An image processing method and apparatus for encoding and decoding image data in which the coding and decoding method may be simplified based on factors such as processing speed requirements. The invention also discloses a formulation comprising said bacterium and a method for controlling plant fungal diseases and infestation of Aspergillis niger utilizing said strain. Due to the high optical power of the clock pulses, the SOA gain will drop to a small value after each clock pulse. The insert is locked into an end of the tubular element, when the expandable portion is inserted into the end of the tube, and expanded.