Abstract: Methods and materials are provided for the improved production of gel beads useful for encapsulating plant reproductive units.

Abstract: The invention relates to improved transformation and regeneration of alfalfa, Medicago sativa.A method is used to transform alfalfa by using particle acceleration. Optimum results with mature cotyledons occurs when bombarding after 24 to 120 hours of imbibing water. Regeneration and transformation of alfalfa is greatly improved by using immature cotyledons or embryos of immature cotyledons for transformation and regeneration. Immature cotyledons include those up to about 25 days past pollination, and preferably include cotyledons excised at 10-15 days past pollination, most preferably including those excised at about 10 days past pollination. These cotyledons have a light green to translucent appearance. Plants resulting from bombardment of somatic embryos of immature cotyledons retain regeneration ability.

Abstract: A novel B.t. toxin gene toxic to lepidopteran insects has been cloned from a novel lepidopteran-active B. thuringiensis microbe. The DNA encoding the B.t. toxin can be used to transform various prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbes to express the B.t. toxin. These recombinant microbes can be used to control lepidopteran insects in various environments.

Abstract: Pea explant material is transformed by incubation with Agrobacterium cells carrying an exogenous DNA sequence. The pea explant is preferably obtained from the plumule of a pea seed, and transformed shoots are preferably induced directly in the explant material without passage through a callus phase. Whole transformed pea plants may be regenerated from the transformed shoots by rooting and subsequent planting in the soil. The exogenous DNA will be stably incorporated into the chromosomes of the regenerated pea plant which will be able to express gene(s) encoded by the DNA sequence.

Abstract: Method for improved in vivo production of taxanes by inoculation of tissue of the genus Taxus with virulent or avirulent strains of Agrobacterium. In the preferred embodiment, virulent Agrobacterium is the inoculant which induces gall formation at all stages of the plant, from saplings to mature trees. Incomplete harvesting of galls permits regeneration on the trees, resulting in a renewable resource. Unexpectedly, the inoculant tissue (both virulent and avirulent) produces approximately twice the concentration of taxanes per unit tissue weight as compared to normal tissue. In addition, the virulent strain induced gall biomass is 2-3 times greater than normal tissue per unit growth time, while avirulent inoculants show approximately the same growth as normal. The net yield increase is 2-6 times normal, (4-6 for galls), is renewable, does not require special growth hormones or media, does not result in sacrificing the tree, and can be started at the sapling stage.

Abstract: A transformed plant of Gramineae is prepared by culturing an anther of Gramineae in a callus induction medium and, at a stage immediately before the microspore begins to cause division or during the initial division, transducing a genetic substance into the microspore cell through a pore formed by a laser pulse thereby to express genetic information of the genetic substance.According to the present invention, it is unnecessary to prepare protoplast and therefore, time and operations for transformation can be greatly reduced. Since haploid cells are transformed, the character transduced is conveyed without separating at a later generation. In addition, difficulties in experiments between species and strains are minimized so that it is easy to apply the present invention to practical species. According to the present invention, large pores can be formed as compared to the electroporation method so that DNA or substances having a large molecular weight can be introduced.

Abstract: A method of altering the metabolism of a plant includes the steps of genetically altering at least one commensal bacterium of the plant to alter the level and nature of the enzyme activity produced by the plant. Because of the close relationship between the commensal bacteria and plant with regard to total enzyme activity, and the relationship of total enzyme activity to agronomic production, the present invention provides a mechanism to significantly improve agronomic performance.

Abstract: Pepper explant material is transformed by incubation with Agrobacterium cells carrying an exogenous DNA sequence. The pepper explant is preferably obtained from either the young embryonic cotyledon or the young expanded cotyledon, and transformed shoots are preferably induced directly in the explant material without passage through a callus phase. Whole transformed pepper plants may be regenerated from the transformed shoots by rooting and subsequent planting in the soil. The exogenous DNA will be stably incorporated into the chromosomes of the regenerated pepper plant which will be able to express gene(s) encoded by the DNA sequence. An improved method for regenerating pepper plants, without transformation, is also described. Regeneration to produce tetraploids is a further embodiment of this invention.