PIP Newsletter 6: Sept. 1994

PIP draws your attention to the following issues:


1. Meeting of Industrial Platforms, June 1994. The main objective of Industrial Platforms (IP's) is to maximize the technology transfer from academia to industry. IP's, however, are not only recipients of the results stemming from the Community programmes. They often provide contractors and Commission services with expert advice on industrially relevant topics. This dynamic interaction, which is mutually beneficial, is probably the key to fruitful relationships between contractors and IP's. At the meeting concerns have risen in relation to both activities: In the absence of any privileged position for IP's, as far as exploitation of results is concerned, it is difficult to anticipate quickly and secure maximum benefit for European industries. Also it may not be entirely clear how IP's can actually influence the development of R&D programmes. Particular R&D objectives of certain industries may not coincide with the scientific and technological priorities of the Community programmes. (see page 2)

2. Demonstration Activities. The demonstration of technological feasibility and potential economic advantages to the Community broadly defines the objective of Demonstration Activities in the Framework-4 programme. However, as Dr. N. Batty notes: "..it has been made clear that scale-up and demonstration of commercial feasibility are not within the remit of Demonstration Activities" and "..it is essential that there should be a clear vision of what is being demonstrated (product improvement, feasibility, profitability, safety, environmental benefit) and to whom (the public, investors, industry, national governments)". (see page 4)

3. Plant -pathogen interaction. Quite a number of contributions in this issue describe research activities in the area of plant - pathogen interaction and transgenic approaches. See the contributions from the 'Human Capital and Mobility Networks' (page 9), the 'Member profile' from ATC (page 16), new initiatives for Framework-4 (page 12), a contribution from Mogen (page 13) and the description of the USDA Genome Research Program (page 14).


Contents:

Europe: Update FP-4 programme
Report on Meeting of Industrial Platforms
Field review for the Biotechnology Committee
Demonstration Activities
A personal view on DA's
Research Programmes: Final Report T-Programme
-- Molecular Identification of new plant genes
ESSA
The Air RTD programme
Networks: Human capital and mobility
Flair-flow Europe
Research Contributions: Transgenic approaches to nematode resistance
Novel starches from peas
Mogen International N.V.
USDA plant genome research programme
Member profile: Advanced Technologies (Cambridge) Ltd.

EUROPE


  • In previous issues of the PIP Newsletter general descriptions of the Framework-4 in the making have been presented. PIP has used its influence and presented its views regarding important areas of research and development. Successful participation during the phase of program execution will be determined by early involvement and awareness of the detailed descriptions of the research and development programmes.

    Update Framework-4

    The description and organisation of the first call for proposals is currently fully under way by the concertation of a great number of specialists. Currently three formal channels are being utilised:

    ESTA : European Science Technology Assembly. This assembly is composed of 28 permanent members and around 100 invited persons, nomineed by the Commission, on recommendation by a variety of international organisations. Approximately 20 individuals will be academic experts in the area of biotechnology.

    IRDAC : Industrial R&D Advisory Committee of the European Commission Because of IRDAC's industrial interests, the Commission is supported with up to date information. It will thus be able to produce a R&D programme with increased possibilities for applications of innovative results and ensure efficient technology transfer from the science base to industry.

    National delegates : For the fine tuning of the EU research programmes it is essential to consider national initiatives to prevent unnecessary overlapping activities and ensure cohesion in European research efforts.

    Aside from the formal channels of advice, the Commission is quite receptive for any other form of unsolicited advice. Such a main source is formed by the Industrial Platforms, which contribute in this process by submitting position papers, comments on specific issues, or through dialogue. The PIP has submitted its 'Comments on the FW-4 Programme' in June, a copy has been sent to all members.

    The round of consultation will result in a document, prepared by the Commission Services, describing the full FW-4 programme. The Biotechnology Programme is expected to be adopted through Council decision in the autumn of 1994. The next step, the detailed description of actual research areas, open for proposals is currently under way. It was hoped that the first call for proposals for the FW-4 programme could be launched on December 15th, 1994. Most likely this will be postponed until March 1995.

    Report on Meeting of Industrial Platforms


    A meeting of representatives of Industrial Platforms (IP) took place in Brussels, July 6th, 1994. The meeting was attended by approximately 15 people, including representatives of the IP's: LABIP, ACTIP, YIP, MITIP, IVTIP, PIP and coordinators of research programmes linked to these IP's.
    After personal introductions the meeting went on to discuss the way the Biotechnology Programme in the Framework-4 is in development, which official consultation routes are employed by the Commission and how IP's can exert their influence. Several IP representatives objected to the fact that no immediate involvement in programme design and description seems possible. It is also desirable that in some way European industry will be able to make use of European funded research results before publication. At this moment the European research initiatives 'warm a house, but most heat escapes from the chimney'
    It was suggested that privileged insight in submitted papers of EU funded programs could be organised. In general the time frame between submission and publication will allow sufficient time to assess possibilities for patent applications.
    However, because of the precompetitive nature of European research funding it does not seem possible to structurally change the system in favour of European industry. Instead additional mechanisms could alleviate these problems:

  • Improve communication channels
  • Organisation of workshops to stimulate interaction between industry and basic researchers.
  • Increased use of Commission circuits and services.
  • Mutual education (science-industry): help to understand each others objectives.
  • Stimulate communication with policy makers, public and society.
  • Invite IRDAC member(s) to Steering Committee meetings.
  • Set up monitoring units which will cross-link projects and programmes. The monitoring units should include representatives of IP's
  • Coordinators of research programmes could appoint an industrial advisory board.
  • Increased interaction with existing lobbying organisations: SAGB, CEFIC, GIFAP, GIBiP etc.

    Field review for the Biotechnology committee of the European Commission.



    The Biotechnology Committee (CRN), which advises the European Commission on the implementation of its RTD programmes, has made a new initiative to carry out exploratory reviews of areas of strategic importance such as the area of 'Prenormative Research related to GMOs'. An ad hoc working group was mandated to focus on biosafety research in relation to the deliberate release of transgenic viruses, microorganisms or plants and on methods to bridge the gap between the scientific results from RTD&D and the regulatory requirements (the directive 90/220/EEC on deliberate release of GMOs). The working group has relied on inputs from the national delegates, the committee of Competent Authorities for the directive 90/220/EEC, external correspondents for non-European countries, industrial, environmental and regulatory organisations.

    General recommendations.

  • Ecological research is essential, because it produces the necessary background information, familiarity and know how for safety assessment and safety management activities related to the release of organisms in nature.
  • The kind of ecological research to be fostered should lead to a better understanding of the natural mechanisms which determine the survival and the persistence in the environment of organisms and genes carried by them.
  • - Interspecies gene transfer cannot be perceived as being inherently dangerous, because it is a natural phenomenon. It is however important to understand what are the factors ruling the inheritance and expression of genes transferred between different organisms.
  • Priority should go to the ecology of those organisms and traits of commercial and social importance.
  • Studies of microcosms are likely to be of little relevance, because they oversimplify the complexity and scale of interactions within the real biotic world. Biosafety RTD&D-projects should, in consequence, always include 'real scenario' fieldwork.
  • Further development and validation of 'monitoring techniques', for whole organisms and genes, remains an important objective.
  • It is recommended that the merits for implementing at least one specific 'Demonstration Project' should be seriously considered.
    Proposed RTD&D priority areas for transgenic plants.
  • Improving the ecological knowledge base for the major crop plants.
  • Identification of traits that influence 'weediness'.
  • Identification of scale related issues.
  • Identifying and estimating potential effects of specific genotypes with varying 'competitive advantage' on different levels of biodiversity.
  • Documenting the effect of virus resistance strategies in plants on the development of new virus pests.
  • What is the possibility of an interaction between products of a transgene and a superinfecting virus?
  • Demonstrating methodology and general principles of hazard assessment.
  • Demonstration of application of plant biotechnology within a framework of risk assessment
  • Using large scale monitoring as feedback and validation of small scale approaches.
  • Demonstration of ecological principles.

    Proposed areas where funding could be reduced

  • Studies on management strategies
  • Studies on basic biological parameters such as pollen dispersal, cross compatibility between species, etc.
  • Studies on stability and predictability of phenotypic expression of introduced traits.

    Demonstration Activities


    Objective. To overcome barriers to the acceptance of new technology ie. to demonstrate technical feasibility and potential economic advantages to the community.
    Budget. ECU 30-35 million, projects likely to be funded to 30%, although this may increase to 50% in certain high risk areas subject to the outcome to GATT.
    Timescale. Work programme to be published by the end of the year subject to political approval from the European Parliament.
    Criteria. Successful projects will.....
  • be precompetitive (ie. still possible to share information with competitors).
  • balance technology push and pull.
  • coordinate producers and users of technology.
    Areas. Bioreactors; Protein/enzyme engineering; Plant transformation; Immunology.

    IRDAC produced a report of its Round Table on "Demonstration Activities in Life Sciences", held on December 13th, 1993 and adopted at the Plenum if March 25-26, 1994. In the accompanying letter of the IRDAC chairman Dr. Y. Farge to Prof. Dr. A. Ruberti, member of the Commission, the following recommendations were highlighted:

    "IRDAC regards the inclusion of technology-demonstrations in future Life Sciences programmes as a very positive evolution of these programmes with many potential benefits for the adoption of new technological practices in Europe. For this to be the case, however, IRDAC recommends the Commission to orientate future precompetitive technology-demonstrations towards resolving the diverse techno-economic and socio-economic hurdles which keep far from the market new Life Sciences-derived technologies.

    The Round Table has served to establish a general knowledge base from which future technology-demonstrations in several sectors related to Life Sciences can be implemented. IRDAC recommends that this general knowledge base should be further developed through sector-specific consultations, in order to execute future technology-demonstrations taking into account specific sectoral needs.

    Technology demonstrations must be carried out by partnerships of critical-mass which include technology users and technology producers; this will ensure a balance within the partnership of a demand-driven component with a technology-push component. Special attention must be paid to key issues affecting these partnerships such as intellectual property rights and exploitation arrangements concluded between partners; participation formulae attractive to Industry must be offered to fully ensure its commitment to exploit the successfully demonstrated technologies.

    Notwithstanding the above recommendation, and taking special care not to jeopardize the genuine rights of project partners to exploitation of results, whenever possible, technology-demonstrations should have well-identified target audiences which go beyond the executing partnership itself. Such extended audiences might include opinion makers, professional associations, industrial platforms or groupings interested in the utilization of the new technology under demonstration, consumer organizations and ultimately, when appropriate, the general public.
    Technology-demonstrations executed in this manner can thus have a role in the diffusion of knowledge and serve to inform our society about the benefits to be derived from technological innovations in Life Sciences developed at Community level.

    Technology-demonstrations provide a useful and, so far, "missing" link between laboratory research and innovation. Therefore, these activities offer the opportunity to enhance the coordination between Community RTD programmes and other schemes, such as EUREKA, which might operate closer to the market. IRDAC recommends the Commission to take a proactive attitude in this regard.

    Technology demonstrations as proposed by the Commission will add to the social dimension of Community RTD programmes; actions envisaged have the potential to foster employment of highly qualified personnel, to increase the technological capacity of SMEs and to contribute to the training of labour forces needing to adapt their skills to a changing industrial environment. For these reasons, IRDAC believes that the type of technology-demonstrations proposed by the Commission in the future Life Sciences RTD programmes can constitute an appropriate model for executing similar activities in other Community RTD programmes. IRDAC recommends the Commission to explore this possibility further."

    A personal view on DA's


  • Dr. N. Batty (Plant Breeding International, Cambridge, UK), presented to a meeting of experts at the European Commission DGXII 29th June

    While demonstration of technical feasibility was initially described as the principle criterium, it has been made clear that scale-up and demonstration of commercial feasibility are not within the remit of demonstration activities. As I understand it, the position of the Commission differs from the consensus within the PIP in this respect. It is also worth noting that development of consumer acceptance was identified as a valid objective for demonstration activities and that two distinct types of activity were envisaged. These address techno-economic and socio-economic hurdles to technology acceptance respectively. Necessarily, these will have independent selection criteria.
    The commercial exploitation of plant molecular biology is entering a key transitional phase, between will developed ideas and well developed products. The initiation of demonstration projects in this area is more than timely and desirable, they are an essential component in steadying investment confidence in the sector and stimulating pull through to the realisation of potential long term benefits.

    The choice of demonstration activities in the biotechnology sector will be significant in determining the rate of transition from science to business. In making these choices it is essential that there should be a clear vision of what is being demonstrated (product improvement, feasibility, profitability, safety, environmental benefit) and to whom (the public, investors, industry, national governments.) Given these considerations, I have attempted to focus my comments on the positive criteria by which projects might be selected.

    Technical feasibility.
  • The projects should be founded on relatively simple and well characterised gene systems eg. requiring the transfer of no more than one or two genes. If possible, the desired trait modification should have been demonstrated in principle eg. in a model plant or on a small scale.
  • The essential components of the chain that links the science to the product (cloned genes, transformation system, breeding programme, processing, marketing etc.) should be present within the proposed participants for the project.
  • The participants in the project should bring an established track record of technical success in their respective areas of contribution.
  • Projects should be judged carefully on whether the proposed timescales are feasible eg. taking into account the breeding/propagation cycle of the crop, the timescale for managed introduction of new traits and the principle of genetic gain.

    Commercial feasibility. In the development of a programme of demonstration projects, I believe that equal weight should be given to issues of technical and commercial feasibility, also that the management skill base available to the project is as relevant to its successful outcome as the availability of technical skills. This should be reflected both in the structure of applications (eg. descriptions of the value chain and cost benefit analysis) and in the final choices. The following criteria might usefully by applied:

  • Industrial partners (preferably from the consumer end of the chain eg. food processors) should be centrally involved in the project, preferably in a coordinating role.
  • The project should offer a clear vision of the product and the consumer, and describe any implications for processing and distribution.
  • The product should be central to the activities of the industrial partner(s) rather than the initiation of a new area of activity. The industrial partner should be expected to have a track record that includes experience of delivering innovative products into the marketplace.
  • It is preferable that patents and IP covering the product (rather than enabling technology) should reside within the project participants.
  • Consideration should be given to the competitive position in any proposed project area and whether any similar product is expected to be launched outside the EU within the timescale of the project.
    Acceptability. Public/consumer acceptance is a key prerequisite for successful commercialisation of plant molecular biology. There is a growing body of information describing public concerns and priorities relating to biotechnology (eg. the Eurobarometer survey 1993). The choice of projects should be directed to areas of clear consumer benefit and high public acceptance. A number of criteria could be employed in this respect:
  • The product of the project should be uniquely achievable through application of biotechnology and preferably a significant improvement on an existing product.
  • There should be a clear understanding of the mechanism by which the new trait is achieved that can be readily communicated.
  • The project should demonstrably conform to all current regulatory norms surrounding the issue of biosafety.
  • Consideration should be given the means of presenting biotech products to the market eg. issues of labelling, vocabulary and branding.
  • Projects should contain an educational element aimed at some or all of the target audiences for the demonstration. This would make possible a wider educational structure for the programme as a whole.

    Research

    Programmes



    Final Report on the Arabidopsis T-Project 'Molecular Identification of New Plant Genes'


  • This project will be succeeded by ESSA. Details of both projects have been described in previous PIP Newsletters.
    Mike Bevan has made an excellent job of coordinating this work and has summarised progress in his coordinators report printed below. The results of these programmes are available to European companies and form a valuable contribution to plant genetics. The building up of a Seed Stock Centre in Nottingham and a DNA Resource Centre in K”ln have been an important part of this project, both of which should be maintained in future.

    The report of the recent ESSA (European Scientists Sequencing Arabidopsis) meeting, also printed below, demonstrates how coordinated programmes can make rapid progress towards defined objectives. If this work continues to be well coordinated across Europe and the USA then the objective of complete sequencing of the Arabidopsis genome may be achieved in a reasonable timescale. It will then be up to industry to demonstrate that it is capable of using this very valuable plant genetic resource for social and economic benefit in Europe. The prospect of sequences being available for all the genes of a higher plant is likely to lead to completely new exciting strategies for plant improvement. It would not have been possible to make this progress without well coordinated European Programmes.

    Coordinator's Report

  • Coordinator: Dr. Michael Bevan, John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK.
    The principal goal of the T project "Molecular identification of new plant genes" was to develop methods for identifying and isolating genes of agricultural importance, using the benefits of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, and apply these methods to understanding and manipulating areas of plant development and physiology important in plant productivity. In the process of achieving these goals, the T project also aimed to establish and maintain, over a period beyond the scope of the project, an infrastructure capable of sustaining future pan-European progress in Arabidopsis research. A subsidiary aim was to set up an industrial platform to whom the findings of the work would be made available and from whom scientists could gain ideas and support for applying their studies for the benefit of EU biotechnology and agriculture.

    Major breakthroughs: At the end of the Project, most of the goals described above have come to fruition, particularly those involved in methods development, such as transposon tagging and map based gene cloning, and in establishing Resource Centres. Significant progress has also been made in incorporating molecular genetics techniques into established areas of plant physiology, such as flowering and seed development, and a promising start has been made in the systematic isolation and characterisation of genes involved in these important processes. The EU-sponsored work on physical mapping has been central to a world-wide effort to establish a map of the entire genome, and the success of this work has led several participants in the BRIDGE programme to instigate, in the framework of the BIOTECH programme, the first attempt to sequence the entire Arabidopsis genome. The EU projects in Arabidopsis genetics have a clearly defined mission and a high international profile, reflecting the success of the strategy of integrating national Arabidopsis programmes throughout Europe. The teams set up in BRIDGE have become a productive and forward looking group, capable of extending their work into diverse aspects of agricultural and biotechnological research in the EU well beyond the original remit of Arabidopsis genetics. This is the greatest and most enduring achievement of the scientists involved in the BRIDGE programme.

    Cooperative links: The most important links developed have been those involved in coordinating the European Arabidopsis Stock Centre at Nottingham and the Ohio Stock Centre in the US. The EU contribution to the multinational effort in physical mapping has been pivotal. Finally, the establishment of the Plant Industrial Platform will provide an effective way of transferring the results of Arabidopsis research to the agricultural and biotechnological sectors of EU industry.
    Finally, on a personal note, I would like to thank the participants for their understanding and patience as I became accustomed to the tasks involved in coordinating a large project. It has been a rewarding time for me, as I hope it has been for you. The success of the Project has been engendered by the unfailing support and interest of Etienne Magnien, and latterly, Atti Vassarotti, without whom Arabidopsis research on a European scale would not have become such a productive and interesting activity.

    European Scientists Sequencing Arabidopsis (ESSA), Contract BIO2-CT93-0075, Report for the period 01.09.93 - 31-05-94


  • Coordinator: Dr. Michael Bevan, John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK.
    Background Information The small size of the Arabidopsis genome (100Mb), the relative abundance of genetic and physical markers, and the wealth of biological information concerning the plant have combined to make it an widely accepted model species. Methods for generating mutations using transposon and T-DNA insertions, and physical mapping of the genome using YACs, has laid the foundations for a systematic analysis of the genome using physical mapping and large-scale sequencing. The previous success of yeast sequencing within a pan-European network of participants provided an attractive model upon which to base similar work in Arabidopsis.

    Objectives and Approaches A network of sequencing laboratories has been set up, serviced by a DNA Coordinator and an Informatics Coordinator. Sequencing work comprises labs carrying out a systematic analysis of chromosome 4, those sequencing regions of individual interest, and those carrying out partial sequencing of random cDNA clones (EST sequencing), which is the quickest route to gene identification. The structure of the network, and routes of interaction, are shown in the original report.
    One of the aims of the pilot-scale project is to sequence 3000 new ESTs, which is a significant proportion of the estimated 20,000 Arabidopsis ESTs (of which 5000 have already been characterised). Genomic sequence obtained in the next 3 years will include 2Mb of chromosome 4 (possibly the smallest chromosome at 14-16 Mb), centred on the FCA and AP2 genes, and 500kb of sequence from areas of biological interest to the originators.

    Results and Discussion. There have been major challenges to overcome early in the project, principally involving setting up large scale sequencing in several labs, integrating the existing EST sequencing network within the framework of a larger group with more diverse aims, and establishing effective communications between participants with respect to informatics and contractual matters. In addition, the provision of mapped cosmids for sequencing around the FCA and AF2 genes has been a major task. These challenges have been met, and the ESSAY network is now a functioning group. To date, nearly 1000 ESTs have been submitted to MIPS and about 75% have been accepted. In most cases, ESTs have been rejected due to matches with previously sequenced ESTs in the public database, or multiple submissions of the same sequence. Submission of gDNA sequence to MIPS has been slow, as laboratories accumulate sequences, mostly from random shotgun approaches. More detailed descriptions of the work are available from the Coordinator.

    Breakthroughs. The most significant achievement has been the setting up of another EC sequencing network dedicated to a substantially larger genome than previously tackled. The coming year will see the first large-scale analysed sequence released from the project.

    Cooperative Links. A subgroup met to establish principles governing Informatics on Nov 17-19 1993. The Coordinator co-organised a meeting at Cold Spring Harbor on March 21-13 1994 to discuss possible collaborations in Arabidopsis genome analysis. The Coordinator also discussed the ESSA project with the Yeast Genome Sequencing Network at their meeting in Manchester on February 28th. The ESSA team had their first annual meeting in Cambridge, UK on July 26-29, 1994.
    Coordinator's Report

    There have been several important issues to deal with in the first year of ESSAY. The most complex have involved setting up the links between the Informatics Centre and sequencers and establishing sets of rules governing the acceptance of sequence for funding. In the case of gDNA this was straightforward; the methods were adopted directly from the yeast sequencing network. Developing rules which were compatible with the expectations of the EU and with the approach of random cDNA sequencing has been a challenge, and I would like to thank Stephan Klostermann of MIPS and the EST sequencers for their understanding and help while these issues were being debated. A set of rules has been established for acceptance of EST sequence for funding based on the experience of the first submission to MIPS. These rules will be refined due to further experience and taking into consideration the future difficulties encountered when most of the 20,000 possible ESTs have been sequenced. The key issue has been determining "novelty", a criterion hitherto not apparently applied to the gathering of EST sequences. Taking into account the accuracy of EST sequencing, estimated to be 99%, it was determined that sequences which were 98% homologous over a span of 50bp would be classified as "the same" and would not be funded. One advantage of this system is that it is calculated from the baseline accuracy of the EST sequencing groups and can therefore be modulated in response to changes in accuracy. The recent funding is large scale EST sequencing for a further three years in the US means that it will become increasingly difficult to obtain "novel" EST sequence using a random approach. Furthermore, it is also clear that EST databases may become populated with clones that are different only with respect to the accuracy with which they were sequenced, which will limit the utility of the databases unless effort is spent on sorting out a unique data set.
    The provision of ordered cosmid contigs for sequencing has been severely limited by the low proportion of funding available for this, which was based on the experience of the yeast sequencers. Larger genomes require more funding because of the additional screening required and the technical problems associated with repeats and clone stability. For this reason the DNA Coordinator's role has been confined to the FCA region. Keygene is employing new AFLP methods to align YACs and cosmids in the AF2 region, which may improve the efficiency of this slow step. The availability of the Goodman cosmid contigs has been a great asset to ESSAY, but these need to be supplemented to a large extent. Presently there are cosmid contigs ready to distribute for the second year, but there are regions under-represented in all of the cosmid libraries screened so far, leading to three gaps in the contig around FCA. These will be covered by direct cloning from YACs, or possibly by screening the P1 library generously provided by Bob Whittier of Mitsui Plantech. The mega-YAC library of INRA/CEPH has provided further coverage on chromosome 4, and most of its single-copy sequence is now in about 25 contigs. It is thought that a greater density of markers will be needed to complete contiguation. All participants are using automated fluorescent sequencing which will be adequate for the goals of the pilot scale project. Experience with these methods, and of integrating a network of larger-scale sequencing labs, will prove to be useful when more rapid sequencing techniques become available.
    The intent to sequence a relatively large genome such as that of Arabidopsis on a pilot scale is only realistic and sustainable if there is a possibility of completing the sequence within a reasonable time. There is the potential for further support for Arabidopsis sequencing in Framework 4, in which one could imagine a European effort to capitalise on the EC-sponsored efforts to make a physical map of chromosomes 4 and 5 by continuing work on chromosome 4 until the complete sequence is known. It is very important that the European effort is matched by a similar commitment by other interested parties in order to accomplish the goal of completing the sequence within a reasonable period. A necessary preliminary step in this direction will be the completion of the physical map by the partners of the Arabidopsis Multinational Coordinated Genome Research Project.

    The AIR RTD Programme.


  • Commission contact person: Mr. Ciaran Mangan, Life Sciences and Technologies, Agro-Industrial Research, DGXII E-2, SDME 2/27, rue de la Loi 200, B-1049 Brussels.
    The Agro-Industrial Research RTD Programme (AIR, Framework-3) is a follow up from the DGXII ECLAIR programme (Framework-2) of which details have appeared in previous issues of this Newsletter. The AIR programme is a joint effort of DGVI (Agriculture), DGXII (Science, Research and Development) and DGXIV (Fisheries) and was adopted on 23rd April 1990. This specific programme concerns all of agriculture, horticulture, forestry, fishery, aquaculture, and related food and non-food industries (in particular small and medium enterprises). The programme has seen three calls for proposals, the first in October 1991, the second in June 1993, and a third call in November 1993. The ultimate objective is to contribute to securing a better match between production of land and water-based biological resources and their use by consumers and industry through pre-competitive research, technological development and demonstration. The programme is organised in four distinct scientific and technical areas:

  • Primary Production in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture
  • Inputs to agriculture, horticulture, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture
  • Processing of biological raw materials from agriculture, horticulture, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture
  • End use and products
    The programme is implemented through research and technological development projects, concerted actions, demonstration projects and accompanying measures. All research projects have now been launched and most are well underway. Program areas plus relevant titles are listed below. In brackets the number of active projects per cluster is given.

    Cluster: Agriculture (65)
    Lettuce for the next century: improved culture and product through genetic engineering.
    Development of the European apple crop by integrating demand for high quality disease resistant varieties suited to regional circumstances with advanced breeding methods.
     ENITA: European network for information technology in agriculture.
     Development and testing of quantitative methods for research on agricultural systems and the environment.
     Development of a strategy for cooperation and optimal documentation and supply of literature on ecological agriculture.
     Research for the adaptation of oilseed crops management to the new requirements of the common agricultural policy: crop competitivity, seed quality, environment.
     Control and assessment of agricultural data with a GPS-supported data collecting system (=CADCOS).
     Cluster: Animals (37)
    Cluster: Aquaculture (34)
    Cluster: Bioenergy (16)
    Cluster: Biomass Production (7)
    Sweet Sorghum, a sustainable Crop for energy production in Europe: Agricultural, Industrial improvement, optimisation and implementation.
     Cynara cardunculus L. as a new crop for marginal and set-aside lands.
     'Hibiscus esculentus': Development of an integrated exploitation system with high added value'.
     QUINOA - A multi-purpose crop for EC's Agriculture Diversification
     Genetic improvement of willow (Salix) as a source of bioenergy for the EC.
     Development of a standard methodology for integrating non-food crop production in rural areas with niche energy markets.
     Cluster: Crop Inputs (64)
    Genotyping potato cyst nematodes in Europe: a search after the initial Introductions.
     Investigation and exploitation of natural and engineered resistance to pea seedborne mosaic virus in pea.
     Engineering stress tolerance in maize (ESTIM).
     A multidisciplinary research network to study and improve the abiotic stress tolerance of European Agricultural Crops.
     The location and exploitation of genes for pest and disease resistance in European gene bank collections of horticultural Brassicas.
     Resistance mechanisms against plant parasitic nematodes.
     Biological control of root pathogens by VA mycorrhizas, research into the mechanisms involved.
     Genetic transformation of fruit species for the safer control of pests and diseases and for the improvement of fruit harvesting quality.
     Resistance against Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV) in tobacco and tomato.
     Bacillus thuringiensis as a means of controlling D. oleae. Isolation and characterization of strains and genes for increased toxicity.
     Expression of antibody genes in bacteria: Development and evaluation of recombinant antibodies for the diagnosis of plant pathogens.
     Objective plant quality measurement by image processing.
     Investigation and exploitation of natural and engineered resistance to pea seedborne mosaic virus in pea.
     Development of nematode resistant crop plants.
     Development of new tools to assist in breeding plants for durable resistance to pathogens: case of potato lat blight, the interaction between Phytophtora infestans and Solanum tuberosum.
     The development of rapid diagnostic methods for the detection of Colletotrichum species pathogenic to strawberry plants in Europe.
     Improvement of olive oil quality by biotechnological means.
     Agro-industrial applications of anti-fungal proteins from plant seeds.
     New strategies for improvement salt stress tolerance in crop plants.
     Selection for pest and disease resistance and quality in prunus fruit and timber crops using molecular markers.
     The direct detection of virus by means of a polymerase chain reaction based method in dormant tubers of Solanum tuberosum to improve the quality of the crop.
     Integration of physiological and molecular disciplines in seed quality analysis.
     Harmonisation of quality testing of new wheat varieties in trials.
     Applications of biotechnology for reduced inputs in disease protection and nitrogen fertilization of rapeseed cultivation.
     Creation of a computerized data base system on the phytosanitary regulations of European, the Mediterranean and other countries.
     Coordination for joint approach on grain legume transformation (methods and objectives) to develop commercial applications.
     Evaluation and standardisation of molecular methods to specifically characterize and detect entomopathogenic fungi used as biocontrol agents.
    Cluster: Diairy Technologies (9)

    Cluster: Demonstration (7)

    Cluster: Fish Management (20)

    Cluster: Fish Upgrading (10)

    Cluster: Fishing Techniques (10)

    Cluster: Food Packaging (3)

    Cluster: Food Safety (9)
    A European network to compile and evaluate data on natural food plant toxins to assess risk to human health and to identify strategies to minimize such risk (network on toxins).
     Development of new methods for safety evaluation of transgenic food crops.
     Cluster: Forest Products (19)
    Cluster: Forestry (36)
    A multidisciplinary approach to the understanding and efficient handling of seed dormancy in tree species.
     To formulate a strategy for the development of somatic embryogenesis in forest trees as a tool for tree improvement programmes.
     Molecular and morphological markers for juvenility, maturity and rejuvenation in woody plant species - the biotechnological approach.
     Cluster: Fruit & Vegetables Technology (11)
    Olive oil flavour and aroma: biochemistry and chemistry of sensory factors affecting consumer appreciation and their analysis by artificial intelligence.
     Cluster: Meat Technologies (8)
    Cluster: Nonfood (35)
    Biodegradability of bioplastics: Prenormative research, biorecycling and ecological impacts.
     Thermoplastic starches for industrial non-food uses.
     Vegetable oils with specific fatty acids (COSFA).
     Sunflower oil for industrial applications (SOFIA).
     Vegetable oils and their fatty acid esters (VOFA). as substitutes for organic solvents in industrial processes (VOFAUSE).
     Alternative oil-seed crop - Camelina sativa.
     Cluster: Nutrition (15)
    Safety assessment of biotechnological processes and products in the agro-food area.
     Cluster: Socio-Economic Consumer (5)
    Evaluating, developing, improving and using procedures for reaching food SMEs with results and information from EC food R&D programmes ('FLAIR-FLOW, see this issue).
     Consumer-led approach to foods in the EC: Development of comprehensive market-oriented strategies.
     Structural changes in the European food industry: Causes and implications.
     The development of models for understanding and predicting consumer food choice.

    Networks



    Human Capital and Mobility


    The 'Human Capital and Mobility Network' programme has been initiated during Framework-3, coordinated by DGXII and has been open for submission of proposals since 1992. The aims of the programme are to contribute to and reinforce human resources for future technological research and development. Activities are directed towards:

  • development of a EU research grant system linked to certified host laboratories.
  • development of, or extension of, networks for scientific and technological cooperation.
  • facilitation of research access to large technological installations.
  • development of a EU system for 'R&D Euroconferences'.
    Applications for funding may include costs for travel, living expenses, related to cooperative research activities, use of facilities and participation or organisation of Euroconferences. Among 197 established Networks, four are have interest in the area of Plant Biotechnology:

  • Signal Reception and transduction in plant/fungal interactions.
  • The molecular and cellular basis of plant development and reproduction.
  • Genetically determined disease resistance in plants: fundamental molecular analysis necessary for development of bio-rational crop protection strategies.
  • Molecular genetics of fungal plant pathogens: perspectives for molecular breeding of disease-resistant plants.

    Signal Reception and transduction in plant/fungal interactions.

  • Dr. D. Scheel, Max Planck Institut
    This project aims to isolate and characterise the key genes in a plant's defense system. This new knowledge promises to aid in the development of environmentally safe plant protection methods in agriculture, and in answering important questions in basic plant science, such as the structure of plasma membrane receptors and intracellular signalling.

    The rapid development of plant molecular biology within the past decade has opened up new dimensions for molecular plant breeding with one of the major goals being resistance to pathogens, in particular fungi. However, the identification and isolation of plant genes that would protect against fungal attack after introduction into susceptible plants lags far behind the development of transformation technologies. In order to provide these types of genes, the key elements of plant pathogen resistance must be identified.

    Plants respond to fungal attack with the activation of a multi component defense response which generally consists of similar elements of non-host and host-incompatible interactions. The initiation of the individual reactions that are crucial for successful resistance requires the recognition of the pathogen by the plant cell and subsequent transmission of signal(s) to each specific site of activation. These processes are initiated by specific recognition of fungal surface components or secreted proteins. These elicitors appear to bind to receptor-like target sites on the plant cell and thereby initiate signalling processes leading to activation of defense responses. The genes encoding these binding proteins represent therefore the key elements of a plant's defense machinery.

    This network unites laboratories in France, Germany, the Netherlands and Spain already carrying our research in the area of plant/fungus recognition, and provides an ideal opportunity for training in the field of molecular plant pathology.

    For further information, please contact the coordinator of this network: Dr. D. Scheel, Max Planck Institut fur Zuchtungsforschung, Carl von Linneweg 10, D-50829 K”ln, Germany.
    phone:(+49).221.5062.303,
    fax:(+49).221.5062.313,
    E-mail: scheel@vax.md12-koln.mpg.d400.de

    The molecular and cellular basis of plant development and reproduction.

  • Dr. J.P. Verbeelen, University of Antwerp.
    The network consists of a group of laboratories, each of which studies specific issues in the field of molecular and cellular control mechanisms of plant development. The individual research topics are cornerstones in the path of plant growth and development:

  • the control of cell cycling
  • the ordering and control of cell division in protoplasts, cells and somatic embryos
  • the control of cell expansion
  • the ordering and control of cell division in meristems during root and shoot initiation
  • the control of lignin synthesis and differentiation of vascular tissue
  • the overcoming of recalcitrance.

    The different laboratories master specific complementary techniques at the level of cytochemistry, cell biology, cell molecular biology and in vitro culture. In addition they have specific molecular probes and original biological systems available. The exchange of expertise and tools within the network, facilitated by post doc exchanges and frequent meetings, will accelerate the progress of individual groups and will allow efficient collaboration on problems of general interest for basic plant biology and biotechnology.

    For further information, please contact the coordinator of this network:

    Dr. J.P. Verbeelen, University of Antwerp, Institute for biochemical and biotechnological research, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610, Wilrijk, Belgium.
    phone:(+32).3.820.2258,
    fax:(+32).3.820.2271,
    E-mail: verbelen@reks.uia.ac.be
    Genetically determined disease resistance in plants: fundamental molecular analysis necessary for development of bio-rational crop protection strategies.

  • Dr. N.H. Grimsley, CNRS-INRA
    The main aim of the network is to understand the molecular basis of disease resistance in plants. A combination of molecular and classical genetic techniques is being used to analyse a variety of plant-pathogen culture systems. Resistance to a representative set of pathogens (viruses, bacteria, fungi and nematodes) is being studied in two genetically and physiologically well-characterised organisms (Arabidopsis thaliana and tomato). In many of the laboratories in the network, complementary work on the plant pathogen is being done, permitting a more complete analysis of the interactions. A greater understanding of the basic processes involved in disease resistance will permit the future development of ecologically sound crop management practices.
    The characterisation of the responses of Arabidopsis to different pathogens, including Albugo candida, cauliflower mosaic virus, Chinese rape mosaic virus, Peronospora parasitica, turnip mosaic virus, and Xanthomonas campestris is progressing well. Lesion-simulating disease resistance response mutant strains of Arabidopsis are being characterised.
    Major breakthroughs have been made in the study of the Cladosporium - tomato interaction; pathogen avirulence genes, and very recently a host resistance gene, Cf9, have been cloned. Genes controlling resistance to Peronospora parasitica in different Arabidopsis ecotypes have been mapped to 5 loci of 4 chromosomes. The loci asc and mi in tomato, essential for resistance to Alternaria alternata and Meloidogyne incognita, respectively, have been finely mapped genetically, and physical mapping of these loci is in progress. A QTL augmenting resistance to Pseudomonas solanacearum has been localised to chromosome VI in tomato.
    For further information, please contact the coordinator of this network: Dr. N.H. Grimsley, Laboratoire de Biologie Mol‚culaire CNRS-INRA, P.O.Box 27 Auzeville, 31326 Castanet, France, phone:(+33).6128.5327, fax:(+33).6128.5061,
    E-mail: grimsley@toulouse.inra.fr

    Molecular genetics of fungal plant pathogens: perspectives for molecular breeding of disease-resistant plants.

  • Dr. P. de Wit, Agricultural University Wageningen.
    In order to improve environmentally safe crop production within the European Union, without increasing the use of pesticides, good alternatives should be found for the exploitation of natural resistance in plants. By increasing our knowledge on fungal pathogens both at the fundamental and applied level, new strategies for plant protection will be developed. Since every country has its specific type of crops and pathogens, a wide variety of pathogens and approaches have to be analysed in the very near future.

    The genes and their products involved in the communication between the different pathogenic fungi and their hosts are the objects of study in each of the nine collaborating laboratories. The objectives of the collaborating partners can be summarized as follows:

  • Elucidation of the function and mechanisms of pathogenicity, virulence and avirulence genes of fungal pathogens.
  • Unravelling the molecular events during and after recognition of a pathogen by its host plant.
  • Determining the subsequent signal-transduction events which activate the plant's defence.

    In a similar way as has been performed for Cladosporium fulvum which is a worldwide recognised model system to study gene-for-gene interactions between a pathogenic fungus and its host plant, pathogenicity factors will be isolated as well as race-specific elicitors, the products of avirulence genes from different fungal plant pathogens. A combination of genetic, biochemical and molecular approaches will lead to a significant progress in understanding the molecular basis of pathogenicity and race-cultivar specificity, not only in the model system Cladosporium fulvum, but also in a number of other economically important plant pathogenic fungi studied in the collaborating laboratories. The knowledge generated can be employed in molecular breeding of resistant host plants by modifying them with genes that interfere with crucial processes during fungal development on plants. The cloning and characterisation by reverse genetics of genes for the currently identified important proteins and enzymes should eventually lead to a greater insight into the strategies adopted by fungal pathogens. The results obtained will certainly have important practical implications for future crop protection aimed at reducing the use of pesticides and exploiting natural resistance sources in plants.
    The work plan includes:
  • Isolation of genes encoding cell wall degrading enzymes.
  • Isolation of genes responsible for fungal toxin production.
  • Isolation of enzymes that break down pre-formed and induced fungitoxic compounds (phytoalexins) in plants.
  • Isolation of genes with yet unknown function by UV, vector and/or transposon mutagenesis.
  • Isolation of genes by genomic or cDNA substraction.
  • Isolation and molecular characterisation of avirulence genes.
  • Transformation of plant pathogenic fungi.
  • Genetic mapping and map-based cloning of pathogenicity and avirulence genes.
  • Regulation of pathogenicity and avirulence genes.
  • Transformation of crop plants with crucial fungal genes.

    For further information, please contact the coordinator of this network: Prof.dr. P.J.G.M. de Wit, Department of Phytopathology, Agricultural University Wageningen, P.O.Box 8025, 6700 EE, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
    phone:(+31).8370.83130, fax:(+31).8370.83412

    FlAIR-FLOW Europe


    Flair-Flow Europe started as a cooperative project of the EU FLAIR (Food Linked Agro-Industrial Research) and VALUE programmes and is an ongoing activity since October 1990. Its aim is to disseminate information on food quality, food safety and nutrition/wholesomeness from the transnational research projects to the food industry, related professionals and consumer groups. The activities in the project have been extended and the project will be funded until 1996 by the AIR programme.
    The main dissemination route chosen is formed by the release of 1-page user friendly documents describing project results and information. Secondary routes include articles in journals, workshops, lectures, the media and others. The system is dependent upon the activities of National Network Leaders (see listed below). The network members send out the documents through their existing information channels (e.g. monthly newsletters). Each 1-page document contains a number, keyword, a title, text and contact name/address for more in-depth information on the topic in question. Up until now 145 documents have been produced and sent out through the network system. A selection of FLAIR-FLOW technical documents is listed as a first introduction to the network.

    @TABEL2 = 14/91 Health aspects of food biotechnology
    @TABEL2 = 18/91 Sensors and sensor techniques
    @TABEL2 = 21/91 Fermented vegetables
    @TABEL2 = 29/91 Measuring minerals in foods / tissue
    @TABEL2 = 42/92 Have you heard about lectins?
    @TABEL2 = 51/92 Enriching our food with dietary fibre
    @TABEL2 = 52/92 Toxicology: in vitro studies
    @TABEL2 = 55/92 Starch digestibility
    @TABEL2 = 56/92 Managing food composition data
    @TABEL2 = 58/92 Quality of virgin olive oil
    @TABEL2 = 60/92 Low-calorie low-fat cereal products
    @TABEL2 = 63/92 Food intolerance: finding the answers
    @TABEL2 = 85/93 The new VALUE Relay Service- getting
    @TABEL2 = information to you
    @TABEL2 = 86/93 Safety of transgenic food crops
    @TABEL2 = 90/93 Natural antioxidants
    @TABEL2 = 90/93 Improved quality in vegetables and herbs
    @TABEL2 = 95/93 Sourcing resistant starch
    @TABEL2 = 100/93 Social and structural effects of FLAIR
    @TABEL2 = 101/93 Natural antimicrobial systems
    @TABEL2 = 108/93 Exchanging information: a key to success
    @TABEL2 = 121/94 Mechanisms of food intolerance
    @TABEL2 = 124/94 Recent FLAIR-FLOW Europe publications
    @TABEL2 = 130/94 Industrial use of EU wheats

    FLAIR-FLOW National Network Leaders
    @TABEL1 = fax numbers:

    @TABEL1 = Austria W. Pfannhauser (+431).3622.5520
    @TABEL1 = Belgium E. de Raedt (+32).2.733.9426
    @TABEL1 = Denmark O.Tolboe (+45).86.147.477
    @TABEL1 = Finland K.Poutanen (+35).80.455.2103
    @TABEL1 = France J.Quillien (+33).98.907.328
    @TABEL1 = Germany W. Spiess (+49).7247.228.20
    @TABEL1 = Greece Y.Totsiou (+301).8225.755
    @TABEL1 = Ireland G. Downey (+353).1.383.684
    @TABEL1 = Italy C.Lerici (+39).432.501.637
    @TABEL1 = Luxembourg R. Winkin (+352).438.326
    @TABEL1 = Netherlands H. van Oosten (+31).8370.833.42
    @TABEL1 = Norway H.Russwurm (+47).9.970.333
    @TABEL1 = Portugal J.Oliveira (+351).2.490.351
    @TABEL1 = Spain J.Espinosa (+341).5493.627
    @TABEL1 = Sweden B. Hedlund (+46).31.833.782
    @TABEL1 = U.Kingdom S. Emmett (+44).372.386.228

    For further information, please contact your National network leader, or the overall FLAIR-FLOW project leader: Dr. Ronan Gormley, Teagasc, The National Food Centre, Dunsinea, Castleknock, Dublin 15, Ireland. phone:(+353).1.383.222, fax:(+353).1.383.684

    Research

    Contributions



    Transgenic Approaches to Nematode Resistance


    An initiative has been taken by participants of the FW-3 Concerted Action Programme on 'Resistance mechanisms against plant-parasite nematodes' to prepare a large research proposal entitled: 'Transgenic Approaches to Nematode Resistance'.
    One of the main objectives of the FW-4 is to increase the competitiveness of European industries. Therefore the originators of the proposal consider the following items to be important:

  • The target of research must be defined clearly
  • Industrial partners must be identified and included to commercially exploit the results of the research.
  • The various research aspects will be conducted in parallel with set target dates.
  • Participants must have established experience and overlap should be avoided.
  • Negotiations regarding intellectual property will be needed beforehand.

    The draft research plan divides research in two categories:
    -supporting research: nematode feeding mechanisms, promotor/gene test systems, protein assay systems, nematode-responsive promotor elements, root-knot nematode promotors, cyst-nematode promotors.
    -transgenic approaches: male-inducing factors, enzyme inhibitors, natural resistance genes, cytotoxic genes, nematicidal genes, plantibodies, co-suppression/antisense.

    It is foreseen that the developmental phase for the different approaches will extend from mid 1995 until 1998. The evaluation of approaches could then lead to the transformation of test plants and evaluation of nematode resistance in 1999.
    For more information, contact: Dr. G. Gheysen, Laboratorium voor Genetica, Ledeganckstraat 35, B-9000 Gent, Belgium, phone:(+32).9.2645.182, fax:(+32).9.2645.349, E-mail: lighe@gengenp.rug.ac.be or Dr. P. Burrows, Entomology and Nematology, Rothhamsted Exp. Station, Harpenden, Herts, AL5 2JQ, United Kingdom.
    phone:(+44).582.763.133,
    fax:(+44).582.760.981,
    E-mail: pburrows@bbsrc.ac.uk

    Novel Starches From Peas


    There is a growing interest in modified starches for food and industrial purposes. It is desirable, however, to obtain these with the minimum impact on the environment. Plants that produce novel starches, therefore, are invaluable.

    Dried peas are regarded primarily as a protein crop. Normal, wild-type pea seeds contain 50% starch and they are well suited, therefore, to provide large quantities of starch. Starch consists of two polymers - amylose, an essentially unbranched molecule and amylopectin, a molecule with varying degrees of branching. Different types of starch have been recognised for many years and this has been associated with the shape of the seed. Normally pea seeds are round, though those with altered starch are wrinkled. The wrinkled-seeded nature is controlled by two sets of genes - those at the r and rb loci. The loci have different effects on starch composition, though both decrease the amount of starch in the seed to 30%: r decreases the amylopectin content while rb increases it. Pea breeders have exploited both mutants for their individual qualities.

    Recently, we undertook a chemical mutagenesis programme to generate additional wrinkled-seeded variation with the intention of modifying the starch content of peas. This programme was based on the hypothesis that the wrinkling of the seed is due to the increased osmotic pressure in the embryo believed to be caused the lowering of the starch content. Genetic analysis of the ca. 30 new wrinkled-seeded mutants which were isolated in this work indicated that the mutants represented 5 loci - the two existing ones and 3 new ones. We have named the new loci - rug-3, rug-4 and rug-5. The range of starch/amylose contents of these loci are:

    @TABEL3 = Starch Amylose
    @TABEL3 = (% dry wt) (% starch)
    ------------------------------------------------------------------
    @TABEL3 = wild type 50 35
    @TABEL3 = r 27-36 60-75
    @TABEL3 = rb 30-37 23-32
    @TABEL3 = rug-3 1-12 0-1
    @TABEL3 = rug-4 38-43 31-33
    @TABEL3 = rug-5 29-36 43-52
    ------------------------------------------------------------------

    In the future we shall be examining the nature of the mutations in these lines and developing new lines with further modifications of starch content and composition included new round-seeded lines with a high starch content that is mainly amylopectin. We are now in a position to exploit some of this material in collaboration with industry and we are currently creating a 'Pea Club' for this propose.

    For more information about the Club, please contact: Dr. Trevor Wang or Dr Cliff Hedley, John Innes Centre, Colney, Norwich NR 7UH, United Kingdom. phone:(+44).603.52571,
    fax:(+44).603.56844, E-mail: wang@bbsrc.ac.uk or hedleyc@bbsrc.ac.uk

    MOGEN International N.V.


    MOGEN International N.V. has been established in 1985 in the BioScience Park of Leiden and is presently recognized as a world leader in crop protection research. This crop protection program is aimed at the development of crops with increased resistance to fungi and nematodes. Such resistances promise to yield both economic and environmental benefits for farmers worldwide. The company currently has 45 employees.

    Fungal Resistance Program

    The objective of the fungal resistance project is to develop a wide variety of crop plants with enhanced resistance to a list of 20 fungi which cause important economic damage in an extensive range of crops. The research strategy comprises two complementary approaches, one based on the phenomena of induced resistance and one based upon the gene-for-gene interaction. Presently a group of 15 scientist under the management of Dr. Leo S. Melchers is involved in the fungal resistance project. In the "induced resistance approach" several highly promising plant proteins have been identified. Selection of these proteins was based on the successful demonstration of in vitro activity against the list of targeted fungi. Potato and tomato are used for testing of the efficacy of genes against several plant pathogenic fungi. In April 1993 MOGEN was the first company to announce that it had achieved a high level of resistance to fungal attack in genetically engineered tomato plants expressing chitinase and glucanase genes constitutively. This resistance was demonstrated against Fusarium wilt, a fungus which destroys hundreds of millions of dollars worth crop each year. The most exciting prospect is that it is anticipated that a key method has been found to develop resistance in plants to multiple fungal species, something that has not been possible with conventional plant breeding. In collaboration with the University of Wageningen (Prof. Pierre de Wit) the called "gene-for-gene approach" is also investigated. This completely novel strategy to achieve fungal resistance is based on the pathogen inducible, local expression of an avirulence gene (avr9) in transgenic plants containing the corresponding resistance gene (Cf9). MOGEN has obtained an important patent position to protect these two major research strategies and an exclusive license of the DNAP patent on the use of chitinase from any source for the protection of plants from fungal diseases.

    Nematode Resistance Program

    The main objective of the nematode resistance program is the engineering of a genetic cassette that can be used to introduce resistance against plant-parasitic sedentary nematodes into crop plants. In general terms, the gene construct will induce a collapse of the feeding structure on which the nematode is dependent for the completion of its life cycle. Depending on the type of promoter selected for the transgene, the system can be made specific for induction by various sedentary parasitic nematodes (e.g. Meloidogyne spp., Heterodera spp., Globodera spp.), and can be introduced into a large number of crop species, including soybean, sugarbeet, tomato and carrot.

    The first target for the present research is the starch potato. Currently a group of 5 scientists, under the management of Dr. Peter Sijmons, is involved in this project commissioned by the Dutch potato starch cooperative, AVEBE. To bypass common constraints in the field of phytonematology, the project started with the development of a test system using the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. This pioneering work led to a number of international collaborations, most notably with the University of Kiel (Germany) and Rothamsted Experimental Station (U.K.). MOGEN is now the coordinator for a European Concerted Action Programme on plant/nematode interactions, a platform that involves 17 EU groups from 8 countries. Both the new model system and the Concerted Action Programme has brought great momentum to this area of research.
    For fundamental work and, more crucially to MOGEN, for testing efficacy of T-DNA constructs in nematode resistance, the Arabidopsis/nematode test system currently is the fastest system available. Other putative nematicidal gene products can be tested using different approaches. Recently a worldwide exclusive license was obtained on the PGS two-component technology for nematode resistance in potato, vegetables, soybean and sugarbeet. This enables MOGEN to sublicense its technology and patents to achieve nematode resistance in a broad range of crops.
    For more information please contact: Dr.P.J.M. van den Elzen (Scientific Director), MOGEN International N.V., Einsteinweg 97, 2333 CB Leiden, The Netherlands, phone:(+31).71.258.282,
    fax:(+31).71.221.473

    USDA Plant Genome Research Program


    The USDA's (U.S. Department of Agriculture) Plant Genome Research Program was established in October 1991 to facilitate the improvement of agronomic, horticulture and forest plant species, by locating important markers and genes, determine their structure and improve performance. The program is a cooperative effort of several USDA agencies: the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), the National Agricultural Library (NAL), the Cooperative State Research Service (CSRS) and the Forest Service (FS). ARS has controlled budgets of $14.7 million in 1991, $15 million in 1992 and $18 million in 1993 to manage the Plant Genome Research Program through grants, contracts and inter- or intra-agency transfers of funds. The program has received authorization for 5 years of support. In 1996 the program will be evaluated and a progress report made. Re-authorization will depend on the program's having achieved tangible results.

    The Plant Genome Research Program is mission oriented. While basic research is important and technique development is essential, the program must remain focused on economical important traits of crops. The impetus for the continuation of the program will come from the successful isolation and transfer of genes that control such traits and their regulatory systems, sequencing, new gene mapping methods and the implementation of an international database on genetic information. Exchange of information will help in the prevention of research duplication and stimulate internal cooperation between the four USDA agencies. Cooperation and coordination between this program and the Human Genome project at the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Energy has also enhanced the productivity and efficiency in the past period.

    The National Agricultural Library has taken the lead in making the vast amount of information, being developed, available through computer based database systems and has formed a 'Plant Genome Data and Information Centre'. The Centre provides access to a variety of information products and services on all aspects of plant and animal genome mapping:

  • Quick Bibliography Series - results of specific AGRICOLA searches
  • Probe - a quarterly newsletter
  • Reports on programs, reprints, guides.
  • Information services related to practical research items
  • Internet gopher site: probe.nalusda.gov 70, World Wide Web server: http://probe.nalusda.gov:8000

    The importance of the soybean as a major world oilseed crop plus the increased volume of genetic information made soybean an important focus of the USDA Plant Genome Research Program's thrust to develop a plant genome database, which includes information on four agricultural commodities: soybean, corn, wheat and pine. Several databases have been set up sofar: Soybase, MaizeDB, TreeGenes, GrainGenes, and SolGenes. (In a separate effort An Arabidopsis thaliana Database (AAtDB) has been set up at Mass. General Hospital Harvard Medical School, Boston). The information presented in these databases ranges from genetic resources to physical maps, sequences, digitized images of autoradiograms, plant morphologies, disease symptoms, biochemical pathways, bibliographic references, protocols in molecular biology, address details of researchers involved in particular fields and calendars of events. A prototype Plant Genome Database was published on CD in April 1994 containing hypertext files and graphical images of the genome database.

    Plant Genome Research highlights:

    1. A major breakthrough in the identification and sequencing of a tomato gene that confers resistance to a bacterial disease has recently been accomplished. Sequencing this gene has given scientists the first unambiguous glimpse of the earliest molecular events in the resistance response of a plant to one of its pathogens. This discovery has opened the way to identifying disease resistance genes in other agriculturally important plants.

    2. Commercial forestry in the southeastern United States is predominantly loblolly pine, which is used for manufacturing wood products. Scientists have analyzed the loblolly pine genome and mapped about 200 genetic markers of the tree genome as part of a genetic improvement program. This map is currently the most extensive genetic map of any woody plant. With this map, plant breeders can now accelerate the development of improved loblolly pines by focusing time and resources on the most important parents and the most desirable offspring.

    3. The molecular genomic maps for corn, wheat, soybeans, cotton, tomato, peanuts, loblolly pine, lettuce, apple and many others, have progressed rapidly over the past few years, largely due to the research efforts supported by the USDA. The USDA Plant Genome Program has focused on research to identify genetic markers that are used as probes to map genes or traits of agricultural importance. In corn, wheat and soybeans, between 1,000 to over 3,000 DNA markers are known and approximately 50 to over 700 genes have been mapped. DNA marker technology and mapping information will ultimately facilitate plant breeding and crop improvement efforts.

    4. In the process of transferring an agricultural-desirable trait into a crop plant via genetic engineering techniques, a marker gene must be co-introduced along with the desired gene. This marker is used to select the genetically modified cells. The presence of a marker gene in a genetically engineered crop increases the uncertainty of consumer acceptance and regulatory approval. USDA/ARS scientist have alleviated this concern by developing a method for removing the marker genes before genetically modified crops are planted outdoors. This new technology may speed regulatory approval and consumer acceptance of genetically engineered plants.
    The International Conference on the Status of Plant Genome Research, Plant Genome III, will be held January 15-19, 1995, San Diego, CA, USA. The programme list the following sessions:

  • Workshops
  • Computer Demonstrations
  • Instrumentation / Technology
  • Chromosome Structure
  • Comparative Genetic Mapping
  • Isolation and Transformation of Agriculturally Important Genes.
  • Applications of cDNA Research

    For more information please contact Dr. Susan McCarthy, NAL, 4thfloor, 10301 Baltimore Blvd, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA.
    phone:(+1).301.504.6875, fax:(+1).301.504.7098,
    E-mail: smccarthy@asrr.nalusda.gov

    Member Profile


    Advanced Technologies (Cambridge), Ltd


    Advanced Technologies (Cambridge) Limited (ATC), a market led plant biotechnology company, relocated to the Cambridge Science Park in 1988. A major factor in the progress of the company has been a highly focused strategy which encompasses:
  • the application of biotechnology to improve green plants for processor and consumer benefit
  • a close collaboration with selected partners who have the capability to take technology to the market and who will ensure that the technology remains appropriate for that market
  • a willingness to conduct research with collaborators on a shared cost/shared benefit basis
  • the development of expertise in metabolic engineering targeted for use in the food industry.
    This philosophy of sharing costs and risk with market partners in exchange for royalties on successful application of the technology has made ATC a pioneer among plant biotechnology companies. During its five year history ATC has built significant expertise in three main research areas:

    Starch and Sugar Biotechnology

    A major effort has been invested to understand the processes that control the accumulation of sugar and starches in plants. A portfolio of genes for the modification of the quantity, type and quality of starch has been assembled which with associated technology controlling sugar accumulation is finding direct application in the potato processing industry. The company is expanding its use of these technologies in other crops with new partners.

    Forestry Biotechnology

    The company is a world leader in the improvement of Eucalyptus spp. utilising molecular mapping, micropropagation and genetic engineering technologies to enhance the quality and productivity of trees for paper and pulp production. ATC also offers a DNA fingerprinting service for forest trees which can assist tree breeders and seed quality authorities in germplasm selection and identification. This new service is known as TreePrint .

    Nematode Resistance

    In a collaboration with Leeds University, ATC has developed proprietary technology called NemaGene for the control of one of the world's most economically damaging plant pest groups, cyst and root knot nematodes. Incorporation of the NemaGene technology into new plant varieties will create value for the breeder, grower and consumer in the following ways: by reducing the use of nematicides; reducing crop losses and providing a broad range resistance allowing seeds to be sold at a premium.

    ATC encourages the sharing of non-proprietary technology with industry and academia and believes in being open about its activities. Numerous visitors and students come to the company each year to gain work experience and provide input into the company's innovation processes. Organisations such as the Plant Industrial Platform are essential for mediating the early exchange of information on which commercial success depends.

    For more information, please contact: Dr. M. Ward, Advanced Technology Cambridge, Science Park, Milton Road, CB4 4WA Cambridge, United Kingdom. phone:(+44).223.420284, fax:(+44).223.423448