Abstract: A plant in the Compositae family in which the Nr gene, for resistance to Nasonovia ribisnigri (a troublesome lettuce aphid) is present without any associated genetic information responsible for "Compact growth and Rapid Aging," or CRA, at least to the extent that the CRA phenotype is not expressed. The resistance gene preferably originates from L. virosa. The removal or change of the genetic information resulting in the CRA phenotype is caused by recombination event(s) in the vicinity of the gene. Plants are generally selected in which one or more recombination events have taken place, either in the same or in successive generations. Such recombination events may be accomplished either by meiotic crossing-over or by the use of molecular biology tools such as the AFLP technique known in the art.

Abstract: A Zoysia sinica turfgrass variety is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds, the plants, and to methods for producing a Zoysia plant having the characteristic of a seedhead density of greater than zero.

Abstract: Our invention comprises a gene restorer line of Brassica napus which contains a Raphanus sativus restorer gene but is essentially free of Raphanus sativus genes which produce high glucosinolate. In particular, we provide a gene restorer line, and progeny derived therefrom, seed of which is low in glucosinolates. The Brassica napus restorer lines are free of glucosinolate-producing genes having a characteristic RFLP signature. The method of producing such lines which comprises crossing Brassica napus restorer lines and hybrids with desired Brassica napus germplasm and selecting progeny having a characteristic RFLP signature is also encompassed by the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to plants and seeds having a genetic factor conferring onto Cucurbita pepo a spineless phenotype in the homozygous state and a semispineless phenotype in the heterozygous state and methods for introducing the genetic factor into plants.

Abstract: New, distinct and stable cultivars of no-heat Jalapeno peppers are disclosed. No-heat Jalapeno pepper cultivars are disclosed in which substantially all the pepper fruit produced comprise no capsaicin such as, capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, norhydrocapsaicin, homocapsaicin and homodihydrocapsaicin. The no-heat characteristic has been bred into 3 different cultivars of Jalapeno. This no-heat characteristic has been combined with many desirable Jalapeno traits including a lack of pungency, a dark green immature color, a saucer shaped calyx, a pendent fruit position, a rounded base shape, a blunt apex shape, a thick flesh thickness, an oblong shape, a concentrated fruit set, a long pedicel length, a straight pedicel shape, a slender pedicel thickness and a low capsaicinoid content. Methods for the reliable breeding to the no-heat Jalapeno characteristic into diverse Jalapeno peppers, as well as methods for production of food products comprising no-heat Jalapenos are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wild rice seed, a wild rice plant, and a method for producing a wild rice hybrid seed. More specifically, the invention relates to a hybrid wild rice seed and plant produced using a cytoplasmic-genetic male sterility system. The F.sub.1 hybrid seed is produced by crossing male sterile wild rice plants with restorer wild rice plants.

Abstract: Broadly this invention provides inbred corn line ZS09247. The methods for producing a corn plant by crossing the inbred line ZS09247 are encompassed by the invention. Additionally, the invention relates to the various parts of inbred ZS09247 including culturable cells. This invention relates to hybrid corn seeds and plants produced by crossing the inbred line ZS09247 with at least one other corn line.

Abstract: A method for introgressing brown stem rot (BSR) resistance into elite soybean germplasm is disclosed. The method involves using a genetically mapped locus associated with BSR resistance for marker-assisted selection during introgression of BSR resistance into elite soybean germplasm. Also disclosed are a method for confirming selection for BSR resistance; a quantitative trait locus associated with BSR resistance; and soybean lines bred to be resistant to BSR infestation.

Abstract: A new and distinct hybrid of Tiarella plant characterized by unique, heavily lobed leaves of marked coloration and heavy flowering.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Aglaonema named `White Lance` particularly characterized by its mostly upright and somewhat outwardly arching plant habit; dense and full appearance; propensity to readily produce divisions; upper leaf surfaces that are glossy silver green with dark green margins; relatively long and lanceolate leaves; light green petioles with darker green spots/splotches on the wings; low temperature tolerance; and resistance to diseases common to Aglaonema.

Abstract: A new and distinct Forsythia variety characterized by the very large size of the flowers which have a rich golden color and with much broader petals than any other Forysthia variety known to me. The flowers are very dense on the twigs so that the shrub is a solid mass of gold when in bloom. It forms a dense, rounded shrub, broader than tall. The flower buds survive cold winter in USDA hardiness zone 5-A when the flower buds of Forsythia intermedia varieties have been killed.

Abstract: A dwarf avocado tree producing two distinct crops per year of a green-skinned fruit with superior flavor and which said fruit turns black upon ripening.

Abstract: A new and distinct kiwi plant of the species Actinidia deliciosa (A.Chev.) C.F. Liang et A.R. Ferguson is described. The cultivar results from a controlled pollination of A. deliciosa DA02.sub.-- 03, a male selection of unknown parentage, and the female A. deliciosa `Hayward`, the most widely grown cultivar of kiwi worldwide. Both named parents (DA02.sub.-- 03 and `Hayward`) are unpatented cultivars. The new cultivar is distinguished by its early harvest time (about 4 weeks ahead of `Hayward` in NZ), fruit appearance similar to `Hayward`, and moderate plant vigor.

Abstract: A new and distinct kiwi plant of the species Actinidia chinensis Planch. is described. The cultivar results from a controlled pollination using a male A. chinensis selection CK15.sub.-- 01 of unknown parentage, and a female A. chinensis selection CK01.sub.-- 01.sub.-- 01.sub.-- 01. Both named parents (CK15.sub.-- 01 and CK01.sub.-- 01.sub.-- 01.sub.-- 01) are unpatented cultivars. The new cultivar is distinguished by its short silky hair, protruding stylar end, golden flesh and sweet tropical taste.

Abstract: A new and distinct sport of apple tree, named AS510, originated as a limb mutation on a `201 Stayman` tree. It matures earlier than `Stayman` and develops red color ten days earlier than the parent sport. Other significant improvements over standard sports include increased color intensity, a higher percentage of red color and smaller levels of russet and scarf skin.

Abstract: A new geranium cultivar particularly distinguished by green foliage, violet flower color, and semi-double flowers on large umbels, fast rooting and a branching growth habit.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of apple named `Huashuai` characterized by: (1) a tree of medium vigor that blooms in mid-season and has spreading branches due to early and heavy fruit production; (2) deep red buds opening to a blossom having white petals tinged with a light pink; (3) fruit having a variable conical to ovate shape with five points on the calyx end, a medium to long stem, a calyx bowl that is deeper than that of `Fuji`, creamy white flesh, a sweet flavor with low acidity and with a mild distinguishing aroma, and a yellowish green to golden yellow skin color overlaid with a very attractive pink to red blush made up of fine bright crimson red stripes; and (4) dark green leaves with sinuate, serrate margins, prominent veins on the upper side, and medium buff/green pubescence covering the underside.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of apple tree named `Huaguan` characterized by: (1) a semi-spur tree with medium vigor that blooms in mid-season, produces many fruiting spurs, and has spreading branches due to early and heavy fruit production; (2) deep red buds opening to a blossom having white petals tinged with a light pink; (3) fruit having a variable conical to ovate shape, a short to medium stem, a deeper calyx bowl than `Fuji`, a creamy yellow flesh, a sweet, slightly tart flavor and distinguishing aroma, an attractive yellowish green to golden yellow skin color overlaid with a very attractive striped blush made up of fine bright crimson red stripes; and (4) dark green leaves with sinuate, serrate margins, prominent veins on the bottom side, and an underside covered with a medium buff/green pubescence.

Abstract: The new and distinct variety is a selection from seedlings derived from crossing the apple varieties known as `Gala` (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 3,637) and `Splendour` (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 2,460). The fruit of the apple tree of this new variety has an attractive appearance characterized by its early harvest season, large fruit size, and overall dark red block color pattern. The new variety has been named `Sciearly`.

Abstract: Red Jonaprince is a mutation of Jonagold having a bright to dark red colored, non-greasy and very early ripening apple. The fruit flesh is firmer and has a little more sugar and is a little more sour than that of Jonagold.