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: Transgenic plants have been created which express an insect-specific toxin from a scorpion. The chimeric inheritable trait produced conditions of toxicity in the plant cells of toxicity to certain insects upon ingestion of plant tissues. The inheritable trait has also been cross-bred to plants transgenic to the Bacillus thuringiensis delta-endotoxin to produce plants having two independent insect-specific toxin traits. Insect feeding trails revealed additive toxic effects. A generalized approach for developing other insecticidal toxins as candidates for insertion into transgenic plants is also presented.

Abstract: A method is disclosed to achieve genetic transformation of cotton plants and lines. Immature cotton tissues are genetically transformed in vitro, by Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation. The resultant cotton tissues are subjected to a selection agent or agents to screen for transformants. The transformed cultures are then induced to commence somatic embryogenesis. One possible regime for regenerating such somatic embryos into whole cotton plants is disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for the genetic transformation of soybean plants and plant lines by particle mediated transformation. Foreign genes are introduced into regenerable soybean tissues by coating on carrier particles which are physically accelerated into plant tissues. The treated plant tissues are then recovered and regenerated into whole sexually mature plants. The progeny are recovered from seed set by these plants and a portion of these progeny will contain in their genome the foreign gene. The procedure may be used to create novel genetically engineered soybean plants and lines.

Abstract: A method is disclosed to achieve genetic transformation of cotton plants and lines. Immature cotton tissues are genetically transformed in vitro, by Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation. The resultant cotton tissues are subjected to a selection agent or agents to screen for transformants. The transformed cultures are then induced to commence somatic embryogenesis. One possible regime for regenerating such somatic embryos into whole cotton plants is disclosed.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for efficiently using genic male-sterile maize in hybrid seed production which allows economical maintenance of male-sterile stocks. This method enhances a natural linkage between a selected male-sterile gene and a marker gene conditioning an easily observable trait by deletion and screening to create stocks in which the linkage is effectively complete.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for creating and utilizing genic male-sterile maize for hybrid maize production. The method makes use of the Spm transposable element system and involves creation of a mutated male fertile allele, mutated by the presence of the Spm suppression receptor therein, expression of which is suppressed in the presence of the Spm suppressor. Methods are disclosed for transferring this system into any inbred line of interest for use in hybrid seed production.

Abstract: An assay method for the detection of a specific nucleotide target sequence in a polynucleotide test extract is disclosed which utilizes a polynucleotide modified probe including both a cDNA sequence substantially complementary to the specific target sequence and a protein binding sequence. The assay is conducted by exposing the modified probe to the polynucleotide test extract for hybridization and then exposing the complex to the protein which binds to the protein binding sequence. An assay, such as an immunoassay, can then be conducted on the test sample to indicate the presence of the specific target sequence by detecting the presence of the binding protein.

Abstract: A plant tissue culture device is disclosed for the culturing of a plurality of plant cell tissue cultures or callus cultures on a liquid medium. The cultures are maintained in culture wells on a culture plate and a porous wick is used to transport nutrient medium to the cultures from a supply of medium in a medium vessel underneath the culture plate.

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.