PARTIAL TABLE OF CONTENTS, relevant to seed professionals (links are to the ISB News Report website)

PLANT RESEARCH NEWS

Alternative approach to the genetic modification of alfalfa
Troy Weeks, Jingsong Ye, and Caius Rommens

A Recent study published in Transgenic Research demonstrates that the quality of alfalfa can be enhanced without incorporating marker genes or other types of foreign DNA into the crop.

Complete article:
pdf: http://www.isb.vt.edu/news/2009/artspdf/jan0901.pdf


Sensory analysis of calcium-fortified lettuce
Sunghun Park and Mark P. Elless

Although vegetables provide some calcium, the dietary quantities of vegetables, fortified foods, and supplements required to realistically replace the calcium contained in dairy products are impractical. In the future, however, vegetables may be able to provide increased calcium in the diet, which could lead to improved bone health. We report here the generation and sensory qualities of novel varieties of lettuce containing enhanced calcium levels.

Complete article:
pdf: http://www.isb.vt.edu/news/2009/artspdf/jan0903.pdf

REGULATORY

Syngenta seeks nonregulated status for microbial enzyme-producing corn

APHIS has announced receipt of a petition from Syngenta Seeds, Inc., seeking a determination of nonregulated status for corn designated as transformation event 3272, which has been genetically engineered to produce a microbial enzyme that facilitates ethanol production. They are soliciting comments on whether this genetically engineered corn is likely to pose a plant pest risk. APHIS is also making available for public comment an environmental assessment for the proposed determination of nonregulated status.

Complete article:
pdf: http://www.isb.vt.edu/news/2009/artspdf/jan0905.pdf

The entire news report is available at http://www.isb.vt.edu/news/2009/jan09.pdf