Abstract: A method of producing a transgenic monocotyledonous plant includes culturing a thin section explant from a monocotyledonous plant, such as sugarcane, wheat or sorghum, in the presence of an auxin and, optionally, a cytokinin, prior to transformation. Optimally, the thin section is oriented during this pre-transformation culture period of 1-6 days so that a basal surface is substantially not in contact with the culture medium. The cultured explant is then transformed followed by a rest period of 4-15 days in a culture medium without selection agent but comprising an auxin and, optionally, a cytokinin. After this rest period, transgenic plants are selectively propagated from the transformed plant tissue in the presence of a selection agent such as paromomycin sulphate or geneticin. This system provides rapid, efficient generation of transgenic monocotyledonous plants from transformed, non-callus tissue and thereby reduces the likelihood of somaclonal variation among transgenic progeny.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for the on-line measurement of a parameter in a processing stream. The system comprises a scanning head mounted adjacent a continuous stream of processed material, the scanning head comprising a remote light source and reflected light gathering and transmission apparatus; a near infrared spectrophotometer which includes a monochromator for resolving the reflected light into light of a discrete wavelength; a database containing a reference calibration equation linking absorption characteristics by wavelength and the quantified presence of the parameter of interest; and a computer for measuring the parameter by application of the calibration equation to the obtained spectrum for a sample and managing said system. The invention also comprises a method of on-line measurement of a parameter in a processing stream by NIR spectroscopy and networks comprising systems according to the invention.

Abstract: A method of plant micopropagation is provided whereby a thin section of non-callus tissue obtained from a monocotyledonous plant, such as sugarcane, wheat or sorghum, is cultured in the presence of a cytokinin and/or an auxin. Optimal regeneration occurs when a basal surface of the thin section is oriented so as to be substantially not in contact with the culture medium. This micropropagation method produces mature monocotyledonous plants by either organogenic or embryogenic regeneration without substantial callus formation. By avoiding use of callus as a starting tissue, this method reduces the likelihood of propagated plants displaying somaclonal variation.