Abstract: A method is disclosed for the convenient transformation of the somatic cells of animals. Somatic cell transformation is useful for medical and veterinary care of genetic diseases, and other therapeutic or animal improvement purposes. The method makes use of an electric discharge particle acceleration apparatus which can inject very small particles of gold or other dense material carrying genetic constructs coated on them into the living cells of animals. The animals not only live, but there is no visible bruising or bleeding at the site of the treatment. The method is particularly adaptable since the force of the particle injection in such a spark discharge apparatus is adjustable by adjustments to the voltage of the spark discharge.

Abstract: A method is disclosed which describes the identification of cDNA clones useful for identifying fiber genes in cotton. The cDNA clones are useful in developing corresponding genomic clones from fiber producing plants to enable genetic engineering of cotton and other plants using these genes. The fiber-specific genes are identified by differential cDNA library screenings.

Abstract: A method is disclosed which describes the identification of cDNA clones useful for identifying fiber genes in cotton. The cDNA clones are useful in developing corresponding genomic clones from fiber producing plants to enable genetic engineering of cotton and other plants using these genes. The fiber-specific genes are identified by differential cDNA library screenings. Coding sequences from these isolated genes are used in sense or antisense orientation to alter the fiber characteristics of transgenic fiber-producing plants.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing novel strains of Rhizobium bacteria for legume inoculants which are both competitive and have high nitrogen fixation characteristics. The method involves first isolating and identifying the naturally predominant strains of the Rhizobium species of interest in a particular locale and then mutagenizing that strain to produce mutant strains which retain the competitiveness and add enhanced nitrogen fixation capabilities.

Abstract: A composition and method for control of animal pests capable of nitrogen fixation is disclosed in which the active ingredient is a metal compound of either molybdenum or tungsten. It is disclosed that such metal salts of molybdenum and tungsten are uniquely toxic to termites and shipworms in low dosages. The composition can be incorporated into direct control agents, termite baits, soil inoculants, or may be incorporated with other ingredients in a wood treating dip or pressure treating composition for wood preservation.