Abstract: A method for producing transformed cotton plants. The method comprising providing cotton explants, incubating the cotton explant in the presence of a vector comprising a selectable marker to produce treated explants, growing the treated explants to produce callus and selecting transformed callus.

Abstract: A method for producing transformed cotton plants. The method comprising providing cotton explants, incubating the cotton explant in the presence of a vector comprising a selectable marker to produce treated explants, growing the treated explants to produce callus and selecting transformed callus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel transformation system for generating transformed plants with lower copy inserts and improved transformation efficiency. In particular, the invention relates to the use of Agrobacterium growth inhibiting agents during the Agrobacterium-mediated transformation process that suppress Agrobacterium growth and reduce T-DNA transfer to the target plant genome.

Abstract: A genetic transformation system via the pollen tube pathway is presented, plasmid DNA prepared with each of 4 different methods was applied to the surface of an ovary wound site after removal of the style of florets following pollination. Movement of the plasmid DNA indicated plasmid DNA reached the ovules of decapitated florets within about 24 hours after its application to the surface of remaining styles or ovary wound site after pollination. Based on the result of PCR analyses of genomic DNA, 12% to 15% of the plants tested had the 282 bp fragment, the specific portion of the luciferase gene construct into the genome. Southern blotting of genomic DNA from PCR positive plants indicated that the firefly luciferase gene construct may have been incorporated into the genomic DNA of the plants.

Abstract: This invention provides novel methods for improving plant quality and yield in the presence of pathogens. The method increases the levels of pathogenesis-related proteins, such as PR1, phenylalanine ammonia lyase, or plant cell wall proteins such as hydroxyproline-rich glycoproteins, in a plant by contacting the plant with a plant systemic inducer and a reactive oxygen species wherein the amount of the reactive oxygen species is sufficient to increase the amount of the pathogenesis-related protein above the level induced by the plant systemic inducer in the absence of the reactive oxygen species. A preferred reactive oxygen species is peracetic acid; a preferred plant systemic inducer is salicylic acid.

Abstract: A novel agar medium for the isolation, sub-cultivation, and indirect or direct drug-susceptibility testing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of isolating and growing Mycobacterium tuberculosis and methods of drug-resistance screening using the agar medium of the invention.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and compositions for in vitro cultivation of species of Swertia, e.g. Swertia chirata (Ham.). The disclosure provides culture media comprising Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal culture medium, plant hormones preferably selected from the group consisting of benzyladenine (BAP), gibberellic acid (GA3), and auxins, and other additives, e.g. sucrose and agar. Preferably, auxins are selected from the group consisting of indole acetic acid (IAA), indole butyric acid (IBA), and naphthalene acetic acid (NAA). Individual plant hormone concentrations are preferably from about 0.5 mg/L to about 5.0 mg/L.

Abstract: An agent for regulating the differentiation of cells or organs, which comprises a redox-state regulator of cells, a method of controlling the differentiation or development of an organism using the agent, and an organism obtained according to the method are provided.

Abstract: A vector for transforming cotton. The vector comprising integration sequences for integrating into the genome of cotton plants, a promoter for promoting transcription in cotton plants, a DNA sequence encoding a selectable marker and a termination signal for terminating transcription in cotton plants.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and compositions for in vitro cultivation of species of Polygonatum, e.g. Polygonatum cirrhifolium Royle. The disclosure provides culture media comprising MS basal culture media and plant hormones, preferably selected from the group consisting of gibberellic acid (GA3), 6-benzyl-aminopurine (BAP), and naphthalene acetic acid (NAA). The disclosure provides methods of in vitro cultivation of Polygonatum comprising contacting Polygonatum seeds with a first medium comprising MS basal culture medium and GA3, upon emergence of a hypocotyl, transferring this primary explant to a second medium comprising MS basal culture medium, BAP, and NAA, and upon emergence of a first foliage leaf, transferring this secondary explant to a third medium comprising MS basal culture medium, BAP, NAA, and gibberellic acid (GA3).

Abstract: Maize tissue may be regenerated from nodal extracts prepared from germinated mature seeds and germinated embryos grown in a medium containing plant growth regulators. Nodal section explants are secured from seedlings approximately 3-10 days old, preferably from 3-7 days old. The explants are grown on an induction medium until adventitious shoot formation is observed. The shoots are separated and elongated on an MS-based medium, and then rooted. Fast genotype-independent regeneration is obtained, in 12-14 weeks. These explants, as well as zygotic embryos, may be transformed with exogenous DNA using a biolistic approach, where DNA precipitated onto tungsten microprojectiles is accelerated at a minimum of 650 psi towards the explants at a distance of at least 7.5 cm. Improved frequency of transformation is obtained using microprojectiles which prior to DNA precipitation were frozen in glycerol, and suspending from a preparation of 2.5 M CaCl2.

Abstract: Disagreeable/objectionable odors, notably body and sweat odors, are inhibited by treating the situs of same, for example the skin, hair and/or mucous membranes of a human subject, with hygienic/deodorant compositions comprising effective odor-/body odor-inhibiting amounts of at least one extract of undifferentiated plant cells.

Abstract: A method of preparing green regenerative tissue of barley suitable for transformation is presented. The method includes incubating barley tissue on a callus induction medium under dim light. The dim light conditions are sufficient to produce green regenerative tissue. The callus induction media includes auxin and copper.

Abstract: Impatiens is a major ornamental bedding and potted plant, and is an important component of the U.S. floral industry. Susceptibility to insect pests and diseases caused by pathogens remains a problem for Impatiens production, even under greenhouse conditions. While chemical treatment can control certain insect pests and disease pathogens, such treatment can also have an adverse effect upon Impatiens. The methods described herein provide a means to genetically engineer transgenic Impatiens that express macromolecules capable of protecting the plant against the insects and pathogens. The production of transgenic plants can also be used to enhance the commercial value of Impatiens by controlling or enhancing native Impatiens characteristics.

Abstract: Plants, particularly sugar cane plants, are reproduced using explant material which may be derived from leaves, shoots, roots and other plant parts. Somatic embryos are produced by culturing immature embryos from the explant material and then culturing mature, somatic embryos from the immature embryos. All achieved in liquid suspension culture, which allows micro propagation of sugar cane without the culture suffering, browning at any stage. The mature embryos can then be encapsulated to form artificial seeds for germination purposes.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for genetically engineering coniferous plants. In particular, this invention relates to a particle-mediated gene transfer method for producing and developing transgenic somatic embryos for plants of the genus Pinus and Pinus interspecies hybrids. This method is well suited for producing transgenic clonal planting stock useful for reforestation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a peptide of the formula: wherein R1 and R2 are the same or different and each represents SO3H or H; X represents an &agr;-amino acid or a single bond; Z1 and Z2 are the same or different and each represents an &agr;-amino acid; and Y represents OH or NH2. This peptide has plant growth factor properties.

Abstract: A plurality of polypeptides derived from intercellular spaces of plant cells having frost tolerance. Some of the polypeptides are ice nucleators for developing ice crystals in extracellular spaces of plant tissue, some of the polypeptides are antifreeze components which control ice crystal growth in extracellular spaces and some of the polypeptides are enzymes which adapt plant cell walls to function differently during formation of ice crystals in plant intercellular spaces.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of using electrically generated silver ions to control plant pathogens. Silver ions electrically generated in an aqueous medium and contacted with plant pathogens are effective for treating and preventing infections in plants caused by plant pathogens.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for improving the growth and regeneration potential of embryogenic cell and tissue cultures of coniferous plants retrieved from cryopreservation. In particular, this invention relates to the use of abscisic acid in the post-cryopreservation recovery medium to improve both the growth and somatic embryo production of embryogenic cell and tissue cultures of conifers, thereby enabling more rapid proliferation of the embryogenic cultures and a subsequent increase in the yield of somatic embryos. This method is well-suited for employment with a number of biotechnological uses of embryogenic cultures of coniferous plants retrieved from cryopreservation, including use with embryogenic cultures of coniferous plants and with genetically transformed embryogenic cultures of coniferous plants for producing clonal planting stock useful for reforestation.

Abstract: Protocols for organogenic regeneration of cotton are provided, which makes the in vitro regeneration of mature fertile plants in a reduced amount of time possible. Seedlings are the basis for monocotyl or hypocotyl explants which are transferred from the germination medium to a shoot initiation medium which comprises AgNO3. These explants, prior to shoot initiation, may be transformed with exogenous DNA, either through inoculation with an Agorbacterium agent such as A. tumefaciens, or through biolistic bombardment of the explants with microprojectiles having the exogenous DNA adsorbed onto their surface.

Abstract: The invention features methods of producing a plant or a mature somatic embryo from an embryogenic cell or embryogenic culture. The method includes the steps of: (a) providing a liquid culture that includes an embryogenic cell; (b) recovering embryogenic cell from the culture; (c) transferring the embryogenic cell to a second culture; and (d) growing a mature somatic grape embryo from the embryogenic cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to plant biotechnology and specifically to a novel transformation protocol for obtaining transgenic turnip rape plants with Agrobacterium mediated transformation. In the protocol an internode section of the inflorescence carrying stem of mature turnip rape is used as explant.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods and for genetically transforming Zea mays plants. Compositions comprising transformation-enhancing agents and methods of use are provided. The methods involve administering an effective amount of a transformation-enhancing agent to a Zea mays plant. The compositions and methods of the invention find use in improving transformation efficiency and increasing the embryogenic response of callus.

Abstract: The invention provides a rapid in vitro method for selection of menthol rich mint genotypes from a large population of independent clones, said method comprising the steps of (i) raising a heterogeneous population of Mentha arvensis clones in vitro or by vegetative methods, (ii) transferring the plantlets/shoots to a basal medium, containing cytotoxic compounds in an amount sufficient to cause toxic effect in more than 95% of the clones, (iii) selecting surviving clones, their hardening in the glasshouse, transfer to field, reconfirmation of menthol tolerance through repeated in vitro assays, and (iv) multiplying selected clones and confirming genetic uniformity through RAPD analysis.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of highly liquid-permeable membrane supports, made from low-absorption fibers such as polyester and other non-cellulosic fibers with similar characteristics, in plant tissue culture processes. In particular, the invention relates to the use of such supports over gelled media or over a bilayer liquid/gelled system to improve the growth and embryogenic or organogenic development of plant cell cultures, the selection of transformant plant cells, and the decontamination of plant cell cultures of fungal and/or bacterial contaminants.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of producing mature somatic conifer embryos at a higher yield. Explants of immature embryos are placed on or in an initiation medium or on a nurse culture which is on or in the initiation medium. Over a period of time, initiation takes place and the initiated embryos are ultimately matured on an appropriate maturation medium. The initiation medium and the maturation medium may be the same or different but the initiation medium must contain at least ABA and at least one amino acid or at least one amino acid and no ABA. The maturation medium must contain ABA and at least one amino acid. Advantages of the present invention include ensuring greater efficiency in both initiation and maturation of any initiated embryogenic tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the selection of transformed embryogenic tissue of coniferous plants. In particular, the invention relates to improved methods for selecting transformed embryogenic tissue of plants of the subgenus Pinus of pines, particularly Southern yellow pines and hybrids thereof using an agent that regulates differentiation of embryos from embryogenic cells.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of producing a taxane-type diterpene(s) wherein tissues or cells of a plant which produces taxane-type diterpene(s) is cultured in the presence of at least one selected from the group consisting of jasmonic acids, compounds containing a heavy metal, complex ions containing a heavy metal, heavy metal ions, amines and antiethylene agents, a method of producing a taxane-type diterpene wherein the tissues or the cells of the plant are cultured by controlling the oxygen concentration in a gas phase in a culture vessel to less than the oxygen concentration in the atmosphere from the initial stage of the culture, or by controlling the dissolved oxygen concentration in a fluid medium which is in contact with the tissue or the cell to less than the saturated dissolved oxygen concentration at that temperature from the initial stage of the culture, a method of producing a taxane-type diterpene wherein the tissue or the cell of the plant is cultured in a culture vessel, while oxygenic g

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to nutritive medium, medium supplement, media subgroup and buffer formulations. Specifically, the present invention provides powder nutritive medium, medium supplement and medium subgroup formulations, particularly cell culture medium supplements (including powdered sera such as powdered fetal bovine serum (FBS)), medium subgroup formulations and cell culture media comprising all of the necessary nutritive factors that facilitate the in vitro cultivation of cells. The invention further provides powder buffer formulations that produce particular ionic and pH conditions upon reconstitution with a solvent.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for obtaining transplastomic Arabidopsis plants. Specifically, the method provides culturing protocols and compositions that facilitate the regeneration of transformed plants following delivery of exogenous DNA molecules.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds and compositions capable of stimulating plant growth, regeneration of plant cells and tissues, and transformation of plant cells and tissues, comprising mono- and multi-substituted auxinic analogues of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) comprising substituent groups such as halo-, alkyl-, alkoxy-, acyl-, acylamido- and acyloxy-groups. The invention relates to a method of using such mono- and multi-substituted auxinic analogues of IAA to affect growth, regeneration or transformation in monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants, as well as in transgenic plant tissues. The invention also contemplates the use of these auxinic IAA analogues in the presence of other plant growth regulators, such as cytokinin, etc., to enhance plant growth.

Abstract: The present invention describes the use of 5-bromoindole-3-acetic acid (5-B-IAA) as an auxin affecting plant cell growth. The invention relates to the use of 5-B-IAA compositions to affect growth in monocotyledonous as well as in dicotyledonous plants. The invention also describes the use of 5-B-IAA in plant growth affecting compositions for the regeneration of both plant tissues and transgenic plant tissues. Further, the invention provides plant growth affecting compositions comprising 5-B-IAA alone or in a mixture comprising one or more additional plant growth regulators, such as cytokinin, etc.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved methods of (i) inducing somatic embryogenesis from cacao tissue explants and (ii) regenerating cacao plants from somatic embryos. The invention further relates to cacao somatic embryos and plants obtained according to the methods of the invention. Novel tissue culture media adapted for use in the above-identified methods are also within the scope of the invention. The novel media of the invention include primary callus growth medium, secondary callus growth medium, embryo development medium, primary embryo conversion medium, secondary embryo conversion medium and plant regeneration medium.

Abstract: Improved compositions and methods for transformation and regeneration of plants from embryogenic callus are disclosed that include, for example: use of an intermediate-incubation medium after callus induction to increase the competence of the transformed cells for regeneration; dim light conditions during early phases of selection; use of green callus tissue as a target for microprojectile bombardment; and media with optimized levels of phytohormones and copper concentrations.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing antioxidants, which comprises the following steps:

Abstract: Stevia particles of at least 10 &mgr;m diameter and/or liquid extract is applied to soil in which plants are cultivated and/or to the plants. The Stevia is applied in a quantity per unit area effective for at least one of the following effects: enhancing root growth of plants, prolonging freshness and tastiness of edible agricultural products yielded by the plants, decreasing the dropping of fruit before harvest time, aiding the sustaining and multiplying of microbes in the soil beneficial to the plants, countering soil damage which would otherwise occur due to repeated plantings, moderating the absorption of fertilizer by the plants in the event of excessive application of fertilizers, and making the plants more resistant to harmful microbes in the soil.

Abstract: The present invention describes the use of 5-bromoindole-3-acetic acid (5-B-IAA) as an auxin affecting plant cell growth. The invention relates to the use of 5-B-IAA compositions to affect growth in monocotyledonous as well as in dicotyledonous plants. The invention also describes the use of 5-B-IAA in plant growth affecting compositions for the regeneration of both plant tissues and transgenic plant tissues. Further, the invention provides plant growth affecting compositions comprising 5-B-IAA alone or in a mixture comprising one or more additional plant growth regulators, such as cytokinin, etc.

Abstract: A method for producing the bulbs of Garlic with saving the cost for producing them and enhancing the work efficiency and the yield by dark-culturing and/or liquid media-culturing of the garlic tissues in vitro is provided, which comprises the steps of: a) isolation and excision of the virus-free tissues in the length of 0.2 to 0.3 mm obtained from the meristem of parent body of garlic; b) inoculating the excised tissues from the meristem tissue of garlic onto the solid-type primary media; c) culturing the tissues inoculated onto the solid-type primary media under the light condition at 25° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tissue culture process for producing a large number of viable cotton plants in vitro from a specified tissue of cotton plant. The invention provides genotype independent, direct, multiple shoot proliferation and opens up new possibilities for micropropagation, selection of mutants and for producing genetically improved cotton plants by modern methods of agrobiotechnology and genetic engineering. The protocol provides an important step in the success of cotton improvement programmed, utilizing tissue culture technology.

Abstract: Improved compositions and methods for transformation and regeneration of plants from embryogenic callus are disclosed that include, for example: use of an intermediate-incubation medium after callus induction to increase the competence of the transformed cells for regeneration; dim light conditions during early phases of selection; use of green callus tissue as a target for microprojectile bombardment; and media with optimized levels of phytohormones and copper concentrations.

Abstract: This invention relates to a culture medium used to efficiently propagate and acclimatize tissue cultured plantlets and thereafter obtain mature plantlets, a method to produce said medium, and a tissue culture method using said medium. The plant tissue culture medium is a novel plant tissue culture medium comprised in the main of vermiculite with an average particle diameter between 0.1-10 mm and cellulose fibers of an average fiber length between 0.01-5 mm. The culture method uses said culture medium in a light-transmissible container equipped at least in part with a porous gas permeable film, preferably having an air permeability between 1-50 sec/100 ml as measured in accordance with JIS standard P8117. The solid culture medium formed from a specific type of vermiculite and cellulose fibers enables the culturing process as a whole to be performed easily and efficiently.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for the production of a transgenic plant of rice crop comprising the steps of infecting an immature embryo of rice crop with the genus Agrobacterium for transformation; co-culturing the infected embryo with a dicot suspension culture during the step of transformation; allowing the transformed embryo to grow into a callus in a selective medium comprising a sufficient amount of a plant growth hormone for the growth of rice crop; and allowing the cultured callus to regenerate root and shoot in a regeneration medium comprising a pre-determined amount of nutrients for the growth of rice crop. The invention is further directed to a transformed rice plant made by methods of this invention.

Abstract: A method of developing and maturing somatic embryos in a growth environment, which method comprises manipulating the water availability of the growth environment using a physical means of control. The invention also provides a growth environment for maturing somatic embryos, wherein the water potential of the embryogenic tissue is manipulated to optimize somatic embryo development and maturation. The invention further relates to a somatic embryo matured by the method of the invention. In the invention, a physical means of control is used to affect the water potential of the embryogenic tissue and developing somatic embryos growth medium, rather than a chemical means such as the introduction of PEG, to stimulate the maturation of the embryos. The physical means may be operated, for example, by separating the somatic embryos from the growth medium by a porous support, or by introducing a gelling agent (e.g. gellan gum) into the growth medium in larger than normal quantities.

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 invention provides isolated Maize DNA Ligase I nucleic acids and their encoded proteins. The present invention provides methods and compositions relating to altering Maize DNA Ligase I concentration and/or composition of plants. The invention further provides recombinant expression cassettes, host cells, transgenic plants, and antibody compositions.

Abstract: A liquid and dry formulation suitable for use in enhancing plant growth which includes a plurality of Bacillus and Paenibacillus strains at least one of which function to produce phytohormones in a non-toxic form. The formulation also includes a phytohormone component and a phytohormone precursor to potentiate roots for colonization by the inoculated strains, as well as a low level blend of nutrients and micronutrients for optimal plant development.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated maize Ku70 nucleic acids and their encoded proteins. The present invention provides methods and compositions relating to altering maize Ku70 concentration and/or composition of plants. The invention further provides recombinant expression cassettes, host cells, transgenic plants, and antibody compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved methods of transforming cacao tissues with Agrobacterium vectors and regenerating transgenic plants. The invention further relates to transgenic cacao somatic embryos and plants obtained according to the methods of the invention. Novel tissue culture media adapted for use in the above-identified methods are also within the scope of the invention. The novel media of the invention include primary callus growth medium, secondary callus growth medium, embryo development medium, primary embryo conversion medium, secondary embryo conversion medium and plant regeneration medium.

Abstract: A system for stimulating rooting of an in vitro tissue culture of a plant species includes a container supporting a composite comprising a first and second medium. The first medium is conducive to promoting rooting of the tissue culture. The second medium is formed of an opaque material which blocks the passage of light to first medium.