PIP Newsletter #9: Oct. 1995

PIP draws your attention to the following issues:


1. A PIP Members Meeting will be organised 15 January, 1996 in Brussels. The EU funds a significant number of research efforts in the area of agriculture and plant biotechnology. Stimulation and support of the European industrial competitive strength is the basic motivation for this effort. PIP needs to increase its involvement with current and future research programmes through the analysis of the results obtained sofar, the formulation of arguments and priorities for continued funding, the establishment of agreements for dissemination of research results, technology transfer and the support of further awareness and knowledge of requirements to protect intellectual property.

2. The second Call for Research Proposals of the Biotechnology programme of Framework-4 is open until 10 January, 1996. Some background information on this call has been included in this Newsletter, as well as details on initiatives from research scientists regarding the formation of participant groupings for specific research themes. In the PIP Newsletter #8 ten such Research Contributions were published, in this issue another three have been included. By joining these initiatives at an early stage, PIP members gain the best opportunity to help define clear and effective research objectives.

3. The World Wide Web is the latest graphical and user friendly development on Internet and supersedes previous data retrieval software programmes such as gopher, telnet and ftp. Since its implementation has started a few years ago, there now is a range of WWW-sites of high interest to biotechnology, agriculture, environment and regulatory affairs. Many of these sites provide quite useful and timely information sources. The great success of Internet has a downside: it almost becomes too easy for each and everyone to start a server-site, resulting in a poorly organised, massive supply of information of varying quality. PIP offers a helping hand by preselecting some sites of interest and highlights a key-site with quality information.


Contents:

PIP Activities A reflection on 1995
PIP Objectives for 1996
Europe Call for proposals
Research Programmes Project of Technological Priority
Molecular Screening Tools
Arabidopsis Genome project
FAIR programme
Internet The Biotechnology Industry Organisation
Research Contributions Control and development of plant metabolism
Genetic control of leaf architecture
Self incompatibility


PIP Activities


A reflection on 1995 and new initiatives


Introduction

As we all know the EU funds a significant number of research efforts in the area of agriculture and plant biotechnology. The aim of these efforts is to increase EU competitive strength leading to stronger position of EU industry including the "green" industry.

A stronger position for industry involves a number of aspects including a strong scientific community and the active development and commercialisation of modern technology. The possession of a competitive portfolio of intellectual property by EU based industries is an essential contribution to this objective. This rationale is a significant factor in the sponsorship of research in the area of Biotechnology. As a consequence, the definition of research priorities and the exploitation of the fruits of EU-sponsored research is an area where industry involvement is extremely important.

Discussions in 1995

These aspects have been the subject of much discussion in 1995 concentrated around a PIP workshop held in May 1995 in Enkhuizen (The Netherlands) and a PTP* workshop held in Vinkeveen (The Netherlands) in July 1995. Both workshops involved representatives from academia, industry and the European Commission.

The issues addressed during these events were the following:

1. Industry favours a limited number of research programmes composed of relevant projects and managed by a board with industrial participation. This will contribute to proper management of science and results, providing industry the opportunity to take advantage of EU funded research.

2. PIP seeks an explicit input in the definition of Framework V. PIP members, and of course industry as a whole, are the closest to the market and are particularly equipped to provide the essential input on programme definition from this end of the "science chain".

3. PIP emphasizes the proper dissemination of results from EU-funded projects. A proper protocol is not available but needs to be developed with partners from the scientific community and the EU.

4. PIP promotes actions to secure adequate protection of results from EU-funded projects.

Activities in 1995 / 1996.

Ad 1. Until sofar only the AMICA managed PTP project (framework III) has an industrial board member (as far as we know). PIP has stressed the application of this principle within framework IV programmes. This idea has obtained sympathy from the responsible EU representatives and the PIP steering committee will do its outmost to establish industrial input in framework IV research programmes and programme managements, once it becomes clear which plant biotechnology projects will obtain funding and how projects will be organised in programmes.

One of the challenges will be to nominate PIP representatives in these boards. These aspects represent an issue to discuss on the PIP members meeting to be held in Brussels on January 15, 1995. PIP members have been informed on this meeting by a letter in October from the PIP secretariat.

Ad 2. We should realise that in the first place we need to make clear that plant biotechnology is an essential item within framework V. This will not happen without proper input and pressure by all involved in plant biotechnology and by those benefiting from the results. To be able to provide a professional advise it is essential to evaluate the benefits sofar of EU funded research. To be able to do so we need to collect the view of PIP members and discuss this view. This represents the second reason to organise the PIP members meeting, to be held in Brussels on January 15, 1996.

Ad 3. This issue is of vital importance to the success of EU-funded projects. The industrial practice with respect to protection of results would be to handle all results confidential until European industry has had the opportunity to evaluate the results on commercial value. This, however, could lead to a hampered exchange of information within the scientific community which is a significant disadvantage to scientific development. It will in most cases also be difficult to organise and is not entirely in line with the precompetitive nature of much of the research. This subject has also been discussed with the AMICA board and PIP has made a proposal for dissemination which is under study at this moment. The proposal is:

3.1. to provide PIP members with
  • the summary of the manuscript as it is submitted for publication;
  • symposium/meeting abstracts;
  • a summary which is 'digestible' also by those who are not state of the art informed on the subject.

    @TABPLAT9 = This should be done at the same time these manuscripts/abstracts are submitted to journals or symposium organisers. This flow of information needs to be channelled through the respective programme manager associated with a specific EU programme and the PIP secretariat.

    3.2. to provide PIP members, upon request, with additional information, for example full copies of manuscripts, when the subject is identified by one or more PIP members as particularly interesting.

    @TABPLAT9 = This provides PIP members the "just in time" opportunity to contact the authors and discuss commercial value of results and adequate actions if applicable. It also gives PIP members an early access to results.

    This protocol could be a first start of creating an atmosphere in which industrial involvement in dissemination of results becomes a standard procedure. It also provides scientists with a mechanism for industrial feedback and input on commercial value, potential value and/or applicability of scientific results and is therefore of mutual benefit, both to the scientific community and to industry.

    We will also take the initiative to achieve a protocol like this with the other currently active Framework III projects. But we should realise that this is only part of what needs to become a good protocol. It should also include guidelines for reporting at EU and other meetings. This will be a point of action early next year and one of the possibilities is to submit a PIP project covering this subject. This and the other subjects mentioned in this paragraph need to be discussed among PIP members (January PIP members meeting).

    Ad 4. From discussions with individual scientists at a number of occasions it has become clear that, to reach a general and common understanding of how to handle in case of patent possibilities, confidentiality and other related issues needs education. PIP is promoting such an activity and will take initiatives to become involved in training activities for scientists executing projects funded by the EU. This could be part of the project PIP might submit as is mentioned under 3.

    PIP objectives for 1996



    Following what is discussed above it is clear that the objectives for the Plant Industrial Platform in 1996 will be:

    1. Summarise and analyse the (expected) deliverables from Framework III (and IV);

    2. Based on the arguments coming from the analysis PIP members meeting and follow-up) make clear to the EU that Plant Biotechnology is an essential ingredient in Framework V and define the areas of greatest interest to industry;

    3. Provide information to PIP members on projects granted, organisation of projects into programmes and secure industrial input in programme managements;

    4. Establish dissemination agreements with the different Framework III and IV programmes and disseminate results to PIP members following that protocol;

    5. Help to educate EU scientists to deal with intellectual property issues.

    By carrying out these activities PIP hopes to contribute to a more facilitated interaction between academia and industry and an enhanced interest from industry to participate in EU-funded projects.

    January PIP-members meeting in Brussels:

    As mentioned a couple of times above, the PIP board will organise a PIP-members meeting early next year. PIP members already received an announcement and invitation. The issues as mentioned above will be, and need to be, discussed with members. We all hope to see you all in Brussels!!!

  • * PTP stands for "Project of Technological Priority" and is the project managed by the AMICA board. The PTP project is executed by 117 EU laboratories and covers 14 research themes, organised in 4 networks. In several issues of the PIP newsletter we have reported on developments in the project. PIP members are, on a regular basis, invited to participate in the scientific meetings of the different theme groups.

    Europe



    Call for proposals Framework-4


    The updated (1995) version of the information package and workprogramme of the Biotechnology Framework-4 period has recently been published by the Commission and is made freely available. In the coming period until the deadline on 10 January 1996, many research groups will be formulating research proposals and search for industrial partners. The emphasis on increased cooperation between scientific researchers and industry has never been greater. Also many opportunities exist for industry to take initiative and take advantage of the possibilities and find research funding during this Framework Programme. Several PIP members already have gained excellent results from their participation in research programmes, designed to gain breakthroughs or new products.

    Participation in individual research projects can be realised as principal contractor (having direct responsibility for completion of the work envisaged), associated contractor (responsibility to principal contractor only) or as subcontractor. Individual projects will preferably be organised in larger consortia to support an effective management and stimulate technology transfer. The establishment of such European Economic Interest Groupings (EEIG), exemplified by the creation of the AMICA consortium (Project of Technological Priority) during the current Framework-3 period, can offer a useful mechanism for participation in EU RTD programmes. As mentioned earlier in the section 'PIP activities', it is essential for the Plant Industrial Platform to gain direct access to these consortia, through PIP member participation in research projects and through participation of PIP in the scientific boards of these groupings. This, in fact, is one of the top priorities for PIP in 1996.

    The role of Industrial Platforms or 'extended audiences' is acknowledged in the workprogramme, where these organisations are mentioned to be "close interlocutors of the participants in integrated projects, RTD projects, demonstration projects or concerted actions where the need arises. When such platforms do emerge as a result of the attractiveness of EC-sponsored research activities, specific accompanying measures may be put in place on the initiative of the Commission to let them benefit more readily from project results"

    Indeed preparatory, accompanying and support measures, taken by the Commission, should provide Industrial Platforms with ample means to perform well in the next few years. Typically accompanying measures will involve:

  • the organisation of seminars, workshops and ad hoc groups of experts;
  • the coordination of combined projects, networks, interactions with industrial platforms;
  • the promotion of the exploitation of results;
  • study contracts, in particular support to scientific studies;
  • scientific and strategic evaluations of the operation of the projects and the programme;
  • publication and dissemination of information on biotechnology research and related activities and the impact of the application of the research results and their implications;
  • contribution of the Commission to the international coordination of research programmes.

    As support for exploitation of results the Commission mentions the following actions:

  • evaluation of finished research projects from the Biotechnology programme of the FW-3.
  • promotion of an information flow through the Industrial Platforms and/or extended audiences;
  • use of accompanying measures (see above) to increase access to, and circulation of results arising from contract research in the programme.

    The indicative budget for these activities is 5 MECU, to be divided among the 8 areas, mentioned to be the objectives during the FW-4 period in Biotechnology:

  • Cell factories
  • Genome analysis
  • Plant and Animal Biotechnology
  • Cell Communication in Neurosciences
  • Immunology and transdisease vaccinology
  • Structural Biology
  • Pre-normative research, biodiversity and social acceptance
  • Infrastructures
    As reported earlier in the PIP Newsletter, FW-4 has implemented new measures in the form of Demonstration Activities to facilitate the phase when the technical viability of new technology and economic advantages need to be proven. The subprogramme will focus on technologies offering possibilities for environmental advantage, economic potential and change of erroneous negative public perception of modern biotechnologies. Preparatory awards, designed to prepare proposals for demonstration projects, can be submitted any time. Using these grants relevant legal or ethical problems, partnerships and intellectual property issues can be settled before an actual proposal is submitted.

    Similarly preparatory awards are available for SME's to encourage their participation in RTD projects. The award may cover the exploratory phase of an RTD activity, including the search for partners. A preparatory award proposal (submission is not mandatory) may entail up to 75% of the cost of the exploratory phase with a maximum of 45,000 ECU.

    An undervalued possibility for technology transfer and initiating cooperation with European research groups is the EC programme for Research Training Grants. In this programme support is available for the training of young researchers (less than 35 years old) through research to be carried out in any public or private institution chosen by the candidate. Selection will be made on the basis of criteria of scientific excellence and the capacity of the host institution to provide all the facilities needed.

    Finally, for a quick glance into the fields of interest to Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology in the FW-4 programme, the objectives are copied below from the official workprogramme:

    Progress with plant characteristics is dependent on the discovery of new genes, and on the further study of genomic organisation, gene functions and signalling of regulatory circuits. This recognized need has recently brought plant geneticists and molecular biologists to the heart of an international endeavour leading to rapidly expanding lists of available genes, gene constructs, transgenic plants and elucidated pathways. Before this new knowledge can be put to the service of plant breeders, substantial gaps remain to be filled.

    Topics of particular importance are as follows: developmental biology, extrapolation of knowledge acquired with model genomes, quality characteristics, source-sink relationships, biosynthetic pathways, functional analyses, responses to stress, transduction cascaded from environmental signals to biochemical reactions, resistance traits and corresponding genes, microorganisms and lower organisms interacting with plants, general and molecular microbiology, etc.

    In addition to the above research priorities, an important effort of integration is required to combine complementary disciplines and techniques, and eventually bridge basic science and applications. This is where this programme is expected to produce a specific advantage, through bringing into projects a number of key players capable of associating independently produced results which may bear on a common application. As well as shedding new light on some of the above topics, the projects will have to be particularly will designed to provide cross-fertilization of academic and engineering approaches over the background of anticipated social expectations.

    The following examples of combined approaches may serve as guidelines:

  • Modern eukaryotic biology (genome analysis, protein engineering, biocomputing, transgenic models of gene expression, etc.) linked with the most rigorous investigations at genetic, biochemical or physiological levels.
  • Models (and particularly Arabidopsis thaliana) producing data and technology for use in e.g. rice or maize genome research and, more generally, in the genetics of other agricultural species important for Europe through an optimal communication between the different genome networks.
  • Combination of product-linked research (gene regulation and product targeting, cellular transport and partitioning, interaction of sugar and nitrogen metabolisms, sink-source relationships, polymerization and storage) and technology-driven approaches favoured in industry which rest on structural work and chemical/biochemical analysis.
  • Advances in gene cloning and mapping, genetic screening technology, reproductive biology, seed physiology, transgene expression, disease resistance strategies, altogether put to the service of plant breeding, or genetic diversity surveys.
  • Regulation of morphogenesis through molecular signals and genes, e.g. in the light of new models of intra- and inter-cellular matrix formation, and their changing composition and structure leading to pattern formation (cell wall activities, short-distance signal transduction, differentiation and cell cycle, etc.).
  • Linkage of mechanistic studies of plant-microbe interactions with dynamic studies of microbial populations, colonization, genetic acquisition of resistance, microbial identification and taxonomy, nutrient up-take cycles.
    Proposals originally incorporating a large-scale coordination of numerous participants might be given a pivotal role in implementing a fully integrated action. Large-scale coordination of this type is considered advantageous since it facilitates the management, and thus the implementation of such projects.

    Research tasks

  • Molecular genetic maps
  • Development and morphogenesis
  • Resistance to stress and pathogens
  • Metabolisms
  • Gene expression
    Synergies with other specific programmes

    The straightforward completion of species-specific genetic maps, the actual use of biotechnological kits in crop production and protection, the modification of metabolic pathways towards overproduction, the design of crops incorporating specific genetic constructs altogether correspond to deliberate applications of biotechnology in a plant breeding or in a plant production scheme. These steps are led by plant breeding strategies and are normally defined by technology users themselves.
    It is in this field of research that the Agriculture and Fisheries programme takes over from the Biotechnology programme.

  • The Information Package 'Research Training Grants' can be obtained from DGXII, Training and Mobility of Researchers, Unit XII-G-3 MO75 5/34, Rue de la Loi 200, B-1049 Brussels, Belgium, phone: (+32)-2296-2133, fax: (+31)-2295-6995.
  • The Information Package 'Biotechnology' can be obtained from prof.dr. Hoeveler, European Commission, DGXII-E1, Rue Montoyer 75, B-1040 Brussels, Belgium, phone: (+32)-2295-9347, fax: (+32)-2295-5365, Email: a.hoeveler@mhsg.cec.be
    Many details and/or general information may also be supplied by the national representatives, or contact persons in the European Commission. Addresses have been included in the Biotechnology Information Package.
    Finally, for those having access to Internet, the electronic information source on EC research policy, CORDIS, is available through a world wide web server (http://www.echo.lu). Cordis consists of an on-line service providing information on all Community research programmes, RTD activities and RTD partners. The text of the Biotechnology call for proposals and the contents of the workprogramme can be browsed and downloaded as well. The CORDIS customer service is located: ECHO, B.P. 2373, L-1020 Luxembourg, phone:(+352)-3498-1240, fax: (+352)-3498-1248, Email: helpdesk@cordis.lu

    Research

    Programmes



    Project of Technological Priority


    The Project of Technological Priority (Plant Molecular Genetics for an Environmentally Compatible Agriculture) has produced its second year report. The project was established as a large multi-thematic programme, concentrating the scientific work programme around 15 research themes. A complete overview on themes, contact persons and objectives was included in the PIP Newsletter #7. The following scientific highlights are mentioned in the current report:

  • The cloning of genes that control pattern formation in the developing embryo.
  • The characterisation of Arabidopsis zygotic embryo mutants.
  • Growth-promoting effects of xyloglucan oligosaccharides (XGOs) due to enhancement of the elastic extension of cell walls.
  • Efficient gene targeting in Physcomitrella patens.
  • Evidence for homologous recombination and gene silencing in stable transformants of P. patens.
  • The establishment of a correlation between gene expression and stress.
  • The functional analysis of structural genes expressed in response to stress.
  • Isolation of novel drought responsive proteins, possibly involved in lignin metabolism.
  • No evidence for increase in oxygen reduction induced by drought stress.
  • The further development of systems to clone and characterise the genes that are activated when potato stolens differentiate into tubers.
  • Determination of GBSII that plays only a relatively small role in determining the rate of starch synthesis in potato.
  • Heterologous expression of GGPP synthase, photoene synthetase and photoene desaturase genes in tomatoes.
  • Resistance to norflurazon can be used as a selection marker in cereals, instead of kanamycin resistance.
  • Demonstration of the feasibility of the transposon - tagging approach in Lotus japonicus.
  • Cloning and sequencing of full-length cDNAs for the two asparagine synthetase genes in Lotus japonicus.
    Further details and more comprehensive descriptions of research results can be found in the individual theme reports taken up in the original document, which will be distributed by the Commission.

    During the period under review the coordinators of the PTP have continued to develop and improve on a range of activities that would promote 'added value', to benefit to scientists making the discoveries, the funders of the research seeking value for money and the potential users of the scientific results. The coordinators list as such activities the following:

  • Establishment of a single, efficient business unit to interface between the Commission and all of the laboratories under contract.
  • Establishment of a PTP Scientific Coordination Board.
  • Promotion of scientific meetings.
  • Promotion of exchanges of ideas, materials, techniques within and between themes.
  • Design and implementation of a short term training scheme.
  • Establishment of Email and other communication networks.
  • Establishment of an interface with the Plant Industrial Platform.

    For further information on the PTP and activities, please contact Mr. A. Beadle, PTP project manager, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Colney, Norwich, Norfolk, NR4 7UH, UK. Phone: (+44)-1603-452-571, fax: (+44)-1603-456-844, Email: beadle@bbsrc.ac.uk

    Molecular Screening Tools


    This programme now has published its 7th issue of the 'Molecular Screening News'. The supplement of this issue is completely devoted to a workshop, organised in 24-27 June 1995, Cortona, Italy. In order to link with end-users of molecular screening tools, an extension to the scientific part of the meeting was organised in the form of a Technology Integration Workshop.
    Over 30 guests attended from industry, genetic resource organisations, conservation agencies and agricultural advisory agencies. The workshop extension was divided into three parts:

    Selecting Conservation Actions on Genetic Diversity
    In this section the role of the EU research programme and the issues in the field of (genetic) biodiversity were addressed.

    Managing Conservation Actions on Genetic Diversity
    In this section 'hands on' experience with management tasks were highlighted by presentations on issues for botanical gardens, domestic animal resources, and of environmental importance.

    Accessing Genetic Diversity
    This section was devoted to the use of genetic potential by the biotechnology industry, and methods for molecular screening.

    An important outcome of the meeting was the invitation of end-users of the research results of the MGT programme, to establish a 'platform' or extended audience.

    The principle of such a platform is to provide a mechanism for information flow and technology transfer and to facilitate communication between experts from different scientific disciplines and different end-users. The participants must themselves develop the initiative for the creation of the platform. The precise function of the platform will be decided upon by its members, but the emphasis should be on communication. The end-users will have access to hot information and the scientists will get a feeling for the problems of the end-users.

    PIP has expressed its interest to participate in the creation of this extended audience, to function as a direct link between its members, other end-user organisations and the scientific research groups, affiliated to the planned platform.
    For more information on the Molecular Genetic Tools programme or the planned extended audience, please contact: Dr. Angela Karp, IACR-Long Ashton, Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Bristol, Long Ashton, BS18 9AF, U.K, phone:(+44)-1275-392-181, fax:(+44)-1275-394-281.

    Arabidopsis thaliana Genome Research Project


    The year four progress report of the multinational coordinated Arabidopsis thaliana GRP has recently seen the light. The international scientific collaboration started in 1990 with the goal to understand, at the molecular level, the physiology, biochemistry, growth and development of a flowering plant. This and previous yearly reports have been published and distributed widely by the U.S. National Science Foundation.

    The Arabidopsis genome project is the world's leading source of new information and a successful model for scientific cooperation. In 1994 scientific progress included breakthroughs in the understanding of plant hormones, plant development, and the interaction of plants with their environment. In this last area, striking progress was made in understanding how plants perceive and respond to light and how they defend themselves against bacterial attack. This new knowledge has already led to practical applications in industry and agriculture. Also, dramatic progress was made in the large-scale analysis of the Arabidopsis genome. Large numbers of gene transcripts were sequenced, major improvements were made in the genetic and physical maps of the chromosomes, and a systematic genomic sequencing effort started up. Examples of recent advances include:

  • Identification and cloning of genes needed for root and flower development
  • Cloning of red- and blue-light receptors
  • Identification and cloning of genes involved in response to the plant hormones ethylene and abscisic acid
  • Identification and cloning of bacterial defense-response genes
  • Start-up of the European systematic genomic sequencing project ESSA (see PIP Newsletters #6,7)

    Future progress is further supported by concomitant improvements of the scientific infrastructure:

  • Availability of EST clones from stock centres
  • Availability of new collections of transferred DNA tagged Arabidopsis lines
  • Start-up of an Internet based WWW-Newsletter
  • Development of a new electronic integrated database for Arabidopsis research

    Specific goals set for 1995 are:

  • Establishment of an international, collaborative, large scale genome sequencing project
  • Continued development of PCR-based marker and other technologies, needed for large scale genomic sequencing
  • Continued research on the search for functions of isolated and cloned genes
  • Development of the next generation of public databases on Arabidopsis.

    The report is available from the National Science Foundation (NSF 95-43), Arlington, VA 22230, US. The text of the report will also be made available from Internet: (http://www.nsf.gov/nsf/homepage/infopub.htm)

    Agriculture and Fisheries, the FAIR programme


    The development of biodegradable plastics and non toxic insecticides, the study of the metabolism of polyunsaturated fatty acids to prevent cardiac illness or cancer, the development of edible vaccines made from cereals... These are some examples among the 42 research projects selected in the framework of the "Agriculture and fisheries" (FAIR) R&D programme.

    Strong industrial participation

    These are the first projects launched under the FAIR (agriculture and fisheries) specific programme which is part of the 4th RTD Framework Programme of the European Community (1994-1998), funded with a contribution of ECU 42.0 million. Following the new guidelines for Community research policy, FAIR stresses industry/research cooperation in order to contribute to the development of new markets, products and manufacturing processes resulting from agriculture, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture. This explains the strong industrial participation in these projects: out of 265 partners, 70 companies take part in 31 projects and provide a financing of about 50%. Industrial partners include both SMEs and major companies from the agri-food, paper, chemical and pharmaceutical sectors (see for examples of relevant projects below). The 42 projects were adopted from a list of 260 proposals involving 1729 partners.

    A promising sector

    The activities resulting from the resources of agriculture, forestry, fisheries and from aquaculture are increasingly developing and diversifying. As a result, the agri-food sector is now a particularly innovative high technology industry which undertakes intensive research to develop new products designed to respond not only to consumers' tastes but also, increasingly, to the requirements for consumer health.
    It is also the foremost industrial sector of the European Union in terms of production (ECU 340 billion in 1992) and the second in terms of jobs (2.4 million in 1992). It is a competitive sector: the first ten companies in the EU represent more than one fifth of the world market. The wood and paper industry is not negligible, as it represents a very substantial share of the GDP of the Member States, in particular Sweden and Finland.
    In addition, the processing of agricultural, forestry and halieutic raw materials gives promising outlets today for other industries like, for example, the chemical or the pharmaceuticals sectors which seek to develop new environment-friendly products. Indeed, during the selection process, priority was given to projects aimed at developing clean technologies.

    The programme "Agriculture and fisheries" (FAIR)

    With a total budget of ECU 607 million until 1998, the programme "agriculture and fisheries" (FAIR) covers the following fields:

  • agriculture: industrial use of crops (materials, bioenergy, etc), development and diversification of production
  • fisheries and aquaculture: development and diversification of production, study of marine ecosystems, socio-economic aspects etc.
  • food and non-food technologies: production and conversion of biomass, quality and safety of the nutritious food etc.
  • silviculture: sustainable development of forests
  • rural development: animal and vegetable health, socio-economic aspects of the rural development etc.

    A selection of agro-industrial research projects (under contract negotiation, 39 in total) approved in FAIR, DGXII, first call (15/12/94-15/3/95):

  • PL95 0512 - European energy crops overview: Up-to-date achievements on energy crops production, processing and utilisation in Europe.
  • PL95 0260 - High quality oils, proteins and bioactive products for food and non food purposes based on biorefining of cruciferous oilseed crops.
  • PL95 0568 - Genetic tailoring of novel starch polymers
  • PL95 0334 - Manufacture of polyhydroxyalkanoate biogradable plastics in oilseed rape.
  • PL95 0424 - Tree improvement based on lignin engineering.
  • PL95 0253 - Tree breeding for improved wood and fibre quality using advanced biotechnologies (CA).
  • PL95 0574 - Understanding and improving the selection and acceptance of foods for health promotion.
  • PL95 0594 - Nutritional and health inputs of transpolyunsaturated fatty acids in European populations.
  • PL95 0653 - Understanding the biological effects of dietary complex phenols and tannins and their implications for the consumer's health and well-being.
  • PL95 0302 - Mealiness of fruits Consumer perception and means for detection.
  • PL95 0572 - Functional food science in Europe FUFOSE (CA)
  • PL95 0066 - Understanding nitrogen and carbohydrate metabolism for legume engineering (UNCLE).
  • PL95 0193 - New technologies for improved nutritional and functional value of pea protein (NUTRIPEA).
  • PL95 0225 - Controlled ripening and increased storage life fruits and vegetables through ethylene control.
  • PL95 0433 - Molecular mechanisms of colonization resistance against C. difficile and C. perfringens.
  • PL95 0720 - The plant as a factory for the production of oral vaccines and diagnostics.
  • PL95 0689 - Evaluation of olive diversity and identification of molecular markers related to the aspects of food products, oil and olives, their mapping for marker assisted breeding.
    For additional information, please contact: Mr. Liam Breslin, Head of Unit DG XII, phone: (+32)-2-295-0477, fax: (+32)-2-296-4322.

    Internet


    The world wide web


    Since two years ago in the PIP Newsletter #3 a limited introduction to Internet was published, much development of the network took place. Almost innumerable research organisations, institutions, companies and governmental organisations have started their own information retrieval site, essentially free to all interested parties.
    Also in the Agro-Biotechnology field a surplus of information can be found, ranging from sequence data, products offered, research programmes and field release data.
    As a demonstration that the Internet can be a valuable resource of information, selected information from the server site (http:\\www.bio.com) of the US Biotechnology Industry Organisation is copied below.

    The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) is the largest trade organization to serve and represent the emerging biotechnology industry in the United States and around the globe. As the leading voice for the biotechnology industry, BIO represents companies of all sizes engaged in the development of products and services in the areas of agriculture, biomedicine, diagnostics, food, energy and environmental applications.

    In the document figures are presented on sales, markets, number and size of companies, research and development, financing and patents. Interesting listings, copied in full below are presented on biotechnology food products on the market, and those expected within six years. Also listed are (biological) control agents and (bio)pesticides.

    Biotechnology Food Products On The Market

  • BXNtm Cotton (Produced by Calgene, Inc.) - BXNtm cotton plants require less chemical herbicides. Commercial introduction is planned for 1995.
  • FLAVR SAVRtm Tomato (Produced by Calgene, Inc.) - The Flavr Savrtm is a high-quality, fresh market tomato that has been modified using antisense technology to ripen on the vine. It reached supermarket shelves in 1994.
  • High Laurate Oil (Produced by Calgene, Inc.) - A less expensive source of high-quality raw materials for soaps, detergents and cocoa butter replacement fats. Rapeseed plants with more than 40 percent laureate in oil have been produced and are in field trials. The first oil sales are planned for the summer of 1995.
  • FreshWorld Farmstm Tomato (Produced by DNA Plant Technology Corporation) - The FreshWorld Farmstm tomato is a premium, fresh market tomato developed through somaclonal variation to have superior color, taste and texture and a 10- to 14-day shelf life. It is currently sold in approximately 1200 stores in the mid-Atlantic, Northeast and Midwest regions since being introduced in April 1993.
  • FreshWorld Farms Endless Summertm Tomato (Produced by DNA Plant Technology Corporation) - The Endless Summertm tomato is a genetically engineered version of the FreshWorld Farmstm tomato on the market since April 1993, and shares its superior color, taste and texture. What's new is its greatly extended shelf life of over 30 to 40 days after harvest. Company scientists used Transwitch technology to suppress production of ethylene, the hormone that causes tomatoes and other fruits to ripen. It is the company's first whole food product developed through recombinant DNA technology and entered test market in March 1995.
  • FreshWorld Farmstm Carrot Bites (Produced by DNA Plant Technology Corporation) - FreshWorld Farmstm carrot bites are crisp, juicy baby whole carrots that are peeled and washed, ready-to-eat in one-pound bags.
  • VegiSnax Carrot Sticks (Produced by DNA Plant Technology Corporation) - VegiSnax carrot sticks are packaged, ready-to-eat carrot sticks, perfect for lunch boxes and healthy snacking.
  • FreshWorld Farmstm Sweet Mini-Peppers (Produced by DNA Plant Technology Corporation) - The FreshWorld Farmstm sweet mini-pepper has a novel sweet taste, deep red color and is nearly seedless. It was developed through anther culture, an advanced breeding technique that captures and stabilizes preferred characteristics such as taste, texture and low seed count.
  • FreshWorld Farmstm Cherry Tomatoes (Produced by DNA Plant Technology Corporation) - The FreshWorld Farmstm cherry tomato is specially bred for superior taste, color and texture. It is now being sold through distributors and supermarket chains in the mid-Atlantic, Northwest and Midwest regions.
  • Chymogen (Produced by Genencor International and Marketed by Chr. Hansen's) - Chymogen is the biotechnology-produced version of an enzyme (chymosin) found in calves that makes milk curdle to produce cheese. Because it is produced through biotechnology, it is purer, more plentiful and eliminates variability in the quality and availability of calf's stomachs. It is used in approximately 60 percent of all hard cheese products made today.
  • Posilac Bovine Somatotropin (Produced by Monsanto), Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin, (rBST) - BST is a naturally occurring protein hormone in cows that induces them to produce milk. RBST improves milk production by as much as 10 to 15 percent, and is now used by farmers whose herds represent 30 percent of the nation's cows. It was approved by the FDA in 1993.
  • Chy Max (fermentation-derived) (Produced by Pfizer FSG) - Chy Max is another version of chymosin, an enzyme that causes milk to coagulate, is an advanced fermentation ingredient that is of higher purity, quality and activity than natural rennet.
  • VitroGraft Grapevine Plants (Produced by Vinifera, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Epitope, Inc.) - VitroGraft grafted grapevine plants represent the highest quality planting material available to the United States grapevine industry. Rootstock and scion materials are in-house disease tested and grafted using proprietary green-grafting techniques.

    Agricultural Biotechnology Products Expected On The Market Within Six Years

  • Biogrow Salmon (Produced by A/F Protein) - The Biogrow salmon has the capability of growing from egg to market size (8 to 10 lb.) in 1 to 1 1/2 years. Conventional fish breeding techniques require three years to bring a fish to market. This could make fish more plentiful, decrease overfishing of wild salmon and lower consumer costs. A/F Protein expects to introduce the Biogrow salmon within four to six years to a public for whom salmon is an increasingly popular food.
  • Genetically Engineered Cotton Fiber (Produced by Agracetus, Inc.) - This biotech product will have enhanced fiber performance, reduce dye-shop pollution and improve textile manufacturing efficiency.
  • Genetically Engineered Fruits and Vegetables with Longer Postharvest Shelf Life (Produced by Agritope, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Epitope, Inc.) - Using ethylene-control technology, Agritope, Inc., has created delayed-ripening, longer-lasting tomatoes, raspberries and strawberries.
  • Bt Cotton (Produced by Calgene, Inc.) - These cotton plants will require less chemical insecticide to achieve greater crop yield. Initial varieties are in field trials. Market introduction is planned for 1997.
  • Ethylene-Controlled Tomatoes (Produced by Calgene, Inc.) - Calgene's new tomato will be a controlled-ripening, high-quality fresh market variety. Tomato plants with delayed fruit ripening are in field trials.
  • High-Stearate Oil (Produced by Calgene, Inc.) - High stearate oil is an ingredient in margarine and shortening that would require no hydrogenation. It will also be a less-expensive source of supply for cocoa butter replacement fats. Rapeseed plants with more than 30 percent stearate in the oil have been produced and are in field trials.
  • High-Myristate Oil (Produced by Calgene, Inc.) - This will be a less expensive and more abundant source of raw materials for soaps and personal care products. Rapeseed plants containing 14 percent myristate in the oil have been produced in the greenhouse.
  • Medium Chain Fatty Acids/Medium Chain Triglycerides (Produced by Calgene, Inc.) - This will be a less-expensive source of raw materials for high-performance lubricants, nutritional formulas and high-energy foods. Rapeseed plants with up to 38 percent medium chain fatty acids have been produced in the greenhouse.
  • Low-Saturate Oil (Produced by Calgene, Inc.) - Low saturate oil is a healthier liquid salad and cooking oil with lower saturated fat. Rapeseed plant with 45 percent lower saturates in the oil have been produced in the greenhouse.
  • CIBA ECB Corn (Produced by Ciba Seeds) - This corn is modified to have natural protection against the European corn borer, one of the most devastating insect pests in modern United States agriculture.
  • Elongated Sweet Pepper (Produced by DNA Plant Technology Corporation) - This sweet pepper is specially bred for flavor and ease of preparation. It should reach the market in 1996.
  • Pre-Cut Salads (Produced by DNA Plant Technology Corporation) - Branded, pre-cut salads using FreshWorldtm products with enhanced shelf life and convenience will be available in 1995-96.
  • Ripening-Controlled Cherry Tomatoes (Produced by DNA Plant Technology Corporation) - Using the same technology as in its Endless Summertm fresh market tomato, the company has developed cherry tomatoes with longer market life, improved flavor and better harvest traits through ripening control. Cherry tomatoes should be available for market testing in 1996.
  • Seedless Mini-Melon (Produced by DNA Plant Technology Corporation) - This mini-melon is specially bred for its convenient single-serve size and flavor. It is slated for consumer testing in 1995 and market introduction in 1996.
  • Sweeter Peas (Produced by DNA Plant Technology Corporation)- Sugar snap peas have been modified for sweeter flavor and higher yield by controlling the conversion of sugar to starch using Transwitch technology. Pea plants are currently in field evaluations.
  • Firmer Peppers (Produced by DNA Plant Technology Corporation) - This sweet pepper has been modified using Transwitch technology to remain firmer after harvest. Pepper plants are currently in field evaluations.
  • Sweeter Peppers (Produced by DNA Plant Technology Corporation) - This pepper has been modified to be sweeter and tastier by overexpressing a gene for sweetness. Pepper plants are in early stages of seed increase and field evaluation.
  • Ripening-controlled Bananas and Pineapples (Produced by DNA Plant Technology Corporation) - Using the same ripening control technology as in its Endless Summertm tomato, the company is developing banana and pineapple varieties with extended market life.
  • Strawberry (Produced by DNA Plant Technology Corporation) - The company is improving the texture of frozen strawberries by adding genes to control freeze-thaw tolerance.
  • Enhanced Flavor Tomato (Produced by Monsanto) - Monsanto scientists have identified a gene in a naturally occurring soil bacterium that reduces the production of ethylene. When this gene is inserted into a tomato plant, it slows the ripening process. This allows the tomatoes to reach maturity on the plant, providing consumers with vine-ripened tomatoes year-round.
  • High-Solids Potatoes (Produced by Monsanto) - Monsanto has developed a higher-solids (or starch content) potato by introducing a starch-producing gene from a soil bacteria into a potato plant. With the reduction in the percentage of water in the genetically improved potato, less oil is absorbed during processing, resulting in a reduction of cooking time and costs, better-tasting french fries and an economic benefit to the processor.
  • High-Solids Tomato (Produced by Monsanto) - Using the same technology as that of the high-solids potatoes, Monsanto is working on increasing the solids of a tomato and reducing the water content.
  • Tomato Paste (Produced by Zeneca Plant Sciences) - Made from tomatoes that have been genetically modified to remain firm longer and retain pectin during processing.
  • Fresh Market Tomatoes (Produced by Zeneca Plant Sciences) - Zeneca is modifying the tomatoes for enhanced flavor, color, and increased anti-oxidant vitamin content.
  • Bananas (Produced by Zeneca Plant Sciences) - Zeneca is developing an inherent resistance to Black Sigatoka and modifying ripening characteristics in bananas. This will reduce the need for chemical fungicides as well as improve the agronomics of production and the quality to the consumer.
  • Modified Lignin in Paper Pulp Trees (Produced by Zeneca Plant Sciences under separate agreements with Shell Forestry and Nippon Paper) - By making Lignin easier to remove from cellulose--the primary ingredient in paper--papermakers can make high quality paper with less energy and bleaching which results in benefits to both the paper processor and the environment.

    Biopesticide Products On The Market

  • Disease Free Kleentektm (Produced by Crop Genetics International) - This product increases yield of sugar per acre.
  • Spod-Xtm (Produced by Crop Genetics International) - Spod-Xtm uses a naturally occurring insect virus to control the beet armyworm. The beet armyworm is becoming resistant to many chemical insecticides. Spod-Xtm safer to use and better for the environment.
  • Aspiretm (Produced by Ecogen) - Aspiretm is a biofungicide used to protect fresh produce from postharvest rot. It is used on citrus, pome fruits, berries and grapes. The active ingredient is a naturally occurring yeast that is harmless to all nontargeted organisms.
  • Foil Bioinsecticide (Produced by Ecogen) - Foil is effective against the Colorado potato beetle, European corn borer, armyworms and loopers.
  • Condor Bioinsecticide (Produced by Ecogen) - This product is effective against the tobacco budworm, cotton bollworm, the soybean looper, velvetbean caterpillar, green clover worm, gypsy moth and spruce budworm.
  • Cutlass Bioinsecticide (Produced by Ecogen) - This is a broad-spectrum bioinsecticide effective against the beet armyworm, cabbage looper, diamondback moth, cabbage webworm and imported cabbageworm.
  • Otinem Insecticide, Bee-scent and No-Mate (Produced by Ecogen).
  • AQ-10 (Produced by Ecogen) - AQ-10 is a biofungicide that protects crops from powdery mildew. It is used on strawberries, grapes, tomatoes, cucurbits and ornamentals. It reduces the use of conventional fungicides.
  • MVP (Produced by Mycogen) - This product is used on corn, tree fruits, vines, cotton and other vegetables to control leaf-eating caterpillar pests.
  • M-Trak (Produced by Mycogen) - M-Trak is used on potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplants to control the Colorado potato beetle.
  • M-Periltm (Produced by Mycogen) - This product is used on corn to combat the European corn borer.
  • M-Pedetm (Produced by Mycogen) - M-Pede is used on fruits, vegetables, grapes and ornamentals to resist soft-body insects and powdery mildew.
  • DeMosstm (Produced by Mycogen) - This product is used on roofs, building, sidewalks and greenhouses to resist moss, algae and lichens.

    Biopesticide Products Expected On The Market Within Three Years

  • Corn, Soybeans and Canola Resistant to Libertytm (Produced by AgrEvo) - Libertytm is a herbicide made from a naturally occurring substance that impedes ammonia detoxification, which kills plants. Since it affects both crop plants and unwanted weeds, AgrEvo has modified corn, soybean and canola plants to be resistant to Libertytm. . The Liberty systemtm will allow farmers greater flexibility and environmental soundness in weed control.
  • Imidazolinone Herbicide Tolerant Corn (Produced by American Cyanamid) - Imidazolinones are a class of herbicides that inhibit amino acid biosynthesis. Through somaclonal variation, corn was modified to be naturally resistant to herbicide rates. Farmers planting IMI-corn now have the option to use imidazolinones herbicides to control many broadleaf and grass weeds.
  • RAPTORtm Biological Insecticide (Produced by American Cyanamid) - This is used on cotton to combat budworm and bollworm. The bacteria strain is naturally occurring, soil-born microbe and harmless to humans, animals and the environment.
  • Ecologixtm Cockroach Bait (Produced by Dominion Biosciences) - This is the first commercial product developed from a unique insect growth regulator technology. It is highly effective in eliminating insect populations, yet completely nontoxic to users, pets and the environment.
  • Leonetm Biofungicide (Produced by Dominion Biosciences) - This produce controls a number of plant diseases by relying on highly active, antimicrobial "predator" bacteria. These naturally derived biochemicals offer a new mode-of-action for effective and safe control of disease-causing pathogens.
  • Crymaxtm (Produced by Ecogen) - Crymaxtm is a genetically engineered bioinsecticide that is very effective against a broad range of insect pests. It will be used on vegetables, trees, nuts and vines.
  • EG7826tm (Produced by Ecogen) - This will be a genetically modified insecticide that will control the fall armyworm, a major insect pest affecting sweet corn.
  • Scythetm Herbicide (Produced by Mycogen) - This is used for horticulture and landscape management to combat a broad spectrum of weeds.
  • MYX-4801tm (Produced by Mycogen) - This is used on apples, pears, stone fruits to thin blossoms.

    B.t.-based And Other Biological Control Agents

  • Agree (Produced by Ciba Geigy Ag Group - Ciba Crop Protection) - This is a B.T.-based bioinsecticide designed to control pests that affect tobacco, corn and soybean plants.
  • Design (Produced by Ciba Geigy) - Design is a B.T.-based bioinsecticide for cotton and soybeans.
  • Exhibit (Produced by Ciba Geigy) - Exhibit is a parasitic nematode for control of insects on ornamental plants and turf.

    Insect-, Virus- And Herbicide-resistant Plants Under Development

  • Insect-Protected Bollgardtm Cotton (Produced by Monsanto) - Using a specific strain of B.T. bacteria, researchers have genetically improved cotton to control caterpillar pests such as cotton bollworm, tobacco budworm and pink bollworm.
  • Insect-Protected NewLeaftm Potato Plants (Produced by Monsanto) - Monsanto has genetically improved potato plants to control the Colorado potato beetle.
  • Insect-Protected Corn (Produced by Monsanto) - Monsanto has genetically improved corn plants to control the European corn borer.
  • Herbicide-Tolerant Plants (Produced by Monsanto) - Monsanto has genetically modified a number of crop plants to tolerate its Roundup herbicide. This natural tolerance lets farmers reduce herbicide applications while achieving cost-effective broad-spectrum weed control using a product well known for its favorable environmental characteristics. Crops tolerant to Roundup Herbicides: Soybeans Canola/Oilseed Rape Cotton Corn Sugarbeets
  • Bt Corn, Cotton, Alfalfa, Canola and Sunflower (Produced by Mycogen) - Plants that express a protein toxic to various caterpillar and beetle pests, which will allow for less use of insecticides. Commercial introduction of Bt corn is planned for 1996, with the other crops to follow.

    Since this is only a selection of data available from this specific site, it is highly recommended to explore Internet for further general or detailed information. Suggestions are:

  • Pedro's BioMolecular Research Tools: a collection of WWW links to Information and Services Useful to Molecular Biologists: http:/www.public.iastate.edu/~pedro/research_tools.html
  • The (USDA) Agricultural Genome Information Server: http://probe.nalusda.gov:8000/index.html
  • The US APHIS server on field releases: http://www.aphis.usda.gov.bbep/bp/

    Research

    Contributions



    Control of plant metabolism and development by nitrogen signalling.



    Application to the EC Biotechnology Framework IV Programme: a call for industrial partners or for participants in an extended audience.

  • Participants: Stitt: Heidelberg; Caboche, Hirel: Versailles; Forde, Miller: Rothamsted; Mackintosh: Dundee; Fernandez: Cordoba; Foyer: Aberystwyth; Kaiser: Wurzburg; Bernier : Liege; Touraine, Teyssedier: Montpellier.
    Introduction. It has long been known that plant growth is regulated by external physical resources, like light. Recent research, much of it carried out by the participants in this proposal, shows that the plant regulates its development in response to its nitrogen status, as sensed via compounds like nitrate, and probably, ammonia and glutamine. The processes affected include (1) the regulation of nitrate assimilation and closely associated processes including the accumulation of organic acids, the coordination of nitrate uptake and, thence, the level of nitrate in the plant, and (2) important whole plant processes including the extent and form of root growth, the timing of flower induction, and the time at which proteins are redistributed out of the leaves during seed filling.

    We aim to define the significance of individual compounds for the regulation of each of these processes, and to investigate the genes and mechanisms involved in sensing nitrogen compounds, and in the transduction pathways. We will use Arabidopsis as a model system for molecular genetics, building on our previous results and technical experience with other species including tobacco, tomato, and spinach to facilitate analysis of the plants.

    The planned research consists of four interacting work areas.

    (A) The isolation and the of nitrogen-signalling mutants in Chlamydomonas and Arabidopsis. Novel screens will be used, based on the action of nitrate on gene expression and on visually scorable aspects of development and growth. The genes will be cloned, and the plants subjected to a genetic, molecular, and physiological analysis.

    (B) Analysis of heterozygotes of existing nitrate assimilation pathway mutants in Arabidopsis, in order to define which compounds are regulating which processes. In these plants, it is possible to vary the concentrations of nitrate and selected metabolites independently of the rate of nitrate assimilation, and document their impact on the expression of other genes, metabolism and whole plant growth and physiology. Thus will be supplemented by studies of plants overexpressing wildtype nitrate reductase and nitrate reductase modified to alter its post-translational regulation and turnover.

    (C) Investigations of the signal transduction in Arabidopsis, using microinjection to study transcriptional regulation of nitrate-responsive promoters in wildtype and mutated backgrounds, and reversed genetics to analyse the function of nitrate-induced genes whose sequence indicates a role in signal transduction. We will also use a combination of molecular genetics and structural biochemistry to characterise the protein-protein interactions in the post-translational regulation of nitrate reductase.

    The results will include isolation of regulation mutants and the corresponding genes, characterisation of the resulting phenotype, definition of the processes affected by specific nitrogen compounds, and information about the genes and chemicals involved in the transduction pathways. They could be of interest to firms involved in breeding to improve nitrogen use efficiency, to modify the timing of flowering and senescence, and to alter the levels of nitrate or organic acids in plants. They could also provide a basis to develop in vitro tests for chemicals to modify these processes.

    We are searching for potential industrial collaborators in full projects or sub-projects, or, alternatively, for firms interested in being part of an extended audience who would receive regular updates on progress and send a participant to our annual group meetings.

    If interested or wishing more information, please contact either: Mark Stitt, Botanisches Institut, In Neuenheimer Feld, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany, phone: (+49)-6221-56-3284, fax:(+49)-6221-56-5859, or others in the proposal. We aim to complete the proposal before December 10, 1995.

    Genetic control of leaf architecture


  • Dr. Mieke van Lijsebettens, Laboratorium voor Genetica, Universiteit Gent, Belgium
    A number of European laboratories working on the genes controlling tissue, cellular and organellar morphogenesis in leaves have decided to link their research activities in a joint proposal for submission to the EC Framework-4 programme, before January 10th 1996. The further development of the knowledge on the processes that determine leaf architecture will be accelerated by mutual interactions between the participants.

    The understanding of the mechanisms that determine leaf architecture is essential to modify plants since leaf cellular architecture is designed for its specialised functions such as light harvesting, gas exchange, water balance, solute transport. Manipulation of the leaf surface structures such as stomata or cuticula could improve adaptation capacity to abiotic stresses. Altering leaf size, number or inclination might add to the production or diversification of fodder and food crops.

    Several different experimental models are used by the research teams covering the following topics in leaf morphogenesis:

  • determination within the leaf primordium
  • the coordinated programme of cell division and expansion
  • formation of the leaf lamina
  • patterning and cellular differentiation
  • directed cell expansion
  • the relation between organellar development/distribution and cellular differentiation
  • leaf cell-type specific markers

    One of the main objectives of the Framework-4 programme is to increase the competitiveness of European Industries. The interaction between industry and fundamental research units is promoted. Industrial partners are invited to participate in this research programme that will cover the period between 1996-1999.

    For more information, contact: Dr. Mieke van Lijsebettens, Laboratorium voor Genetica, Universiteit Gent, K. Ledeganckstraat 35, 9000 Gent, Belgium, phone: (+32)-9-264-5184, fax: (+32)-9-264-5349, E-mail: milij@gengenp.rug.ac.be or Dr. Cathie Martin, Department of Genetics, John Innes Centre, Colney Lane, Norwich, Norfolk NR4 7UH, United Kingdom, phone: (+44)-1603-45-25-71, fax: (+44)-1603-45-68-44, E-mail: cathie.martin@bbsrc.ac.uk

    Self-incompatibility in Crop Plants


  • Molecular genetics and physiology of self-incompatibility in Brassica crops (Jan 91 - Jun 94, extended to Mar 95)
  • The molecular basis of cell-cell interactions in self-incompatibility (Dec 90 - Nov 93, extended to Nov 94)
    Introduction. Self-incompatibility (SI) is an important tool in the breeding of a small number of crops, for it permits the production of F1 hybrid seed without the need for artificial pollination systems or the use of male sterile lines. The prospect of extending the use of SI to other species is commercially extremely attractive, but research leading up to the BRIDGE programme had already identified at least three types of SI system, all regulated by highly-complex S(incompatibility)-loci. The chances of transferring any of these loci to new species were therefore very slight - especially as very little was known of the molecular basis of the recognition and rejection systems involved. Further, even in plants where SI is currently in use by breeders (e.g. Brassica oleracea) problems of reliability were being encountered in the field performance of certain alleles. The plant breeding industry was thus of the opinion that the market in the late 1990s would require SI lines which were far more reliable, and available for transfer to new crops. If these commercial targets could not be met, it was clear that industrial interest would be transferred to new natural and engineered male sterility systems.

    In response to this perceived requirement for basic research into the molecular basis of SI in a range of key crop plant species, two separate projects were submitted for funding under BRIDGE. One focused on the complex sporophytic SI (SSI) system of Brassica oleracea, while the other was centred on the RNase-based, gametophytic SI (GSI) system which characterises members of the Solanaceae. While each project was multidisciplinary and involved participants from a wide range of member states, it was obvious to the coordinators of both projects (Prof Hugh Dickinson [Oxford, UK] and Dr Richard Thompson [MPI, Koln] respectively) and also officials in DG XII that - were the projects to be funded - there should be strong collaborative links between them. For this reason the Technical Annexes of each proposal contained sections describing mechanisms by which this collaboration should take place. In brief, these involved identification of key areas of common scientific and technical interest - for example the organisation of S-locus promoters in SSI and GSI systems which seemingly share a number of common features.
    As the work progressed collaborative links of a more practical nature were set up, with the production of SINEWS - a newsletter serving the interests of both projects, and the holding of three very successful joint workshops.

    The Research on Self-incompatibility in Brassica

    As a result of discussions with industry and during EC-sponsored workshops (eg. Reading 1986), attention was drawn to bottlenecks impeding progress towards the successful commercial application of SI in Brassica breeding. Chief amongst these were the unreliability of S-alleles under field conditions and the need to transfer S-alleles between plant lines. Clearly, these problems could only be sensibly addressed once SI was explicable in cell and molecular terms and, for this reason, a strongly-coordinated research programme was devised - involving four key industrial concerns and the best six european laboratories in the field.
    The programme was coordinated by H.G. Dickinson, Oxford University, Oxford OX1 3RB, UK, and included 10 participant laboratories from 4 EU countries

    Programme management: To exploit the multidisciplinary skills available in the participating laboratories and to promote efficient management, the programme was subdivided into 4 "Target Themes" and a contracting laboratory made responsible for managing each theme, as follows:

  • Identification and characterisation of the male component of the S-locus (Manager: Lyon)
  • Biochemistry and physiology of the SI response (Manager: Oxford)
  • Organisation and expression of the S-locus, relationships between S-alleles (Manager: Norwich)
  • Transfer of S-alleles to new lines (Manager: Norwich)

    Scientific progress: Excellent progress has been made on a number of fronts as a result of which our knowledge of the Brassica SI system is rapidly approaching the stage when the problems identified by industry may be addressed. In addition to progress in the main themes, new methods for the identification of S-alleles have been devised, together with improved methods for the transformation of Brassica crops.
    Importantly, the work has also demonstrated Brassica SI to be closely related to plant host-pathogen responses - raising the possibility that the SI system may be used as an experimental paradigm for the more complex host pathogen interactions.
    Progress under the many themes includes: identification and cloning of a putative male ligand; demonstration that operation of SI involves phosphorylated intermediates; definition of the SRK family, including identification of a further group of SRK-like genes; functional analysis of S-promoters; identification of an SLG-like gene in sugar beet; generation of SLR-1 null transgenics; development of methods for identifying S-alleles via PCR-RFLPs.

    Cell-cell Interactions in Self-incompatibility

    Self-incompatibility (SI) is a naturally occurring phenomenon giving rise to F1 hybrid seed, which is potentially widely applicable in plant breeding. It is however already evident that a number of fundamentally distinct SI mechanisms exist, the sporophytic SI operating in Brassica involving different components to the gametophytic SI of solanaceous species, for example. To date, the putative S-gene products expressed in the stylar tissue have been identified, but there is an urgent need to identify the corresponding S-gene products expressed in pollen, and to elucidate the mechanism of interaction between these components which results in self-sterility. The results will both facilitate the application of SI in plant breeding, and help to define a unique cell-cell recognition event in plants.

    Objectives and Primary Approaches. The project was aimed at improving our basic knowledge about potato SI and at providing materials for a complete molecular characterization of a gametophytic S-locus. Further, a comparison was to be made to the two-locus gametophytic SI system of Rye. Primary approaches were the characterization of genomic and cDNA clones for the S-locus, a comparison of different S-alleles, and the effect of a self-compatible mutant on expression of the S-gene products. Further groundwork was to be provided by the development of vigorous lines of known S-genotype, and lines amenable to transformation. A multi-headed strategy for the isolation of possible pollen-S components was adopted, with the screening of pollination-induced cDNAs from pollinated pistils, the isolation of cDNAs preferentially expressed in germinated pollen, and latterly, a map-based cloning strategy based on screening tomato YACs flanking the S-locus for pollen-expressed sequences.

    The programme was coordinated by R.D. Thompson, MPI fr Zchtungsforschung, K”ln, Germany and included 5 participant laboratories from 3 EU countries.

    Scientific Progress. The potato S-locus encodes as female component an abundant stylar RNase. The S-RNase promoter directs expression in pollen and pistils of transgenic plants. Pollination-induced cDNAs including a flavonol synthase and an isoflavone reductase have been isolated, as have a number of novel cDNAs highly expressed in germinated pollen. YAC clones mapping to the S-locus have been isolated from tomato, and an efficient tomato transformation system has been established. The tools for identifying the pollen S-product, and manipulating the S-locus in transgenic plants have therefore become available as a result of this research. Perhaps the major scientific breakthrough was the first demonstration of de novo mRNA synthesis in germinating pollen.

    Throughout the duration of the programme, small ad hoc meetings have been organised for specific purposes (eg. to coordinate transformation strategies).

    The "Added Value" of Collaboration Between Projects. A list of publications, or even "research breakthroughs", does not really provide an accurate picture of the achievements of a large transnational research programme. Key to the real success of the work, and indeed of research in ensuing years, are the links that are forged during an extended period of collaborative research. The conjunction of the two projects, with different foci but many aims in common permitted the formation and development of many such links; certainly some had formed between the participants of individual projects prior to BRIDGE, but the active collaboration fostered by the workshops, SINEWS, the Inter-project Newsletter, and other mechanisms contributed very significantly to the "added value" of this highly-successful EC sponsored research programme.

    For further information, contact: dr. Hugh Dickinson,Plant Sciences, South Parks Rd., Oxford, OX1 3RB, Tel: (+44)-1865- 275800, fax: (+44)-1865-275805, Email: hugh.dickinson@plant-sciences.ox.ac.uk

    The PIP Steering Committee:


    Currently the following persons are active in the Steering Committee:

  • dr. Andr‚ Schram, S&G Seeds.
  • dr. George Freyssinet, Rhone Poulenc.
  • dr. Reinhard Nehls, Planta/KWS.
  • dr. Simon Bright, Zeneca Seeds.
  • dr. Thomas Kramer, Bruinsma Seeds/Asgrow.

    The composition of the PIP-SC changes on a regular basis, depending on the needs and activities of PIP and also to ensure that each PIP member will be able to actively participate in the platform.