Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a novel method for producing transgenic wheat plants. The transgenic plants are produced by delivering appropriate DNA to a specific callus type.

Abstract: New, distinct and stable cultivars of double-flowering New Guinea Impatiens (NGI) are disclosed. Double-flowering NGI produce one or more flowers with at least seven full or partial petals per flower. Double-flowering NGI cultivars are disclosed in which substantially all the flowers produce at least 7 full or partial petals per flower. The double-type flower characteristic has been successfully bred into all single-type (5 petals per flower) or semi-double-type (6 petals per flower) NGI cultivars thus far tested. The double-type flower characteristic has been combined with many desirable NGI traits including different flower colors, leaf colors, leaf variegation, and growth habits. Methods for the reliable breeding of the double-type characteristic into diverse single-type or semi-double-type NGI genetic backgrounds, as well as methods for increasing the degree of doubleness per flower or plant, are disclosed.

Abstract: New specialty sod mats are described. The sod mats use a nonwoven sod reinforcement of low strength to provide ease of handling, good sod mat propagation characteristics and easy dispersal into the soil by rototilling or other means when the mats are no longer useful as sods. Specialty sod mats of grasses, ornamental plants, and nutritional plants are disclosed. The method of propagation is disclosed.

Abstract: An agent for the prevention of salt damage of plants for use in intermediate soil comprised of water-repellent particles, and a method of preventing salt damage to plants from salty soil using an agent to establish a water-repellent layer as a layer above the underground water level. An agent for the prevention of salt accumulation in greenhouse soil comprised of hydrophobic particles which are substantially hydrophobic. A salt accumulation prevention layer containing an agent for the prevention of salt accumulation in greenhouse soil which is provided at the surface layer or a prescribed depth from the surface layer of the greenhouse soil.

Abstract: Methods of growing transplantable nursery stock plants are provided wherein the root growths of the plants are controlled. The methods basically comprise forming a plurality of spaced holes in the ground and placing a porous fabric blanket over and into the holes whereby depressions in the blanket conform with the holes. The porous fabric blanket has sufficient strength to constrict penetrating roots whereby root growth below the blanket is restricted and enlarged root nodule formation and root branching are promoted within the depressions above the blanket. The depressions are filled with a growing medium, and a plant is planted and grown in each of the depressions. The plants are subsequently removed from the depressions for transplanting.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of plant growing in which method one or more plants are grown in a growing medium comprising hydrogel particles charged with aqueous nutrient solution for the plant and plants, the growing medium being housed in a substantially water-impermeable container and the plants extending out of the container, and, when the water content within the hydrogel particles falls below a predetermined level, introducing further nutrient solution into the container.

Abstract: Artificial seeds, characterized in that they consist of:a meristematic tissue,a support in contact with said meristematic tissue, and preferably surrounding said meristematic tissue on all sides, this support beinga) a solid substance which is not compact and which comprises, in the air and in the dry state, a ratio by volume of air of at least 10%, preferably at least 50%,b) permeable to gases and/or vapors, preferably air- and steam-permeable,c) dry or dryable,a shell made of polymer material and soluble in water, which surrounds the unit composed of support and meristematic tissue,a water-tight film which covers the inside of the shell of polymer material.

Abstract: A bin cap for mushroom culture bins for cultivating mushrooms such as shiitake (Lentinus edodes (Berk.) Sing.), Lyophyllum shimeji (Kawam.) Hongo, and the like which includes a housing part 2 including a space S internally for ventilation and having windows 2w for ventilation with a broader open area than the open area of bin mouth Bo, breathable filter part 3 blocking window 2w, and fitting part 4 being installed at the under surface 2d of housing part 2 and being attached to or detached from bin mouth Bo. Thereby, the ventilation is secured and the exhaust of carbon dioxide is promoted.

Abstract: There is provided a culture medium for cultivating mushrooms whose material can be selected from a variety of woody materials and which can be transported in a compact form. There is also provided a method of cultivating mushrooms using such a culture medium in which pathogenic and other germs are less likely to breed and with which mushrooms can be cultivated in shorter periods. After adding nutrients such as rice and wheat brans, a mixture of dried sawdust and chip dust is heated at 150.degree.-500.degree. C. for 1-5 minutes under a pressure of 1.0-3.0 t/cm.sup.2 to form a cylindrical woody culture medium. The medium thus obtained is allowed to swell by adding water and then sterilized by sealing it in a bag. Mushroom fungi is then inoculated into it.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided an inbred corn line, designated PHHB9. This invention thus relates to the plants and seeds of inbred corn line PHHB9 and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing the inbred line PHHB9 with itself or with another corn plant. This invention further relates to hybrid corn seeds and plants produced by crossing the inbred line PHHB9 with another corn line or plant.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided an inbred corn line, designated PHMK0. This invention thus relates to the plants and seeds of inbred corn line PHMK0 and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing the inbred line PHMK0 with itself or with another corn plant. This invention further relates to hybrid corn seeds and plants produced by crossing the inbred line PHMK0 with another corn line or plant.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided an inbred corn line, designated PHEM9. This invention thus relates to the plants and seeds of inbred corn line PHEM9 and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing the inbred line PHEM9 with itself or with another corn plant. This invention further relates to hybrid corn seeds and plants produced by crossing the inbred line PHEM9 with another corn line or plant.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided an inbred corn line, designated PHEW7. This invention thus relates to the plants and seeds of inbred corn line PHEW7 and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing the inbred line PHEW7 with itself or with another corn plant. This invention further relates to hybrid corn seeds and plants produced by crossing the inbred line PHEW7 with another corn line or plant.

Abstract: A new, improved herb, vegetable, flower, and groundcover sod mat suitable for many landscape applications. The improvement comprises growing either plant seeds seedlings, plant plugs, rooted cuttings or root divisions in a planting medium so that the roots of the plant material entangle with a nylon sod reinforcement to form a tough, lightweight, flexible sod mat. The sod mat can be produced in many strengths and weights, with many diverse planting mediums, with multiple species of plants. The nylon sod reinforcement will degrade if it is uncovered by some accident and exposed to sunlight. Sod mats may be sold in roll form or a rectangular mats.

Abstract: New sod mats are described. The sod mats are reinforced with a coherent sheet of stable fibers and degradable matrix material. The sod reinforcements are easy to manufacture and handle. The sod mats have good of handling characteristics, good sod mat propagation characteristics, good "shelf life" stability, and are more easily dispersed into the soil by rototilling or other means when the mats are no longer useful as sods. Sod mats of grasses, ornamental plants, and nutritional plants are disclosed. The method of propagation is disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides methods for more efficiently breeding novel species, subspecies or varieties of plants possessing desirable traits derived from other species, subspecies or varieties. In particular, the invention provides reagents and methods for quantitatively determining the genetic contribution from each parent in the progeny of a genetic cross between parental plants of different species, subspecies or varieties. The invention also provides methods for isolating hybrid and backcross progeny plants with a desired trait or combination of traits having inherited the minimum amount of DNA from the trait donor plant. Nucleic acid probes specific for species, subspecies and varieties of plants are also provided.

Abstract: A new and distinctive spray carnation cultivar particularly distinguished by its profuse, intermittent production of small sized white flowers borne in a cluster of five petals on strong, upright stems.

Abstract: A Rosa hybrida shrub rose is disclosed, having white, slightly creamy flowers; bushy growth; and large number of petals.

Abstract: A Rosa hybrida rose plant that is a mutation of the variety "Mary Rose" is disclosed, having pale pink flowers; Portland rose-type leaves; flat, rosette flowers; sweet, heavy fragrance; and very good repeat flowering.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of strawberry (Fragaria.times.Ananassa) which is exceptional in combining large yield, potential large fruit size, extreme fruit firmness and good fruit quality. The strawberry is named `Seneca` and was tested as NY 1529.