Abstract: The present invention provides a nematode inducible promoter sequence from maize inbred line Mp307, and DNA constructs and transcription cassettes comprising said promoter sequence, a gene encoding a toxin, and a termination sequence. Methods for inducing nematode resistance in plants and transgenic plants resistant to nematode infection are also provided.

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: 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: A soil- and grass seed-less sod precursor containing a non-woven bio-cellulosic fiber mat and grass sprigs. The sod precursor can be used to produce a soil-free sod which is useful for manufacturing athletic fields, golf courses and lawns.

Abstract: A soil- and grass seed-less sod precursor containing a non-woven bio-cellulosic fiber mat and grass sprigs. The sod precursor can be used to produce a soil-free sod which is useful for manufacturing athletic fields, golf courses and lawns.

Abstract: A method for transforming rice plants to express heterologous DNA which involves the biolistic bombardment of mature rice seeds (embryo bearing) and results in expression of the heterologous DNA coated on the biolistic particle in the post-bombardment embryo. The heterologous DNA may be introduced as a plastid, as opposed to bare DNA. The transformed rice embryo is regenerated into a rice plantlet which can be transferred from greenhouse to field.

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: 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: A method of transforming and regenerating soybean plants relies on selection of hypocotyl explants as the target material. Hypocotyl explants can be transformed either by microparticle bombardment with DNA-coated microparticles of inert metals, or by co-culturing with an Agrobacterium strain. The transformed explants can be successfully regenerated, using a protocol including culturing on a shoot induction medium, followed by transfer to a shoot elongation medium to form rooted plantlets, which are transplanted to soil.