Abstract: A process for commercial extraction of saponins from quinoa, and optionally for the formation of corresponding sapogenins. The saponin extraction process comprises contacting a saponin-containing part of a quinoa plant with an aqueous alcohol solution containing an alcohol selected from the group consisting of methanol and ethanol to form a saponin-containing solution and an extracted solid residue, removing the alcohol from the saponin-containing solution to leave a saponin-containing aqueous solution, and evaporating water from the saponin-containing aqueous solution to produce a saponin-containing product.

Abstract: Novel lines of Brassica juncea yield an edible oil that has properties similar to canola oil. More specifically, the oil has an oleic acid content of at least 55% by weight, a linoleic acid content of less than 25% by weight, a linolenic acid content of less than 14% by weight, a erucic acid content of less than 1% by weight, a palmitic acid content of less than 6% by weight, a stearic acid content of less than 2.5% by weight, and a total saturated acid content of less than 7.1% by weight. The novel lines of B. juncea plant have a lineage that includes both lines J90-3450 and J90-4316, these being known lines of B. juncea, and may be formed by conventional cross fertilization or other means. The novel lines can be grown in harsher environments than conventional canola species and are high-yielding and disease-resistant.

Abstract: Proteinaceous antibiotics produced by ruminal bacteria are provided. The diverse group of ruminal bacteria known as Butyrivibrio spp. is a preferred source of such proteinaceous antibiotics. The proteinaceous antibiotics are generally resistant to gastric proteases, exhibit a high level of hydrophobicity, are effective to inhibit growth of target organisms under anaerobic conditions, are ineffective in aerobic conditions, and have a molecular weight of less than about 5 kDa. Also provided are methods for identifying ruminal bacteria which produce such proteinaceous antibiotics, and methods for producing the proteinaceous antibiotics.

Abstract: Embryogenesis from plant microspores is routinely induced with a 16-24 h temperature treatment of 32.5° C. Continuous culture at 25° C. results in pollen development. However, microspore treatment with anti-cytoskeletal agents, or protein synthesis inhibitors, at the non-inductive temperature of 25° C., can induce embryogenesis, thus demonstrating that heat shock is not required for embryogenic induction. Furthermore, when anti-microtubule agents (e.g. colchicine) are used, embryo induction and chromosome doubling occur simultaneously, thus generating doubled haploids, whereas heat induction generates haploids. Thus, the use of microtubule inhibitors will provide a simple one-step process to simultaneously induce embryogenesis and chromosome doubling for the production of fertile plants, thus providing minimal manipulation which will be very advantageous for genetic studies and plant breeding programs. As noted, heat shock induces haploids.

Abstract: The nucleotide sequence of a novel xylanase gene obtained from the soilborne fungus Coniothyrium minitans, and denoted cxy1, is provided. The amino acid sequence of the encoded xylanase enzyme, denoted Cxy1, is also provided.

Abstract: This invention is directed to characterizing a host system suitable for the production of functional transgenic proteins, such as anti-human IgG, for use in applications requiring Government regulatory approval. It is well known that regulatory agencies required stable, consistent master cell banks and master cell lines for the production of transgenic proteins in order to ensure sufficient material for appropriate characterization, clinical trials, and potential sales. Current plant production systems require the establishment of seed banks for this purpose. However, there are many draw backs related to such a system for the production of a continuous reliable transgenic protein source. An aspect of this invention is directed to characterizing a plant production system suitable for transgenic proteins that meet the stringent regulatory requirements.