for providing binary signals to the logic array indicative of whether eachinterlock means is in the safe condition or an unsafe condition; and a generator frequency interlock for detectinggenerator frequency in the standby mode and for applying binary signals to the logic array indicative of whethergenerator frequency is within a predetermined range.

USP # 4,338,744Safety System for Weed Destroying ApparatusThomas P.GilmoreJuly 13, 1982Abstract ~ A weed destroying system carried on a vehicle and having electrodes for contacting weeds and a highvoltage generator and a step-up transformer for supplying high voltage to the electrodes is provided with atamper-proof safety system having redundant safety interlocks to effectively ground the vehicle and redundantsafety interlocks to prevent energization of the generator until the vehicle is traveling at a predetermined speedand which de-energizes the generator if any one safety interlock is bypassed or fails in an unsafe condition,thereby requiring plural simultaneous failures to create a condition that is hazardous to the operator or to abystander. The safety system also provides immediately-visible warning of the electrical hazard created by theapparatus and provides visual and aural indications to the operator when a safety interlock has been bypassed oris jammed closed.

USP # 4,428,150Electrode Arrangement for Electric Weed Killing ApparatusAllois F.GeiersbachJanuary 31, 1984Abstract ~ Apparatus for destroying weeds in and around crop rows has a high voltage source of electricitymounted on a vehicle; a coulter wheel for connecting the high voltage source to the ground; a plurality of weedcontacting electrodes carried on the vehicle and insulated therefrom; and a plurality of isolating electricalreactance inductors each of which connects a weed contacting electrode to the high voltage source and limits themagnitude of current flowing through the high voltage source when the electrode contacts a weed to therebyminimize the voltage drop across the high voltage source and maintain substantially constant voltage on theremaining electrodes.

USP # 4,633,611Process and Apparatus for Disinfecting SeedsSiegfriedSchiller, et al.

January 6, 1987Abstract ~ An apparatus and process for the disinfection of seeds, preferably those of grains, to preventpathogenic organisms from being planted with the seeds, and to provide reliable disinfection without using toxicagents. The seed is irradiated by low-energy electrons with energy and dosage controlled so that the surface andregions close to the surface are exposed to the radiation with fungicidal effect. A beam of the low-energyelectrons is provided by an electron gun aimed at a region within a seed-receiving chamber at which the seeds tobe irradiated are caused to intercept the radiation repeatedly and on all sides. The chamber may be at atmosphericpressure or be evacuated, the latter condition requiring vacuum locks at seed inlet and outlet ports of thechamber.

USP # 4,680,889Process for Treating PlantsDan R.CarlsonJuly 21, 1987

Abstract ~ The present invention is a process for stimulating or inhibiting plant growth and includes the steps ofapplying a plant growth stimulant or inhibitor and subjecting the plant to high frequency sound waves.

USP # 4,758,318




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Method for Improvement of SoilTadayukiYoshidaJuly 19, 1988Abstract ~ The molds infesting a given soil are extirpated by the flow of a pulsating direct current of not lessthan 50 mA to prevent a farm product from diseases causable by the aforementioned molds.

USP # 4,785,575Horticultural Device for Raising Garden Plants Utilizing Magnetism

KazuhiroShioiNovember 22, 1988Abstract ~ A horticultural device utilizing magnetism for raising plants includes a plate-shaped section in whicha fertilizer is imbedded, and a rod-shaped section extending from the bottom side of the plate-shaped section andhaving a fluid flow passageway, at least a portion of the device having a magnetic property. The rod-shapedsection is thrust into soil surrounding a plant until the plant-shaped section contacts the soil surface. The fertilizercarried in the plate-shaped section is gradually dissolved and converted into a magnetized fertilizer solution bywatering, the fertilizer solution dispersing itself into the soil through the liquid flow passageway of the rod-shaped section.

USP # 4,891,317Magnetic Alternation of Cellulose During Its BiosynthesisMalcolmBrown, Jr., et al.January 2, 1990

Abstract ~ A method of producing cellulose of amorphous character by subjecting cellulose-producingorganisms to a magnetic field substantially greater than 0.5 gauss and preferably at least about 500 gauss. Thecellulose produced in the presence of a magnetic field is of an amorphous nature with increased waterabsorptivity and decreased crystallinity.

USP # 4,915,915Water-Powered Piezoelectric Unit for Producing Nitrogen FertilizerRichard W.TreharneApril 10, 1990Abstract ~ A system for producing nitrogen fertilizer using an electric arc process is described in which theelectric arc necessary for the process is generated by piezoelectric elements actuated by a hammer mechanismpowered by water pressure

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