THE NEWSLETTER OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF PLANT PHYSIOLOGISTSVolume 27/ Number 3 May/June 2000

PRESIDENrs LmER ~~T

ASPP Plant Biochemistry Textbook Coming Soon!

III

As president, one of my roles is to keep youinformed of the many and diverse activities that

your Society is undertaking. I have spoken beforeabout the very important and successful role thatwe play in public affairs-efforts that are carried outby the director of public affairs, Brian Hyps; by ourvery active Public Affairs Committee; and by themany individuals who have volunteered to testifyand speak in various public meetings or congres­sional forums on issues important to plant science.Similarly, other strong efforts are under way to pro­mote education in the plant sciences and to advancethe cause of women and minorities within ASPPand within the broader arenas of science. And itgoes without saying that we should all be veryproud of our successful annual meetings and ourvery fine journals, Plant Physiology and THEPLANT CELL.

However, there is one effort in progress of whichmany of you may not be aware-a very ambitiousproject to develop, produce, and market a premier,top-quality textbook on plant biochemistry andmolecular biology. Titled Biochemistry andMolecular Biology ofPlants, and ably edited by BobBuchanan, Wilhelm Gruissem, and Russell Jones, atthe University of California at Berkeley, the bookincludes superb contributions by more than 50experts in the various subdisciplines of plantbiochemistry and molecular biology.

It is fair to say that the Society had no previousexperience with such a huge publishing endeavor,and we have learned along the way just howcomplex such an undertaking can be. Our hats gooff to Nancy Winchester, ASPP's director ofpublications, who has steadfastly and expertlyguided this project over many difficult and compli­cated hurdles. And now, at long last, we are almostthere! The textbook is due off press this summer in

time for its debut at the annual meeting in SanDiego July 15-19! We believe the book will be aninvaluable resource as both a reference work and atext, and we will have plenty of information at theexhibit for faculty interested in adopting the bookfor the classroom. For those of you interested inpurchasing individual copies, we are planning aone-time special meeting price of $79.95 for thesoftcover version and $99.95 for the hardcoveredition. After the meeting, the softcover version willsell for $89.95 to ASPP members and to students($99.95 for nonmembers), and the hardcover formatwill sell for $119.95 to ASPP members ($149.95 tononmembers and institutions).

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology ofPlants willbe the most comprehensive resource available forupper-level undergraduates and graduate students.Its 1,300 pages will cover essentially all of the majorsubdisciplines within the fields of plant biochemistryand molecular biology. I have seen page proofs forsome of the chapters, and they are spectacular! Theillustrations-more than 1,100 original pieces of artrendered by J/B Woolsey Associates, one of the lead­ing medical illustrators in the nation-are wonder­fully detailed. This is a book that I believe every oneof you will want to have for your personal library. Inaddition, 1urge all of you who teach plant biochem­istry/molecular biology to upper-division under­graduates and graduate students to strongly considerits adoption for your class. ASPP will be marketingthis book aggressively worldwide, but we consideryou, our members, to be our primary audience.

I urge you to watch your mail for news about thisexciting new book; you will not be disappointed! lrt-

Debby DelmerUniversity of California, Davis

dpdelmer@ucdavis.edu

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I INSIDE ...

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... ASPP Education Foundation Donors

... ASPP Members Contribute to Major CongressionalBiotech Report

... Chronicle Details ASPP Members' OutreachEfforts on GM Foods

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Exelutive director, John Lisalk, Jr., ext. 115

Network odministrotor/Webmoster,Burton Nilodemus, ext. 146 burton@ospp.org

Membership ond morketing monoger,Kelley Noone, ext. 142 knoone@ospp.org

Accounts receivoble speciolist,Stephonle Llu-Kuan, ext. 143 sliu@ospp,org

Adminlst,otive assistont(orolyn Freed, ext. 122 dreed@ospp.org

Diredor of publil offoirs, Brian M. Hyps, ext. 114.................................... .. bhyps@ospp.org

Foundation ossistant, Janile Jordan, ext. 129.......................... .. jjordon@ospp.org

Director of publicotions,NanlY A. Wlnlhester, ext. 117 noncyw@ospp.org

Publicotions ossistont,Sylvlo Braxton Lee, ext. 133 sbroxton@ospp.org

Monoging editor, Plant Physiology,Melisso Junior, ext. 118 .. .. mjunior@ospp.org

Monaging editor, THE PLANT CELL,Beth Stoehle, ext. 121 beths@ospp.org

News ond reviews editor, THE PLANT CELL,Harry B. Smith, ext. 119 hsmith@ospp.org

Produdion coordinotor, Plont Physiology,Lauren A. Ransome, ext. 130 Ironsome@aspp.org

Produdion editor, THE PLANT (ELL,(atherlne A. Balogh, ext. 116 balogh@aspp.org

Monuslript monoger, Annelle Kessler, ext. 120................................................................... .. akessler@aspp.org

Monuslript ossistont, Kimberly A. Davis, ext. 124.......................................................................... kimdavis@ospp.org

Monuslript ossistont, Stephanie M. Bullo, ext. '25.. bullo@aspp.org

PresidentDeborah Delmer 530-752-7561

President-EledDonlel J. (osgrove 814·863-3892

Immediote Post PresidentBrion A. Larkins 520·621-9958

SelretoryDaniel R. Bush 217-333-6109

rreosurerTerri Lomax 541·737-5278

Choir, Boord of TrusteesDonold R. Ort 217·333-2093

Choir, Publilotions CommitteeRebellO (hason 301·496·3648

Choir, Committee on theStotus of Women in Plant Physiology

Ann M. Hlrslh 310·206·8673Choir, Committee on Minority Affoirs

(. S. Prakosh 334·727·8023Eleded Members

RebellO S. Boston 919·515·2727Vllkl L. (handler 520·626·8725Joe (happell 606,257·4624

Sedionof RepresentotivesMidwestern

Mark Brodl............. .. 309·341·7477Northeastern

Alison Roberts 401·874·4098Southern

JOyle G. Foster 304-256·2809Woshington, Of

Janet P. Slovln 301·504·5629Western

Dean Della Penna 702·784·6911

Headquarters Oflite15501 Monona Drive

Rotkville, MD 20855·2768 USAPhone: 301-251-0560Fax: 301-279-2996

......... jlisack@aspp.argExelutive ossistont, Donna Gordon, ext. 131

........................................................................... dgordon@aspp.orgDiredor of finonce ond odministrotion,

Susan K. (hambers, ext. 111 chambers@aspp.orgAccountont, Sondra A. Gianloli, ext. 140

........ giancoli@aspp,org

ASPPOFFICERS &STAFF

(ontac!: Nancy A. Winchester,Editor, ASPP NEWS, 15501Monona Drive, Rockville, MD20855-2768 USA; e-mailnancyw@aspp.org; telephone301-251-0560, ext. 117.

(opy deadline is the 10th day ofthe preceding even-numberedmonth (for example, December10 for January/Februarypublication). Submit copy bye-mail whenever possible;submit all other copy by moil,not by fax.

ASPP NEWS is distributed to allASPP members and is publishedsix times annually, in odd­numbered months. It is editedand prepared by ASPP stofffrom materiol provided by ASPPmembers and other interestedparties.

2000

Saturday, July 15, through

Wednesday, July 19

San Diego, California

2001

Saturday, July 21, through

Wednesday, July 25

Providence, Rhode Island

2002

Saturday, August 3, through

Wednesday, August 7

Denver, Colorado

Future ASPP AnnualMeetings

tit

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«

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Deadline for , , • I , '

Jllly/August 2000 ASPPNEWS:June 10, 2000 . .,

• 'ASPP: M.embers Contribuie to '

,<Congres~i~nal Biot~eh Repqrt

• Chronicle ,R~pbrts on M~mbers' PublicEdu~ation Efforts' • , ',. ,"

"

• Siedow 'Discusses Modified Food~.liive Oiiline ' .f.'" : .. : .

• c. S. P.ra~ash Lauds Semaior B,ond's. I ",' j

.Cont[ipufi,ons, ,. I I .' "

•. ASPP'Testimony Ci~es Pla~t,ResearchI, '. .' .Benefits' J. ' J • '. . ,

• Memorialiting'D(:lniel Arnon''. • ( (I (.' ."

• Puqlk.Affairs C.ommittee Visits·'Cohgress '

15. I. , I ,

"GM Is the Best Option We H~ve';17 . I.

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Pr$sid'el1t's Letter.·

3

Public Affairs

CONTENTS ' .'

..Equcatio"rl Forum

19.

,Gatherings

22Jobs

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· PldMep Givio"9 to' Foundati·o.n

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·A$PP Education Foundation Don9rs'

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·StafrChOr:1ges" t . : "t

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ASPPNEWSL..- _

Planned Giving to the ASPP Education Foundation

P lanned giving is a term for making aa substantial gift to a charitable

organization. To encourage the privatefunding of charitable and educationalorganizations, the U.S. Congress provides taxincentives for giving. By planning specificallywith his or her attorney or tax adviser, adonor can make a gift to the ASPP EducationFoundation and may receive favorable taxconsideration.

The consideration of estate, financial, andtax planning may enable a donor to make acharitable contribution to the ASPPEducation Foundation while maximizingpersonal financial advantages.

Planned giving can be directed in differentways. One is to make an outright gift, suchas stock, tangible personal property, or realestate. In this case, the ASPP EducationFoundation has immediate access to theasset. With a bequest, the donor retains theuse of the asset during his or her lifetime,and the foundation has the use of it after­ward. Alife income gift is an asset that isdonated to the foundation, but the donorcontinues to receive income from the assetfor life.

"In the coming decades, it is expected thatthere will be a multitrillion-dollar inter­generational transfer of wealth," states the

Chronicle ofPhilanthropy, November 18,1999, page 15. Much of this wealth is ex­pected to go to charitable organizations.

The gifts of ASPP members make itpossible for the Education Foundation tocontinue its activities to increase the publicunderstanding of plant science and plantbiotechnology. Planned giving to thefoundation can benefit both the donor andASPP. Donors need to consult with theirattorney or tax adviser to determine thecontribution that would offer the greatest taxadvantage. t~

Plant Biology 2000 will be held side by side with the annual meeting of thePhycological Society of America in San Diego this July!

PLANT BIOLOGY 2000

Five major symposia

Comparative Genomics in Plants(organized by Steven Tanksley)Leaf Development(organized by Sarah Hake)Evolution of Photbreception(organized b¥ J. Clark Lagarias)Redox Regu lation(organized by Stephen P. Mayfield)Plants Through the Millennia(organized by Debby Delmer)

Seventeen minisymposia

Plant Interaction with PathogensGuard Cell Signal TransductionAbiotic Stress IAbiotic Stress II.Vegetative Plant DevelopmentSocietal Issues in GMOsAlgal PhysiologyHormone Receptors and SignalingTargetingMembrane Transporters IMembrane Transporters IIGenomics: Structure & FunctionGenomics: AnalysisEnzymologySeed BiologyBioenergetics in PhotosynthesisCell Walls

2000 ANNUAL MEETING OF THE PHYCOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA

The 54th annual meeting of the Phycological Society of America willconsist of selected daily plenary lectures, organized symposia, and contributed oral/poster papers within Applied Phycology, Cytology & Ultrastructure, Ecology, Physiology& Biochemistry, and Systematics & Evolution sessions. Tentative topics/speakers of theplenary lectures and symposia follow. (Exact schedule subject to change.)

Plenary Lectures

The Point Loma Kelp Forest: Perspectives of Half a Century of Research(P. Dayton & M. Tegner)

Trends, Algae and People (E. Gantt)

Exchanges of Energy, Information and Materials in Symbioses (J. Raven)

Symposia

The Algal Cell Surface (organized by M. Gretz)

The Dynamics and Evolution of Light-Harvesting Complexes: In Honor of ElizabethGantt (organized by A. Grossman)

The Ecology and Evolution of Big Brown Algae (organized by M. S. Foster & D. C. Reed)

Evolution, Biogeography and Systematics of Marine Algae: In Honor ofDr. Max H. Hommersand on the Occasion of His Retirement

May/June 2000, Vol. 27, No.3 __ ----:.....-_---.-,;..._---.-,;... ----l 3

ASPP Education Foundation Donors

The broad-based support of Societymembers has contributed greatly to the

success of the ASPP Education Foundation.Financial donations from members havebeen used to help increase the public'sunderstanding of plant science and biotech­nology. "The contributions of ASPP mem­bers are a vital force in the foundationprogram and help make its plant scienceprojects possible," stated Bob Goldberg,chair of the foundation's board of directors.The following is a list of ASPP EducationFoundation donors for 1999 and the firstquarter of 2000.

Donations can be mailed to the ASPPEducation Foundation or made through theASPP Web site at http://aspp.org, EducationFoundation section.

Donation of $100,000

Richard M. and Deana T. Klein

Donations of $1,000

Bob B. BuchananDaniel Cosgrove

Donations of $500-$999

Anne H. DatkoRalph S. Quatrano

Donations of $150-$499

Nikolaus AmrheinEric E. ConnEric DaviesHenri FredericqBrian A. LarkinsA. J. KeysKatherine W. OsteryoungChrista R. SchwintzerTatsuo SugiyamaJames L. WickliffJan A. D. Zeevaart

Donations of $100-$149

Nestor R. ApuyaJoao D. ArrabacaJulia Bailey-SerresWendy F. BossJames H. BryceDebby DelmerMachi F. DilworthLennart EliassonCynthia M. GallowayLawrence Jon GilesRobert B. GoldbergJan E. GraebePrudence 1. HallM. D. HatchRobert B. Horsch

Richard JorgensenRong-Huay JuangHaruko KazamaThomas B. KinraideKenzo NakamuraBernard O. PhinneyPeter H. QuailRobert RabsonJohn W. RadinThomas K. SoulenElizabeth VierlingAndrew S. Wang

Donations up to $99

Luke S. AlbertHuguette AlbrechtF. C. Thomas AllnuttRobert G. AmundsonJames D. AndersonYasuhiro ArimaNancy Nicole ArtusTadashi AsahiBernard AxelrodYoshitaka AzumiElizabeth A. BaldwinIra L. BaldwinNelson E. BalkeCharles E. BarrRoberto BarreiroGlenn E. BartleyTobias Isaac BaskinAlberto BattistelliSamuel I. BealeDavid W. BeckerDiane BecklesNicole BenhamouErnest L. BergmanMark Anthon BernardsNorman I. BishopMary A. BissonRobert C. BlackDavid F. BlaydesAnthony BleeckerCynthia M. BoettgerMassimo Botticelli1. W. BradbeerKenneth 1. BradfordElizabeth A. BrayR. Willia BreidenbachWinslow R. BriggsLindy A. BrighamLaurence M. BrillThomas E. BrownJudy A. BrusslanBruna BucciarelliBenjamin BurrRobert H. BurrisMichael A. CampbellWilbur H. CampbellAnthony R. Cashmore

Yolanda Castro JimenezSubbaiah C. ChalivendraAmy CharkowskiSumant ChengappaHyung Tae ChoeOrio CiferriPaul E. CliffordMary E. ClutterJerry D. CohenWilliam S. CohenEva CollakovaJanice Marchut ConradPeter L. ConradWilliam B. CookFrancois CoteAshton K CowanCarole L. CramerDring N. CrowellJohn C. CushmanMark 1. DanielsJan A. de BruynDavid Kent DeGrooteCicero DeschampsJulia DewdneyDavid B. Dickinson, Jr.Margaret A. DietrichWilliam E. Dietrich, Jr.Biao DingRobert P. DonaldsonDonald K. DougallJ. M. DucruetFrances M. DuPontBernard DurandElizabeth D. EarleDrs FellerDonna E. FernandezRuth R. FinkelsteinScott A. FinlaysonAlmon Fish, Jr.H. FockOtto FolkertsGiorgio FortiAlbert W. FrenkelNaoko FujitaSusannah GalArthur W. GalstonDonald R. GeigerMario GiordanoMary Helen GoldsmithJose A. Gonzalez-ReyesRichard H. GoodwinWilliam R. GordonNeil G. GrantJohn GrayLaura S. GreenKenneth C. GrossErich GrotewoldMary Lou GuerinotCandace H. HaiglerMaynard G. HaleDouglas A. Hamilton

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ASPPNEWS'-------------------------

Robert H. HamiltonRalph W. F. HardySuzanne M. HarleyGary C. HarrisHiroshi HasegawaFrancis HaskinsRonald HatfieldMarie-Theres HauserEvelyn HavirValerie HaywoodSabine HeinhorstWalter P. HempflingJohn L. HessLeslie G. HickokKazuyuki HiratsukaAlenka Hlousek-RadojcicRaymond W. HoltonMark Allen HooksHomer T. HopkinsStephen H. HowellYue-ie C. HsingChi-Ying HuangHerbert M. HullRichard J. HullNorman P. A. HunerHeather C. HuppeBrian M. HypsTomoyosh IkawaRoger W. InnesHiroshi InoueBetty K. IshidaDaniel W. IsraelMilka Ivanova-DatchevaToshisuke IwasakiAndre T. JagendorfMartha G. JamesPeter JankayRichard G. Jensen.Gordon V. Johnson\Robert 1. JonesNewton E. KalengamaliroYuji KamiyaOtto KandlerJaakko KangasjarviDonald R. KaplanHironao KataokaKazuhito KawakitaPeter Lewis KeelingGeorge W. Keitt, Jr.Hans KendeYoshio KikutaNancy Speer KirkpatrickMasatomo KobayashiDonald T. KrizekKarin KrupinskaGary A. KuleckShing KwokJohn M. LabavitchMark LagriminiHon-Ming LamClaude LanceGeorge G. LatiesJustin LeeFred Lehle

Olivier H. L. LePrincePhilip Andre LessardXia LiYi LiHeiko LoksteinDavid 1. LongstrethMary Elyse LuceroDawn S. LutheHarvard LymanMargaret Anne LynchScott A. MacCleerySonja Lee MakiDina MandoliMarcia Pinheiro MargisFesto 1. MassaweHideyuki MatsudaChristopher MauDavid MauzerallBerger C. MayneC. Robertson McClungMarie McConkeyCecilia A. McintoshThomas D. McKnightTimothy McNellisGabrielle B. MeekerUlrich MelcherJay E. MellonK. MengelBenjamin J. MiflinCarlos O. MillerDavid H. MillerWilliam C. MitchellMitsue Miyao-TokutomiHajime MizukamiDebra MohnenYoshie S. MomonokiJonathan D. MonroeDaryl T. MorishigePaul F. MorrisMariafranca MorselliJ. Thomas MullinsMakoto MuraseAkira NagataniAkira NakatsukaRichard H. NiemanThomas L. NolandConstance NozzolilloAnn OaksHitoshi OgawaMasa-Aki OhtoLaura 1. OlsenNeil E. OlszewskiMichiyuki OnoEmil M. Orozco, Jr.Maria L. Ortega-DelgadoT. Page Owen, Jr.Barry A. PalevitzShu-Mei PanDavid Scott ParkerSara E. PattersonCurt M. PetersonThomas PetersonEran PicherskyEd R. Pickering

Cindy May PidgeonCraig S. PikaardCarl S. PikeMary Anne PlayerC. A. PriceTheodore K. RaabElaine RadwanskiThomas RauschPeter M. RayGeorge H. Reazin, Jr.Philip D. ReidSteffen ReinbotheLeonora ReinholdLeonore ReiserDavid RhodesMagaly Rincon-ZacharySian RitchieAlison W. RobertsDominique RobertsonSharon A. RobinsonMax RueggerFrederick J. RyanFrank B. SalisburyDeborah A. SamacConchi SanchezFumihiko SatoMita SatoruSantiago Juan SchaererKay SchneitzJulian I. SchroederJiro SekiyaJohn ShanklinR. P. SharmaElwood R. ShawElaine M. SheaJane Shen-MillerKiyo ShimadaYuzo ShioiTomonori ShiraishiSusan R. SingerFolke SkoogRobert D. SlocumJ. Henry SloneLawrence B. SmartG. Jason SmithH. Jane SmithKintake SonoikeRoger M. SpanswickSalvatore SparaceValerie M. SponselEduard J. StadelmannL. Andrew StaehelinArthur I. SternC. Ralph StockingRichard G. StoutV. 1. Streusand-GoldmanJean Christine StyerFedora SuttonThomas H. TaiKen-ichiro TakamiyaImre A. TamasKiyoshi TanakaJames E. TavaresMasashi Tazawa

continued on page 6

May/June 2000, Vol. 27, No.3 __ ----:..-_----:.._...:...- ---J s

·continued from page 5 Staff Changes at Headquarters Office

Over the past few months, ASPP haswelcomed four new staff members to the

fold: Carolyn Freed, Stephanie Liu, BurtonNicodemus, and Beth Staehle. We've alsosaid farewell to Perry Masciana and CrispinTaylor.

Beth D. Staehle(STAY-lee) joinedASPP in Apri I asmanaging editor ofTHE PLANT CELL.She was formerlydirector of publica­tions at theEntomologicalSociety of America.Prior to that she

was manager of the book publishing programat the American Fisheries Society (AFS),where, over the years, she held a variety ofpositions, including editor of the AFSmagazine and deputy managing editor of thesociety's journals. Beth adds, "In eachorganization I have worked for, it is thededication of the members to their profes­sion and to their society that inspires me dayin and day out. I look forward to workingwith ASPP members and to meeting manypeople at Plant Biology 2000." Beth replacesCrispin Taylor.

We said goodbye in April to PerryMasciana, information specialist. For fouryears, Perry was in charge of computernetworks and served as webmaster. He leavesthe daily grind for Maryland's beautifulEastern Shore to start his own Web hostingand design firm, NationSites LLC. Perryenjoyed working on Web projects for Societymembers and invites his former colleaguesto stay in touch. Check out the NationSitesWeb site at http://nationsites.com/.

Finally, in March we said so long toCrispin Taylor. Crispin joined ASPP in 1996as the news and reviews editor of THEPLANT CELL. In July 1998, he was promotedto managing editor of the journal. He leavesus for AAAS and Science Next Wave (http://nextwave.sciencemag.org), a weekly onlinepublication devoted to scientific training andcareer development. Next Wave providesglobal news, profiles of emerging careeropportunities, and advice from experts androle models drawn from the internationalscientific community. As managing editor ofNext Wave, Crispin is responsible for thesite's overall look and feel as well as forcoordinating-with other editors andwriters-content development. He would behappy to hear from his friends at ASPP andcan be reached at ctaylor@aaas.org. l~

worked at many levels of the computerindustry, from sales, to help desk, to majorprojects and rollouts. Past employers includeEgghead Software, Coventry Health Care,and Cal Tech Services. Burton replaces PerryMasciana.

Burton Nicodemusis network adminis­trator/webmaster.He is in charge ofadministering theservers, desktops,printers, applica­tions, network, Website, and phonesystem ... as hesays, "basicallyanything to do withtechnology." He has

Carolyn Freed isreceptionist andadministrativeassistant to themembership andmarketingmanager. Shemaintains records,helps processsubscription backorders, and

provides customer service. She came to theSociety with 15 years in the consumerfinance business (moving up through theranks to become assistant manager), sevenyears as sales secretary for Bunton Instru­ment Company, three years as administrativeassistant for the Sheriff's Department inKnoxville, and seven years as office coordina­tor for Family Services Agency, Inc., inGaithersburg, Maryland.

Stephanie Liujoined us inNovember 1999 asaccounts receivablespecial ist. She postspayments tomember records,handles billing, andassists the accoun­tant on a variety ofprojects. Born in

Taiwan, Stephanie came to the United Statesin 1981 and earned a bachelor's degree fromThe American University in Washington, DC.She returned to Taiwan, where she workedfor several years as an executive assistant.Since returning to the United States, she hasheld positions with United Airlines and avariety of nonprofit organizations.

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Ichiro TerashimaWilliam F. ThompsonMary L. TierneyJohn D. TjepkemaRobert K. TogasakiPrancois TorneyLeslie Ruth TowillTim J. TranbargerHideo TsujiRobert TurgeonRie UkitaIkuzo UritaniRoland ValckeP. C. G. Van Der LindeRik Van GorselCarroll P. VanceMarguerite J. VaragonaAurea C. VasconcelosJudith A. VerbekePaola VerganiPaul E. VersluesLaszlo VighJames VlamisGeorge WagnerElsbeth Lewis WalkerRichard B. WalkerCunxi WangLeslie WannerMichelle WattPamela WeathersCarol Lorraine WenzelDonald F. WetherellBruce D. WhitakerSusan M. WickLorraine WileyMary E. WilliamsBarbara 1. WilsonCurtis M. WilsonKarl A. WilsonTerry WoodinKeith L. WycoffMian XiaKenji YamadaYasuyuki YamadaMutsumi YamagamiMing YangMoon Sik YangXinhua YinMilton ZaitlinIsrael ZelitchYiZhangBaolong ZhuRaymond E. ZielinskiDaniel M. Zurek

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ASPPNEWSL- .:....--=...:: _

letters to the Editor~~T

Support for Name Change

The following letter is from 11 StephenHales Award Winners:

Research in experimental plant biologyhas undergone explosive growth in

recent years, and our Society now representsscientists from a wide range of subdisciplinesthat relate in one way or another to thebiology of plants. Because many of thesescientists do not consider themselves to bephysiologists, we support the proposal tochange the name of ASPP to the AmericanSociety of Plant Biology. We are aware of thearguments in favor of keeping this name thatwe all love, but we find the arguments infavor of the new name compelling. The newname is but one step in creating a new imagefor our Society that will make it more

attractive to a wide range of plant biologists.We are in favor of creating the "Big Tent"that includes molecular genetics, genomics,biotechnology, structural biology, cellbiology, and other disciplines that haveemerged during the past 30 years.

Andrew A. Benson, 1972 AwardeeOlle E. Bjorkman, 1986 AwardeeLawrence Bogorad, 1982 AwardeeWinslow R. Briggs, 1994 AwardeeRobert H. Burris, 1968 AwardeeMaarten J. Chrispeels, 1996 AwardeeHans Kende, 1998 AwardeeOliver E. Nelson, 1988 AwardeeBernie 0 Phinney, 1984 AwardeeClarence A. "Bud" Ryan, 1992 AwardeePaul K. Stumpf, 1974 Awardee

----=-.;PE~O~PLE=---~~T

Bob Buchanan Recognized byEmory & Henry College

The Distinguished Achievement Awardfrom Emory & Henry College was

presented March 23, 2000, to UC-BerkeleyProfessor Bob B. Buchanan, past president ofASPP. This recognition by Buchanan'sundergraduate alma mater was part of theuniversity's Charter Day celebrationsmarking the 161st anniversary of thegranting of the college's charter by theCommonwealth of Virginia.

The award was presented to Buchanan "Inproud and grateful recognition for hispioneering work and discoveries in the fieldof science, which are changing the way wethink and improving the way we live." ~~

As ASPP members who have served theSociety in different capacities, we lend

our support to the proposal that the name ofthe American Society of Plant Physiologistsbe changed to the American Society of PlantBiology. The name change will make ourSociety a more inclusive group by attractingplant biologists who currently do not viewthemselves as plant phyiiologists. This namechange would aJso\allow the Society to growand expand its horizons in publishing and inthe organizing of meetings and conventions,as well as in providing membership services.Membership in ASPP has remained relativelystatic over the past decade, but the numberof new researchers attracted to plant biologyhas increased dramatically. The newAmerican Society of Plant Biology could bean attractive organization for our colleagues

in the areas of plant cell biology, genetics,development, and molecular biology who arenot now ASPP members while still providinga home for those of us who considerourselves plant physiologists. ASPP hasserved us well, but just as plant biology ischanging, so our Society must change toattract the new members needed to keep ithealthy and dynamic. Achange in theSociety's name will provide a strong andpositive signal for the new millennium.

C. Arntzen, A. B. Bennett, K. Bradford,B. Buchanan, D. R. Bush, N. Carpita,1. Chory, E. Conn, D. Cosgrove, D. Delmer, R.Dixon, R. Jones, K. Keegstra,L. Kochian, R. Malkin, R. Quatrano,N. Raikhel, J. Siedow, C. Somerville,R. Trelease, L. Vanderhoef, 1. Zeevaart

Announcing the

Amersham Pharmacia

Biotech &Science Prize

for Young Scientists

Here's a great opportunity

for scientists who complet­

ed their Ph.D. in 1999

to receive recognition for

their research in the field of

molecular biology. The

2000 grand prize winner will

receive $25,000, and

www.apbscienceprize.org

for entry details.

$5,000 each.

Go to

runners-up will receive

,.

Important Dates in 2000... . ,

'", I i1 .' . '. " .

.Plant Biology 200.o-Housing.registration cutoff:'June-l5, . .. .. .

.' Plant Biology ~90b .: Pre-fegistration cutoff,: July 1 .''.' • ,L.. • . • J t. . : .

Plant Biology 2000---.:.San Piego; Galifomia: July 15-19 .

Western ~r;~ti~~ meeting:-:"Lake Tahoe, Calif~~ia: N9vemper 3~5. '. . . " .

_....:.:M.:.:::ay~/J:.::.un~e~20:.::.00:.:..,.:.:Vo.:.:..1.2::.7:....:,.,N:..::..:o...::..3 _ 7

Public Affairs------------l~~

T

ASPP Members Contribute to Major Congressional Report on Safety of Plant Genomics and Agl'icultural Biotechnology

Amajor new congressional committeereport on the benefits and safety of plant

genomics and agricultural biotechnology wasreleased by the House Science Subcommitteeon Basic Research April 13. Several ASPPmembers contributed testimony and otherassistance in the development of the report.Jim Cook, Mike Thomashow, Ken Keegstra,and John Ryals are ASPP members who werewitnesses before the committee.

Press materials from the House ScienceSubcommittee released at a news conferenceApril 13 included comments on the reportfrom several ASPP members, including thefollowing:

"This report, better than any other I haveseen, presents the science behind ourgovernment's decision to proceed with theapplications of this biotechnology to thebenefit of food, agriculture, and the environ­ment while also giving clear and fairattention to the safety concerns expressed bythe critics of agricultural biotechnology."-R. James Cook, Washington StateUniversity (Jim Cook is a member of theASPP Committee on Public Affairs.)

"I find the House Science CommitteeReport on Plant Genomics and AgriculturalBiotechnology to be one of the mostintelligent and comprehensive analyses ofthese complicated issues that I have everread. It provides a very clear description ofthe goals and benefits of genomics research,as well as a very sound risk-benefit analysisrelating to the development and use ofagricultural biotechnology. One hopes it willbe widely read by all those interested inobtaining a serious analysis of these complextopics." -Deborah? Delmer, University ofCalifornia, Davis (Debby Delmer is presidentofASP?)

"This welcome assessment of the major is­sues in the biotechnology debate is an impor­tant step in helping all parties understand thescience behind the headlines. Plant scientistsand agronomists are poised to make majorprogress in reducing pesticide usage, erosion,and other conflicts between agriculture andenvironmental concerns. This report exam­ines the most often-stated concerns aboutthe technology and debunks many of themyths. The report describes how those of usworking on genetically modified plants hopeto reduce hunger and disease around the

world through more focused crop improve­ments than have been possible in the past."-Thomas D. Sharkey, University ofWiscon­sin, Madison (Tom Sharkey is a member ofthe ASPP Committee on Public Affairs.)

"This looks like a thorough, thoughtfulanalysis that considers the opportunities, aswell as the criticisms, afforded agricultureby the new genetic enhancement technolo­gies. It's encouraging to read that thereport's recommendation is based on carefultesting and evaluation of GMO products andnot the technology itself. Certainly to date,genetically enhanced corn, soybeans, andcotton have proven to be safe and valuableproducts for farmers and consumers.Considering the opportunities afforded bythis technology, and the vital role it can playto enhance nutrition, health, and theenvironment, it is vital that we not shelvethe technology because of a small group ofvocal individuals that don't support itsapplication. There is too much at stake."-Brian Larkins, University ofArizona,Tucson (Brian Larkins is ASPP pastpresident and a member of the ASPPCommittee on Public Affairs.)

"I strongly agree with the conclusions ofthe report: Agriculture biotechnology trulyhas come of age and is beginning to havemajor positive impacts on the economics offarming and food industries. There is nodoubt that consumers are going to be theultimate benefactors of the great advancesthat are coming from modern plant biologyresearch, including genomics."-Charles Arntzen, president and CEO,Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Re­search (Charles Arntzen is past board mem­ber ofthe ASPP Education Foundation.)

Also quoted were Ann Vidaver, HenryMiller, and J. Ian Gray.

The House Science Subcommittee notedthat the report, Seeds ofOpportunity,concludes that there is no significantdifference between plant varieties createdusing agricultural biotechnology and similarplants created using traditional crossbreed­ing. It recommends that regulations at theU.S. Department of Agriculture andproposed regulations at the EnvironmentalProtection Agency targeting biotechnologyproducts be changed to focus on the

characteristics of a plant, not the processused to develop it.

This report, from Congressman NickSmith (R-MI), chair of the House ScienceSubcommittee on Basic Research, is theculmination of a series of hearings held onagricultural biotechnology issues by theBasic Research Subcommittee last year.

"Agricultural biotechnology holdstremendous potential to provide consumerssafe and nutritious foods, feed a growingworld population, protect the environment,aid farmers, and lower costs to consumers,"Smith said. "Implementing the recommen­dations in this report would ensure that thispotential is fulfilled."

House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-IL)expressed his support for Smith's report,stating, "The Seeds ofOpportunity report isan important step for American agriculture.This report concludes that there is nodistinction between plants bred usingbiotechnology and those produced throughtraditional crossbreeding. Biotechnology canplaya significant role in the future ofagriculture. It can help farmers improvetheir yields and decrease their reliance onchemical agents. I'd like to thank ChairmanNick Smith for his leadership on this issue.Because of his efforts, Americans can lookforward to a cleaner environment and better,safer produce."

The report addresses many of the concernssurrounding agricultural biotechnology,including the effect on the Monarchbutterfly, allergens, toxins, antibioticresistance, and outcrossing. It concludes thatplants and foods produced using agriculturalbiotechnology pose risks no greater thanthose for plants and foods developed usingtraditional methods.

"I think the real value of this report is thatit has let the voice of the scientific commu­nity come through unfiltered to addressthese contentious issues," said Smith. "In thecase of agricultural biotechnology, thescientific community is as united as I haveever seen it on any major issue."

The following are some highlights of thereport's findings:

• The promise of agricultural biotechnol­ogy is immense. Advances in this technologywill result in crops with a wide range of de­sirable traits that will directly benefit farm­ers, consumers, and the environment and in­crease global food production and quality.

8 _______________________A_S_P_PN_E_W_S _

• There is no evidence that transferringgenes from unrelated organisms to plantsposes unique risks. The risks associated withplant varieties developed using agriculturalbiotechnology are the same as those forsimilar varieties developed using classicalbreeding methods. Because the new methodsare more precise and allow for bettercharacterization of the changes being made,plant developers and food producers are in abetter position to assess safety than whenusing classical breeding methods.

• The threat to the Monarch butterfly andother non-target species posed by pest­resistant crop varieties developed withagricultural biotechnology has been vastlyoverstated and is probably insignificant.

• There is no scientific justification forlabeling foods on the basis of the method bywhich they are produced. Labeling agricul­tural biotechnology products would confuse,not inform, consumers and send a mislead­ing message on safety.

• Federal regulations should focus on thecharacteristics of the plant, its intended use,and the environment into which it will beintroduced, rather than on the method usedto produce it. Regulations that captureselectively the products of agriculturalbiotechnology do not reflect the scientificconsensus on risk, are overly burdensome,and stifle scientific research. l(f,

Chronicle Reports on ASPP Members' Public Education Efforts on Modified Foods

I n an article titled "Scientists Leave the Labto Defend Bioengineered Food," the

Chronicle ofHigher Education reportedApril 14 on some of the public outreachefforts of plant scientists, particularly ASPPmembers, to explain issues related tomodified foods.

The article described various activities,including the street demonstration orga­nized in Oakland in December 1999 by ASPPmember Willi Gruissem of the University ofCalifornia at Berkeley. Scientists handed outleaflets and debated "with anyone who wouldlisten," the article said. The demonstrationwas timed to coincide with a public hearingon modified foods held by the Food and DrugAdministration.

The scientists wanted to offer an alterna­tive view to that of environmental groupsand others who have staged numerousprotests in the United States againstgenetically modified foods during the pastyear, the article explained. Recently, some ofthe protests have grown violent, with groupslike the Earth Liberation Front destroyingscientists' offices and genetically engineeredcrops at the University of California, theUniversity of Minnesota, and Michigan StateUniversity, the Chronicle said.

Plant scientists in academe, the vastmajority of whom support the use oftechniques that transfer new genes into cropplants, have begun to respond to the public'soutcry, the Chronicle reported. They aretrying to educate people about the sciencebehind the techniques by engaging indebates, framing petitions, holding pressconferences, writing newspaper articles, andaddressing government agencies. And theyare urging the public to keep an open mindabout the technology and to heed thegrowing mass of data that pinpoint the risksand benefits.

The Chronicle article added that theresearchers see genetic engineering as apowerful tool to increase food production

and protect the environment, and they worrythat it could be lost if the public does notsupport it. Scientists also worry that a loss ofconfidence in genetic engineering could cutoff government and corporate support,forcing scientists to abandon their research.And they fear the long-term impact ofscientific issues being decided on the basis ofincorrect information.

The article quoted James N. Siedow,professor of biology at Duke University(former ASPP president and current chair ofthe ASPP Committee on Public Affairs), assaying, "What should drive the issue is thescience. Where there are legitimate scientificconcerns, those clearly need to be addressed.The flip side of the coin is, we ought not tobe basically throwing out the notion ofcommercialization of genetically modifiedorganisms based on fear and half-truths andoutright falsehoods."

While some people say they worry thatsuch crops will wreak havoc on the foodsupply and the environment, plant scientistssay those fears are overblown, the articlenoted. "The first thing that gets lost in thesediscussions is the science," Siedow said.

Take the issue of food safety. No experi­ments that stand up to scientific scrutinyhave results indicating health risks fromeating genetically modified foods, the articlesaid. Millions of Americans have eaten thefoods for several years now, and no problemshave been reported. Yet fears of unsafe foodstill seem to be foremost in the minds of thepublic. When Peggy G. Lemaux, a coopera­tive-extension specialist for the University ofCalifornia at Berkeley (and a member of theASPP Committee on Public Affairs), recentlygave a talk, an audience member begancrying because she found out that the soyformula she fed her baby was made fromgenetically modified plants, the article noted.

Lemaux and other scientists say that thereare no solid data to suggest that bioengi­neered foods make people sick, the article ex-

plained. Awidely publicized experiment, inwhich rats were fed genetically engineeredpotatoes, has been written off by most scien­tists as being inconclusive. Although the ratssuffered damage to their guts and immunesystems, scientists believe the problem lies inthe potatoes themselves, which producenatural toxins at varying levels, and in thefact that the rats in the experiment were un­dernourished. No ill effects were reported insimilar experiments in which rodents werefed bioengineered tomatoes.

A food-safety concern that scientists takemore seriously-but think they can re­solve-is the possibility that geneticallymodified foods can cause allergies, the articlesaid. If the gene added to a crop produces anallergenic protein, a previously harmlessfood could elicit allergic reactions, accordingto the report.

But on the basis of the molecular identityof the protein, scientists often can predictwhether it will be an allergen, even beforeengineering a plant to produce it, accordingto Bob B. Buchanan, a professor of plant andmicrobial biology at the University ofCalifornia at Berkeley and a former ASPPpresident.

"If you take one gene from soybean andput it into corn, it's not going to make cornany less safe," Channapatna S. Prakash, thedirector of the Center for Plant Biotechnol­ogy Research at Tuskegee University andchair of the ASPP Committee on MinorityAffairs, told the Chronicle. He pointed outthat triticale, a widely planted hybrid ofwheat and rye, was produced by mating thetwo crops, adding tens of thousands of genesfrom rye to wheat.

The article said that scientists dismissconcerns that agricultural biotechnology willreduce the planet's biodiversity. It added thattraditional agriculture is just as likely asnewer techniques to replace wild ecosystems

conNnued on page 10

May/June 2000, Vol. 27, No.3 _-----'------------------------ 9

James Siedaw

continued from page 9

with single crops, according to scientists.The article said that an environmental

concern that transgenes might move intoclosely related plants growing nearby is animportant one, according to Norman C.Ellstrand, a professor of genetics at theUniversity of California at Riverside. Becausemany transgenes help crops survive-byprotecting them from insects, for instance­the bioengineered plants could conceivablymate with related plants, including weeds,and make them hardier. The major cropsgrown in the United States do not haveweedy relatives here, Ellstrand pointed out,but it could be a problem for growerselsewhere.

"We may be able to anticipate most of theproblems with transgenic crops," Ellstrandsaid. "We're not talking killer tomatoes.We're talking reasonable risks that can beanticipated."

Research on risks would be a wise use ofresources by those who believe in biotech­nology the most, according to MargaretMellon, the director of the Union of Con­cerned Scientists' agriculture and biotech­nology prog'ram. "But they really don't act asif they see that it's in their interest tounderstand the risks of the technology."

The article noted that Bt crops are alreadyreducing the use of traditional pesticideslong suspected of being hazardous. Accord­ing to the National Center for Food andAgricultural Policy-a nonprofit organiza­tion in Washington financed by the federalgovernment, charities like the RockefellerFoundation, and several agricultural­chemical companies-the use of Bt cottonreduced insecticide use by 2 million poundsin 1998, or 12 percent of the total usednationwide on cotton.

However, most of the benefits that mightcome from genetically modified crops arehypothetical, because these products are stillin the pipeline, the article maintained. "The

Peggy lemaux

best stuff is yet to come," says ASPP memberRay A. Bressan, a professor of horticulture atPurdue University's main campus whostudies the genes that allow some plants totolerate drought. His research, like that ofmany other academic scientists, is manyyears from producing a usable crop, but ifsuccessful, it could help subsistence farmersdramatically. So could research to improvethe nutritional value of foods, which is alsomaking headway, the article noted. InJanuary, European scientists announced thatthey had created rice containing thesubstance humans convert to vitamin A,

.which is deficient in the diets of millions ofpeople.

Prakash has developed a sweet potato withhigh protein levels. He hopes to bring hisvegetables to the farmers of Vietnam byworking with the International Service forthe Acquisition of Agri-Biotech Applications,a nonprofit group that helps interestedcountries develop appropriate biotechnologymethods.

Genetic engineering is also being used tocreate foods with entirely new properties.Some genetically modified foods, far fromcausing allergies, might actually make themless problematic, the article said. Buchananhas discovered an enzyme from plants thatcan disarm the allergens that make itimpossible for some people to consumewheat or milk.

"If we treat the food with our system, thevomit response is greatly reduced," he said.The process is easy with milk, since theenzyme dissolves in it, but much harder withwheat. So, Buchanan's research team isworking to engineer the cereal to producethe enzyme. Buchanan hopes a similartechnique will work for peanut allergies,which can be fatal, the article said.

Other bioengineered foods might somedayreplace medicines. Society member CharlesJ. Arntzen, president of the Boyce ThompsonInstitute for Plant Research, a private,nonprofit organization in Ithaca, New York,

Bob Buchanon

has already engineered potatoes to deliver .vaccines against diarrheal diseases or againsthepatitis B, but only if people eat thepotatoes raw, the article said. Arntzen is nowworking on making banana and tomatovaccines.

Edible vaccines would eliminate the needfor injections and the cost of purifying andrefrigerating traditional vaccines. What ismore, the vaccine-containing plants could begrown in developing countries. Oncescientists develop such plants, critics argue,someone will need to deal with the logisticsof transporting them and making sure thatinfants get the proper doses.

The Chronicle noted that the ASPP PublicAffairs Committee has worked during thepast year to involve its members in thepublic debate over genetically engineeredfood.

Prakash has drawn up a petition insupport of genetic engineering as a "powerfuland safe means for the modification oforganisms" that can enhance the "quality oflife by improving agriculture, health care,and the environment." Four days after hehad posted it on the World Wide Web atwww.agbioworld.org, 600 scientists hadsigned it. Now, three months later, morethan 1,600 have signed.

"There's no question that activity isincreasing," said Lemaux. "Scientists can'tafford to keep a low profile anymore."Lemaux has worked to galvanize hercolleagues to become activists. Posted on herWeb site (plantbio.berkeley.edu/-outreach)are text and slides for a generic talk aboutbiotechnology for other scientists to use.

"It's not to 'support the technology' asmuch as it is to support the gathering anddissemination of the scientific basis for thetechnology and its risks and benefits,"Lemaux told the Chronicle. lre-

10_

ASPPNEWSL-- _

Siedow Fields Questions on Modified Foods in Live Online Discussion

On April 13 the Chronicle ofHigherEducation conducted a live online

discussion concerning modified foods withJames N. Siedow, a professor at DukeUniversity and former ASPP president andcurrent chair of the ASPP Committee onPublic Affairs. The Chronicle also ran anarticle on scientists' public education effortson modified foods in its April 14 issue. (Seerelated story on page 9 of this issue.)

Following are three of the questions posedto Siedow during the online discussion andhis answers.Question from Cheryl Wray, libraryemployee, Hastings College: I read in thenewspaper that the pollen of a certain crop, Ithink corn, was killing butterflies, and nowI worry that various genetic alterations inplants will adversely affect other animal lifeover time, not just butterflies, but evenspecies less obvious like nematodes and thelike. It seems to me that scientific studies ongenetic alterations may not have beenintense or broad enough in the rush to getthe seeds to farmers. How do you regard thepossible dangers of use of genetically alteredplants on the rest of the animal kingdom? Doyou actually feel there has been enoughstudy?James Siedow: Again, let me reiterate thatfive to seven years of testing goes into theintroduction of new genetically modifiedcrops. That testing, which needs to be passedon by the FDA [Food and'Drug Administra­tion], includes look,ing at the effects ofintroducing the CMO [genetically modifiedorganism] on other organisms, includinganimals. The killing of Monarch butterflieswith Bt pollen was a laboratory experiment.Previous field testing had already establishedthat the corn pollen would not get morethan a few feet beyond the edge of any

cornfield, which would not make it veryaccessible to Monarch larvae. In many partsof the country, the overlap between larvaeand corn pollen is minimal or nonexistent.In 1995, the FDA concluded on the basis ofthe tests that had been done that the Btpollen was likely to have little, if any,negative effect on the Monarch butterflypopulation. Recent research on the butterflyissue referred to in the question hassupported this conclusion. In fact, anecdotalevidence suggests that the insect populationin Bt cornfields is greater than the popula­tion in non-Bt cornfields. The reason thismight be true is that when a farmer spraysan insecticide on a cornfield, it will kill everyinsect that is in the field. The net result isthat the use of Bt corn has the potential forincreasing, not decreasing, insect diversity.Question from Gerry Deitzer, associateprofessor, University of Maryland: Byattempting to speak with a unified voice onthis issue, do we not run the risk of appear­ing to be dogmatic and of belonging to aspecial-interest group that uncriticallysupports the biotechnology industry? Do wenot run the risk of losing our credibility asscientists as a consequence?James Siedow: Absolutely. Neither I nor anyother independent scientist I know isadvocating that scientists speak with onevoice on this issue. We should speak asscientists and address the scientific issues,whether they be pro or con. Only then canthe legitimate scientific concerns associatedwith CMOs be adequately discussed andexperimentally addressed.Question from Todd Runestad, editor,Nutrition Science News: Much has beenmade of the so-called "terminator technol­ogy," which renders seeds sterile after thefirst growing season. In particular, it forces

farmers to buy seeds from seed corporationsevery year instead of saving and sowing theirown seeds, and cross-pollination of CMterminator crops could render other plantssterile. But could this technology be used asa containment mechanism so that thesegenetically modified crops could not cross­pollinate?James Siedow: Terminator technology is atechnology that renders seeds sterile afterthe first growing season so they can't be usedto make subsequent generations of crops.The answer to the question is yes, it could beused to get around the cross-pollinationissue. In developed countries, farmers by­and-large now buy new certified seeds fromthe seed growers every year. Terminatortechnology would not have much of an effecton the practice of farming in much of thedeveloped world because of this. In thedeveloping world, this issue is a legitimateone. This is what has led Monsanto todiscontinue developing terminator technol­ogy. But terminator technology is aninteresting case in that it represents astraightforward solution to CMOs outcross­ing with wild species, because it wouldprevent that. So the terminator technology,if used in developed countries, couldeliminate a major objection to the introduc­tion of GMO crops without really changingagriculture as it is currently practiced inthose countries. In developing countries,terminator technology clearly has potentialdrawbacks for agriculture as it is nowpracticed in those countries.

These and other questions and answerscan be found on the Web at chronicle.comlco II oquy Iive/transcripts/2000104120000413siedow.htm. l(ii

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lets users purchase access t'o, the fuil site for $1 5 for 14 days.. ·www.pla~t·.()rg. '.' " . . .' .

May/June 2000, Val. 27, No.3 __ ---:.... ---J 11

Senator Bond Credits Prakash on Research, Outreach

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"

Science should prevail over politics on food safetyand biotechnology

March 1,2000

Dear Colleague:Today, I had the pleasure of meeting with

Dr. Channapatna S. Prakash, Director forPlant Biotechnology Research at TuskegeeUniversity. Dr. Prakash has been active indeveloping and promoting biotechnologyappl ications that assist those in the develop­ing world and has just returned from Indiaand South Africa.

Enclosed is an editorial ["Foes of Biotech­nology Ignore Global Hunger"] publishedrecently in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution,where Dr. Prakash described the miserableconditions and otherwise bleak prospects forthose in the developing world if newtechnology does not emerge. In my meeting,Dr. Prakash spoke of the notion advanced bysome that the developing world's farmerscurrently practice "sustainable agriculture."He noted, "The only thing it is sustaining ispoverty and disease."

The development of biotechnology is notrecreational. Through biotechnology,scientists like Dr. Prakash are attempting tosolve the real-world problems of sickness,hunger, and resource depletion. The hysteriaand unworkable propositions advanced bythose who can afford to take their next mealfor granted have little currency among thosewho are needy.

Sincerely,Christopher S. Bond

c. S. Prakash {/efll met with Senator Christopher Bond (R-MOI to express his apprecia­tion of Senator Band's leading support of plant research.

ASPP member C. S. Prakash's (TuskegeeUniversity) efforts to educate the public

about biotechnology have received specialrecognition by Senator Christopher Bond (R­MO). On March 1, Senator Bond and BrianKlippenstein, from Bond's office, met withPrakash and ASPP staff.

Prakash expressed his appreciation forSenator Bond's strong leadership in Con­gress in defending plant biotechnology andin moving plant science into the genomicera. Prakash noted that plant research couldhelp to alleviate world hunger. Senator Bond,plant research champion in Congress, gainedenactment of the plant genome initiativesponsored by NSF, which has provided $150million in new funds for plant genome re­search during the past three years. The sena­tor has skillfully led efforts in the Senate toprotect continued research using plant bio­technology.

Senator Bond credited Prakash for hisresearch and for his work in pointing out theneeds of people in the developing world forthis technology. He also commended ASPPfor its contributions to this public debate.

In a gracious recognition of Prakash'svisit, Senator Bond distributed a letter to allof his colleagues later that day discussingPrakash's comments and his publishedcolumn entitled "Foes of BiotechnologyIgnore Global Hunger." Following is Bond'sletter to all U.S. senators:

12 ____________________~AS~P~PN~EW~S~ _

ASPP Testimony on NSF Cites Wide-Ranging Benefits of Plant Research

In testimony presented April 12 to theHouse of Representatives Appropriations

Subcommittee on VA [Veterans Affairs], HUD[Housing and Urban Development] andIndependent Agencies (including the NSF),ASPP Public Affairs Chair Jim Siedow ofDuke University noted the many benefits tosociety of basic plant research.

Siedow noted that basic plant researchsupported by NSF has led to many benefitsfor all Americans. "In all major sectors of theeconomy, including food, energy, clothing,housing, recreation, health, and medicine,we see that plants and plant productsrepresent a primary component," Siedowsaid. "The support of this Committee forgenomic and non-genomic plant researchsupported by NSF helps plant scientists makethe basic research breakthroughs needed toaddress the enormous nutrition, health, andenergy needs of this nation and the world,"Siedow said.

On the issue of genetic modification offoods, Siedow said there are activists whotake positions that appear to be anti­biotechnology or anti-globalist or anti­corporation.

"This collection of interests has raised anumber of scientifically unsubstantiatedclaims against products of food biotechnol­ogy. However, we are not aware of peer­reviewed articles or confirmed instances ofinjury that support there being a problemwith genetically modified foods. Instead, wehear conjecture and the use of terms like'Frankenfoods' that are clearly designed toscare the layman," Siedow said.

"On April 5, the National Research Councilof the National Academy of Sciences issued areport titled Genetically Modified PestProtected Plants. The committee that wrotethe report emphasized it was not aware ofany evidence suggesting foods on the markettoday are unsafe to eat as a result of geneticmodification. And it said that no strictdistinction exists between the health andenvironmental risks posed by plantsgenetically engineered through modernmolecular techniques and those modified byconventional breeding practices.

"NSF Director Rita Colwell responded to aQuestion [from Congresswoman MarcyKaptur (D-OH)J at this Committee's hearingheld here on April 4 on the Question of

genetically modified foods. As Dr. Colwellexplained, genetic modification of foods hasgone on for many years using traditionalbreeding. Biotechnology simply gives us amore 'precise' and effective method ofgenetically modifying foods to produce moredesirable traits," Siedow commented.

Subcommittee Chair James Walsh (R-NY)responded to Siedow's testimony, saying thatas a former Peace Corps volunteer whodistributed varieties of dwarf wheat in Asia,"I'm with you on this." Walsh also serves onthe Appropriations Subcommittee onAgriculture.

Congressman David Price (D-NC), who hasserved with Siedow on the Duke faculty,commended Siedow for his work on anational basis (related to plant research andthe issue of modified foods). Siedow andASPP staff met briefly with CongressmanPrice after the testimony.

The Subcommittee on VA, HUD andIndependent Agencies writes the bill that setsfederal spending levels for veterans, housing,urban development and programs of severalindependent agencies, including researchand education sponsored by NSF. let-

New Lecture Series, Fellowship, and Library Collection Memorialize Daniell. Arnon

Nobel Laureate.Paul Boyer, professoremeritus of bibchemistry and a member

of the Molecular Biology Institute at theUniversity of California at Los Angelesdelivered the first Daniel I. Arnon Lecture onMarch 6, 2000, at the University of Californiaat Berkeley. Boyer gave the lecture, titled "AResearch Journey with ATP Synthase," to apacked audience that included 16 of Arnon'srelatives. Boyer received the Nobel Prize inChemistry in 1997 for elucidating howadenosine triphosphat~ (ATP), the universalenergy currency, is made in living cells.

"I knew Dan Arnon for 53 years," Boyersaid in his opening remarks. "He had aremarkable career and impact." Boyer thenwent on to describe, in a lively and at timeshumorous presentation, the exhilaratingexperience of investigating ATP synthase, "amost unusual enzyme."

Arnon received the National Medal ofScience for "fundamental research into themechanisms of green plant utilization oflight to produce chemical energy and oxygenand for contributions to our understandingof plant nutrition." His many other honors

included election to the National Academy ofSciences, the American Academy of Arts andSciences, and the Royal Swedish Academy ofSciences. He was also the recipient of theASPP Stephen Hales Prize. He was activelyengaged in research until his death in 1994at age 84.

The inaugural Arnon lecture is one ofthree ways the Department of Plant andMicrobial Biology at the University ofCalifornia at Berkeley is honoring Arnon'smemory. It also has established the Daniel I.Arnon Papers in the Bancroft Library. Thecollection documents many aspects ofArnon's scientific and academic career andpersonal life. It includes laboratory note­books, slides, transparencies, and otherresearch materials; manuscripts, preprints,and publications; correspondence; and grantapplications and reports. The archive is richin resources that tell the story of photosyn­thesis at UC-Berkeley, including thecontroversies surrounding Arnon'sgroundbreaking discoveries. In addition,members of the Arnon family have contrib­uted a wealth of personal photographs,

documents, and other memorabilia thatprovide a fuller picture of the life of the manbehind the scientist.

The papers are in the final stages ofprocessing and will be available for viewingthis summer on the UC-Berkeley library Website at www.lib.berkeley.edu. In addition, thedepartment is establishing the Daniel I.Arnon Graduate Fellowship and expects tomake the first award in fall 2001. \~

Bob B. BuchananUniversity of California at Berkeley

view@nature.berkeley.edu

May/June 2000, Vol. 27, No.3 _-~-~--------------------

13

Comnlittee on Public Affairs Visits Offices in Congress, Executive Branch

The ASPP Committee on Public Affairsmet March 11-13 to review and develop

recommendations on public affairs issuesand visit about 25 offices in Congress and theExecutive Branch.

Members of the Committee on PublicAffairs are James Siedow of Duke University(chair), Jim Cook of Washington StateUniversity, Dawn Luthe of Mississippi StateUniversity, Peggy Lemaux of the University ofCalifornia at Berkeley, Tony Cavalieri ofPioneer Hi-Bred International, Rob Leonardof the University of Arizona, Roger Innes ofIndiana University, Tom Sharkey of theUniversity of Wisconsin, and Brian Larkins ofthe University of Arizona (ex officio memberand ASPP past president).

All committee members participated withthe exception of Brian Larkins, who notedthat the University of Arizona already had aparticipant in Rob Leonard. Larkins andASPP President-Elect Dan Cosgrove of PennState University agreed that this would be agood first Public Affairs meeting in whichCosgrove could participate. (That made it arather busy week for Dan, who had partici­pated in the ASPP Program Committeemeeting the day before.)

After working all day Sunday, March 12,on the business part of the agenda, commit­tee members conducted a number ofsuccessful constituent visits on Monday,March 13. Topics discussed related tosupport for plant research sponsored by NSF,the Department of Agriculture, and theDepartment of Energy. Committee membersalso called for science-based assessments ofthe risks and benefits of plant research usingbiotechnology.

Topics discussed were determined by thecommittee on which the member ofCongress serves. For example, agricultural

Ed Pastor

research was discussed in congressionaloffices in which the member of Congressserves on the Agriculture Committee orAppropriations Subcommittee on Agricul­ture. Basic research sponsored by NSF wasthe topic of discussion in offices in which themember of Congress serves on the SenateCommerce or House Science Committee oron the Appropriations Subcommittee on VA[Veterans Affairs], HUD [Housing and UrbanDevelopment] and Independent Agencies.

DOE-sponsored plant research wasdiscussed in congressional offices in whichthe member of Congress serves on theAppropriations Subcommittee on Energy andWater Development.

Among the offices in which modified foodswere discussed were those of SenatorChristopher Bond (R-MO) and Barbara Boxer(D-CA). Senator Boxer's staff met withLemaux and ASPP Public Affairs staff. Boxerhad earlier introduced a biB calling formandatory labeling of modified foods.Lemaux discussed the substantial benefits ofplant research using biotechnology relativeto risks. Cavalieri met with BrianKlippenstein of Senator Bond's office.Senator Bond, one of the leading supportersof plant research in the history of Congress,has led a strong defense of plant biotechnol­ogy in the Senate. (See related story onBond's and Klippenstein's meeting withASPP member C. S. Prakash on page 12.)

In addition to the Capitol Hill visits,committee members also met with Dr. CliffGabriel, deputy to the associate director forscience of the White House Office of Scienceand Technology Policy (OSTP). Gabrielrelated a communication he had withPresident Clinton in which the presidentexpressed his enthusiasm for the researchusing biotechnology that led to more

David Price

nutritious rice. This golden rice, with higherlevels of beta-carotene (the precursor ofvitamin A) and usable iron, could combatmillions of cases of human blindness andanemia suffered in developing nations whererice is the staple food crop.

Mike Holland of the White House Office ofManagement and Budget (OMB) met withcommittee members on research supportedby the DOE Division of Biosciences.Committee members discussed leadingexamples of basic plant research related toenergy supported by the division andexpressed their appreciation for Holland'sand OMB's support of basic plant research.

The timing of the congressional visits wasshortly before appropriations committeeswere taking letters from members ofCongress on their priorities for the FY2001budget. For example, Congressman EdPastor (D-AZ) sent a letter that voiced hissupport for basic plant research to theAppropriations Subcommittee on Energy andWater Development on which he serves. RobLeonard had requested the support of thecongressman for DOE-sponsored basic plantresearch in the meeting he and ASPP PublicAffairs staff had with Marian Leonardo ofPastor's office. Pastor has been a strong andconsistent supporter of DOE-sponsored basicplant research.

Efforts by the Committee on PublicAffairs, the Executive Committee, ASPPCampus Contacts, their colleagues, and thePublic Affairs office have resulted in newfederal funds for plant research and haverescued plant research funds that otherwisewould have been lost for a total of more than$200 million over the past several yearsthrough FY2000. t~

Richard Lugar

14 _'- A_S_pp_N_E_W_S _

GM Is the Best Option We Have

ASPP member Anthony Trewavas, InstituteofCell and Molecular Biology, University ofEdinburgh, published the following letter inthe April 10th edition ofthe EdinburghEvening News. It is used with permission.

Hardly any readers of this article will notknow the furor about GM [genetically

manipulated] food. Adecade ago, as auniversity plant biologist, I thought thatgenetic manipulation would be publiclyfunded and used for the benefit of mankind.Indeed I share in the general distrust of GMcommercialization. But this is the world welive in; if you don't like it, change theeconomics, don't demean the knowledge.

'!\vo recent reports of publicly funded,university GM research now indicate its truepotential. U.S. scientists in collaborationwith Japanese workers have geneticallyimproved rice to increase seed yield of eachplant by 35 percent. Why is this important?

One of the most certain facts about thehuman population is that it is increasing. By2025 there will be 2.3 billion extra souls onMother Earth-500 times the currentpopulation of Scotland-and they will haveto be fed. Our current number of some 6billion has already placed dangerous burdenson the ecosystems of Spaceship Earth andthreatens our biodiversity, on which we areall interdependent. Global warming mayindeed be global warning. So ploughing upwilderness to feed these"extra people is nooption.

Clever plant breeding in the early 1960sproduced rice and wheat plants with wellover double their previous yield; suchprogress enabled a parallel doubling ofmankind without massive starvation. Butthis option is now exhausted. Ignoring theproblem, leaving billions to starve inmisery-the worst of all tortures accordingto Amnesty International-is not an optioneither. Every man's death diminishes mebecause I am part of mankind-a philosophyI know many Scots share. So where onegrain grew before, we now again have toensure that two will grow in the future.Currently GM is our best option to achievethis difficult task. The first report is veryencouraging. The future now looks a littlebrighter.

The second report deals with a problemthat kills one million young children in theThird World every year and leaves manymillions permanently blind. For a variety ofreasons, babies can be prematurely weanedoff breast milk. It's not a problem in theWest; a variety of other foods and milk areavailable. But in the backwoods of the Far

East, the usual option is rice gruel. Rice,however, contains no vitamin A, and babiesfed rice gruel rapidly become deficient.Either their eye development is permanentlydamaged (we all need vitamin Afor sight), orthey succumb to childhood diseases that anyWestern baby shrugs off in a week. Scientistsat a Swiss university in a tour de force havegenetically improved rice to make vitamin A.This golden rice has been given to theInternational Rice Institute in the Philip­pines for distribution to help ameliorate thisserious problem and ensure a better life forparents and children. Yet again, knowledgewins out.

But how do these examples compare withthe skepticism shown by the U.K. public overGM food? Doesn't GM food harm humanhealth? What about those apocalyptic visionsof damage to the environment propounded,for example, by those on trial in Norwich fortrampling crops? If these views had any realsubstance I would share them, but they aretotally contrary to all experience.

As for the hypothetical harm to humanhealth, nearly 300 million U.S. citizens, 1.2billion Chinese, and many other millions inArgentina, Australia, Brazil, India, andindeed Scotland have eaten GM soya,tomatoes, sweet peppers, and corn forperiods of three to five years without somuch as a headache, a cough, or any othermedical condition. Nor is any ever likely. Thetesting of GM food is exemplary in its detailand takes at least four years. Sir John Krebs,head of our new Food Standards Agency,concluded that GM food is as safe as its non­eM counterpart. That is my conclusion aswell. Each GM food will be considered byregulatory authorities on its own merit.Raising anxiety about hypothetical dangers isnot uncommon in political campaigns whichhave other agendas. The human imaginationis a marvelous thing, but its wildermeanderings have eventually to square withreality.

As for eM environmental effects, the samecountries provide us with details of reduceduse of herbicides and pesticides of 15 percentto 100 percent, of increased crop yields, lessinsect damage, a return of non-target insectsto fields, and reductions in fungal toxins infood. That is good news for farmers, but ofonly marginal benefit to consumers in termsof price, which probably accounts for muchU.K. skepticism. Nonetheless, farmers doneed help. If technology helps them, as it hasso often done, the spin-off eventually will bethe security of our food supply. The flurryover the Monarch butterfly has been cappedby record numbers on migration last year.Over 20 laboratories have now shown theoriginal Monarch fears were groundless.Within five years, vaccines against the killer

E. coli, hepatitis B, cholera, and otherdiseases will all come in GM food. They arein human trials already. These vaccines willbe very stable, be easily distributed world­wide, and need no refrigeration or injec­tion-merely consumption. The greatcampaign to eliminate worldwide disease, aswe have with smallpox, will be well underway. Apocalypse now? Hardly.

For some GM opponents, their campaignseems designed to prevent human improve­ment. Those on trial in Norwich are self­appointed guardians of their own opinions,whatever their claims; they are not electedrepresentatives. Nature's wisdom, they tellus, is to replace people's cleverness. Buthuman cleverness has brought us long life,freedom from want, windows on the world,and cures for disease. It has taken mankindto the moon. These opponents belittlehumanity. I find their visions of the futurebleak. They threaten human developmentand castigate experimentation. Whenproblems develop, we must rise to thechallenge, not try to reverse history or setthe world in aspic. Things that do notchange are dead; that is the bleak futureoffered if nature's wisdom supersedespeople's cleverness.

The main goal, we are told by eMopponents, is to go organic. Was this athought-through policy or made up on thehoof? It is quite clear to me it was the latter.Experts tell us that cancers that occur underthe age of 65 are avoidable. Thirty percent ofthese cancers are thought to result frompoor diet. Over 200 detailed investigationshave shown that a diet high in fruits andvegetables cuts all cancer rates by at leasthalf. Increasing the price of these essentialfoods will reduce consumption, particularlyin the poorest families for which the food billis a much higher proportion of the weeklywage. The consequences? Higher avoidablecancer rates, premature death, and soaringhealth bills. Organic food, whatever itsenvironmental merits, is labor intensive,does not use preservatives, and consequentlyneeds quick delivery before fungal damagemakes it unpalatable and probably danger­ous. All of this ensures a much higher price.Any attempt to go organic could lead to theconsequences of cancer and death I havelisted above. The only justification for buyingorganic food is that farmers apply lesspesticide in its production. But that isprecisely what the current GM crops offer usat conventional, or even lower, food prices.eM harm? No. Medical benefit? Yes. t~

_...:..:M~oy~/J:..:.:un.:.:.e~20:..:.:00::....,.:...:.Vo_1. 2_7:.....,N....:...o.....:..3 ----J_ IS

16

Participants are drawn to the ASPp, Wisconsin Fast Plants, and (·Fern exhibits at the National ScienceTeachers Association annual convention held in Orlando April 6-9, 2000. ASPP Educotion (ommitteemember Paul Williams discusses plant science with one of the many teachers who visited the ASPPbooth. Thousands of teachers have taken plant science education information back to their classroomsfrom ASPP education booths.

SAND/EGOl

Plant Biology 2000

San Diego, California - July 15-19, 2000

Don't miss the many special and unique events planned for ASPP's first annual

meeting in the new millennium! All of the scientific progran1s, exhibits,

most social and networking events, and lodging for attendees will be held at

the Town & Country Resort and Convention Center,

located in the Mission Valley area of San Diego.

_ASPPNEWSL.....- _

ASPP Education Forum----------l(l;,~.....Compiled and edited by Carol Reiss, Divisionof Biomed-Box G-J4, Brown University,Providence, RI 02912, e-mailhcr@brown.edu

The Importance of Getting Involved

A SPP members derive many benefitsfrom the Society; after all, people

usually join an organization because of whatit can do for them. My own history withASPP started with just that approach. In1987, a new poster session was added to theroster on the topic of education. By offeringa poster session on teaching, ASPP provideda new benefit to its members and helped tostrengthen the idea that teaching isimportant. This idea was one that we couldtake home to our colleges and universities.My academic position at the time was 100%teaching, which meant that no funds wereavailable for me to attend meetings focusedon research. Aposter session on teachingenabled my chair to provide funds for me toattend an ASPP national meeting to presentan education poster.

The meeting was held in St. Louis, and Iremember it well. I think I read every poster(research and teaching-there were fewerposters then), and I came away invigoratedand full of new ideas for my teachinglaboratory. But new ideas were not the onlybenefit. The members of ASPP who werestrongly interestea in education wanted tohighlight this new poster session. My posterwas given the number 1 and was located atthe entrance to the exhibit hall. As a result, Imet just about everyone who came into thehall, including Ellen Weaver, who had beeninstrumental in starting the section oneducation. She was delighted to hear that itwas the new poster session on teaching thathad brought me to the meeting. I also metPaul Williams (he hac\. an education posterthere, too) and many other plant physiolo­gists who loved teaching, whether or notthey had an active research laboratory. Overthe years these friendships have provided mewith support, encouragement, and lots ofnew approaches to teaching. Poster presenta­tions on teaching kept me coming to ASPPmeetings for years.

Eventually, I was attracted to the morehands-on possibilities provided by the Edu­cation Booth, which the Education Commit­tee organizes for each annual meeting. Itried to do just about every experiment frommy plant physiology course that was appro-

priate for the venue. I can remember a fewhorrible moments (for instance, an over­stimulated mimosa plant that refused to pro­vide an action potential for an anxiouslywaiting crowd), but on the whole, participa­tion in the activities at the Education Boothprovided me with lots of new contacts andideas. Four years ago, then-president DonOrt asked if I would be willing to serve onthe Education Committee. I agreed andfound myself involved as an active partici­pant in the workings of the Society.

What does it mean in terms of time, com­mitment, and effort to serve on an ASPPcommittee? Many members might shy awayfrom involvement with the Society becauseof these very concerns. 1\vo committee meet­ings a year do not take a major commitment,but yes, there can be an enormous amountof work when getting involved. Committeemembership means that one must take on anew relationship with the Society. ASPP isno longer just on the giving end; you findyourself giving back, sometimes a great dealmore than you expected.

So why get involved? Beyond the obviousreasons (it looks good on your CV and toyour dean), involvement can offer newbenefits. Involvement with your professionalsociety is empowering. It provides you withthe opportunity to affect the way yourorganization will approach problems in theyears to come. It provides opportunities formentoring (I am again reminded of EllenWeaver). And it gives you the chance to getto know and interact with others who areinvolved with the leadership.

Membership on the Education Committeehas recently provided me with additionalopportunities as well. This past year, Irepresented ASPP at the American Instituteof Biological Sciences' President's Summit.This summer, I will participate in a ProjectKaleidoscope Keystone Conference on theFuture of Education in Plant Biology. Veryquickly, I have made connections with thechairs of education committees andpresidents from other societies. These newconnections will provide new opportunitiesto instigate changes at the national level. Forexample, as a member of an AIBS steeringcommittee on undergraduate curricula inbiology, I hope to assist in writing adocument recommending prudent practicesin the teaching of undergraduate biology.More work, yes, but what better reward thanthe possibility of seeing one's own ideas putinto practice?

At the annual meeting in San Diego, theEducation Committee will open up the lasthalf-hour of its own meeting to the member­ship. If you are interested in education andteaching, please join us. Get involved. It'sworth it.

Executive Committee Recommends Change in Bylaws

A t the request of the Education Commit­tee, the Executive Committee recom­

mended at its February 12 meeting that thechair of the Education Committee become amember of the Executive Committee. Thisrecommendation will require a change in theSociety's Bylaws and, therefore, must bevoted on by the membership.

The Education Committee has been astanding committee of the Society for 10years. During that time, it has been activeand involved in innovative projects ineducation and has received recognition fromother societies for taking the initiative onmany new projects. Membership of theEducation Committee chair on the ExecutiveCommittee will facilitate communicationbetween the two committees and providebetter representation of the committee's rolein the Society. The Education Committeeurges you to vote yes on this issue.

Council on Undergraduate Research HonorsStudents of ASPP Members at IIUndergraduateResearch Posters on the Hill"

Each year, 60 competitively selectedundergraduate research posters are

displayed at the U.S. Capitol as part of theCouncil on Undergraduate Researchprogram "Undergraduate Research Posterson the Hill." This year, two students of ASPPmembers participated in this event.

Brian Reese, a student of Peter Conrad andJanice Marchut Conrad, displayed his poster,titled "The Effect of DCMU in the Mitochon­dria of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii." Brian'swork began in the Conrad's Bio 490 course,which was highlighted in the EducationForum in the March/April 2000 issue of theASPP NEWS. Brian has continued this workas part of his senior honor thesis.

Rachel West, who joined Zoran Ristic'slaboratory as a freshman, was honored forher poster, "A Study of Possible ChaperoneActivities of Maize Chloroplast ProteinSynthesis Factor EF-Tu." Rachel is asophomore biology major enrolled in thehonors program at the University of South

May/June 2000, Vol. 27, No.3 _---=-------'----'--------------------- 17

Dakota and nopes to pursue a career in theplant sciences. l~

ASPP Bookmarks Convey Prindplesof Plant Biology

The first in a series of colorful, two-sidedbookmarks highlighting various types of

plants and the "Principles of Plant Biology"has been published by ASPP and can be seenin color on the ASPP Web site at aspp.org!educationlbookmark.htm. ASPP EducationCommittee Chair Carol Reiss designed thesebookmarks for use by ASPP members and fordistribution at plant science educationevents.

Eventually, the Education Committeeplans to expand the bookmark page andinclude information about each photograph,as well as valuable links and references. This

first bookmark explains in an attractive styleand format principle number 7: "Plantsexhibit diversity in size and shape rangingfrom single cells to gigantic trees." TheCube, created a few years ago by DinaMandoli, helped to inspire the developmentof bookmarks as a way to explain thePrinciples of Plant Biology.

If you are teaching an undergraduate plantphysiology course and have a useful Web siteto aid students and instructors, let CarolReiss know (hcr@brown.edu). The commit­tee is happy to add additional links to theEducation page.

If you would like complimentary book­marks, please contact Janice Jordan at ASPP(e-mail: jjordan@aspp.org).l~

Phosphorus in Plant BiologyRegulatory Roles in Molecular, Cellular,Organismic, and Ecosystem Processes

Edited byJonathan P. Lynch

Jill Deikman

Book No. 30042Member Price:Nonmember Price:Shipping & Handling

Proceedings12th Arumal Penn State Symposium in

Plant PhysiologyMay 28-30,1998

$15.00 ($12.00 each for two or more copies)$25.00$ 4.00

To place an order, visit our secure online order form at https:/ / secure.intr.net/aspp / secure/pubs/order.htm; ca11301-251-0560, ext. 142; or e-mail knoone@aspp.org.

American Society of Plant Physiologists15501 Monona Drive

Rockville, MD 20855-2768 U.s.A.

18_

ASPPNEWS'---------------------------

Gatherings-------==----------~~

TThe ASPP NEWS publishes dates, titles, locations, and contact names and addresses for meetings, courses, seminars, and the likethat are of interest to ASPP members. Submit announcements via e-mail to sbraxton@aspp.org or mail to Sylvia Braxton Lee,ASPP NEWS, 15501 Monona Drive, Rockville, MD 20855-2768 USA. Faxed transmissions are not accepted.

August 13-19The 6th Gordon Research Conference on thePlant and Fungal CytoskeletonProctor Academy, Andover, New HampshireOrganizers: W. Z. Cande and L. Pon. Detailedinformation about the conference, including

July 15-19Plant Biology 2000: Seeding the FutureSan Diego, CaliforniaContact Susan Chambers, 15501 Monona Drive,Rockville, MD 20855-2768; telephone 301-251­0560, ext. Ill, fax 301-279-2996, e-mailchambers@aspp.org or on the World Wide Web seeURL http:aspp.orglmeetings/meetings.htm.

JULY

AUGUST

July 16-21Plant Molecular Biology Gordon Conference"Biological Regulatory Mechanisms"Plymouth, New HampshireFor information and application, contact theGordon Research Conferences, University of RhodeIsland, PO Box 984, West Kingston, RI 02892­0984; telephone 401-783-4011. For onlineinformation and registration, go to http://www.grc.uri.edu/attend.htm. For furtherinformation, contact Robert L. Last atrob.last@cereon.com.

June 29-July 1Course: Database Design and Development forGenomics ResearchBioPharmaceutical Technology Center InstituteMadison, WisconsinFor information, contact Jeff Blanchard, telephone505-995-4405, e-mail jlb@ncgr.org, Web site http://www.btci.orglcourses/Bioinformatics/DDDGROO.htm.

June 29-July 2Symposium on Biosynthesis of GlucosePolysaccharidesScheman Continuing Education BuildingIowa State University, AmesRegistration deadline is May 30, 2000. Forinformation, contact Plant Biochemistry andMolecular Biology Conferences, SymposiumOffice, 3208 Molecular Biology Building, IowaState University, Ames, IA 50011-3260; telephone515-294-7978, fax 515-294-2244, e-mailpbmb@iastate.edu, Web site http://molebio.iastate.edu/-gfstlphomepg,html,

June 24-28XI International Conference on ArabidopsisResearchMadison, WisconsinCochairs: DetlefWeigel and Mary Lou Guerinot.For information, contact Mary Lou Guerinot attelephone 603-646-2527, fax 603-646-1347,e-mail Guerinot@Dartmouth.edu, Web site http://www.arabidopsis,orglArabidopsis_XI.html.

June 24-29Gordon Research Conference on Mitochondriaand ChloroplastsConnecticut College, New LondonChair: David Stern, Boyce Thompson Institute atCornell University. Vice chair: Eric Shoubridge,McGill University. For information, contact DavidStern at telephone 607-254-1306 or at e-mailds28@cornell.edu. The program is available athttp://www.grc.uri.edu/programs/2000/mitochon.htm.

June 24-28Molecular Biology of Model LegumesJohn Innes Centre, Norwich, United KingdomLocal scientific organizer: Martin Parniske(martin.parniske@bbsrc.ac.uk). To register contactUEA Conference Services, University of EastAnglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK; telephone +44­1603-593271, fax +44-1603-250585, e-maillegume@uea.ac.uk. Further details can be found athttp://www.jic.bbsrc.ac.ukJevents/elm-2000/.

2000: San Diego, (uliforn;a, .Saturday, July ,1 5, throllgh '." "Wednesday,'July 19 '

,2001: PrC)vidence,Rhode Islilild,.' ~aturday,'JiJly21, through' ,

., ',' ,Wednesqoy, July 25 .

'2002: Denver"Coiotado'S'aturd,ay,' A~gust 3/through

, Wednesday; Augus( 7" .

I

FUTURE 'ASPP :ANNUAL. MEETI,"G SITES", " "

:, ..

, "'-.

June 22-24CUR 2000: The Many Facets of UndergraduateResearchThe College of Wooster, Wooster, OhioFor information, visit CUR's Web site at http://www.cur.org and go to the meetings and eventssection. The College of Wooster's Web site is http://www.wooster.edu/cur.

JUNE

June 11-16International Symposium ''on GrapevinePhysiology & BiotechnologyHeraklion, Crete, G~eeceFor information, contact Professor K. A.Roubelakis-Angelakis, Department of Biology,University of Crete, PO Box 2208, 71409Heraklion, Greece; telephonelfax +30-81-394459,e-mail poproube@biology.uch.gr. Also, visit thesymposium Web site at http://www.biology.uch.gr/meetings.

June 18-23Techniques in Bioinformatics andComparative Genomics 'BioPharmaceutical Technology Center InstituteMadison, WisconsinFor information, contact Jeff Blanchard, telephone505-995-4405, e-mail jlb@ncgr.org, Web site http://www.btci.orglcourseslBioinformatics/TBCGOO.htm.

2000

_...:.:M:.:;ay~/J:.::un:::.e.:.:20:.:..00:':"I':':'VO.:.:..:1. 2::.:..7~1N:.:.,:o•...:...3 ---.._ 19

topics, speakers, and a preliminary registrationform, can be found at the GRC homepage athttp://www.grc.uri.edu/.

August 16-204th International Fructan SymposiumArolla, SwitzerlandOrganizers: T. Boller, M. Frehner, U. Hochstrasser,F. Keller, M. LUscher, A. D. Meyer, and A. Wiemken.For registration forms and information, contactSecretariat Fructan-2000, Department of Botany,University of Basel, Hebelstr.1, CH-4056 Basel,Switzerland; telephone +41-61-267 2311, fax +41­61-2672330, e-mail fructan2000@ubaclu.unibas.ch, Web site http://www.unibas.ch/bothebel/fructan2000/second/.

August 20-25Gordon Conference on Plant Cell WallsKimball Union Academy, MeridenNew HampshireDeborah Delmer, Chair; Dan Cosgrove, Cochair.Information on the program and how to registercan be obtained from the Gordon Conference Website at http://www.grc.uri.edu. Conference limitedto 135 participants; preference given to speakersand those registrants who offer to present posters.Scientists from industries having interest in cellwalls are also welcome to apply.

August 20-25Gordon Research Conference on theCellular Basis of Adaptation to Salt and WaterStress in PlantsTilton School, Tilton, New HampshireChair: E. A. Bray, vice chair: P. M. Hasegawa. Forinformation contact Beth Bray atbray@ucracl.ucr.edu. Detailed information aboutthe conference can be found at http://www.grc.uri.edu/programs/2000/salt.htm.

SEPTEMBER

September 3-5Plant Nutrient Transport through BiologicalMembranesGerman Society for Plant NutritionGiessen, GermanyFor information, contact Sven Schubert, Instituteof Plant Nutrition, Interdisciplinary ResearchCenter, Justus Liebig University, Heinrich-Buff­Ring 26-32, 0-35392 Giessen, Germany; telephone+49-641-99-39-160, fax +49-641-99-39-169, e-mailsven.schubert@ernaehrung.uni-giessen.de.

September 6-8Society For Experimental Biology, PlantTransport Group MeetingUniversity of Hertfordshire, United KingdomOrganizers: R. Gordon-Weeks, M. J. Hawkesford, A.Miller, and F. Theodoulou and hosted by IACRRothamsted. For information, please contact RuthGordon-Weeks, Biochemisty and PhysiologyDepartment, IACR Rothamsted, West Common,

Harpenden, Herts, AL5 2JQ, UK; telephone +44­1582-763133, fax +44-1582-763010, e-mailruth.gordon-weeks@bbsrc.ac.uk.

OCTOBER

October 3-6Workshop: The Role of Invertases in PlantCarbohydrate Partitioning and BeyondUniversity of Regensburg, GermanyFor information and registration, contact ThomasRoitsch, Lehrstuhl fuer Zellbiologie undPfJanzenphysiologie, Universitaet Regensburg,93040 Regensburg, Germany; telephone +49-941­943-3021, fax +49-941-943-3352, e-mailthomas.roitsch@biologie.uni-regensburg.de,Web site: http://www.biologie.uni-regensburg.de/invertase/.

NOVEMBER

November 6-10SPARC 20002nd SPARC General AssemblyStratospheric Processes and TheirRole in ClimateMar del Plata, Republic of ArgentinaBiological Effects of IN Radiation. Call for Papers.ASpecial Associated Workshop on the impacts ofIN on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems will beheld within the SPARC-2000 (StratosphericProcesses and Their Role in Climate) Congress,Mar del Plata, Argentina. Organizers: WalterHelbling and Virginia Villafane (Estaci6n deFotobiogfa Playa Uni6n; e-mailsfotobioJ@cpsarg.com or fotobiol@arnet.com.ar).Aquatic Systems. Carlos Ballan~ (Universidad deBuenos Aires; e-mail baUare@ifeva.edu.ar).Terrestrial Systems (Web page: http://www.sparc2000.at.fcen.uba.ar).

November 29-December 2International Conference on "Tropical Agricul­ture Technology forBetter Health and Environment"Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Sean CampusNakhon Pathom, ThailandDeadline for presentation registration is July 31,2000. Deadline for attendance registration isSeptember 30, 2000. Please visit http://www.rdi.ku.ac.thlannounce/doc/Health_EnvironmentlFirst-Announcement.htm tosee first announcement.

DECEMBER

December 9-1340th ASCB Annual MeetingMoscone Convention CenterSan Francisco, CaliforniaFor information, contact us at telephone 301-530­7153, e-mail ascbinfo@ascb.org, Web sitewww.ascb.orglascb.

20 _L- A_S_pp_N_E_W_S _

ASPP Placement Service

This form may be used only by members of the American Society of Plant Physiologists.Please print or type your placement information on this form (curriculum vitae will not be accepted) and send it to

Donna Gordon, ASPP Headquarters, 15501 Monona Drive, Rockville, MD 20855-2768 USA; e-mail dgordon@aspp.org.

LAST NAME

STREET ADDRESS

CITY

TELEPHONE

STATE

FAX

TITLE

ZIP

FIRST NAME

COUNTRY

E-MAIL

INITIAL

Date available: _

I am seeking the following position (check all that apply):[ ] Permanent [ ] Temporary[ ] Academic [ ] Government

US citizen? [ ] Yes [ ] No

[ ] Postdoctoral[ ] USA only

] Industrial] Outside USA

Fields of interest, specialties, and publications titles: _

Thesis, dissertation topics, professor: _

Professional societies and honors:----------------------------------\

Degree/year Major Minor College/university and location

Postdoctoral study (specialty and with whom, where, when): _

Employer and location From To Position, Title, Duties

References (names, addresses, telephone numbers):

_AS_P_P_J_ob_P_I_oc_em_e_n_f_Se_r_vi_ce_~~T

I. Registering with the ASPP Placement Service and Obtaining Placement Files

ASPP headquarters in Rockville, Maryland, operates a placement service in which are kept active two files of resumes of individuals who

are seeking employment. Employers are urged to survey the resume files for those seeking permanent positions and those seeking

postdoctoral or similar positions. The files cost $25 each and may be ordered from Donna Gordon, ASPP Placement Service, 15501Monona Drive, Rockville, MD 20855-2768 USA. Those seeking employment should complete the Placement Service Form on the

previous page to be included in the service.

II. Placing a Position Ad in ASPP NEWS and on the ASPP World Wide Web Homepage

Submit all ads bye-mail to Sylvia Braxton' Lee at sbraxton@aspp.org (or by mail to Sylvia Braxton Lee, 15501 Monona Drive, Rockville,

MD 20855-2768 USA. If you are submitting a chargeable ad, please include billing information when you send the ad.

• AcademiclGovernmentlIndustry Permanent Positions(Ph.D. level):

Fee: $150. Includes listing in one issue of ASPP NEWS and12 weeks on the ASPP online Job Bank.Word Limit: 200 for print ad; no limit for online ad.

• Postdoctoral PositionsFee: No charge for universities, non-profit organizations, andgovernment installations; $150 for private companies.Includes listing in one issue of the ASPP NEWS and 12 weeks

on the ASPP online Job Bank.Word Limit: 200 for print ad; no limit for online ad.

• Researchfrechnical Positions (non-Ph.D.)Fee: No charge for universities, non-profit organizations, andgovernment installations; $150 for private companies. Includeslisting in one issue of the ASPP NEWS and 12 weeks on the ASPPonline Job Bank.Word Limit: 200 for print ad; no limit for online ad.

• Assistantships, Fellowships, Internships, etc.Fee: No charge; ad will appear in two issues of the ASPP NEWS(the first time at full length, the second time in an abbreviatedform) and 12 weeks on the ASPP online Job Bank.Word Limit: None.

ACADEMIC/GOVERNMENT/INDUSTRY PERMANENTPOSITIONS (Ph.D.)

Research Food TechnologisVPlant PhysiologistUSDAIARS, Beltsville, Maryland(Received 03/15)The USDA, Agricultural Research Service, PlantSciences Institute, Horticultural Crops QualityLaboratory, Beltsville, Maryland, is seeking apermanent full-time research food technologist!plant physiologist, GS-12/13. Salary is commensu­rate with experience ($51,204-$79,155 per year)plus benefits. Candidate must be a U.S. citizen,Responsibilities: Conduct food technologyresearch to improve methods for maintainingmicrobial safety and quality of fresh-cut fruits andvegetables that are cut, sliced, or diced and thenpackaged for commercial and retail use withoutfurther preparation; develop packaging technologyand postharvest handling systems and implementstrategies discovered from research on theinteractions among human pathogens, plantpathogens, and their fruit and vegetable hosts tomaintain microbial safety during preparation andmarketing. Basic research includes elucidation ofthe regulatory mechanisms involved in plantsenescence processes, including chlorophylldegradation, membrane changes, water loss,content of various volatile compounds, susceptibil­ity to decay, and texturelflavor changes, as theseprocesses relate to quality and microbial safety,Appropriate qualifying education in foodtechnology/plant physiology and/or professional

research experience is required, For researchprogram information, contact Dr. Ken Gross at301-504-6128 (kgross@asrr.arsusda.gov), Toaddress specific qualification requirements andapplication instructions, applicants must call301-504-1484 to request announcement ARS­DOE·0224, or via Web site at http://www.ars.usda.gov/afm/hrd/resjobs.htm. Applica­tions must be postmarked by July 31, 2000,USDAIARS is an equal opportunity employer andprovider.

Assistant Professor/Molecular PhysiologistUniversity of Florida, Gainesville(Received 03/24)A 12-month tenure-track position, 70% researchand 30% teaching, is available in the AgronomyDepartment, University of Florida, This assign­ment may change in accordance with the needs ofthe unit. Duties include developing a molecularphysiology research program on plant adaptationmechanisms to biotic and abiotic factors thatoccur under field conditions in Florida (emphasison forages). A Ph,D. in plant physiology, plantbiochemistry, genetics, or plant molecular biologyis required. Interested persons should submit thefollowing items by the closing date: (1) letter ofapplication, including a description of interestsand qualifications; (2) curriculum vitae, includinga list of publications; (3) official transcripts of allcollege or university work; and (4) names andaddresses of four references from whom you have

requested letters of recommendation. Refer toposition no, 934040, Women and minorities areencouraged to apply. All of the above items mustbe postmarked by the closing date May 30, 2000,and sent to the Search and Screen CommitteeChair, Dr. Maria Gallo-Meagher, University ofFlorida, Agronomy Department, PO Box 110300,Gainesville, FL 32611-0300; telephone 352-392­1823, ext. 206, fax 352-392-7248, e-mailmgmea@gnv.ifas.ufl.edu. The University of Floridais an equal opportunity/affirmative actionemployer,

Head Research HorticulturistJ P BioRegulators, Madison, Wisconsin(Received 03/30)JPB is a well-funded start-up corporation withrights to a novel plant growth regulator thatenhances ripening and prolongs shelf life of fruitsand vegetables. This product is in a late stage ofproduct development for cranberries but is in apreliminary stage of discovery for other fruits andvegetables, The head research horticulturist will(1) develop and manage a rapid-cycle R&Dcontract research program to discover efficacy in awide range of Crops and develop a marketableproduct, (2) supervise a focused in-house R&Dprogram to conduct formulation trials oncranberries and select other crops, and (3)participate enthusiastically in a wide variety ofchanging duties associated with a well-fundedstart-up corporation. Candidates should possess a

. "THE DEADUNE FOR ADS fOR THE JULY/AUGUST ISSUE Of iSPPNfWS ISJUNE '30,2000.Check ASPP'sWorld Wide Web site (http://aspp.org/J.QBS!)everY Friday for new job listings.

Jo~swith early application deo~lines ore listed on.the Web site, but niighinot appear in ASPP,NEWS.. '

22 _L-- AS_P_PN_E_W_S _

Ph.D. in horticulture or a related field. Desiredqualifications include experience supervisingapplied research, preferably in product develop­ment. Familiarity with PGRs, postharvest storagelosses, and modern analytic techniques isdesirable. Demonstrated initiative and willingnessto travel are required. Compensation will becommensurate with qualifications and experience,at least $70,000, plus benefits. Rapid companygrowth will provide good opportunities forpersonal development and advancement.Interested candidates should submit a resumewith references to J P BioRegulators, PMB 173,6907 University Ave., Middleton, WI 53562-2767.

Faculty PositionCold Spring Harbor LaboratoryCold Spring Harbor, New York(Received 04/05)Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory is looking to fill afaculty position in Plant Biology, preferably at theassistant professor level. Outstanding graduatestudents will also be considered for our ColdSpring Harbor Laboratory Fellowship program.We seek an applicant who is working withArabidopsis genetics, but an outstanding plantbiologist working on other plant systems will beconsidered. The applicant will join a plant biologygroup that currently consists of three interactivefaculty members, whose research focuses ondevelopmental biology, plant genetics, andgenomics. Existing research at CSHL is listed onour Web site at www.cshl.org. Applicants shouldsubmit a curriculum vitae, summary of researchaccomplishments, a research proposal, and namesof three references to Dr. Bruce Stillman, Director,Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 1 Bungtown Road,Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724. Cold SpringHarbor Laboratory is an equal opportunityemployer and encourages applications fromwomen and minorities. .,

Plant Molecular BiologistDNA Plant Technology CorporationOakland, California(Received 04/11)DNA Plant Technology Corporation, an agricul­tural biotechnology company focused on fruits andvegetable products, has an opening for a plantmolecular biologist in our fruit and vegetablequality program. We are seeking a recent Ph.D.with a minimum of two years' postdoctoralexperience, preferably in tj-le area of molecularplant physiology. Special consideration will begiven to candidates with experience in postharvestphysiology or fruit quality. Applicants should havedemonstrated expertise in a wide array ofmolecular biology techniques, including RNA andDNA analysis, sequencing, vector construction,and PCR based methods. We are particularlyinterested in candidates wanting to apply cutting­edge technologies to real-world agriculturalproblems. We are committed to excellence inplant improvement by the development of high­quality, transgenic products. Interested individu­als should send the names of three references, aresume, and a cover letter referencing Position#2000-04 to DNA Plant Technology, Attn: HR,6701 San Pablo Avenue, Oakland, CA 94608; fax

510-450-9366. Visit DNA Plant TechnologyCorporation's Web site at www.dnap.com.

POSTDOCTORAL POSITIONS

Postdoctoral PositionInstitute of Plant Genetics and Crop PlantResearch (IPK)Gatersleben, Germany(Received 03/01)Apostdoctoral position is available for studies onthe intracellular regulatory nehvork thatcoordinates the metabolic activities of thetetrapyrrole biosynthetic pathway in chloroplastand mitochondria. For more information, seehttp://www.ipk-gatersleben.de/englisch/abtl-ags/ipkencbs.htm. The position will initially beoffered until the end of 2001 with extensions ofup to three years possible. Preference will begiven to applicants with experience of techniquesin molecular genetics and/or in biochemistry(HPLC, spectroscopy). Postdoctoral fellows andPh.D. students with interest in plant molecularphysiology and genetics are encouraged to sendthe application including a statement of scientificinterests and curriculum vitae to BernhardGrimm, Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop PlantResearch (IPK), Corrensstr. 3, D-06466Gatersleben, Germany; e-mail grimm@ipk­gatersleben.de.

Postdoctoral PositionUniversity of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada(Received 03/03)A postdoctoral position is available immediately tostudy the interactions between salinity and otherenvironmental factors on forest plants. Thisposition requires a good background in both fieldand laboratory plant physiology and basicbiochemical techniques, as well as goodcommunication skills. The successful candidatewill carry out independent research and help withthe supervision of graduate student projects andwriting research reports. The research project isconducted in collaboration with the oil sandsindustry and aims at improving successfulrevegetation of saline reclamation areas. Theannual salary will be $28,000 with the possibilityof renewal. Please send your application(preferably bye-mail) containing a curriculumvitae and the names, phone numbers, and e-mailaddresses of two references to Dr. Janusz J.Zwiazek, Department of Renewable Resources,University of Alberta, 4-42 Earth Sciences Bldg.,Edmonton, AB, Canada T6G 2E3; telephone 780­492-2358, fax 780-492-1767, e-mailjanusz.zwiazek@ualberta.ca.

Postdoctoral PositionSalem-Teikyo University, Salem, West Virginia(Received 03/07)Apostdoctoral position is available immediately totransform wetland species with cloned genes todevelop a model for studying transgenic plantsystems for enhanced phytoremediation of metalcontamination. The individual will developAgrobacterium transformation and selectionsystems, regenerate transformants, assay for

expression, and verify gene integration. Experiencewith plant cell cultures is required. Strongbackground in molecular biology andAgrobacterium transformation preferred, but notrequired. Send curriculum vitae, publicationreprints, unofficial transcripts, and names,addresses, and telephone numbers of threereferences to Dr. Suzanne Rogers, Department ofBioscience, Salem-Teikyo University, Salem, WV26426; telephone 304-782-5585, fax 304-782-5579,e-mail Rogers@salem.wvnet.edu. EOE/AA.

Postdoctoral PositionUniversity of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia(Received 03/08)Apostdoctoral position is available to investigateplant ABC transporters, a new class of proton­pumping vacuolar-type PPase or phytochelatinbiosynthesis in plants at the molecular andbiochemical levels. APh.D. is required, andexperience in protein or cellular biochemistry andlor molecular biology is desirable. For a moredetailed description of our research interests, seehttp://www.sas.upenn.edu/biology/facu Ity/rea/index.html. Please send a curriculum vitae, list ofpublications, and three letters of reference to Dr.Philip A. Rea, Plant Science Institute, Departmentof Biology, 3800 Hamilton Walk, University ofPennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6018; fax215-898-8780, e-mail parea@sas.upenn.edu.

Postdoctoral Research AssociatesBrown University, Providence, Rhode Island(Received 03/14)Several postdoctoral research associate positionsare available in the field of plant and microbialtetrapyrrole biochemistry/molecular biology.Specific research projects include biosynthesis ofhemes, chlorophylls, phytobilins, and theirprecursors and the regulation of these processes.Initial appointments wi II be for one year, withreappointment contingent on satisfactoryperformance. Positions will be filled as suitablecandidates are identified. Requirements are aPh.D. degree and training and experience inbiochemistry amVor molecular biology. Applica­tions from individuals with experience and interestin plant systems are preferred. Applications shouldinclude a curriculum vitae and the names andaddresses of three references and should beaddressed to Samuel I. Beale, Biomed. Box G-J4,Brown University, Providence, RI 02912.Applications may also be made bye-mail tosib@brown.edu. Brown University is an equalopportunity/affirmative action employer.

Plant Molecular BiologistsThe Kumho Life and Environmental ScienceLaboratory, Kwangju, Korea(Received 03/24)The Kumho Life and Environmental ScienceLaboratory in Kwangju, Korea, invites applicantsfor postdoctoral and principal investigatorpositions. Research opportunities at KLESL areexcellent in terms of research facility andbudgetary support. We offer competitive salary,free housing, and attractive fringe benefitsincluding children's educational expenses.

May/June 2000, Vol. 27, No.3 __ ~ -----J 23

!Applicants are requested to send in theircurriculum vitae and arrange to have three lettersof recommendation sent to Jin Cheol Jeong,KLESL, 572 Sang-Am-Dong, Kwangju 506-712,Korea; telephone +82-62-970-2622, fax +82-62­972-5085, e-mail to pssong@unlserve.unl.edu.

TechnicianIPostdoctoral FellowJ P BioRegulators, Madison, Wisconsin(Received 03/30)JPB is a well-funded start-up corporation withrights to a novel PGR that enhances ripening andprolongs shelf life of fruits and vegetables. Thetechnician will (1) conduct field trials to optimizeformulation and quantify efficacy, (2) conductlaboratory experiments to develop new applica­tions for this PGR, including development of abioassay and developing shelf-stable formulations,and (3) participate enthusiastically in a widevariety of changing duties associated with a well­funded start-up corporation. Candidates shouldpossess a Ph.D., an M.S., or a B.S. in horticultureor related discipline and have experience designingand conducting experiments. Must be capable ofindependent work and must be technicallyproficient. Strong academic background preferred.Compensation will be commensurate withqualifications and experience, at least $30,000,plus benefits. Interested candidates should submita resume with references to J P BioRegulators,PMB 173,6907 University Ave., Middleton, WI53562-2767.

Postdoctoral PositionUniversity of Connecticut, Storrs(Received 04/03)Research focuses on structure:function analysis ofcloned cyclic nucleotide-gated K(Ca) channelsinvolved in signal transduction. We express thesechannels in oocytes and HEK293 cells for voltageclamp analysis after site-directed mutagenesis. Wealso study plant vanilloid effects on clonedmammalian pain receptor channel. I seek ascientist trained in voltage clamp methods andPclamp; methods for DNA manipulation, oocytepreparation, and animal cell culture andtransformation can be learned here. To apply,contact G. Berkowitz, Dept. of Plant Science U-67,1376 Storrs Road, University of Connecticut,Storrs, CT 06269-4067; telephone 860-486-5940,e-mail gerald.berkowitz@uconn.edu.

Postdoctoral PositionVirginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia(Received 04/06)Apostdoctoral position is available for two years,starting between July and October 2000. Thesuccessful candidate will study the mechanism ofsubstrate specificity and catalysis in plant beta­glycosidases. Applicants should have strongbackground in molecular biology or proteinbiochemistry. Experience is desirable in standardrecombinant DNA techniques, including cDNAsynthesis, cloning and expression, libraryscreening, enzyme purification and characteriza­tion, and molecular modeling. Experience withplant systems is not necessary. Candidates whohave prior experience with protein expression inyeast or E. coli will be given strong preference.

There will be an opportunity to learn homologymodeling (in Blacksburg), protein crystallizationand 3-D structure determination at thecollaborator's (Bernard Henrissat) laboratory inMarseille, France. Please send curriculum vitae,list of publications, and names of three referencesto Dr. A. Esen, Department of Biology, VirginiaTech, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0406; telephone 540­231-5894, fax 540-231-9307, e-mail aevatan@vt.edu. Poreign applicants may use e-mail.

Postdoctoral FellowSamuel Roberts Noble FoundationArdmore, Oklahoma(Received 04/07)Apostdoctoral fellow position is available in thePlant Biology Division at The Samuel RobertsNoble Foundation to study the molecular andgenetic aspects of plant DNA repair. The projectemphasizes the molecular biology of DNA repairmechanisms and their relationship to cell cycleprogression. Qualifications include a backgroundin eukaryotic DNA repair or cell cycle mecha­nisms. Send a detailed resume and the names ofthree references to Laura Claypool, Position#PltBi031399A-1/2GM, The Samuel Roberts NobleFoundation, Inc., PO Box 2180, Ardmore, OK73402. Por further information about theFoundation and this position, please visit our Website at www.noble.org.

Postdoctoral PositionWaksman Institute, Rutgers-The StateUniversity of New JerseyPiscataway, New Jersey(Received 4/10)Aposition is available to study signal transductionduring resistance responses in Arabidopsis andtobacco to microbial pathogens. The research willinvolve molecular and genetic approaches todefine components of the salicylic acid-mediatedsignaling pathway (e.g., Plant Cell 11, 191; 1999)and the pathway leading to resistance to turnipcrinkle virus in Arabidopsis (Plant Cell 12, 677;2000). Send a curriculum vitae and a cover letterdetailing experience and have three letters ofrecommendation sent to Daniel Klessig, WaksmanInstitute, Rutgers-The State University of NewJersey, 190 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ08854; after September 1,2000, Boyce ThompsonInstitute, Cornell University, Tower Road, Ithaca,NY 14853. Rutgers and BTl are equal opportunity/affirmative action employers.

Postdoctoral PositionUniversity of Burgundy, Dijon, France(Received 04/11)Aone-year postdoctoral position is available tostudy signal transduction induced by elicitors ofplant defense reactions. The work will be focusedon the identification of proteins involved in MAPKmodule activated by elicitins in tobacco cells. Thecandidate should have experience in biochemistry/molecular biology and a background in plantbiology. Please send a letter of application(outlining experience and interests), a curriculumvitae, and the names, phone numbers, and e-mailaddresses of three references to Dr. A. Lebrun­Garcia, UMR INRAlUniversite de Bourgogne, 17

rue Sully, 21 034 Dijon, France; fax +33-380­693226, e-maillebrun@dijon.inraJr.

Postdoctoral PositionsTexas A&M University, College Station(Received 04/17)Chromatin involvement in gene expressionApostdoctoral opening exists to explore themechanisms by which repressive chromatin isrestructured and transcription is activated duringseed embryogenesis (PNAS 96, 7104-7109; 1999).Experimental familiarity with cloning, chromatinprotein analysis, and two-hybrid systems isessential. Familiarity with plant systems isdesirable but not required.Gene silencingLack or loss of transgene expression is oftenassociated with epigenetic processes. Apostdoc isneeded to join a group exploring these processesand strategies to avoid them, primarily in rice(Trends Plant Sci 3, 97-104; 1998). Demonstratedexperience with cloning and molecular analysis oftransgenic materials is essential, as is a practicalknowledge of plant transformation. Familiaritywith bioinformatics and genomic strategies ishighly desirable. For more information, pleasecontact Dr. Timothy C. Hall, IDMB, Texas A&MUniversity, College Station, TX 77843-3155;e-mail tim@idmb.tamu.edu.

Postdoctoral PositionUniversity of Heidelberg, Germany(Received 04/17)A3D-month postdoctoral position is available tojoin a HFSP-funded research program focusing onthe biogenesis and transport pathways to proteinstorage vacuoles (Plant Cell 11, 1509-1524; 1999).We want to identify legumin-binding proteins, andto characterize "dense vesicle" membraneproteins. Applicants should have a strongbackground in plant biochemistry and molecularbiology. Salary is according to the German BATllasalary scheme. Candidates should send acurriculum vitae plus the names, addresses, andtelephone numbers of the references to Prof. Dr.David G. Robinson, Zellenlehre, University ofHeidelberg, 1m Neuenheimer Feld 230, D-69120Heidelberg;e-mail drobins@uni-goettingen.de.

Postdoctoral Research PositionSamuel Roberts Noble FoundationArdmore, Oklahoma(Received 04/18)Apostdoctoral position is immediately available inthe Forage Biotechnology Group of The SamuelRoberts Noble Foundation. The successfulcandidate will work on genetic manipulation oflignin biosynthesis to improve digestibility offorage grasses. Applicants should have a Ph.D. witha strong background in plant molecular biologyand/or biochemistry. Annual salary is in the rangeof $31,090 to 46,630, depending on qualificationsand experience. Application and job description areobtainable from our Web site at www.noble.org.For details of the project, contact Dr. ZengyuWang at zywang@noble.org or 580-221-7368. Foran application, send a cover letter, a detailedcurriculum vitae, and arrange for three letters

24_

ASPPNEWSL..-- _

of reference to be sent to Ms. Jane Nance, HumanResources Department, Attn: Job# FBGI0I00PD­ZW, The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, POBox 2180, Ardmore, OK 73402.

Postdoctoral PositionIowa State University, Ames(Received 04/21)Apostdoctoral position is available to study thesoybean-Phytophthora sojae interaction. We haverecently identified candidates for thePhytophthora resistance gene Rpsl-k throughpositional cloning. The candidate will be able tocontribute toward molecular characterization ofthe complex Rpsl-k locus. Candidates with abackground in genetics, plant pathology,biochemistry, and molecular biology are stronglyencouraged to apply. The position will start August1,2000, in the Iowa State University. For moreinformation, please contact Dr. Madan K.Bhattacharyya, Plant Biology Division, NobleFoundation, PO Box 2180, Ardmore, OK 73402;telephone 580-221-7390, fax 580-221-7380,e-mail MKBhattacharyya@noble.org.

Postdoctoral PositionIowa State University, Ames(Received 04/21)Apostdoctoral position is available to construct asoybean yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) library.The candidate will be able to apply this library incloning genes that are involved in the expressionssoybean resistance against Phytophthora sojae.Candidates with experiences in high molecularweight DNA and YAC or BAC cloning are stronglyencouraged to apply. The position will start August1,2000, at Iowa State University. For moreinformation, please contact Dr. Madan K.Bhattacharyya, Plant Biology Division, NobleFoundation, PO Box 2180, A'rdmore, OK 73402;telephone 580-221-7390, fax 580-221-7380,e-mail MKBhattacha~yya@noble.org.

Postdoctoral PositionUniversity of Kentucky, Lexington(Received 04124)This project (NSFIUSDA funded) entails studyingsecondary product metabolism in trichome glands.Long-range goals are to increase trichome-baseddisease and pest resistance and to develop atrichome-based molecular farming system. Duties:Clone genes from a tricho[TIe cDNA library anddetermine gene function using antisense/co­suppression or expression in E. coli. Also, possiblesubcellular localization studies (in situ hybridiza­tion). The position provides an opportunity tolearn biochemistry. Experience in the relevantmolecular techniques is essential. Send letter andresume ASAP to G. Wagner, University ofKentucky, Department of Agronomy, Lexington,KY 40546-0001; telephone 859-257-5974, fax 859­323-1077, e-mail gwagner@ca.uky.edu, Web site http://www.uky.edu/-gjwagn2/.

Postdoctoral PositionUniversity of Delaware, Newark(Received 04124)The University of Delaware is leading a consortiuminvestigating the genetics of oil deposition inmaize embryos using a combination of geneexpression analysis and candidate gene associationwith quantitative trait loci (http://array.ags.udel.edu). Qualifications for this positioninclude a Ph.D. in plant genetics with somemolecular biology experience in gene expressionstudies. Please send a curriculum vitae and threeletters of reference to Dr. Bertrand Lemieux,Department of Plant & Soil Sciences, Newark, DE19717; fax 302-831-0605; e-mailblemieux@udel.edu. The University of Delaware isan equal opportunity employer that encouragesapplications from minority group members andwomen.

Postdoctoral PositionMichigan Technological University, Houghton(Received 04/25)Apostdoctoral position is now available at thePlant Biotechnology Research Center, MichiganTechnological University, to help developregeneration and genetic transformation systemsfor woody species (http://forestry.mtu.edu/iwr/pbrc/). Candidates must have experience withwoody plant tissue culture as demonstrated bypublication record. Qualified candidates shouldsend a curriculum vitae, which includes apublications list and a description of researchexperience, along with the names of threereferences, to Dr. Chung-Jui Tsai, AssistantProfessor, Plant Biotechnology Research Center,School of Forestry, Michigan TechnologicalUniversity, Houghton, M149931; fax 906-487­2915, e-mail chtsai@mtu.edu.This position willremain open until a qualified candidate is found.

Postdoctoral PositionUniversity of California, Davis(Received 04/27)Apostdoctoral position in plant cell biology isopen immediately for a postdoctoral researcher tostudy the mechanism of protein targeting toplastids. The ideal candidate will have extensiveexperience with molecular biology techniques asapplied to plant systems. Experience with thetopics of protein targeting is desirable but notrequired. More information about the lab,including recent publications, can be obtained byvisiting the lab Web site at www-plb.ucdavis.edu/labs/theg. Interested individuals should send acurriculum vitae to Steven Theg, Section of PlantBiology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616;fax 530 752-5410, e-mail smtheg@ucdavis.edu.

Postdoctoral Research AssociateTexas A&M University, College Station(Received 04/27)Apostdoctoral research associate is soughtimmediately to investigate the effects ofcombining genes encoding hydrolytic enzymesand antibiotics in transgenic strains of themycoparasite Trichoderma virens on thebiological control of seedling diseases. Optimal

gene suites will be examined for in vitroinhibition and in vivo ecological competency intransformed strains. Qualifications: Ph.D. inmicrobiology or related field with an emphasis inmolecular biology. Those interested should send acurriculum vitae and the names, phone numbers,and e-mail addresses of three references to Dr.Chuck Kenerley, Department of Plant Pathologyand Microbiology, Texas A&M University, 2132TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-2132; fax 409­845-6483, e-mail kenerley@ppserver.tamu.edu.

4 Postdoctoral PositionsUniversity of Amsterdam, The Netherlands(Received 04/27)Four postdoctoral positions are immediatelyavailable at the Plant Physiology department of theUniversity of Amsterdam. Successfulcandidates will work on different aspects ofphospholipid-derived second messengers in plantsignal transduction. Projects are for two or threeyears and include cloning signaling enzymes (e.g.PLC, PLD, and PI3K), purification and character­ization of lipid second messenger targets (e.g.those for PA or PI[3,5jP2), and developing noveloptical techniques to visualize lipid signalingusing GFP coupled to lipid-binding domains (e.g.PH, CaIB). Applicants should have a Ph.D. with astrong background in plant molecular biologyand/or biochemistry. Annual salary is in the rangeof 28,000 to 36,000, depending on qualificationsand experience. For applications, send acurriculum vitae, a cover letter detailingexperience, and names and addresses of threereferences by July 1 to Dr. Teun Munnik,Department of Plant Physiology, SwammerdamInstitute for Life Sciences, University ofAmsterdam, Kruislaan 318, NL-1098SM,Amsterdam, The Netherlands; e-mailmunnik@bio.uva.nl.

Postdoctoral PositionUniversity of Florida, Gainesville(Received 04128)Apostdoctoral position is available in biochemis­try and metabolic engineering of plant one­carbon and sulfur metabolism, includingsynthesis of the osmoprotectant DMSP (Plant Cell11,1485-1497,1999; Plant Physio!. 120,945­949, 1999; J. BioI. Chem. 274, 36089-36096,1999; see also http://www.hos.ufl.edu/metengllCpagel.html). Astrong background in biochem­istry (preferably including enzyme purification) isrequired; cDNA cloning and plant transformationexperience is essential. Applicants must have goodscientific writing skills and be able to workindependently. Please send a curriculum vitae,cover letter describing research interests andexperience, and names of three references toAndrew Hanson, University of Florida, Horticul­tural Sciences Department, Gainesville, FL 32611­0690; telephone 352-392-1928, ext. 334, e-mailadha@gnv.ifas.ufl.edu.

May/June 2000, Vol. 27, No.3 _----------------------------' 25

RESEARCH/TECHNICAL POSITIONS(Non·Ph.D.)

Assistant Scientific EditorWashington State University, Pullman(Received 03/10)Afull-time temporary 12-month exempt facultyposition is available. Responsibilities: proofread/edit scientific manuscripts for technical accuracy,sentence structure, and grammar; manage officeand record-keeping system; oversee manuscriptreview process from submission to publication;supervise program assistant. Position requiresknowledge of standard English; scientific editorialpractices; chemistry, biochemistry, and plantmolecular biology; and computers/software, e-mailapplications, and web browsers. Position alsorequires effective communication skills and theability to supervise others, work independently,prioritize and organize work efficiently, handlemultiple tasks, make independent judgments, andplan/assign the work of others. Requiredqualifications: baccalaureate degree in chemistry,biochemistry, or related field; one year of editorialexperience or equivalent; computer literacy.Preferred qualifications: master's degree inbiochemistry or chemistry; one year of editing ascientific journal; supervisory experience. Salary is$28,000-$30,000 per year, depending onqualifications/experience. Submit a letter ofapplication, current curriculum vitae, and thenames, addresses, and telephone numbers of threecurrent references to Norman G. Lewis, RegionalEditor of North America and the Asias forPhytochemistry, Washington State University, POBox 646340, Pullman, WA 99164-6340. Applicationreview begins April 12 and will continue untilposition is filled. WSU is an EEO/M employer.

Sales HorticulturistJ P BioRegulators Madison, Wisconsin(Received 03/30)JPB is a well-funded start-up corporation withrights to a novel plant growth regulator thatenhances ripening and prolongs shelf life of fruitsand vegetables. This product is in a late stage ofproduct development for cranberries. The saleshorticulturist will (1) arrange and conduct on­farm trials in cranberries in preparation for sales,(2) sell directly to cranberry farmers by demon­strating economic benefits, (3) contribute to R&Dthrough supervision of trials at research locationsthroughout the country, (4) work with an outsidefirm to develop promotional materials, (5) andparticipate enthusiastically in a wide variety ofchanging duties associated with a well-fundedstart-up corporation. Qualifications include anM.S. in horticulture or related field or extensiveexperience that involves working directly withfarmers. Candidates should be self-motivated,willing to travel, and possess good selling skillsand a solid technical background. Compensationwill be commensurate with qualifications andexperience, with a $55,000 base and bonus packagebased on sales performance, plus benefits. Rapidcompany growth will provide an excellentopportunity for advancement. Interestedcandidates should submit a resume withreferences to J P BioRegulators, PMB 173, 6907University Ave., Middleton, WI 53562-2767.

Senior Research AssistantThe Samuel Roberts Noble FoundationArdmore, Oklahoma(Received 04/11)Asenior research assistant position is immedi­ately available in the Forage Biotechnology Groupof The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation. Thesuccessful candidate will provide technicalsupport in plant tissue culture, molecularcloning, and generation of transgenic plants.Master's degree in molecular biology, genetics,biochemistry, plant sciences, or related areas isrequired. Annual salary is in the range of$26,140-$39,200, depending upon qualificationsand experience. An application and the jobdescription are obtainable from our Web site atwww.noble.org. For details, contact Dr. Zeng-yuWang bye-mail at zywang@noble.org ortelephone 580-221-7368. To apply, please send aletter of application and a detailed curriculumvitae and arrange for three letters of reference tobe sent directly to Ms. Jane Nance, HumanResources Department, Attn: Job# FBG08200­lZW, The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, POBox 2180, Ardmore, OK 73402.

Research Assistant-Plant MolecularBiologistArcaris, Inc., Salt Lake City, Utah(Received 04/19)Arcaris, Inc., is a cutting-edge biotechnologycompany located in Salt Lake City, Utah. We havedeveloped novel molecular methods for identify­ing pharmaceutical targets for cancer and otherpathological diseases. We are currently adaptingour advanced technologies to the field of plantbiology. The successful candidate must hold aB.Sc. degree with one to two years of laboratorywork experience or an M.Sc. degree in a scientificdiscipline (plant biology and molecular biologypreferred). Technical experience withAgrobacterium-mediated plant transformationand/or plant cell suspension culture andknowledge of general molecular biologytechniques are required. Experience in one ormore of the following fields is desirable: plantviruses, microbial pathogenesis, cDNA libraryconstruction, and expression of recombinantproteins in eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells.Responsibilities are to perform biochemical,genetic, and molecular analysis of transgenicplants and to help build recombinant geneconstructs for plant transformation. We offer anexcellent benefits package including stockoptions, medical and dental coverage, relocationassistance, accrued paid time off, and paidholidays. To apply please fax a cover letter andresume to 801-303-0351 or mail to HumanResources, at 615 Arapeen Drive, Suite 300, SaltLake City, UT 84108.

ASSISTANTSHIPS, FELLOWSHIPS, INTERNSHIPS, ETC.

Graduate AssistantshipUniversity of Florida, Gainesville(Received 03/07)Agraduate research and teaching assistantship(master's or Ph.D. level) is available at theHorticultural Sciences Department, University of

Florida, Gainesville. The research program is onherbicide safener induced gene expression in themodel plantArabidopsis thaliana using DNAmicroarray technology. The ideal candidate will bemotivated in plant molecular biology research.The assistantship is restricted to U.S. citizens andpermanent residents only and requires a minimumtotal of 1000 in verbal and quantitative parts of theGRE. The assistantship will pay up to $14,000(master's) or $16,000 (Ph.D.) per year with atuition waiver. Information on graduate studies atthe University of Florida, Gainesville, can beobtained from http://web.ortge.ufl.edu/education/.To apply, please mail a curriculum vitae and thenames of three references to Dr. BalaRathinasabapathi, Assistant Professor, PlantMolecular and Cellular Biology Program,Horticultural Sciences Department, University ofFlorida, Gainesville, FL 32611-0690.

Graduate AssistantshipsUniversity of Florida, Gainesville(Received 03/10)Research/teaching assistantships are available forstudies leading to an M.S. or a Ph.D. degree.Program areas include plant production andnutrition, plant physiology, postharvest physiologyand technology, biochemistry, molecular biology,seed physiology, and plant breeding and genetics.Stipends range from $14,000 to $15,000 plus atuition waiver. The diverse climatic conditions andcultural practices in Florida offer researchopportunities with temperate, subtropical, andtropical commodities. U.S. applicants areencouraged to apply. For further information,contact Dr. D. J. Huber, Graduate Coordinator,Horticultural Sciences Department, PO Box110690, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL32611-0690; telephone 352-392-1928, ext. 216;e-mail rgoetz@ufl.edu.

Ph.D. AssistantshipUniversity of Florida, Milton(Received 04111)Ahalf-time Ph.D. assistantship is available(beginning summer/fall 2000) at the School ofForest Resources and Conservation, University ofFlorida, Gainesville. The successful applicant willundertake a research project examining leaf area,biomass allocation, and nutrient and water useefficiencies of intensively managed short rotationhardwood/pine plantations using a fertigation trial.Minimum qualifications include a master's degreein forestry or in any biological science with stronginterests in ecophysiology/tree nutrition, goodwritten and oral communication skills, 3.0 GPA,and a GRE score of 1000 (Verbal and Quantitative).Interested students should send a letter of interest,resume, transcripts (photocopy is acceptable),GRE score (photocopy is acceptable), and namesand addresses of three references to Dr. ShibuJose, School of Forest Resources and Conserva­tion, 5988 Hwy 90, Building 4900, PO Box 3634,University of Florida, Milton, FL 32572-3634;telephone 850-983 2632, fax 850-983 2637, e-mailsjose@gnv.ifas.ufl.edu.

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Graduate AssistantshipsKansas State University, Manhattan(Received 04/18)1\1'0 graduate assistantships (M.S. and Ph.D.) areavailable immediately in the turfgrass stressphysiology program, Kansas State University,Manhattan. If interested, please contact Dr. BingruHuang, Department of Horticulture, Kansas StateUniversity, Manhattan, KS 66506; telephone 785­532-1429, e-mail bhuang@oz.oznet.ksu.edu.

Graduate AssistantshipIowa State University, Ames(Received 04/20)Aresearch assistantship is immediately availablefor studies leading to an M.S. or a Ph.D. degree inthe Agronomy Department, Iowa State University,Ames. The candidate will be able to contributetoward understanding the molecular basis of thesoybean-Phytophthora sojae interaction. Thedisease resistance gene Rpsl-k has been shown tobe stable in providing resistance of soybean linesagainst P. sojae for nearly two decades. We haverecently identified candidates for this genethrough positional cloning. The high-resolutionmapping data indicate that this locus carriesseveral functional Rpsl-k homologues. Thecandidate will be able to choose one of severalprojects, such as (1) characterization of thecomplex Rpsl locus, which carries six functionalRpsl alleles, including Rpsl-k (2) characterizationof candidate signal transduction mutants that failto express resistance against this pathogen and (3)characterization of the complex Rps4 and Rps6loci by mapping NBS-like resistance genesequences that co-segregate with these two loci.Candidates with a strong background in genetics,plant pathology, and molecular biology arestrongly encouraged to apply. Applicants shouldsend GRE scores, transcriptS', three letters ofreference, reprints, and a personal letterdescribing profession~1 goals to Dr. Madan K.Bhattacharyya, Plant Biology Division, TheSamuel Roberts Noble Foundation, PO Box 2180,Ardmore, OK 73402; telephone 580-221-7390, fax580-221-7380, e-mailMKBhattacharyya@noble.org.

Graduate AssistantshipsUniversity of Memphis, Tennessee(Repeat)If interested, contact Graduate Coordinator(wgutzke@memphis.edu) providing a statement ofresearch interests, GPA, GRE, and advancedsubject test scores (if available). Applicantsinterested in plant eco-physiology and/or wetlandecology may contact Dr. S. R. Pezeshki atSRPEZSHK@memphis.edu. (Details March/April2000, ASPP NEWS)

Graduate AssistantshipNorth Dakota State University, Fargo(Repeat)For information about the research project andappl ication requirements, please contact Dr. MarcD. Anderson, Assistant Professor, Department ofBotanylBiology, North Dakota State University,Fargo, NO 58105; telephone 701-231-6488, fax701-231-7149, e-mail Marc_Anderson@ndsu."nodak.edu. (Details March/April 2000, ASPPNEWS)

Graduate AssistantshipsUniversity of Florida, Gainesville(Repeat)For information, contact Dr. D. J. Huber,Graduate Coordinator, Horticultural SciencesDepartment, PO Box 110690, University ofFlorida, Gainesville, FL 32611-0690; telephone352-392-1928, ext. 216, e-mail rego@gnv.ifas.ufl.edu. (Details March/April 2000, ASPP NEWS)

National Needs Graduate FellowshipsUniversity of Missouri-Columbia(Repeat)Please refer to the IPG Web site at http://www.plantgroup.org for information on programs andfor an online application form. Direct inquiries toJoe Polacco by telephone at 573-882-4789 ore-mail PolaccoJ@missouri.edu. (Details MarchiApril 2000, ASPP NEWS)

Graduate Research Assistantships inSeed BiologyLouisiana State University, Baton Rouge(Repeat)Contact Dr. Marc Alan Cohn, Department of PlantPathology and Crop Physiology, Louisiana StateUniversity, Baton Rouge, LA 70803; telephone225-388-1464, e-mail mcohn@lsu.edu. The LSUWeb site is http://www.lsu.edu. (Details MarchiApril 2000, ASPP NEWS)

May/June 2000, Vol. 27, No.3 __ --'-_--'-_-'-- ----J 21

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