Abstract: The invention features a method of producing a grape somatic embryo having resistance to a plant pathogen, the method including the steps of (a) culturing a grape somatic embryo in a first liquid culture medium that includes a plant growth regulator and a phytotoxin from a plant pathogen; (b) exchanging the first liquid culture medium for a second liquid culture medium not including the phytotoxin; (c) recovering a living grape cell or grape cell cluster from the second liquid culture, the living cell or cell cluster being resistant to the pathogen; and (d) culturing the grape cell or grape cell cluster in a third culture medium to produce a grape somatic embryo.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sunflower seed, comprising sunflower oil having increased stearic acid content as compared to wild type seeds preferably between 19.1 and 35% by weight related to the total amount of fatty acids in the oil, obtainable by treating parent seeds with a mutagenic agent during a period of time and in a concentration sufficient to induce one or more mutations in the genetic trait involved in stearic acid biosynthesis resulting in increased production of stearic acid, germinating the treated seeds and culturing progeny plants therefrom, collecting and analyzing progeny seeds, selecting seeds that have acquired the desirable genetic trait and optionally repeating the cycle of germination, culturing and collection of seeds. The invention further relates to oil extracted from the seeds, to a method for preparing the sunflower seeds, a method for preparing such sunflower oil, sunflower plants produced from the seeds and use of the oil.

Abstract: A novel garden bean cultivar, designated ‘210944’, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of garden bean cultivar ‘210944’, to the plants of garden bean line ‘210944’ and to methods for producing a bean plant by crossing the cultivar ‘210944’ with itself or another bean line. The invention further relates to methods for producing a bean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other garden bean lines derived from the cultivar ‘210944’.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for the alteration of fertility in plants through modulation of floral GABA levels. The techniques of the invention may find use in plant breeding techniques. Also provided by the invention are assays for the screening of candidate modulators of GABA metabolism or GABA analogs through the identification of affects on fertility following application of the candidate modulator to a plant. The technique provides an alternative to animal testing and is amenable to large scale application.

Abstract: The present invention provides grain, seed, feed made from the grain or seed, petfood made from the grain, and food products made from the grain. The grain may be maize grain with the following characteristics: oil burdened, elevated protein content, and low phytate levels. The combination of oil burdened, protein laden, decreased phytate characteristics in grain makes a grain that provides more calories, protein and phosphorus and other nutrients to the feeding animal. Pet foods, and animal feds and corn food products made of the present invention will provide increased nutrition because of the increased bioavailability of the components of the grain.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rapid and large-scale production of tomato mutants by utilizing miniature tomato plants which can be crossed with tomato commercial plants. Mutations are induced in the miniature tomato cultivars and desired mutants are subsequently identified in the resulting mutant tomato population.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an opiumless and alkaloid-free non-narcotic opium poppy designated as var. Sujata having the following morphological/argonomic features: Days to 50% flowering 100-105 Plant height (cm)  80-100 Peduncle length (cm)  18-20 Peduncle colour Patchy-black No. of capsules/branches per plant  3-4 Capsule shape Flat Capsule surface ˜glabrous (white bloom +) No. of stigmatic rays per capsule  10-12 Shape and size of stigmatic rays slightly small, flattened Latex-flow on incision Absent Seed count per gram of weight 3040-3310 Seed colour Dull-white Seed shape Reniform Seed size Bold (Thickness ++) Seed yield (g/m2) 120-140 Straw yield (g/m2) 135-150 (Capsule hulls) Opium alkaloids in straw Absent.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for generating and identifying mutations in any target gene of a polyploid plant species. In a preferred aspect of the present invention, a plant is constructed and/or selected that has at least one copy of a functional, target gene located exclusively in only one of its homoeologous, or homologous, genomes. Seed derived from the selected plant are then contacted with an effective amount of at least one mutagenic agent, the treated seed are germinated and the seeds or plants derived therefrom, are screened for mutations in the target gene. Thus, the inventive concepts set forth herein can be used to create, select and identify mutations in any target gene of any suitable polyploid plant, thereby providing a source of numerous, readily-identifiable mutations that can, if so desired, be used in crosses to develop unique new crop cultivars.

Abstract: Disclosed is a new variety of four-leaf clover named “Lucky Together”, and a method of breeding the same in large quantities. The method of breeding the new variety of four-leaf clover of the present invention comprises the steps of: (a) sterilizing a clover, (b) treating the clover with chemical agent in order to induce mutation and cell division of the clover, (c) roots-inducing of the mutated clover, (d) asexual propagation of the variety of clover, (e) comparing the features of the variety with those of wild-type clover, and (f) identifying a uniformity of the features of the variety. The four-leaf clover according to the present invention has strong nature, strong cold resistance and excellent disease resistance. Furthermore, the clover according to the present invention grows rapidly and well under intensive light, and can compete successfully with weeds. Therefore, the clover can be used not only for feed but also for improving the quality of soil.

Abstract: A series of independent technical systems including a combination of mutation methods such as cellular mutation, ultraviolet irradiation, X-ray irradiation or the like, formation and use of shoot primordium and selection of mutated cells are employed to produce genetic mutation in Manilagrass and obtain Manilagrass that retains its green leaves in winter while producing substantially no anthocyanins under normal cultivating conditions, Manilagrass that has a high stolon density, and dwarfed Manilagrass; the newly invented completely novel genotypes are used to obtain new Eragrostoideae plants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for determining nucleic acid sequences that encode components of signal transduction pathways in higher plants. The method comprises combining a portion of an AOX promoter linked in operable fashion to a reporter gene to detect nucleic acid sequences of components of the signal transduction pathways between mitochondria function and metabolic status and nuclear gene expression and the signal transduction pathways between branched chain amino acid biosynthetic pathways and nuclear gene expression. A polynucleotide that encodes a portion of an AOX promoter, AOX1a, operably linked to a luciferase reporter gene is provided. A recombinant vector, transformed cells, and transformed organisms containing this polynucleotide are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for producing crucifer germplasm, in particular broccoli and cauliflower germplasm, with high levels of cancer chemoprotectant agents is provided which comprises screening a population of plants for glucosinolate profiles and selecting an individual plant with an enhanced alkyl/indole glucosinolate ratio. Subsequent breeding with a selected plant results in varieties, lines, and plants with desirable glucosinolate profiles. A method of growing crucifer sprouts to enhance chemoprotectant activity of the sprouts by germinating the seeds in a limited water volume is also provided. A method for producing crucifer germplasm which produces seeds with reduced leakage of seed material is provided which comprises screening a population of plants for production of seeds with reduced leakage and selecting an individual plant which produces such seeds.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sunflower seed, comprising sunflower oil having increased stearic acid content as compared to wild type seeds preferably between 19.1 and 35% by weight related to the total amount of fatty acids in the oil, obtainable by treating parent seeds with a mutagenic agent during a period of time and in a concentration sufficient to induce one or more mutations in the genetic trait involved in stearic acid biosynthesis resulting in increased production of stearic acid, germinating the treated seeds and culturing progeny plants therefrom, collecting and analyzing progeny seeds, selecting seeds that have acquired the desirable genetic trait and optionally repeating the cycle of germination, culturing and collection of seeds. The invention further relates to oil extracted from the seeds, to a method for preparing the sunflower seeds, a method for preparing such sunflower oil, sunflower plants produced from the seeds and use of the oil.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for generating doubled haploid and/or haploid plants from microspores. In a presently preferred embodiment of the methods of the present invention, plant material is selected that bears reproductive organs containing microspores at a developmental stage that is amenable to androgenic induction. The microspores are treated by contacting the selected plant material with water and subjecting the selected plant material to temperature stress, and optionally to nutrient stress. Preferably the selected plant material is contacted with an effective amount of a sporophytic development inducer and an effective amount of an auxin and/or a cell spindle inhibiting agent. Optionally, the selected plant material is contacted with an effective amount of a cytokinin and/or an effective amount of a gibberellin. The treated microspores are isolated, preferably by density centrifugation utilizing a solution of 0.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for preparing herbicide tolerant corn plants. Also provided are herbicide tolerant corn plants, as well as seeds and progeny derived from these plants.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to novel mutant polynucleotide molecules that encode enzymes that have increased heat stability. These polynucleotides, when expressed in plants, result in increased yield in plants grown under conditions of heat stress. The polynucleotide molecules of the subject invention encode maize endosperm ADP glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGP) and soluble starch synthase (SSS) enzyme activties. Plants and plant tissue bred to contain, or transformed with, the mutant polynucleotides, and expressing the polypeptides encoded by the polynucleotides, are also contemplated by the present invention. The subject invention also concerns methods for isolating polynucleotides and polypeptides contemplated within the scope of the invention. Methods for increasing yield in plants grown under conditions of heat stress are also provided.

Abstract: Rapeseed in plants producing rapeseed which have a yellow-seed coat are provided. The yellow-seed coat is controlled by a single locus mutation. Plants from the rapeseed are useful for transferring the trait into elite lines of canola.

Abstract: Broadly, the present invention relates to mutating starch genes in polyploid cereal grains. Specifically, this invention concerns mutant wheat plants, mutant wheat grain and the starch therefrom.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a screening method for the selection of mutations which confer acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS) inhibiting herbicide resistance to wheat. After mutagenesis of wheat seeds, the seeds are soaked in an AHAS inhibiting herbicide-containing solution containing a particular class of AHAS inhibiting herbicide. After planting, the soil containing the seeds is sprayed with an AHAS inhibiting herbicide of the same class as that used in the seed soak step prior to the emergence of the seedlings from the soil. Those wheat seedlings which emerge and are normal in appearance demonstrate resistance to the class of AHAS inhibiting herbicides used in the seed soak and spraying steps. This invention is also directed to the wheat selections and seeds identified by the screening method.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of obtaining a greater than normal concentration of oil in the seed of a plant, the method comprising altering the carbon metabolism in the seed leading to an alteration in the partitioning of assimilates from starch biosynthesis to enhance the biosynthesis and accumulation of oil, preferably without significantly affecting the size of the storage organ in a way that adversely impacts the commercial value of the material. Seeds produced by the present methods are also provided.

Abstract: Brassica seeds having a maximum of glucosinolate content of 3.4 &mgr;moles per gram of seed, plant lines and progeny thereof which produces such seeds, and meal derived from such seeds are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel double flower gene in Verbena which is phenotypically expressed in the formation of flowers with one or more additional petals than existing Verbena cultivars. The present invention also relates to a Verbena seed, a Verbena plant, a Verbena flower, a Verbena variety and a Verbena hybrid which comprise the novel double flower gene. The present invention also relates to a method of producing the disclosed Verbena plants and seeds.

Abstract: Broadly, the present invention relates to mutating starch genes in polyploid cereal grains. Specifically, this invention concerns mutant wheat plants, mutant wheat grain and the starch therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of making paper utilizing glucans, produced by glucosyltransferase D enzymes of the species Streptococcus mutans, instead of modified starches. The present glucans are functionally similar to the hydroxethyl modified starch and are particularly useful in the sizing and coating steps of paper manufacture. The present glucans also exhibit thermoplastic properties and impart gloss to the paper during the coating step. In particular, the present invention provides plant cells and plants transformed with Streptococcus mutans genes encoding wild-type or mutant glucosyltransferase D enzymes.

Abstract: Single-gene, non-lethal mutations responsible for low phytic acid-containing seeds are selectable by means of a method for assaying seeds which are otherwise phenotypically, or nearly phenotypically, normal. Maize mutants having from 20% to 95% reductions in kernel phytic acid phosphorus compared to the wild-type, without any noticeable reduction in total phosphorus, were isolated by this method. Mutants obtained in accordance with the invention are useful for developing commercial, low phytic acid seed, plant lines.

Abstract: Seeds, plants and oils are provided having low FDA saturates; high oleic acid; low linoleic acid; high or low palmitic acid; low stearic acid; and low linoleic acid plus linolenic acid; and advantageous functional or nutritional properties.

Abstract: The CONSTANS (CO) gene of Arabidopsis thaliana and homologues from Brassica napus are provided and are useful for influencing flowering characteristics in transgenic plants, especially the timing of flowering.

Abstract: The invention relates to a genetic male gametophytic factor capable, when expressed, of conferring a defective endosperm phenotype to seeds, said seeds being unable to germinate on their own. The invention also relates to the use of plants or part of plants comprising said factor for carrying out processes for obtaining hybrid seeds and plants.

Abstract: A commercially viable, runner-type peanut cultivar, as well as seeds and plants of the cultivar, agronomically similar to Florunner but having an improved fatty acid profile in the seed oil.

Abstract: A method for producing somaclonal variant cotton plant. The method comprising providing a cotton explant, culturing the explant in a callus growth medium supplemented with glucose as a primary carbon source until secretion of phenolic compounds has ceased and undifferentiated callus is formed from the explant, culturing the undifferentiated callus in callus growth medium supplemented with sucrose as primary carbon source until embryogenic callus is formed from the undifferentiated callus, transferring the embryogenic callus to a plant germination medium, culturing the embryogenic callus on the plant germination medium until a plantlet is formed from the embryogenic callus, transferring the plantlets to soil, growing the plantlets to produce seeds from self pollination, collecting the seeds, planting the seeds, growing the seeds under conditions to select for a desired characteristic and collecting the plants with the desired characteristics.

Abstract: A canola line has been stabilized to produce seeds having an .alpha.-linolenic acid content of less than that of generic canola oil, more preferably less than or equal to about 7% .alpha.-linolenic acid relative to total fatty acid content of said seed and a total glucosinolate content of less than 18 .mu.mol/g of defatted meal, more preferably less than or equal to about 15 .mu.mol/g of defatted meal. This canola line has reduced sulfur content of less than or equal to 3.0 ppm, improved sensory characteristics and increased oxidative stability.