Abstract: The present invention discloses plant cells which contain modified 7S legume seed storage protein. Modification of 7S seed storage proteins which are expressible in plant cells and transformation of such genes into plant cells is also taught. Furthermore, methods and DNA molecules useful for producing plant cells containing modified 7S seed storage proteins are also disclosed. The invention is exemplified by insertion of an oligonucleotide encoding 15 amino acid residues, including 6 methionines, into a Phaseolus vulgaris phaseolin gene, thereby tripling its content of sulfur-containing amino acids.

Abstract: The nifD promoter regions of Bradyrhizobium japonicum and Bradyhizobium sp. (Parasponia) have been sequenced and found to be significantly homologous. Recombinant DNA molecules comprising foreign genes under the control of such promoters are provided. Rhizobial species containing such recombinant constructions, either in plasmids or integrated into the genome, are provided. These are especially useful for expressing desired foreign genes within root nodules.

Abstract: DNA sequence elements which effect anaerobic induction of genes in plants are identified and characterized. These sequence elements, designated anaerobic regulatory elements, confer inducibility by anaerobic conditions on downstress plant-expressible promoters and their associated structural genes. In particular, those sequences associated with anaerobic induction of the maize alcohol dehydrogenase and aldolase genes have been identified. These sequence elements can be employed in combination with appropriately positioned plant-expressible genes to produce chimeric, anaerobically inducible genes. Such constructs are useful for the selective expression of structural genes under anaerobic conditions in plants.

Abstract: A portable hyperbaric chamber that allows a person to perform endurance exercise at barometric pressures of from 0 to 10 lbs/square inch greater than ambient. The chamber is portable, semi-spherical and inexpensively constructed of an essentially air-impermeable, flexible material. The chamber is used for endurance conditioning, to improve the athletic performance of people who live at altitudes above sea level.

Abstract: A procedure for the immunoassay of a proteolytic procoagulant enzyme in biological samples is described. The presence of the enzyme is indicative of malignant disease, and the immunoassay is used as a diagnostic test for cancer.

Abstract: An in vitro method for screening Glycine max cells for resistance to a disease caused by Phialophora gregata, brown stem rot, is disclosed. The method is useful for identifying brown stem rot resistant soybean varieties. Means for selecting mutant soybean cells for resistance to a toxin produced by P. gregata is also provided, as are cells and plants selected by this process. The invention involves culture of soybean calli in the presence of a filtrate of used fungal growth medium.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for detecting RNA viral infections in plants comprising the isolation of an RNA molecule, e.g., from alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV), production of full-length cDNA transcripts, cloning into plasmids and propgation of the recombinant plasmid. This recombinant DNA plasmid is utilized diagostically to test a plant for infection by a virus, e.g., AMV.

Abstract: This invention provides an immunologic method for measuring plant pollen germination and pollen tube growth. This method is based on the finding that an antibody having specificity to .beta.-L-arabinofuranosyl residues binds to the surface of in vitro grown pollen tubes. Antibody binding can be measured qualitatively or quantitatively using a calibration curve. The immunoassay is useful for screening plants for response to substances that affect plant germination or pollen tube growth.

Abstract: Modified 19kd and 22kd zeins containing lysine are provided. Lysine additions are made by modifying structural genes which encode 19kd and 22kd pre-zeins. Modified zeins produced from the modified structural gene templates are found to retain important properties of unmodified zeins, having similar molecular weights, having the ability to form protein bodies within the rough endoplasmic reticulum of a host cell and being soluble in alcohol.

Abstract: Modified 19kd and 22kd zeins containing lysine are provided. Lysine additions are made by modifying structural genes which encode 19kd and 22kd pre-zeins. Modified zeins produced from the modified structural gene templates are found to retain important properties of unmodified zeins, having similar molecular weights, having the ability to form protein bodies within the rough endoplasmic reticulum of a host cell and being soluble in alcohol.

Abstract: A recombinant DNA vector is provided as a universal transcription vector having a replication origin and selectable marker, a promoter and a transcription initiation site comprising a first transcribed nucleotide, wherein a restriction site is provided immediately adjacent to and upstream from the transcription initiation site so as to separate transcribed from untranscribed nucleotides. A second restriction site may also be positioned downstream from the said restriction site. Precise control of initiation and termination of transcription is attained by this invention. Such control is important in assuring the effectiveness of transcribed RNA viral vectors.A high fidelity in vitro RNA transcription method is also provided utilizing vectors constructed from the universal transcription vector, or other vectors producing transcripts having no more than one extra 5' base. This method is capable of producing functional RNA transcripts, preferably comprising infectious viral sequences.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the construction of a recombinant vector containing plant or animal lectin DNA sequences, such vector being capable of being replicated, transcribed and translated in single cell hosts. The gene coding for the plant or animal lectin may be inserted into an expression vector which enables efficient production of the lectin protein.

Abstract: A method is provided for the production of organogenic tissue culture and regeneration of whole plants of Glycine species, preferably Glycine max, involving the use of an organogenic culture medium comprising high cytokinin, preferably at least about 10 .mu.M BAP, and also preferably comprising at least about 6 times normal concentration of MS micronutrients. The organogenic culture medium is useful for the production of plants embodying desirable characteristics induced by somaclonal variation.

Abstract: Chiral, nonracemic compounds of the general formula: ##STR1## wherein n=1 or 2, Y is a hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine or bromine atom, R' is an alkyl or alkoxy group having three to fifteen carbons, and R is an alkyl group having three to fifteen carbons, which are useful as ferroelectric liquid crystal components having high polarization are described. Also described are compounds of the same general formula in which X is OH, which are useful as synthetic intermediates in the preparation of the FLC components of the present invention.

Abstract: A symbiosis plasmid from a fast-growing Rhizobium japonicum donor strain can be transferred to Rhizobium recipient strains, the recipient strains being previously incapable of forming an effective symbiotic relationship with plants of certain Glycine (e.g. soybean) varieties. The recipient strains harboring the symbiosis plasmid will form effective symbioses with soybean plants of said certain varieties, the transferred symbiosis plasmid conferring the host range or specificity of the donor strain on the recipient strains. Methods, strains, and plasmids useful for practice of this invention are also provided.

Abstract: The promoter of the nifH gene of the fast-growing Rhizobium japonicum strain USDA 191, has been cloned. Over 4.2 kilobase pairs (kbp) of DNA were sequences (FIG. 1). Sequences encoding nifH and the 5'-end of nifD were identified, as were sequences involved in promoting operon transcription and a nifH ribosome binding site. Use of the nifH promoter to drive transcription in Rhizobium of heterologous structural genes is taught. Useful sequences and plasmids are also disclosed.

Abstract: Agricultural methods of biological control and organisms useful in such methods are disclosed, such as a plant colonizing organisms and methods of biologically controlling plant disease caused by fungi. A novel type of Pseudomonas cepacia type Wisconsin has been identified. These strains and other P. cepacia strains described are useful as vectors for delivery to plants of beneficial products.

Abstract: Isolation and characterization of a gene which activated nitrogen fixation genes of Rhizobium meliloti when that bacterium is in a symbiotic relationship with a plant is disclosed. This newly discovered gene, designated fix D, can activate the nifHD promoter. A method of making this inducible gene constitutive is presented. This is useful for making nifHD constitutive. The combination of the fixD promoter with heterologous structural genes is taught. Such combinations are useful for limiting expression of an encoded protein to rhizobia involved in a symbiotic relationship with a plant. Plasmids and methods useful in performance of this invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: A promoter region that drives expression of a 1450 base T.sub.R transcript in octopine-type crown gall tumors can also promote expression of a foreign structural gene in bacteria. Use of this dul-purpose promoter region to drive expression of a single copy of a foreign structural gene in both plants and bacteria is taught. The construction of a selectable marker functional in eukaryotes and prokaryotes is exemplified, as are vectors useful in efforts to transform plants.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of grapevine named Marroo Seedless having the characteristics of large, crisp and seedless berries with a pleasant, sweet taste, a uniform bunch shape; good vigor and production and the formation of large black berried seedless table grapes without the application of gibberellic acid to enhance berry size.