Abstract: A method for cryopreserving plant callus without the use of cryoprotectants or programmable freezers. The callus is spread on a physical support, grown on a media supplemented with an osmoticum, desiccated under controlled conditions, placed directly into cold storage, and can be revived by thawing. Actively growing callus from a number of species can be cryopreserved using the instant invention.

Abstract: Maize tissue may be regenerated from nodal extracts prepared from germinated mature seeds and germinated embryos. Nodal section explants are secured from seedlings in 3-5 days. 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 as 650 psi towards the explants at a distance of at least 7.5 microns. 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 CaCl.sub.2. The combination of transformation process and regeneration can be used, independent of genotype, to provide new commercial crop organisms.

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: Methods for the transformation of sugarbeet which include the use of cyclical regeneration of the target plant and particle bombardment. Such methods allow for genotype-independent transformation. These methods further allow for a stably transformed sugarbeet plant. Plants produced in accordance with these methods are provided as well.

Abstract: In vitro incubation of primate embryos in the presence of added exogenous gonadotrophin releasor hormone (GnRH), results in enhanced chorionic gonadotrophin production associated with increased survival and attachment of the embryos. Treatment of in vitro fertilized embryos with GnRH can be used to improve implantation. Agonists of GnRH reduce attachment competence of embryos and are thereby useful as post-fertilization contraceptives.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated SINA orthologue-1 nucleic acids and their encoded proteins. The present invention provides methods and compositions relating to altering SINA orthologue-1 concentration and/or composition of plants. The invention further provides recombinant expression cassettes, host cells, transgenic plants, and antibody compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions relating to altering the Rad6 content of plants. The invention provides isolated nucleic acids and their encoded proteins which are involved in Rad6 biosynthesis. The invention further provides recombinant expression cassettes, host cells, transgenic plants, and antibody compositions.

Abstract: The procedure is based on the use, as vegetable starting material for the transformation, of the first shoots from the graft of buds of adult trees onto stock, the genetic transformation of explants from the adult shoots by mean of co cultivation with Agrobacterium tumefaciens in mother plaques, and the obtaining of complete adult woody plants by means of in vitro micrografting of the transgenic buds, apices or shoots, regenerated by means of the explants, by means of in vitro micrograft onto stock cultivated in vitro.This procedure makes it possible to avoid the juvenile period and the high heterozygosis which affects most woody species, blossoming and fruiting of the transgenic plants are brought forward, and it permits the direct genetic transformation of commercially interesting varieties.It has argicultural applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides new plant nutrient formulations comprising cyclodextrins. The formulations are useful, for instance, in increasing growth, cellular development and secondary metabolite production of plant tissue cultures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transgenic plant that produces high levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and to a method for producing the transgenic plant. The hypocotyl section of seedlings is co-cultured with Agrobacterium transformant and regenerated by adventitious shoot induction and by root induction, where the Agrobacterium transformant contains an expression vector that comprises the promoter of a fruit-dominant ascorbate oxidase gene, an SOD gene isolated from cassava, and an herbicide-resistant bar gene. The present invention also relates to a method for inducing adventitious shoot from hypocotyl sections in plant tissue culture, thus providing a method for the efficient production of transgenic plants maintaining higher SOD activity in fruits. Therefore, the SOD transgenic cucumber of the present invention can be used for cosmetics, additives in functional foods, and medicines as well as having tolerance to herbicides and environmental stresses.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method for producing somatic embryos on plant tissue. Furthermore, somatic embryos may be produced using explants obtained from a broad range of plant species, and using either juvenile or mature tissues. The method involves obtaining a stock tissue culture plantlet by exposing the plant tissue to a medium comprising salts, vitamins and an energy source; preparing an explant from the stock tissue culture plantlet; transferring the explant to a proliferation medium comprising salts, vitamins, an energy source and at least one growth regulator for a period of time sufficient to produce a callused explant; and transferring the callused explant to a medium comprising salts, vitamins, an energy source and at least two growth regulators for a period of time sufficient to produce somatic embryos. Following this method somatic embryos are produce in significantly less time that observed using other somatic embryogenesis protocols.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for increasing the growth rate and concentration of in vitro cultivated plant cells by re-induction and stimulation of the growth of plant cells. The method comprises the steps of: a) growing plant cell cultures in a nutrient medium under growth conditions suitable for initiation of growth; and b) supplementing cell culture with additional macronutrients between initial growing stage and before culture death in an amount sufficient to re-induce growth without being toxic to the culture. The growth is re-induced, stimulated, maintained and increased to obtain increased plant cell concentration in culture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a peptide of the formula: ##STR1## wherein both of R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 represent SO.sub.3 H, or either of R.sup.1 or R.sup.2 represents SO.sub.3 H and the rest represents H; Z represents an .alpha.-amino acid residue; X represents H or an acyl; and Y represents OH, C.sub.1-6 alkoxy or NH.sub.2, and to a plant growth promoter comprising the peptide.

Abstract: A method for the induction of desiccation tolerance in plant embryoids is disclosed. The method entails using an excess of absissic acid and a coating of apolar and polar hygroscopic material.

Abstract: Protocols for ogranogenic regeneration of cotton and kenaf 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 AgNO.sub.3. These explants, prior to shoot initiation, may be transformed with exogenous DNA either through inoculation with a Agrobacterium agent such as A. tumefaciens, or through biolistic bombardment of the explants with microprojectiles having the exogenous DNA adsorbed onto their surface.

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: Improved compositions and methods for transformation of flax by microprojectile bombardment and regeneration of fertile transgenic flax plants are provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for the genetic transformation of pineapple plant tissue with Agrobacterium. The present invention also provides for the regeneration of intact pineapple plants from the transformed tissue.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to, inter alia, a method of micropropagation of a rose plant comprising culturing a stem bearing a node in a first enclosed vessel containing a first culture medium comprising about 0.5 to about 3.0 mg/l of a cytokine, 0 to about 1.0 mg/l of an auxin, and 0 to about 1.0 mg/l of a gibberellin until at least one shoot emerges from said node; excising said shoot from said stem and propagating said shoot in a second enclosed vessel containing a second culture medium comprising about 0.5 to about 3.0 mg/l of a cytokine, 0 to about 1.0 mg/l of an auxin, and 0 to about 1.0 mg/l of a gibberellin to produce a flowering rose plant capable of being transferred to soil. Among other things, the present invention is also directed to rose plants and culture media for the micropropagation of roses.

Abstract: A method and vaccine for treatment of pythiosis in humans and animals is described. In particular a vaccine comprising a mixture of extracellular and intracellular proteins is described. The vaccine enables cures of chronic pythiosis in some patients.

Abstract: A method for promoting differentiation of cells in culture. At least one lipid transfer protein or lipid transfer protein analog is introduced into a culture medium at a concentration that is effective for obtaining differentiation of cells in the culture medium. The lipid transfer protein or lipid transfer protein analog includes at least one amino acid sequence having at least 80% homology with a sequence depicted in FIG. 2.

Abstract: A transformation protocol is described for the particle mediated transformation of soybean. This protocol is based on gene delivery into the growing meristem of a soybean embryo. Prior transformation protocols based on meristematic gene delivery in soybean did not depend on selection due to difficulties in using selection agents in differentiated tissue in soybean. It has been found that a post bombardment culture with glyphosate selection can dramatically increase the efficiency of such a transformation protocol.

Abstract: Salvia is regenerated via organogenesis using plant tissue culture techniques in a multistage culturing process. Roots can be induced from regenerated shoots, and the regenerated plants can be transferred to soil for further growth after the root system is well established.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery that fishery by-products, in particular fish protein hydrolysate, can be used as a source of nutrients in plant tissue culture. A composition can be made by mixing a plant tissue culture medium, a fishery by-product, and a buffer compound. The composition is used for culturing plant tissues, to promote somatic embryogenesis, reduce vitrification (hyperhydricity) in cultured tissues, and to enhance acclimation of plants by both reducing the amount of time required for acclimation, and by increasing the survival rate of plants through the acclimation process.

Abstract: Embryogenesis from plant microspores is routinely induced with a 16-24 h temperature treatment of 32.5.degree. C. Continuous culture at 25.degree. C. results in pollen development. However, microspore treatment with anti-cytoskeletal agents, or protein synthesis inhibitors, at the non-inductive temperature of 25.degree. 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 present invention relates to a tissue culture process for producing a large number of viable mint plants in vitro. The process of the present invention employs specified pieces of an internodal segment of the stem of the mint plant as the starting material and identifies medium and culture conditions for producing a large number of plants. Such plants can be used for micropropagation, selection of mutants, production of plants with altered levels of endogenous secondary metabolites and for genetic engineering.

Abstract: This invention provides for the secretion of heterologous protein in plant systems. In particular, this invention provides for the production of heterologous proteins by malting of monocot plant seeds. The heterologous genes are expressed during germination of the seeds and isolated from a malt. Also disclosed are chimeric genes, vectors and methods relating to the present invention. Protein production by cell culture techniques is also described.

Abstract: A method for producing somaclonal variant cotton plant. The method comprising providing a cotton explant, culturing the explant in a callus growth medium supplemented with glucose as a primary carbon source until secretion of phenolic compounds has ceased and undifferentiated callus is formed from the explant, culturing the undifferentiated callus in callus growth medium supplemented with sucrose as primary carbon source until embryogenic callus is formed from the undifferentiated callus, transferring the embryogenic callus to a plant germination medium, culturing the embryogenic callus on the plant germination medium until a plantlet is formed from the embryogenic callus, transferring the plantlets to soil, growing the plantlets to produce seeds from self pollination, collecting the seeds, planting the seeds, growing the seeds under conditions to select for a desired characteristic and collecting the plants with the desired characteristics.

Abstract: A somaclonal variant cotton plant. The somaclonal cotton plant is produced by a method comprising providing a cotton explant, culturing the explant in a callus growth medium supplemented with glucose as a primary carbon source until secretion of phenolic compounds has ceased and undifferentiated callus is formed from the explant, culturing the undifferentiated callus in callus growth medium supplemented with sucrose as a primary carbon source until embryogenic callus is formed from the undifferentiated callus, transferring the embryogenic callus to a plant germination medium, culturing the embryogenic callus on the plant germination medium until a plantlet is formed from the embryogenic callus, transferring the plantlets to soil, growing the plantlets to produce seeds from self pollination, collecting the seeds, planting the seeds, growing the seeds under conditions to select for a desired characteristic and collecting the plants with the desired characteristics.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for regeneration of plants of the genus Pinus by culturing explants of immature zygotic embryos on culture initiation medium containing abscisic acid, nutrients, growth hormones, sugar and a gelling agent to grow embryogenic tissue for cryopreservation. Culturing of the embryogenic tissue is continued on culture maintenance medium, embryo development medium, and germination medium. The germinated embryos are further converted to acclimatized plants for field planting. The method is well suited for producing clonal planting stock useful for reforestation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel semiselective medium composition for detecting seed-borne Alternaria brassicicola, which comprises galactose, calcium nitrate, dipotassium hydrogen phosphate, magnesium sulfate, agar, benomyl, and chloramphenicol. The CW medium of the present invention can selectively allow seed-borne Alternaria brassicicola to grow, while effectively suppressing the growth of other seed-borne fungi. Although A. alternata, which is prevalently present on seeds and is similar to A. brassicicola, can still grow on the CW medium, the color of the A. alternata colonies are different from that of A. brassicicola, thus, A. brassicicola can be obviously differentiated.

Abstract: A method is provided for regenerating cotton plants from explant tissue. The improved method allows the generation of embryogenic callus from a cotton tissue explant which is not cultivated on cotton initiation media having exogenous plant hormones. The method can be utilized in the transformation of cotton plants, by cutting cotton tissue to form an explant, co-cultivating the cotton explant tissue with Agrobacterium comprising a DNA sequence of interest, and culturing the co-cultivated explant on cotton initiation media comprising a selective agent but having no exogenous plant hormones. In this fashion transformed cells are induced to produce embryogenic callus on hormone-free selective media.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to, inter alia, a method of micropropagation of a rose plant comprising culturing a stem bearing a node in a first enclosed vessel containing a first culture medium comprising about 0.5 to about 3.0 mg/l of a cytokine, 0 to about 1.0 mg/l of an auxin, and 0 to about 1.0 mg/l of a gibberellin until at least one shoot emerges from the node; excising the shoot from the stem and propagating the shoot in a second enclosed vessel containing a second culture medium comprising about 0.5 to about 3.0 mg/l of a cytokine, 0 to about 1.0 mg/l of an auxin, and 0 to about 1.0 mg/l of a gibberellin to produce a flowering rose plant capable of being transferred to soil. Among other things, the present invention is also directed to rose plants and culture media for the micropropagation of roses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method for generating somatic embryos from mature plant tissue. The treatment methods of the present invention use a combination of disinfestation procedures and plant growth regulator compositions which induce unequal cell division. After forming and maturing the somatic embryos on suitable growth media, the mature somatic embryos are desiccated and cold stratified resulting in an dramatic increase in the percentage of somatic embryos which may be converted into plants.

Abstract: A plant is grown or regenerated while suppressing the propagation of bacteria and fungi, by use of a carrier comprising a culture medium and a polymer constituting a network structure wherein the culture medium is substantially absorbed into and retained by the network structure in a proportion of 10% to 100% of the equilibrium culture medium absorption of the polymer constituting the network structure. The propagation of bacteria and fungi is much faster, and the metabolic rate thereof is much larger, than those of a plant. Therefore, the necessity of providing a nutrient (such as water and saccharide) from the culture medium to the bacteria and fungi is much greater than that in the plant tissue. Unlike a liquid medium, the culture medium which has been absorbed in the network structure comprising the polymer is hardly available to the bacteria and fungi, which have high metabolic activity.

Abstract: A method for clonal propagation by somatic polyembryogenesis. The method allows for clonal propagation of embryonal suspensor mass resulting in true-to-type suspensor development of the conifer embryo leading to development of plantlets and plants.

Abstract: Methods of regenerating fertile Zea mays plants from protoplasts or protoplast-derived cells are described. The protoplasts or cells may be derived from embryogenic cell cultures or callus cultures. The protoplasts, cells and resulting plants may be transgenic, containing, for example, chimeric genes coding for a polypeptide having substantially the insect toxicity properties of the crystal protein produced by Bacillus thuringiensis.

Abstract: A method for isolating a cereal plant with foreign DNA by bombarding meristem primordia tissue with particles coated with the foreign DNA in a culture media is described. The foreign DNA in the transformed plants can provide proteins which impart disease and/or insect resistance or other desirable properties.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods to transfect cells, comprising applying a strong magnetic field in pulses so as to affect a plurality of substance-carrying magnetic microparticles, the complexes being in physical proximity to a plurality of cells such that when the magnetic field is applied, the magnetic microparticles are pulled into the nuclei and/or cytoplasm of the cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a growth medium for the sprouting, multiplication and rooting of bamboo nodal buds from mature bamboo species, via plant tissue culture method, which method comprises a multistage culturing process by collecting a suitable explant from the best bamboo clumps which is first cultured on a solid medium, that induces sprouting of the dormant buds. The sprouts are then further multiplied in an aqueous medium without any solidification. After a certain period, when shoots have been multiplied sufficiently under a proper photoperiod of light and dark, the shoots are transferred to the medium containing low concentration of salts and hormones. Culturing to this point is carried out under subdued light or darkness. Subsequent shifting to hormone free medium after a particular time, the time ranges between 24 hours to 96 hours, develops root initiation. The plantlets thus formed may then be transferred to soil for further growth.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses compositions and methods to reduce or prevent microbial growth in plant tissue culture media, comprising adding a chemical agent comprising methylchloroisothiazolinone, methylisothiazolinone, magnesium chloride and magnesium nitrate to a plant culture medium at a concentration that reduces or prevents microbial contamination of the plant tissue culture medium and that allows substantially normal germination of seeds or substantially normal growth or development of plants, plant organs, plant tissues or plant cells. The chemical agent may further comprise potassium sorbate or sodium benzoate, or both. The present invention further provides a kit for germinating plant seeds or culturing plants, plant organs, plant tissues or plant cells on a plant tissue culture medium comprising the chemical agent.

Abstract: Brassica species are produced by transformation of cell cultures with foreign DNA followed by regeneration of plants from transformed cells. The cells and the plants produced thereby are capable of expressing the foreign gene. The Brassica species are transformed employing a manipulated Agrobacterium transformation system, followed by regeneration of the plant tissue into plants.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for regeneration of coniferous plants. In particular, this invention relates to an improved method for producing and developing somatic embroyos for somatic embryogenesis processes for plants of the genus Pinus and Pinus interspecies hybrids by including polyethylene glycol in the development media. This method is well suited for producing clonal planting stock useful for reforestation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for regeneration of coniferous plants. In particular, this invention relates to an improved method for developing viable stage 3 embryos from embryogenic cultures for somatic embryogenesis processes for plants of the genus Pinus and Pinus interspecies hybrids. This method is well suited for producing clonal planting stock useful for reforestation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing virus-free, rootstocks of hop, which comprises growing a cultured virus-free hop strain in a rooting medium thereby to make it shoot out roots therein followed by culture it in a rootstocks of hop-producing medium having a high saccharide concentration thereby to form rootstocks of hop in the medium. The virus-free, rootstocks of hop are produced under aseptic conditions and are out of the danger of their contamination with viruses, pathogenic vermian or parasites. The plants are highly safe and can be stored well. When planted, these actively shoot out roots and sprouts.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for regeneration of coniferous plants. In particular, this invention relates to an improved method for producing and developing somatic embryos for somatic embryogenesis processes for plants of the genus Pinus and Pinus interspecies hybrids by including polyethylene glycol in the development media. This method is well suited for producing clonal planting stock useful for reforestation.

Abstract: A process for the production of an extracellular peroxidase using confectionery waste is disclosed. The first step of the process requires culturing a piece of plant tissue containing extracellular peroxidase-producing cells from a plant of the genus Acer, more specifically Acer pseudoplantanus. The culture medium is a solid culture medium and the culturing step is carried out until a callus forms on the solid culture medium. Further, the plant cells produced in the callus are dispersed into a liquid culture medium to form a suspension of plant cell culture. The suspension culture medium contains confectionery waste products which provide 1 to 15% by weight of sugars (i.e. fructose, glucose and sucrose). The culturing of the plant cells in suspension in the liquid culture medium with the concomitant accumulation of the extracellular peroxidase in the liquid culture medium and separating the enzyme therefrom.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for reducing contamination of in vitro cultures. In particular, this invention relates to a method for reducing contamination of in vitro cultures of woody plant mature shoot material and shoot material of outdoor origin.

Abstract: A method for the regeneration of a cotton plant from somatic cells. The method comprises providing a cotton explant, culturing the explant in a callus growth medium supplemented with glucose as a primary carbon source until the secretion of phenolic compounds has ceased and undifferentiated callus is formed from the explant and culturing the undifferentiated callus in callus growth medium supplemented with sucrose as a primary carbon source until embryogenic callus is formed from the callus.

Abstract: This invention relates to a serum-free eukaryotic cell culture medium supplement. The supplement comprises carbon sources, vitamins, inorganic salts, amino acids and a protein digest.The medium supplement of the present invention enables the maintenance of mammalian cell cultures at cell densities equal to or greater than that obtained with batch culture methods while increasing longevity and productivity.