Japan OKs Aquatrols technology
Aquatrols has received patent protection in Japan for its groundbreaking seed-enhancement technology.
This is the first patent issued in what is expected to be global intellectual property protection for the Seed Enhancement Technology, according to Aquatrols.In replicated trials worldwide, Aquatrols Seed Enhancement Technology has shown to significantly improve seed establishment under deficit irrigation conditions and aid seed germination in water repellent soils. The technology is expected to have widespread applications in the turfgrass, agricultural, and native seed markets.
Toro enhances drip irrigation software
Toro has released an upgrade to its AquaFlow drip irrigation design software. This latest version includes a search feature that helps users identify and select the desired Toro tape or dripline model faster and easier. Users also now have the ability to search for product models by flow rate.
The upgrade also includes an updated database with improved flow exponent X and flow coefficient K values for Toro's Neptune flat emitter dripline product line.
AquaFlow design software is available to all registered users online or downloaded onto a computer from driptips.toro.com. Any previous versions of AquaFlow 4.0 must be uninstalled prior to downloading a new version, and any existing designs should be backed up before uninstalling.
Bernhard reaches deal with Ohio distributor
Bernhard and Co., manufacturer of Bernhard Grinders, has partnered with Ohio-based distributor Shearer Equipment.
A full-line John Deere dealer, Shearer will educate golf courses and sports facilities across northeastern Ohio, northwestern Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia about the benefits of Bernhard's products, including the Express Dual and Anglemaster.
Founded in Wooster in 1937, Shearer employs more than 160 team members at seven locations throughout Ohio.
Bernhard's Express Dual reel grinder sharpens without requiring disassembly of the mower. Its membrane touch control panel, speed loading system and automatic traverse were designed to improve turnaround time and workshop safety. The unique auto relief eliminates the need for lapping.
The Anglemaster bedknife grinder emphasizes speed and accuracy, and an independent end-feed, a single-point advance and central-grind position are designed to maximize ease of use.
Bayer appoints Applegate to head Environmental Science
Effective July 1, longtime Bayer executive Jacqueline Applegate, Ph.D., will become Head of Environmental Science, the non-agricultural business operations unit of Bayer CropScience.
Applegate, who will be based at the Bayer Environmental Science headquarters in Lyon, France, succeeds Gunnar Riemann, Ph.D., who left the company to pursue other career opportunities. In her new role, Applegate will also be a member of the Bayer CropScience executive committee.During her 23-year-career at Bayer, Applegate, 49, has held several management positions with Environmental Science, most notably president of its North America business from 2010 to 2012. She first joined Environmental Science as head of global portfolio management and became president of Bayer Advanced Consumer Lawn and Garden USA in 2007.
Until recently, Applegate was senior Bayer representative and Bayer CropScience country head Australia and New Zealand. She began her career with Bayer in 1992 as process development chemist in product supply, and later was named head of global project management in 2002.
Applegate is a graduate of Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, and earned a doctorate in organic chemistry from Iowa State University, and then an MBA from Rockhurst University in Kansas City.