ASPB News THE NEWSLETTER OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF PLANT BIOLOGISTS Volume 30, Number 2 March/April 2003

President’s Letter

How to Get Involved in ASPB Inside This Issue

The focus of my last two letters has been on the many interests you. Let them know of your desire to serve Plant Biology 2003 contributions the Society makes to plant biology and and, if appropriate, tell them about any special quali- how dependent the Society is on an engaged mem- fications or experience that may be relevant. When bership. Some of you may be interested in the president-elect begins the search for new com- Hawaiian Myths contributing to one of the Society’s many activities mittee members, he or she usually asks for names but don’t know how to get involved. Well, let me from the chairs of each committee. Likewise, the Major Symposia give you some ideas. chairs of each committee request suggestions from

Hawai‘i: Learning from First, in addition to the editorial boards that are the committee members. This approach is much the Past and the People appointed by the editors-in-chief, the Society has 20 easier now because the committee members who at- committees involved with governance and awards. tend the annual meeting have colored ribbons on In total, more than 100 members of the Society serve their name tags indicating with which committee on these essential committees that oversee the publi- they’re involved. This idea came from the Member- cations, meetings, awards, and public outreach of ship Committee, whose aim is to highlight the large ASPB. To get involved with one of these committees number of Society members involved in governance, (listed in the Membership Directory and on our web as well as to encourage members to let these com- page), one simply has to let the president-elect (cur- mittee members know your thoughts about their rently Mary Lou Guerinot, [email protected]) business. Thus, seek them out and let them know know early in the year of your willingness to serve. about your interest to serve. One of the crucial duties of the president-elect in the As I noted in my last letter, a dedicated member- spring of every year is appointing new members to ship is the foundation of a successful professional each committee of the Society. The new appointments society. Sometime during your career, get involved assume their positions on October 1 of the same year. and help keep ASPB at the forefront of serving the Send the president-elect an e-mail stating your inter- community of plant biologists!
est and detailing some of the qualifications you might bring to the job. This approach is the most direct Daniel R. Bush USDA–ARS and University of Illinois way to get on the list for consideration. [email protected] Another way to get involved is to talk with col- leagues who are members of a committee that Plant Biology 2003 Join us in Honolulu! Honolulu, Hawaii • July 25–July 30, 2003 ASPB Officers & Staff

CONTENTS

President Daniel R. Bush 217-333-6109 President-Elect Mary Lou Guerinot 603-646-2527 1 President’s Letter Immediate Past President Vicki L. Chandler 520-676-8725 Secretary Roger Hangarter 812-855-5456 3 Plant Biology 2003: Hawaiian Myths Treasurer Mark R. Brodl 210-999-7246 ASPB Members Elected AAAS Chair, Board of Trustees Wendy Boss 919-515-3496 Fellows Chair, Publications Committee Rebecca Chasan 301-496-3648 4 Plant Biology 2003: Major Symposia Chair, Women in Plant Biology Committee Mary Tierney 802-656-0434 Minority Affairs Committee Regina McClinton 337-482-5153 5 Hawai‘i: The Past and the People Education Committee Eric Davies 919-515-2727 Education Foundation Charts New Elected Members Nick Carpita 765-494-4653 Course Adrienne E. Clarke +61-38-344-5043 Danny Schnell 413-545-4024 6 People: Natasha Raikhel Accepts Sectional Representatives ASCB Award Midwestern Steven Rodermel 515-294-8890 Northeastern Carol Reiss 401-863-3075 8 Committees Southern Mel Oliver 806-723-5225 Women in Plant Biology Mid-Atlantic Jonathan Monroe 540-568-6649 Publications Western Dina Mandoli 206-543-4335 Minority Affairs Committee Executive director John Lisack, Jr., ext. 115 [email protected] 10 Perspective: GM Crops and Public Executive assistant Donna Gordon, ext. 131 [email protected] Concern Director of finance and administration Susan K. Rosenberry, ext. 111 [email protected] Accounting manager Kim Snell, ext. 141 [email protected] 11 Get-A-Member Campaign Winners Network administrator Burton Nicodemus, ext. 146 [email protected] Webmaster Wendy Sahli, ext. 123 [email protected] 12 Using the HighWire Portal: Citation Membership and marketing manager Kelley Noone, ext. 142 [email protected] Map Subscription and fulfillment assistant Suzanne Moore, ext. 141 [email protected] Accounts receivable specialist Stephanie Liu-Kuan, ext. 143 [email protected] 14 Membership Corner: Joyce Foster Accounts payable specialist Stefanie Shamer, ext. 144 [email protected] Administrative assistant Carolyn Freed, ext. 122 [email protected] 15 Bioethics Director of public affairs Brian M. Hyps, ext. 114 [email protected] Education Foundation director Robin Lempert, ext. 110 [email protected] Public Affairs 18 Education Foundation assistant Paula Brooks, ext. 116 [email protected] Director of publications Nancy A. Winchester, ext. 117 [email protected] 24 Education Forum Publications assistant Diane McCauley, ext 133 [email protected] 25 New Plant Biology Bookmarks Managing editor, Plant Physiology Melissa Junior, ext. 118 [email protected] Available Science writer, Plant Physiology Peter Minorsky, 914-437-7438 [email protected] Production manager, Plant Physiology Lisa Pergolizzi, ext.130 [email protected] 26 Obituary: Richard Harry Hageman Manuscript coordinator, Plant Physiology Leslie Malone, ext. 124 [email protected] Manuscript coordinator, Plant Physiology Leslie Csikos, ext. 125 [email protected] Managing editor, The Plant Cell Beth Staehle, ext. 121 [email protected] Deadline for July/August 2003 News and reviews editor, The Plant Cell Nancy Eckardt, 970-495-9918 [email protected] ASPB News: June 5, 2003 Production manager, The Plant Cell John Long, ext. 119 [email protected] Manuscript manager, The Plant Cell Annette Kessler, ext. 120 [email protected]

NOTICE: The ASPB News no longer ASPB News is distributed to all ASPB members and is published six carries job ads or meeting an- ASPB News times annually, in odd-numbered months. It is edited and prepared nouncements. Job ads appear by ASPB staff from material provided by ASPB members and other online at www.aspb.org/jobbank. interested parties. Headquarters Office The list is updated every Friday. Copy deadline is the 5th day of the preceding even-numbered 15501 Monona Drive Meeting notices can be posted at month (for example, December 5 for January/February publication). Rockville, MD 20855-2768 USA www.aspb.org/meetings. Submit copy by e-mail whenever possible; submit all other copy by Phone: 301-251-0560 mail, not by fax. Fax: 301-279-2996 Contact: Nancy A. Winchester, Editor, ASPB News, 15501 Monona Drive, Rockville, MD 20855-2768 USA; e-mail [email protected]; telephone 301-251-0560, ext. 117. ASPB Members Elected AAAS Fellows Hawaiian Myths—Beautiful, Exotic, The following members of ASPB were and Affordable! recently awarded the distinction of American Association for the Advance- Yes, all three myths about Hawaii are true! ment of Science Fellow, an election As the Plant Biology 2003 meeting ap- bestowed upon AAAS members by proaches and you start to make your their peers. For 2002, 291 scientists arrangements to attend, we wanted to let you were elected for their efforts to advance know that the Hawaii meeting could be one science or foster applications that are of the most affordable ASPB annual meetings deemed scientifically or socially distin- in recent years. guished. Reasonable rates at convenient and great Wendy Boss, North Carolina State hotels start from only $97 a night, single or University double occupancy, with rates starting from $75 a night single or double for students and Judy Callis, University of California, postdocs. Most Honolulu hotel rooms in- Davis clude refrigerators, coffeemakers, in-room Clinton Charles Spencer Chapple, safes, balconies, and many other amenities to Purdue University make your stay even more convenient and Katrina Cornish, USDA–ARS affordable. Our online housing form is on Western Regional Research Center our web page. Space is limited, so reserve Margaret E. Daub, North Carolina your preferred hotel and room early. Visit State University http://www.aspb.org/meetings/pb-2003/. Richard A. Dixon, Samuel Roberts Also, remember that we advise you to ar- Avoid peak travel days if possible (usu- Noble Foundation rive in Honolulu no later than Friday, July ally Friday–Sunday). David William Galbraith, University 25, because registration opens that afternoon Consider various routings or alternate cit- of Arizona and the opening reception/mixer is held that ies to reduce the cost. Charles S. Gasser, University of evening. The opening scientific sessions be- Think about combining flights from more California, Davis gin Saturday, July 26, at 8:00 am. than one carrier to find the best rate. Special airfares are available from multiple Chentao Lin, University of California, Special ASPB discounts are available on airlines offering very affordable rates. Fares Los Angeles from the U.S. West Coast often can be found Northwest Airlines Joachim Messing, Rutgers University 1-800-328-1111 in the $300–$400 range, and many fares in William L. Ogren, Hilton Head Island, WorldFile/Ticket Designator code: NMYMT the $500–$600 (or less) range have been South Carolina available from U.S. East Coast cities as well. Aloha Airlines Ralph S. Quatrano, Washington We strongly advise that you purchase your 1-800-367-5250 University ticket NOW! Here are some tips to help you Fare Basis/Ticket Designator code: G/SPE/BIO find the best airfare: James N. Siedow, Duke University Check these and other popular travel web Elizabeth Vierling, University of Plan early. sites for good airfares: Arizona Consider trading in frequent flyer miles if • www.expedia.com Richard D. Vierstra, University of possible. • www.orbitz.com Wisconsin, Madison
Check with your travel professional and • www.travelocity.com. travel web site frequently to be alert for We look forward to welcoming you with fare sales. the Aloha Spirit in Honolulu in July!

ASPB News, Vol. 30, No. 2 • 3 The Fulbright Scholar Program is offering Plant Biology 2003 Major Symposia lecturing/research awards in 140 Saturday, July 26, 9:10–11:40 am countries for the The Plant Cell Editors’ Symposium: “New Advances & Insights in Plant 2004–2005 Biology” academic year. Organizer: Ralph Quatrano Speakers: TBA Application deadlines are Sunday, July 27, 8:30–11:40 am May 1, 2003 “Adapting to a Dynamic Environment” Tuesday, July 29, 8:30–11:40 am Cosponsored by Plant, Cell & “Evolution of Plant Development” for Fulbright Distinguished Environment Organizer/Presentation: Chair awards in Europe, Organizer/Presentation: Neelima Sinha: “The Role of Canada, and Russia Kris Niyogi: “Acclimation to Light Indeterminacy and Ab-adaxiality in and Reactive Oxygen” Making Compound Leaves” August 1, 2003 Speakers & Presentations: Speakers & Presentations: for Fulbright traditional Kazuo Shinozaki: “Gene Networks Mitsuyasu Hasebe: “Evolution of lecturing and research Involved in Abiotic Stress Plant Body Plan from grants worldwide Responses” Physcomitrella to Arabidopsis” Elizabeth Vierling: “Molecular and John Bowman: “The Evolution of Contact the Council for Genetic Analysis of Thermo- Leaves in Vascular Plants” International Exchange of tolerance” Toby Kellogg: “Duplicate Genes, Johanna Schmidt: “The Adaptive Morphological Novelty, and the Scholars (CIES) at Evolution of Photomorphogenesis Grass Inflorescence” 202-686-7877; in Natural Plant Populations” [email protected]; Wednesday, July 30, 2:00–5:00 pm Monday, July 28, 8:30–11:40 am The President’s Symposium: www.cies.org. “Hormone Crosstalk” “The Plasma Membrane: A Happening Organizer/Presentation: Place!” Joseph Kieber: “Cytokinin Signaling Organizer: Daniel Bush and Its Interactions with Ethylene Speakers & Presentations: and Light” Michael Palmgren: “Receptor Speakers & Presentations: Kinase Mediated Regulation Joanne Chory: “Light, of Plasma Membrane Brassinosteroids, and Arabidopsis H+-ATPase” Development” Sally Assmann: “G Protein Peter McCourt: “Crosstalk Between Signaling in Plant Cells” Development and Hormones: Bill Lucas: “Plasmodesmata: Is It Meaningful or Just Gossip?” Pathway for Intercellular Ottoline Leyser: “The Hormonal Trafficking of Macromolecules” Control of Shoot Branching in Richard Williamson: “Cellulose Arabidopsis” Synthesis”

4 • ASPB News, Vol. 30, No. 2 Hawai‘i: Learning from the Past and the People

In the January/February 2003 ways the most important, tier, each ahupua‘a was managed by a konohiki, of the ASPB News, I ac- the ahupua‘a (ah-who-poo- or headman, who was assisted by luna. Luna quainted you with the general ah-ah). The name comes from were experts in different specialties (irrigation plant science scene in Hawai‘i. an altar of stones (ahu) on management, for example). In addition, each In this issue, I thought you which was placed the image of ahupua‘a had a master farmer and a master fish- might be interested to learn a the head of a pig (pua‘a). erman. Commoners (kanaka) worked the land bit about ancient Hawaiian These altars marked the and sea under the direction of these leaders. land stewardship. boundaries of the ahupua‘a. Hawai‘i is the most geographically isolated Those of us wedded to the In the simplest terms, an spot on Earth. The ancient Hawaiians wisely modern, technology-driven ahupua‘a is a land division understood that their survival demanded that culture would do well to lis- that runs from a mountain they marshal their resources responsibly so ten to Earth’s indigenous Jody Moore ridge, down through a valley, as to prevent pollution and extinction of any peoples, especially as regards and ends in the sea. If you species. They regarded Earth and its products humanity’s relationship to nature. Their think of an island as a circle, an ahupua‘a is a as part of the family, and they cared for them worldview is frequently more environmentally pie slice out of that circle. By dividing the land as one would care for valued family members. friendly. Ancient Hawaiians, in particular, had in this way, the Hawaiians guaranteed that For good or ill, the ahupua‘a system died an almost mystical attachment to nature. They those who lived in a particular ahupua‘a during the 19th century as Western ideas of revered their islands and all the plants and ani- would have access to all that nature could property and land ownership became pre- mals that thrived on the land and in the streams provide from every ecological niche within its dominant in Hawai‘i. and ocean. They saw all nature, themselves in- confines. An ahupua‘a contained virtually ev- (Typographical note: In recent years, there cluded, as inextricably linked and therefore erything needed to sustain life: fresh water that has been a concerted effort to spell and pro- culturally significant. Nothing was taken for was carefully managed for drinking, bathing, nounce the Hawaiian language properly. granted, and it was the responsibility of every and irrigation; plants that provided food, Consequently, when you come to Hawai‘i this member of the community to care for nature clothing, household items, building materials, summer for the annual meeting, you will see so that nature would continue to provide food, canoes, weapons, and numerous other prod- diacritical marks in words—such as the okino shelter, and clothing. (Note: There were no en- ucts; and animals that provided food and I have inserted into the words ahupua‘a and demic Hawaiian mammals; early Polynesian bone, the latter for tools and ornamentation. Hawai‘i—that are meant to force correct pro- settlers brought pigs and dogs.) As a rule, all the natural resources available nunciation. Properly typeset, the okino is a Hawaiians practiced a tiered system of land within an entire ahupua‘a were available for reverse apostrophe, and it signifies that the management. In the top tier were the the use of all its inhabitants. following vowel is to be pronounced sepa- mokupuni, the four larger islands of Hawai‘i, The Hawaiians had a highly structured rately [ha-wy-ee, not ha-wy].)
Maui, O‘ahu, and Kaua‘i. The islands were social order and class system. To a large ex- subdivided into districts called moku. Within tent, one’s role in life was determined by his Jody Moore [email protected] the moku, one found the next, and in many or her function in the ahupua‘a. Land use in

Education Foundation Study Launched to Chart New Course

The ASPB Education Foundation has re- essary insight to develop a plan for initiat- Foundation completed production of its cently launched a study to further define ing and funding our priority programs,” documentary film History’s Harvest: and prioritize its strategic goals and pro- said John Lisack, executive director, ASPB. Where Food Comes From and is in the gram plans for the future. The Foundation The study is scheduled to be completed by process of distributing it to K–12 schools. recently retained a national fundraising early April. Curriculum materials to support the film firm, CTE Associates, to conduct the study, Historically the Foundation has created are being developed. which will also assess the capability of rais- outreach programs to increase the public’s The Foundation looks forward to ing funds to help reach those goals through knowledge of the importance of plants and strengthening its commitment to education a major fundraising campaign. “We are to bring more plant biology programs to our and outreach.
confident that the study will give us the nec- schools’ curriculums. Most recently the

ASPB News, Vol. 30, No. 2 • 5 People

Natasha Raikhel Accepts ASCB Career Recognition Award

Natasha Raikhel, director both collective and individual of scientific contributions made by so many of the Center for Plant Cell progress. In America, I found students and postdocs with whom I have Biology (CEPCEB) within a place where prestige and in- had the pleasure of working. I now work the University of Califor- tellectual and economic rewards toward many objectives on behalf of a sci- nia–Riverside Genomics were all reasonable potential entific community, as well as my own Institute and editor-in- goals. Although I did not find personal interests. As with my past work, chief of Plant Physiology, the streets paved with gold, I ac- my future work will depend upon the efforts recently received the tually found the far greater of many, more numerous than I can list, for Women in Cell Biology treasure of opportunity. whom I feel much gratitude and with whom Senior Career Recognition Another social difference I share this moment and this award. Award from the American from which I profited is the In his essay Tradition and Individual Tal- Society for Cell Biology. Natasha Raikhel greater freedom for self-deter- ent, the poet T. S. Eliot says that no artist The ASPB News invited Natasha to share mination as an American woman. Here in the has his complete meaning alone. I would ex- her acceptance speech with members of the United States, it is possible, in concert with pand that thought to include today’s Society. the right partner in life, to build a domestic scientist, who also cannot have his or her environment where the responsibility for complete meaning alone. I am proud today Thank you for having honored me to- hearth and home is truly shared, so that fam- that my personal efforts in science will over day in this way. I accept this award with ily life also can be based on equality of time cease to be mine alone and join with a profound gratitude for the people and the opportunity. I could not have become the much larger stream of scientific thought that events that made it possible for my students, person or the scientist I am today without will live on beyond any of us here today. It is my colleagues, and myself to succeed in our the support of my husband Alex and my the American context, which at its best cel- work. children. ebrates diversity, the acceptance of new ideas, As many of you know, I originate from What I achieved also was due to the and the ever-present possibility to start again and grew up in the Soviet Union. I immi- chance of time. I am a product of this age of that has allowed for my success. And so, al- grated with my husband and first-born son molecular biology—with its rapidly expand- though you have singled me out for this to Athens, Georgia, in 1978 with a personal ing knowledge bases and burgeoning award, I acknowledge that it truly belongs fortune of $25 dollars. My memory is that I information systems—that has been made to our time and a philosophical tradition that felt like a “blind chicken” (Russian expres- possible by our technological growth. This I will continue to work within and seek to sion) and wondered how I could and would lucky moment in history has allowed all of preserve. Thank you. ever make the language, scientific, and social us here today the privilege to be pioneers of transitions required of me. I did not realize new and fascinating frontiers. Natasha Raikhel received her M.S. in bi- at the time that I was lucky in many ways I have tried, as I built a career as an Ameri- ology in 1970 and her Ph.D. from the and that fortune had favored me. can scientist, to foster and mentor those who Institute of Cytology in Leningrad, USSR, in I knew only a single American scientist will carry our field into the future; to be per- 1975. After postdoctoral studies, she con- when I first arrived. But I encountered many sistent in the pursuit of worthy goals; and tinued at the institute as an assistant helpful people who were critical to my sur- to change myself and the system when and professor until her departure from the So- vival. I also entered a social context within where there was anachronism, inefficiency, viet Union in 1979. At the University of academia that differed in several important or unfairness. The award you have given me Georgia, she worked as a postdoctoral as- ways from the system I had left behind. The today in a way validates my past efforts and sociate investigating the cell biology of the American academic system is characterized encourages a continued career shift in this chitin-binding lectin wheat germ agglutinin by a greater diversity, a greater openness of direction—a shift away from building a per- in wheat and related species. She went to the thought, and a fairer atmosphere of compe- sonal reputation toward an acceptance of the Department of Energy–Plant Research Labo- tition that drives one to take intellectual risks extraordinary responsibility of leadership ratory (PRL) at Michigan State University as and achieve more. At its best, this environ- within our field. But leadership does not oc- an assistant professor in 1986. As assistant ment also leads to a constant renewal of cur in isolation. We all lead and follow within and then associate professor at the PRL, she possibility, a wealth of new ideas, and a rich a group, hopefully as a team. I am continu- developed a research program to study the milieu of thoughtful exchange that fosters ously impressed by the breadth and depth plant genes involved in nuclear and vacuolar

6 • ASPB News, Vol. 30, No. 2 protein sorting in Arabidopsis thaliana. Her on elucidation of the components that medi- and genomic technologies. She has been promotion to full professor was followed by ate cell wall biosynthesis in plants. Her working in this field for three decades and her selection as University Distinguished Pro- multidisciplinary approach uses a combina- has guided many graduate and postdoctoral fessor. She has served on numerous tion of cellular, molecular, genetic, proteomic, associates in their research.
government and industry advisory boards and several editorial boards and was ap- pointed editor-in-chief of Plant Physiology The WICB Career Recognition Awards in May 2000. She moved to the University of California at Riverside (UCR) in January The Women in Cell Biology Committee tinuing a high level of scientific endeavor 2002, where she holds the Ernst and Helen recognizes outstanding achievements in while fostering the career development Leibacher Endowed Chair in Plant Molecu- cell biology by presenting two Career Rec- of young scientists. The Senior Award lar, Cell Biology & Genetics, and ognition Awards at the annual meeting is given to a woman or man in a later Distinguished Professor of Plant Cell Biol- of the American Society for Cell Biology. career stage (full professor or equiva- ogy. She is currently the director of the newly The Junior Award is given to a woman lent) whose outstanding scientific organized CEPCEB within the UCR in an early stage of her career (assistant achievements are coupled with a long- Genomics Institute, led by Professor Michael professor or equivalent) who has made standing record of support for women Clegg. Research in her laboratory is presently exceptional scientific contributions to cell in science and by mentorship of both focused on understanding the fundamental biology and exhibits the potential for con- men and women in scientific careers. principles of vacuolar biogenesis and protein trafficking through the secretory system and

The TAB offers a new model for scientific Arabidopsis publishing. Each of the 100+ chapters planned for the book will review in detail an important aspect of the Book plant Arabidopsis thaliana, and the The American Society content will continually evolve as of Plant Biologists is new information becomes available, pleased to announce making TAB the most comprehensive The Arabidopsis Book and current work on Arabidopsis. (TAB), a dynamic, fully ASPB is providing funds for the electronic compilation of chapters edited mounting and maintenance of TAB by Chris Somerville and Elliot Meyerowitz on the Internet as a public service. and available free of Please visit www.aspb.org/ charge on the Internet. publications/arabidopsis for chapters currently available in PDF. Eventually all chapters and updates will be hosted in partnership with BioOne (www.bioone.org) in both HTML and PDF formats.

ASPB News, Vol. 30, No. 2 • 7 Committee News

Snowed in but not snowed under is Eric Davies, Education Committee chair, as he peers over a large mound of snow February 17 in Gaithersburg, Maryland, just after a major winter storm. Members of the Education Committee and Membership Committee, as well as ASPB officers, were snowbound at a Gaithersburg hotel for two to three days as air- ports, railways, and roads were closed by deep The ASPB Executive Committee convened at headquarters February 15, 2003, for its snow. Members quickly made contingency annual winter meeting. Standing, from left to right: John Lisack, Jr. (executive director), arrangements by way of Internet and phone Eric Davies, Regina McClinton, Becky Chasan, Adrienne Clarke, Steve Rodermel, Dan for scheduled classes. Education Committee Bush (president), Mark Brodl, Wendy Boss, Vicki Chandler, Mel Oliver, Jon Monroe. Sit- member Ken Nadler’s Iron Man record of 33 ting, from left to right: Mary Tierney, Carol Reiss, Nick Carpita, Dina Mandoli, Mary Lou years without missing a scheduled class lec- Guerinot, Roger Hangarter. ture came to an end with the severe winter storm. “You can always find a way to get to class,” Nadler reflected.

Women in Plant Biology Committee Announces 2003 Events

The Women in Plant Biology Committee sional environment at the time they began a pants will have the opportunity to ask ques- is excited to announce two new career family, time management issues, and the sac- tions and engage speakers in discussion workshops for Plant Biology 2003. rifices they had to make. They will offer ad- within small groups following the presenta- Last year, the committee surveyed at- vice for those facing similar circumstances. tions. tendees at committee-sponsored events This workshop promises an excellent Both workshops will begin with a pizza held during Plant Biology 2002. The re- program with opportunity for small round- dinner. Sign up when you register for Plant sults showed that one of the biggest con- table discussion with each speaker following Biology 2003! cerns among young scientists and women the presentations. Don’t miss it! The annual Women in Plant Biology Lun- in science is balancing professional and Career Workshop II: “Getting and Keep- cheon will be held Monday, July 28, at noon. personal priorities. In response to this ing a Job” will be offered concurrently with The speaker, Dr. Deborah Delmer, is associ- finding, the committee has designed a new Career Workshop I on Sunday night, July ate director for food security at The workshop for 2003. 27. This program combines the best of two Rockefeller Foundation. Dr. Delmer has a Career Workshop I: “Career/Family former workshops: “How to Get the Jobs” long and varied career path and is a past presi- Balance” will be held Sunday evening, July and “How to Keep a Job.” Six speakers will dent of ASPB. 27. The workshop will address the ques- present their views, experiences, and advice Come enjoy excellent food, network with tion “How do you meet employer expecta- about preparing résumés and letters of rec- fellow students and professionals, meet mem- tions and still lead a balanced life?” Five ommendation, presentation skills, success- bers of the Women in Plant Biology Commit- ASPB women who have started families at ful strategies for interviews and negotiations, tee, and hear from one of today’s leading different points in their life and career path surviving politics, the importance of women in science. Add this event to your reg- will discuss the “climate” in their profes- mentoring, and coping with change. Partici- istration for Plant Biology 2003!

8 • ASPB News, Vol. 30, No. 2 Committee News Publications Committee

Chair Becky Chasan and members Sally reevaluating the awards at the end of the entific journals as well. Another trend facing Assmann, Doug Cook, Bob Fischer (by tele- three years to see whether they should be nearly all journal publishers is the decreasing phone), and Rob McClung convened in continued as ongoing Society awards. The number of print subscriptions. The commit- Rockville on Saturday, January 11, 2003, for committee recommended that the awards tee brainstormed ideas for generating the winter meeting of the Publications Com- be continued and regularized by ExComm. revenues and cutting costs in the face of this mittee. They were joined by staff members John Incoming editor-in-chief Rich Jorgensen changing market. Lisack, Nancy Winchester, and Beth Staehle. suggested a revised mechanism for select- Staff informed the committee that the Soci- The committee considered the draft ethics ing the winners that would involve a ety was discussing with PubMedCentral the in publishing document, the Young Scientist’s regular awards committee, composed digitization of very old issues of Plant Physiol- Best-Paper-of-the-Year Award, and a biennial perhaps of younger scientists and repre- ogy at no cost to the Society. Other items meeting of the full editorial board of The Plant sentatives of the two editorial boards. addressed include the progress of the online- Cell, beginning in spring 2004. Discussion ensued as to how to ensure that only Arabidopsis Book, edited by Chris a large number of manuscripts would be Somerville and Elliot Meyerowitz; the develop- “Ethics in Publishing: ASPB Policies and nominated. [Ed. note: ExComm voted ment of The Molecular Life of Plants, by Procedures” will guide editors and staff in unanimously at its February 15 meeting Buchanan, Gruissem, Jones, and Vickers—the responding to allegations of scientific mis- to discontinue the awards.] Society’s first joint book project with John Wiley conduct related to manuscripts that have & Sons; the weekly loading of journal articles been submitted to or published in ASPB’s Jorgensen asked the committee to consider as soon as author proofs are corrected; and the journals. The committee made extensive his request that the editorial board of The success with Bench>Press, ASPB’s online manu- changes to the latest draft; after they ap- Plant Cell have a mandatory meeting of the script management system (which has reduced prove the revisions, the document will be full board once every two years. The com- time to first decision to an average of 30–35 reviewed by legal counsel and the Depart- mittee endorsed Rich’s request. They also days). These last two items in combination have ment of Health and Human Services Office supported his plan to add two to five new brought the time from submission to publica- of Research Integrity. The committee plans coeditors to the board, which is consistent tion online to under four months for both to present a final draft to the Executive with the increasing number of manuscripts journals. Committee (ExComm) at its summer meet- submitted to the journal and the journal’s Finally, staff and committee members re- ing in Honolulu. expanded scope. viewed the committee’s intention to The Best Paper Awards were originally Staff updated the committee on Plant recommend to ExComm that the Society approved by ExComm in 1999 for a three- Physiology and The Plant Cell. Of note is the sponsor the AAAS mass media fellowship year term, with the first awards being given fact that both journals are enjoying large in- program, at a cost of $8,000, to replace the at Plant Biology 2000 in San Diego. The creases in the number of submissions, a trend in-house–managed science writing internship Publications Committee was charged with that seems to be true for numerous other sci- that was tried a few years ago.

Minority Affairs Committee

The Minority Affairs Committee met at ASPB headquarters December 21, 2002. Pictured left to right are Sabeeha Merchant, Regina McClinton (chair), Robert Vellanoweth, Dan Bush (president), and Emil Orozco. Topics discussed include the ASPB Traveling Booth, the 2003 Annual Meeting Luncheon, the 2004 Annual Meeting Symposium and Luncheon, the MAC web site, and speaker visits to minority-serving institutions.

ASPB News, Vol. 30, No. 2 • 9 Perspective

GM Crops: Understanding Public Concern

We have seen Robert B. Goldberg’s ASPB- there is a large-scale, relevant difference ture. The GM crops publicly discussed so sponsored film History’s Harvest:Where here: Phenotypically, a bamboo plant is far are, however, typically pesticide-resistant Foods Come From. By placing GM crops in nothing like a human being! Failure to ac- strains, claimed to be environmentally their historical social and economic context, knowledge and indeed respect the fact that friendly because they will reduce pesticide this film aims to counter public skepticism. the controversy rests on different values that use. Research indicated, however, that the History’s Harvest may, however, turn out to are expressed through different understand- public views such crops as part of an agri- be counterproductive. Drawing on lessons ings of what concerns are relevant may lead cultural technology based on the use of from the European controversy over GM to an aggravation of the situation rather than pesticides—and as such are generally not foods, we will discuss some of these argu- to a solution. wanted. Furthermore, the public has heard ments. It is our hope that this commentary Another argument in the film is that be- similar assurances several times in the sec- will help foster the development of publicly cause GM crops are subject to intense ond half of the 20th century: To the extent accountable use of gene technology. regulation, there is no reason why they these proved incorrect, trust in the sector According to the film’s introduction, the should not be accepted by the public. This diminished. One-eyed claims for the safety aim is “to educate the public about the his- argument contains two problems: On the and environmental harmlessness of gene tory of agriculture and where food comes one hand, there is a mismatch between pub- technology are therefore likely to increase from.” It is clear, then, that the film involves lic regulation focusing on health and distrust in the science, industry, and indeed tacit acceptance of what sociologists refer to environment and the concerns of the public. technology. The strategy of the GM crop as the “deficit model,” i.e., the notion that On the other hand, it can be questioned sector should be to discuss potential risks public unwillingness to accept gene technol- whether regulation really addresses the openly, to abstain from research into risky ogy is the result of insufficient levels of health-related and environmental concerns applications, and to demonstrate a willing- knowledge. It has been demonstrated, how- in a way that matches the public concern. ness to manage any risks that arise. ever, that there is no such simple correlation Research carried out in Denmark indicates Finally, History’s Harvest represents gene between knowledge and acceptance (e.g., that, while many people are confident that technology as a solution to some of the Midden et al., 2002) and that public skepti- the public authorities are able to manage the problems of food provision in the third cism therefore cannot be dispelled simply by risks here and now, people are less confident world. This argument is regarded sympa- information. about their ability to handle long-term ef- thetically by the majority of the public, and A central contention of the film is that the fects because of the scientific uncertainty. indeed here most people abandon the simple risks of GM crops are marginal where they Attempts to conceal these or other limits dichotomy between the unacceptable GM exist. However, the accuracy of this conten- to scientific knowledge do not prevent con- foods and the much more acceptable medi- tion depends on what concerns we are troversies from arising; rather the opposite cal uses: GM food is here seen as a means to prepared to count as “risk.” According to a happens, because they may undermine lay help people in distress. Such beneficial uses, common understanding, risks relate to the trust in business and public authorities (wit- however, are countered by the observation environment and human health. Recent ness the handling of the BSE controversy in that, in general, GM crops are developed not research has, however, repeatedly demon- the United Kingdom). In the long run a to benefit people in the third world but to strated that public concerns also include a policy of openness about the different dimen- make money. Needless to say, according to number of other moral concerns (e.g., Lassen sions of uncertainty would be more likely to those who point this out, making money is et al., 2002; Wagner et al., 2001; Grove- increase trust in scientific risk assessment. not in itself an acceptable objective. Hence, White et al., 1997). Our point is that the film There is, of course, no guarantee that the fear is that the benefits will never accrue dangerously neglects widespread public con- glasnost of this kind will lead to public ac- to those who are at present suffering. In this cern about matters beyond health and ceptance of GM crops, but the lesson from context the point is twofold. environment. This is apparent, for example, Europe is that openness and dialogue are Threatened with declining public support, in the ridicule of the perception that gene prerequisites of public acceptance. it is tempting for scientists to use rhetorical technology is unnatural, where the argument Another argument the film presents is strategies to communicate their excitement is that because human and bamboo genomes that there is no evidence that GM crops con- and the potential benefits of their work. That are practically identical, there is no such thing stitute a risk to the environment that differs is, of course, fair enough, but the point we as unnatural gene technology. Obviously from those involved in traditional agricul- want to make here is that failure to recognize

10 • ASPB News, Vol. 30, No. 2 GET-A-MEMBER CAMPAIGN WINNERS

the complex nature of public concerns may have disastrous consequences.
Congratulations to the winners of our award-winning Get-A-Member Campaign. Jesper Lassen Thank you to all the members who participated in this campaign. We have reached Kristian Borch our goal of 1,500 new members. The first-place winner will receive airfare to Plant Rikke Bagger Jørgensen Biology 2003 in Hawaii; second-place winners will Centre for Bioethics and Risk Assessment receive a Gel Ion Pen; and third-place winners will Jesper Lassen is associate professor in sociology receive a World Time Clock & Calculator. Staff would specializing in attitudes to biotechnology at The also like to thank the Membership Committee for Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, all its hard work on this campaign! Denmark; Kristian Borch is senior researcher in plant biology specializing in technology foresight at Risø National Laboratory, Denmark; and Rikke Bagger Jørgensen is senior researcher in plant biology specializing in genetics at Risø Na- 1st Prize Winner tional Laboratory, Denmark. Patrick Morgan References Grove-White, R., Macnaghten, P., Mayer, S., and Wynne, B. (1997) Uncertain World: Genetically Modified Organisms, Food and Public Attitudes in Britain. Lancaster,  2nd Prize Winners  U.K.: IEPPP, Lancaster University (in as- sociation with Unilever). For details see Burkhard Becker John Scott-Craig Angelo Viotti http://domino.lancs.ac.uk/ieppp/ Hirotada Fukushige Rhidaya Shrestha Hao Yu Home.nsf/publications+by+type/D6A. Fawzi Razem Johannes Stratmann Lassen, J. et al. (2002) Ethics and genetic en- Joaquin Royo Loverine Taylor gineering—Lessons to be learned from GM foods. Bioprocess and Biosystems Engineering, 24(5): 263–271. Midden, C. et al. (2002) The structure of pub-  3rd Prize Winners  lic perception. In Bauer & Gaskell (eds.), Biotechnology. The Making of a Global Roula Abdel-Massih Julia Frugoli Gloria Muday Controversy. Cambridge: Cambridge Uni- Randy Allen Erich Grotewold Brent Nielsen versity Press, pp. 203–223. Emily Avila-Teeguarrden Gokhan Hacisalihoglu Robert Pirtle Wagner, W. et al. (2001) Nature in disorder: The troubled public of biotechnology. In Virginia Berg Heiko Haertel Kirk Overmyer Gaskell & Bauer (eds.), Biotechnology Eduardo Blumwald Karl Hasenstein David Ow 1996–2000. The Years of Controversy. Kathleen Brown Xiaohua He Natasha Raikhel London: Science Museum, pp. 80–95. Michael Campbell Gyula Holleschak Joaquin Royo Address correspondence to Jesper Lassen Roland Caubergs Shazia Husain Laura Saavedra at [email protected]. Ping Che Pankaj Jaiswal Thomas Sharkey Won-Il Chung Paula Jameson Lawrence Smart The ASPB News welcomes member commen- Daniel Cosgrove Teh-hui Kao Andre Steinmetz tary. Publication is at the discretion of the Alejandra Covarrubias Ju-Kon Kim Manuel Torres editor, and articles may be edited for length. The views expressed are those of the authors Anthea Craighead YongSig Kim Matsuo Uemura and do not necessarily reflect ASPB’s position. Stephen Ebbs Maja Kovae Len Wade Responses are welcome; send them to the editor Guy Farish Laigeng Li Andreas Weber at [email protected]. Because the newsletter is Emilio Fernandez Iris Meier Daniel Zarka an ASPB member publication, at least one au- Jennifer Fletcher Charles Moehs thor must be an ASPB member for an article to be eligible for publication.

ASPB News, Vol. 30, No. 2 • 11 The HighWire Portal: Citation Map

Help! I only have time to scan a few articles on 1994); Fleischer et al. is in the middle. All ar- you’ve chosen. But you can ask it to map up an unfamiliar topic; which are the best? ticles shown are well cited (Citation Map to 30 articles (the graphical map is hard to This article is one more in a series of pieces doesn’t show all citations; that would be over- read above 20 articles). The list of citations is highlighting the features of the HighWire Li- whelming); the yellow circles show articles that easy to read no matter how many articles you brary of the Sciences and Medicine Portal. In are the most highly cited within the group of ask for. the last issue of the ASPB News, we described related articles. Note that the map shows not If you find it hard to read the graphical CiteTrack, the free e-mail alerting service that only the articles cited by Fleischer but also the map’s citations, just click on any circle, and a finds the articles you might have missed. articles that cite Fleischer. So you can look pop-up window will give you the full citation Perhaps you are meeting a new colleague forward and backward in time to see what for that article. In addition, the citations them- for the first time, or perhaps you have encoun- happened with an article’s work after it was selves include a Citation Map hyperlink, so tered a new topic in refereeing an article or a published. In fact, this particular example you can shift the focus of your map by new topic in your general reading and you shows five generations of citations! Obvi- remapping with the “central article” at a dif- want to know what is going on in this area. ously, the more recent an article, the fewer ferent focus. You can mark a set of citations Or perhaps you have to give a lecture or write articles will have cited it; because of the tech- and download them to a citation manager. a review article and want help selecting a nology, articles whose full-text HTML is not Next to the citation list (Figure 2), you also bibliography. online won’t have citations from them (and, see the list of authors, and you might some- Previously, the available tools were a key- because of the limits of online citation history, times find it useful to explore the work of an word search—but this might return too many HighWire doesn’t record many citations prior author who is unfamiliar to you; clicking on articles that are distantly related to a topic— to 1994). But within the past five to seven an author’s name will bring up a list of all of or an author search—which might return too years, there is a wealth of material. his or her articles in the portal, which includes few articles, narrowly focused on a single By default, the map shows only the 10 a million HighWire-hosted full-text articles person’s work—or a “related articles” search— most highly cited articles related to the one and about 12 million Medline abstracts. which gives you related articles but no sense of how important they are in the field. The new Citation Map tool provides a way Figure 1 to identify articles that are directly related by citation to a given article and are highly cited themselves, at the same time. It graphically displays the articles so you can see which ar- ticles cite which other articles. It sorts the related articles by frequency of citation on the topic and thus helps you prioritize your read- ing when you are unfamiliar with a field. It also shows you which authors and which journals appear most often. This information might, for example, lead you to evaluate other articles by a key author in the field. You will find a hyperlink titled “Citation Map” on many items in a search result in the new portal. Click on the link to have the sys- tem compute a citation map starting from the particular article you’ve chosen. Take a look at Figure 1— a Citation Map for a 1998 Plant Physiology article by Fleischer et al. The top of the example repeats the full citation to the article. Then a map shows the most recent articles on the left (a Plant Physiology article from 2001) and the oldest article on the right (Plant Physiology,

12 • ASPB News, Vol. 30, No. 2 You might find it interesting to run a Cita- Assist in refereeing or writing a review article. tion Map on your own articles! What does it do? In detail, here’s how it works: Is your Given a starting reference, Citation Map finds What is it? all articles related by citations either citing the Directory Citation Map is a graphical representation article or cited by the article. The result set is of the articles citing or cited by your selected expanded outward from the starting article article. The map is based on the references to make a collection of all the articles related listing found in the full-text articles of the by citation to the starting article. By noting HighWire-hosted journals. The initial num- the number of times each article in the collec- correct? ber of citations viewed in the map is 10, but tion is cited, the related papers with the great- you can change this number if you desire. est impact are graphed, along with the citing/ What is it for? cited-by relations among the articles in the col- lection. This shows you the most important Develop reading lists to get up to speed on papers related to a starting article, as well as a new topic. temporal and “line-of-cite” relationships be- Generate bulk citation lists for import into tween these articles.
literature management programs.

Figure 2

Update your online record any time during the year.

To update your online listing in the ASPB Membership Directory, visit www.aspb.org and log in as a member.

Please note: There is a time delay between submitting revisions and their actual appearance online.

ASPB News, Vol. 30, No. 2 • 13 Membership Corner

ASPB members share a common goal of promoting the growth, development, and outreach of plant biology as a pure and applied science. This column features some of the dedicated and innovative members of ASPB who believe that membership in our Society is crucial to the future of plant biology. If you are interested in contributing to this feature, please contact Kelley Noone, ASPB membership and marketing manager, at [email protected].

Name: Tech. I was truly committed to ASPB af- 6. Do you still read print journals? Where Joyce G. Foster ter serving on the local arrangements do you usually read them: work, home, committee and helping Alice Kessler, a library, in the car? Title: Research member of the headquarters staff, with I prefer to read print journals because Biochemist meeting registration when the annual of their portability, and my personal sub- Place of work meeting was held in Blacksburg in 1978. scriptions are predominantly print or school: versions. I preview contents on electronic 4. What would you tell nonmembers to en- USDA–ARS, versions. Free online access to journals courage them to join? Appalachian has been helpful because I am located at ASPB is the leading professional organi- Farming a remote facility with few library re- zation of plant biologists. The Society Systems Research Center, Beaver, West sources onsite. Although I am able to get and its annual meeting attract distin- Virginia reprints easily, not being able to page guished plant biologists from the United through journals to which I don’t sub- Research area: Secondary metabolism in States and abroad and many talented scribe limits my exposure to areas forage species; regulation of forage students and postdocs. ASPB is recog- outside my specific research endeavors. metabolite composition by environmental nized for the quality of its two journals, I do a lot of my reading at the office be- factors and agronomic practices; and Plant Physiology and The Plant Cell. cause I am constantly developing and implications of polyphenol, lipid, and Through its book publishing partner- applying analytical methods. I also read antioxidant composition of forages for ship with John Wiley and Sons, ASPB scientific articles at home in the evenings. pasture-raised ruminant livestock. can expand publication opportunities for members and provide members with 7. What do you think is the next “big Member since: 1975 more extensive distribution of their thing” in plant biology? work. Public education activities con- I think the area of secondary metabo- 1. Has being a member of ASPB helped you ducted by the Society enhance the lism will resurface as a big thing, in your career? If so, how? exposure of plant biologists and their re- benefiting from the advances in func- Yes. ASPB membership has resulted in search and have influenced members of tional genomics. Human nutrition and contacts with plant scientists who have Congress to support increased funding health issues will play an increasingly become valuable mentors. Discussion for plant biology research. And now, prominent role in guiding plant biology initiated at annual meetings has led to ASPB is initiating an autumn focus meet- investigations. new research endeavors and fruitful ing in addition to the summer annual collaborations. meeting. 8. What person, living or dead, do you 2. Why has being a member of ASPB been most admire? 5. Have you gotten a job using ASPB job important? Gerry Edwards is one of the people I es- postings or through networking at the ASPB provides a networking mechanism pecially admire. He is constantly forging annual meeting? that has facilitated access to experts as new territory; he has earned interna- I used the placement service when in- my research directions changed. It has tional respect and recognition for his vestigating postdoctoral opportunities. also given me a means to contribute to accomplishments, and despite his great Long-term professional relationships the profession beyond conducting inves- success, he remains a wonderfully ap- that developed from interactions at na- tigations and reporting results. proachable personality. tional and sectional meetings continue to 3. Was anyone instrumental in getting you have significant, positive impact on my 9. What are you reading these days? to join ASPB? research. My research assignment with Much of my professional reading con- Yes. My introduction to ASPB was made ARS has changed several times, and that cerns interactions between plants and by my adviser, Dr. John Hess, during my has made me appreciate the value of net- animals. Topics of particular interest are first year of graduate study at Virginia working at the annual meeting. the effects of plant metabolites on nutri-

14 • ASPB News, Vol. 30, No. 2 Bioethics

The Bioethics Imperative X

Continued from The Bioethics Imperative IX

“Mokita”: The truth we all know and checks the 25th percentile on the form and ent use efficiency and parasite control agree not to talk about. Papua New sings your praises in prose). These latter in small ruminants, especially meat Guinea. letters are to me not ethical! Cultural and personal style and the ex- goats, and the flavor and shelf-life of Ideally, you have now established a perience of the reviewer can play big roles meat derived from pasture-raised ani- good working relationship with potential in the tone of the letter but should not mals. For pleasure I often choose books referees by the way that you approached impact the strength of the letter. For ex- related to my career. I have just finished them. Get a firm “yes” one to two weeks ample, I find that letters from Europeans Eighty Acres: Elegy for a Family Farm, in advance from those who will write on are colder and less effusive than ones from by Ronald Jager, which vividly and ef- your behalf. That means you must assemble Americans, and I expect a different level fectively captured my own experiences your materials before then. “Failure to plan of critique and experience from someone on the family farm. I recently read on your part does not constitute an emer- who is early in their career than from Seeds of Change: Five Plants That gency on my part!” is a message that many someone who is more seasoned. Transformed Mankind, by Henry professors would like to post! Provide To indicate the degree to which they can Hobhouse, and this book is one I rec- clear deadlines, especially if you are ask- recommend you, reviewers will check a per- ommend to everyone having an ing for multiple letters at once. centile ranking and use various adjectives. interest in plants. Among my favorite If your mentors say “yes,” ask each one For example, a weak recommendation books are the Mitford stories by Jan how they would like to proceed. Do they will “damn with feint praise” or use no Karon. These I read purely for enter- want tainment. or weak adjectives, whereas a strong let- • a stamped, addressed envelope for each ter will use clear language with laudatory 10. What are your hobbies? letter adjectives. Try asking your mentor what Much of my free time is spent with my • your proposal in draft or only in final they think is a good letter of reference— husband and other members of the form you may open a great discussion about American Chestnut Cooperators’ • a transcript and other supporting ma- adjectives! Foundation, trying to develop blight- terial such as your personal statement Finally, be proactive in learning which resistant, all-American chestnut trees • a reminder about their deadline references to use again. You can retain and restoring these trees to Appala- your rights to see the letters, but many ref- chian forests. • their preference about waiving your rights to see the letter erees do not like that. However, a colleague 11. What is your most treasured or mentor who has access to your letters • all the information about the fellow- possession? may be able to give you some casual feed- ship, meeting, etc., that you are My most treasured possessions are my back without giving names. You will applying for so that they can write family and my memories of our times usually hear which letters were strong, so something relevant? together. remember those! In general, choose people A useful reference tells me how the who know you best. A letter from a teach- 12. What do you have left to learn? letter writer knows the candidate and for ing assistant does not carry the weight of I am constantly frustrated by how little how long, the candidate’s strengths and a letter from your research adviser; status I do know. I am lucky that my career weaknesses, their work habits and work does matter. That said, a letter from some- affords opportunities to explore so ethic, their level and source of motivation, one who knows you well will do more for many diverse topics in relative depth, their professional interests, and finally a you than a “big-wig” adviser who barely but each new fact points to many more bit about what they are like as a person.
knows your name! that need to be assimilated. Useless letters are incomplete, or from Next: The Ethics of the Letter Writer
folks who either do not know you or do not know what you are applying for or Dina Mandoli are internally contradictory (the writer University of Washington, Seattle [email protected]

ASPB News, Vol. 30, No. 2 • 15

The American Society of Plant Biologists has achieved another milestone in its commitment to provide online access to the Society’s journal archives free of charge to the worldwide scientific community.

All articles published in The Plant Cell, beginning with volume 1, January 1989, are now available online at www.plantcell.org. The Plant Physiology archive now dates to January 1993 at www.plantphysiol.org. Watch for announcements about expansion of the Plant Physiology archive back to the journal’s early volumes! All electronic articles have been indexed in PubMed. Articles published prior to 1998 are in searchable PDF format. Public Affairs

USDA Seeks $200 Million for NRI, $987 Million for ARS

The president’s fiscal year 2004 budget re- genomics. There are opportunities to leverage The president is seeking a FY2004 bud- quest for the U.S. Department of Agriculture investments with investments from the Na- get of $1.019 billion for the Cooperative State seeks $200 million for the National Research tional Institutes of Health, the Department of Research, Education and Extension Service, Initiative Competitive Grants Program Energy, and the National Science Foundation a net decrease of $13 million from the 2003 (NRI). The FY2002 appropriation for the in projects to map and sequence the genomes budget. NRI was $120 million. of agriculturally important species of plants, The president’s 2004 budget for the ARS The president sought $240 million for the animals, and microbes.” recommends $987 million for ARS Research NRI in FY2003. The FY2003 appropriations “USDA plays an important role in coor- and Information, an increase of $29 million bill that determines actual funding for agri- dinating and participating in interagency above the 2003 budget. cultural research was still pending in Congress workgroups on domestic animal, microbial, The 2004 budget requests $355 million when the president made his FY2004 budget and plant genomics. NIH solicits proposals for plant research, which is an increase of $9 request on schedule February 3. from USDA and USDA cooperators for million. There are increases of $14 million for The president’s budget documents note projects to be carried out at the major genome pay costs and $16 million for selected, high- that “the proposed appropriation of $200 sequencing centers. The NRI will also support priority programs. Highlights of the proposal million [for the NRI] will represent a substan- investments in functional genomics and data for the main program area of plant science tial increase above recent annual appropria- bases. Access to genomic information and the include ongoing ARS research to address a tions. For the most part, the 2004 budget new tools to exploit it has implications for wide range of crop production issues, includ- extends proposals made for 2003, includ- virtually all aspects of agriculture. Funding at ing pest and disease management through use ing proposals to discontinue congressional the levels proposed for the NRI is important of biologically based technologies, plant ge- earmarks.” to take full advantage of the opportunities to nome mapping, and the maintenance and The budget document adds, “The NRI, collaborate with many other partners. Animal improvement of plant germplasm. The 2004 along with funding in the ARS budget, is a genomics is slated for a $10 million increase budget includes a proposed $3.5 million in- major source of USDA support for multi- in the NRI, and there is a corresponding in- crease for plant/crop genomics.
agency collaborative efforts in the field of crease in the ARS budget of $4 million.”

NSF Seeks 9 Percent Budget Hike

The National Science Foundation (NSF) fis- The president’s request for NSF Education cal year 2004 budget calls for $5.48 billion, and Human Resources is up $30 million, or which is $453 million, or 9 percent, more than 3.3 percent, to $938 million. The FY2004 the FY2003 request of $5.03 billion. NSF budget request of the president was released noted that these investments will sustain and February 3 in advance of the enactment of build U.S. global leadership in science, engi- the FY2003 appropriations bill then pend- neering, and technology and assist the United ing in Congress. States in addressing priorities of immediate NSF Director Rita Colwell gave a briefing national importance. on the FY2004 budget request February 3 that For the NSF Directorate for Biological was attended by ASPB public affairs staff. She Sciences, $562.22 million is requested for said the increase sought by President Bush for FY2004, which is an increase of $36.6 NSF leaves no doubt that the president rec- NSF Director Rita Colwell million, or 7 percent, over the FY2003 ognizes the value of NSF and embraces NSF’s request. The request for the plant genome re- vision.
search program is $75 million, which is the same as the FY2003 request.

18 • ASPB News, Vol. 30, No. 2 Public Affairs Senator Bond Keynote Speaker Dedicating Crop Genomics Labs

Senator Christopher (Kit) Bond (R-MO) was the keynote speaker during the special celebra- tion dedicating the opening of three crop genomics laboratories at the University of Missouri–Columbia on September 7, 2002. Senator Bond has an outstanding record of championing support for plant research, in- cluding plant genome research, in Congress. He is a leading advocate in Congress for the use of modern plant research to address pressing needs in the areas of food security, human health, and the environment. He led successful efforts in gaining an additional $10 million above the budget request for plant Henry Nguyen and Gary Stacey. Drs. Nguyen genome research for fiscal year 2003 and has and Stacey recently joined the University of championed support for plant genome re- Missouri as Missouri Soybean Merchandis- Important Dates in 2003 search each year since FY1998. In the photo ing Council–endowed chair professors of April 4–5 from left: Senator Bond and ASPB members genomics and biotechnology.
Education Foundation Meeting April 17 Mid-Atlantic Section/ASPB Meeting, National Arboretum, Washington, DC DOE Seeks Level Funding in Chemical, May 15 Plant Biology 2003— Geo, and Biosciences Early bird registration cutoff June 6–7 Northeastern Section/ASPB The Department of Energy (DOE) budget re- The other merged research program in BES Meeting, Bucknell University, quest for fiscal year 2004 seeks $220.9 million is Materials Sciences and Engineering. Total Lewisburg, PA for the combined program of Chemical Sci- research funding requested for BES for June 10 ences, Geosciences, and Energy Biosciences. FY2004 is $788.6 million. There is also a con- Notification of Elected/Award This amount represents an increase of struction line budget request of nearly $220 recipients $899,000, or 0.4 percent, over FY2004. million for BES. The construction budget is June 20 Energy Biosciences offers competitive down more than 12 percent with the FY2004 Plant Biology 2003— grants to support research on plants and mi- request. The combined BES request for re- Housing registration cutoff crobes. Energy Biosciences research is search and construction is nearly $1.01 billion, July 25 and 29 administered by Greg Dilworth and his staff, which is 1 percent below the FY2003 request. Executive Committee Meetings/ James Tavares and Sharlene Weatherwax. The BES is part of the DOE Office of Science. Hawaii Chemical Sciences, Geosciences, and Energy The FY2004 budget request for the Office of July 25–30 Biosciences program is part of the Office of Science is $3.3 billion, which is an increase of Plant Biology 2003— Basic Energy Sciences (BES). $55 million.
Honolulu, Hawaii October 22–26 Plant Genetics 2003— Snowbird, Utah

ASPB News, Vol. 30, No. 2 • 19 Public Affairs

NIH Responds to Dan Bush’s Letter on Importance of Rapid Release of Genomic Sequence Data

ASPB President Dan Bush ognized for that work A key element of the success of the genome sent a letter to National Insti- through an initial publica- research programs has been the rapid release tutes of Health Director Elias tion, we are concerned that of genome sequence data, without restrictions Zerhouni December 19, the incentive for such labo- of any kind, to both the scientific community 2002, to point out the impor- ratories to continue sequenc- and to the public. ASPB endorses the long- tance of rapid release of ing and releasing data will be standing policies established by the Bermuda genomic sequence data to reduced.” Agreement and practiced by GenBank and the the scientific community and “At the same time, the International DNA databases regarding the the public. Some genome NHGRI and the Wellcome immediate release of genome sequence data sequencing centers have re- Trust realize that such a nu- without restrictions. ASPB believes that the quested that their data not be anced compromise cannot be current policy of immediate unrestricted re- released immediately. effectively introduced and lease offers maximum benefits to the science Francis Collins, director NHGRI Director Francis maintained without the full community and the public. Collins of the NIH National Human support and cooperation of As you know, some genome sequencing Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), sent the entire biological and biomedical research centers have requested that their data not be Bush a letter in response on January 8, communities. To that end, the Wellcome Trust released immediately, or be released with re- 2003. In his letter, Collins said, “We are com- has organized an international meeting to dis- strictions, in order to provide a preferred right pletely convinced of the merits of providing cuss this issue, raise awareness about the to publish. ASPB feels that this type of restric- the scientific community with as much ge- problem, and stimulate debate and discussion tion is not in the best interest of long-term nomic DNA sequence data as possible, in a in the community, in hopes of developing a scientific progress, and that those centers al- way that maximizes the scientific usefulness consensus that will meet the needs of both the ready have ample opportunity to publish their of the data.” producers and users of genomic sequence work in a timely manner. Collins added, “As far as I know, there data. This meeting will take place in Fort Lau- ASPB encourages continued adherence by have been no instances in which NHGRI- derdale, Florida, from January 13–15, program officers and grant administrators to funded sequencing projects have not released 2003. I invite you to participate in the discus- the long-standing NIH policies established by their data immediately. NHGRI is, however, sion that is sure to follow on the meeting.” the Bermuda Agreement and GenBank—spe- aware of a number of instances in which ge- The issue of timely release of genomic se- cifically, that data produced by large-scale nome sequencing projects that are not funded quence data was presented to the sequencing efforts should be released imme- by the institute and to which, therefore, the Committee on Public Affairs by committee diately and without restrictions. Release rapid release policy does not pertain, have not member Daphne Preuss. Preuss, committee requirements should be made clear at the time released, or have threatened not to release, chair Tom Sharkey, and committee members of the award, and grant administrators their data until publication, or have only made worked with Bush in developing the letter. should confirm that those requirements have the data available on a local web site with a Following is the body of Bush’s letter sent been met. more restrictive set of conditions. The to NIH: Thank you for this opportunity to pro- NHGRI does not believe that such behavior “The American Society of Plant Biologists vide our views on the need for continued is in the best interests of science. But without (ASPB), representing more than 6,000 plant adherence to sound and widely accepted poli- general acceptance in the scientific community biologists, commends you and your staff on cies providing the science community with that the laboratories that have worked so the continuing success of genome research immediate release of large-scale genome data. hard to generate such large amounts of valu- programs sponsored by the National Insti- Please let me know if we can provide any ad- able data should have some ability to be rec- tutes of Health (NIH). ditional information.”

20 • ASPB News, Vol. 30, No. 2 Public Affairs

Tom Sharkey Participates in Columbus Science Center Forum on Genetically Modified Foods

Committee on Public Affairs Chair Tom atric neurologist and researcher from Massa- crops and happy to have experts to talk to Sharkey participated in a forum on genetically chusetts General Hospital/Harvard University about concerns that have been raised in the modified foods sponsored by the COSI Sci- and member of the Council for Responsible news, Tom reported. ence Center in Columbus, Ohio, December 4. Genetics. She discussed reasons why people are The ASPB Public Affairs office received The center presented the forum as part of its wary of the new technology, including a wish COSI’s request for a speaker just a few days “Controversies in Science” series. for more respect and thoughtfulness for food. before the forum. Tom adjusted his schedule About 80 people attended the event, includ- She also repeated the claim that genetic engi- to fly to Columbus on short notice for the ing around a dozen high school students in a neering is imprecise. program. His participation in the forum is one special enrichment program. Those in atten- Tom made the point that genetic engineer- of a number of public outreach efforts con- dance included other interested members of the ing is in fact much more precise than current ducted by ASPB members concerning genetic public. Tom was joined by two other speak- methods for modifying crops. He presented modification of plants. Partial funding for ers, including Joe Kovach, an entomologist at data on reduced pesticide usage, reduced lev- COSI and Ohio State University for the Con- Ohio State University, Wooster, who explained els of toxins in the food supply, and increased troversies in Science Issues Forum was what genetic engineering means and how it is profits for farmers. The audience appeared provided by the Battelle Endowment for Tech- applied to crops, and Martha Herbert, a pedi- very supportive of genetic modifications of nology and Human Affairs.

Containment Is Key to Pharmaceutical Crops

Committee on Public Affairs Chair Tom pharmaceutical crops while maintaining safe- cross-pollination with food crops underlie a Sharkey offered views of some ASPB mem- guards against cross-pollination of need for stringent regulatory guidance. ber scientists concerning a draft guidance for pharmaceutical crops with food crops. Following are some of the possible ap- industry on pharmaceutical crops in a letter The value to society offered by future phar- proaches that have been presented by sent February 6, 2003, to the Food and Drug maceutical crops is substantial. Promising scientists in our membership that would con- Administration and U.S. Department of research on plants engineered to produce tribute to containment of pharmaceutical Agriculture. Sharkey noted that effective con- compounds for pharmaceutical products crops: tainment of pharmaceutical crops is essential could lead to more effective and cost-effective Some in the plant science community have to protect crops grown for food. Following therapies for people throughout the world. discussed the possibility of limiting devel- is the body of Sharkey’s letter: Millions of people with disabling and life- opment of pharmaceutical crops to “The American Society of Plant Biologists threatening illnesses could benefit from new, non-food crops to prevent the possibility (ASPB) Committee on Public Affairs appreci- plant-based pharmaceutical therapies. Mil- of cross-pollination with food crops. Some ates this opportunity to comment on the draft lions more people could be immunized other plant scientists have noted, however, guidance for industry on drugs, biologics, and against deadly diseases with future plant- that much of the knowledge and infra- medical devices derived from bioengineered based vaccines. structure in the plant science community plants for use in humans and animals. ASPB At the same time, insufficient safeguards is based on food crops. is a non-profit society of 6,000 plant scien- against cross-pollination of pharmaceutical We received further input with regard to tists founded in 1924 under its former name, crops with food crops could pose safety haz- specific proteins or gene products. Some the American Society of Plant Physiologists. ards for the food supply, consumers, food plant scientists recommended that the The draft guidance released by the Food producers, and food distributors. The tre- specific protein or gene product engineered and Drug Administration and Department of mendous benefits offered by pharmaceutical into a plant must be considered when Agriculture seeks to facilitate development of crops combined with the potential hazard of continued on page 22

ASPB News, Vol. 30, No. 2 • 21 Public Affairs

continued from page 21 The following article by Nobel Peace Prize laureate and father of the Green Revolution, Norman E. Borlaug, appeared in the January 22, 2003, edition of deciding whether it should be allowed in the Wall Street Journal. It is reprinted here with permission from the author. food crops. Some proteins may pose suf- ficient risk that they should never be allowed into food crops. Each proposed modification should be evaluated for ben- Science vs. Hysteria efits and risks and whether the use of food crop species is necessary. We also received recommendations that Mexico City—In 2000, I served on a joint The U.S. is contemplating a WTO suit be- genetic containment approaches should be U.S.–European Union Biotechnology Con- cause European resistance to GM foods is considered for pharmaceutical crops. Use sultative Forum—appointed by President increasingly influencing the trade policies of of male sterile plants for pharmaceutical Clinton and Romano Prodi, president of the other nations, to the point where some Af- crop production would contribute to con- European Commission—to look at the full rican governments recently have turned tainment strategies. range of issues that down American GM ASPB did not receive a consensus among have polarized think- grain intended for recommendations from members contacted ing about biotech- starving people. U.S. and does not have enough information at nology, especially in Trade Representative this time to formally endorse one of the food and agriculture, Robert Zoellick says above recommendations over another. These on both sides of the he has information recommendations are also not submitted to Atlantic. that several European replace approaches suggested in the draft While significant countries are threat- guidance. These comments are submitted sim- differences of opin- ening to make ply to provide insights of plant scientists we ion existed—mainly economic aid to de- have contacted in our membership for the related to the regula- Norman E. Borlaug veloping countries agencies’ further consideration and study. tory structure on contingent on The long-term prospects for the develop- certifying agri-biotech products—most of whether they prohibit biotech crops. If this ment of pharmaceutical crops depend upon the 20 U.S. and European experts on the is true, it would be tragic and grossly irre- effective containment at all times. An errant panel agreed that agricultural biotechnology sponsible. mistake by one developer of pharmaceutical holds great promise to make dramatic and Although there have always been those plants could result in serious problems for the useful advances during the 21st century. The in society who resist change, the intensity of rest of the industry. Such a mistake could also most prestigious national academies of sci- the attacks against GM crops from some cause severe financial losses for farmers of ence in North America and Europe (including quarters is unprecedented and, in certain food crops and other interests throughout the the Vatican) also have come out in support cases, even surprising, given the potential en- food distribution chain. of genetic engineering to improve the quan- vironmental benefits that such technology Economic considerations notwithstand- tity, quality, and availability of food supplies. can bring by reducing the use of pesticides. ing, the overriding factor in containment Unfortunately, the debate about the Genetic engineering of crops—plant breed- questions is that the most effective approaches safety and utility of genetically modified ing at the molecular level—is not some kind be put in place to protect human health and (GM) crops continues to grow, and now of witchcraft, but rather the progressive har- safety. We commend you in developing and looks to be heating up further. The U.S. is nessing of the forces of nature to the benefit seeking public comment on this important considering filing a challenge at the World of feeding the human race. The idea that a issue. Please let me know if we can provide Trade Organization to break the European new technology should be barred until any additional information.”
Union’s four-year moratorium on import- proven conclusively that it can do no harm ing GM crops. Although the European is unrealistic and unwise. Scientific advance Thomas Sharkey Commission agrees that the ban needs to always involves some risk of unintended out- Professor, Department of Botany be lifted, various member states refuse to do comes. Indeed, “zero biological risk” is not University of Wisconsin Chair, ASPB Committee on Public Affairs so until more stringent GM labeling regula- even attainable. tions are put in place. Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa

22 • ASPB News, Vol. 30, No. 2 Public Affairs

says he’s been told by anti-biotechnology carry traits that will improve nutrition and Arntzen “Planting groups that donated American corn is “poi- health. All of these technologies have more son” because it contains genetically modified benefits to offer poor farmers and con- Hope” with “Cool kernels. Based on such misinformation, he is sumers than rich ones. Inventions,” Forbes, willing to risk thousands of additional star- For example, Kenya is ready to field- Time Report vation deaths rather than distribute the same test virus-resistant sweet potatoes that corn Americans have been eating for years should yield 30% to 50% more of this The November 18, 2002, issue of with no ill effects. important food staple. Virus-resistant ba- Time and the January 20, 2003, issue Some other African leaders whose people nanas and potatoes have already been of Forbes both feature articles on re- also are facing hunger and starvation say bred, but are being barred in African coun- search conducted by ASPB member they’re afraid to accept genetically modified tries where people urgently need their Charles Arntzen. Arntzen is conduct- corn because its pollen will “contaminate” higher yields. Indian researchers are devel- ing research to engineer plants to local corn varieties with dire environmental oping a vaccine against the epidemic produce pharmaceutical compounds consequences. Also, they say that they hope livestock disease, rinderpest, which can be for use as vaccines against dreaded hu- to export corn to Europe in the future and genetically engineered into peanut plants. man maladies. fear that their products would be rejected if African farmers would be able to protect Time selected Arntzen’s research on genetically modified foods were allowed to their draft animals simply by feeding them plant-derived vaccines for recognition enter their countries. the peanut plants—again if biotech is al- as one of the “coolest inventions” in These concerns are unfounded. Temper- lowed. its November 18 edition. The two-page ate-zone corn (either GM or normal) will not The needless confrontation of consum- Forbes article on “Planting Hope” re- grow well in tropical African ecologies and, ers against the use of transgenic crop ported that Arntzen has spent $5 moreover, it has yellow grain while Africans technology in Europe and elsewhere might million on research already and needs prefer white grain. Thus, even if a curious have been avoided had more people re- $20 million to get through late-stage farmer were to plant some GM grain received ceived a better education in biological trials. Federal support for Arntzen’s re- as food aid, its continued presence in the field science. This educational gap—which has search in various areas over a number is unlikely. Certainly in the case of Zambia, a resulted in a growing and worrisome ig- of years contributed to his base of land-locked country with poor transporta- norance about the challenges and knowledge that led to his current plant- tion and low agricultural productivity, the complexities of agricultural and food sys- based vaccine research. prospects for exporting corn to Europe in the tems—needs to be addressed without For a story on the draft guidance foreseeable future are almost zero. delay. to industry on pharmaceutical crops, If low-income, food-deficit nations— Privileged societies have the luxury of please see page 21 in this issue of the which desperately need access to the benefits adopting a very low-risk position on the ASPB News.
of science and technology—are being advised GM crops issue, even if this action later by governments and pressure groups in privi- turns out to be unnecessary. But the vast leged nations to reject biotechnology, based majority of humankind does not have on ideologically inspired pseudo-science, there such a luxury, and certainly not the hun- is reason for serious concern. Of course, gry victims of wars, natural disasters, and proper safeguards need to be put in place in economic crises. Africa and elsewhere to regulate biotechnol- Without adequate food supplies at af- ogy research and the release of GM products. fordable prices, we cannot expect world But to attempt to deny such benefits would health, prosperity, and peace. be unconscionable. Responsible biotechnology is not the Current GM crop varieties that help to enemy; starvation is.
control insects and weeds are lowering pro- duction costs and increasing harvests—a Dr. Borlaug, the 1970 Nobel Peace laure- great potential benefit to all Third World ate, is a professor of international agricul- farmers. Future GM products are likely to ture at Texas A&M University. Charles Arntzen

ASPB News, Vol. 30, No. 2 • 23 ASPB Education Forum

Compiled and edited by Sheila Blackman, Grand Valley State University, Biology, 1 Campus Drive, Allendale, MI 49401, e-mail [email protected]

Regional Math/Science Centers Can Mediate Transfer of Primary Research to Broader Community

The new format for National Science Foun- community. Examples of these units are the ties, literature, and information; and leader- dation grant proposals requires that regional or local math and science centers that ship on key issues related to science and proposals show how the results will be dis- serve local geographic areas. Sometimes these mathematics education. Nearly every center seminated so as to have a broad impact on centers have strong institutional ties to col- obtains external funding in addition to that society. One way to achieve broader societal leges (often regional colleges), and sometimes provided through the state. Some centers have impacts of scientific research is to use the re- they may be affiliated and spearheaded by formed excellent partnerships with local busi- sults to benefit science education, not only in museums, zoos, nature centers, or school dis- nesses and industries, whereas others have the undergraduate college classroom but also tricts. They are staffed by professionals who tapped community groups or foundations. in the K–12 classroom. However, there are understand the needs of the K–12 commu- The result has been an impressive and collabo- considerable challenges in adapting research nity and who also can work with professionals rative effort by the schools, centers, and findings for use by the K–12 community, in higher education. communities to improve the quality of math- whether the goal is to enhance teacher confi- The State of Michigan established a Math- ematics and science education in Michigan. dence in the subject matter (workshops, etc.) ematics and Science Centers Program in The centers are usually staffed with profes- or to develop teaching exercises for young- 1988–1989 to provide competitive grants to sionals who not only understand the needs of sters. Connecting individually with in-service establish regional Mathematics and Science the K–12 community and interact extensively teachers is not an easy option for most re- Centers in cooperation with local schools, in- with it, but who also can work with research search scientists, and developing outreach via stitutions of higher education, local business scientists. In the case of the Regional Math and this route sometimes can involve a long and and industry, and community organizations. Science Center at Grand Valley State Univer- painful trial-and-error period. Teachers are The mandate of these centers is to serve their sity (GVSU), the staff recognize that there are generally strapped for time and wary of genu- local counties, and they are often more likely considerable challenges involved in adapting ine but inept attempts by well-meaning to be actively allied with regional colleges, where findings of research scientists for use by the scientists to present material in their class- aspiring teachers constitute a larger proportion K–12 community. When I asked Mary Ann rooms. They are usually not going to take it of the undergraduate enrollment than with Sheline, director of the GVSU Regional Math upon themselves to pilot untried activities in large, national-caliber research universities. and Science Center, whether she would be re- their classrooms or to allow scientists to come There are now 33 such centers across the ceptive to working with science professionals in and do the same. Developing the expertise state. They provide support to districts as they from anywhere in our state to realize their out- and relationships with teachers requires a identify ways to enhance and improve their reach ideas, she enthusiastically replied in the commitment of time and energy from both existing science and mathematics curriculum; affirmative, with the proviso that they be will- parties. This represents a considerable diver- unique programs for students in grades K– ing to work within the region serviced by the sion from research activities for scientists. 12, including summer camp experiences, GVSU center and that they bring funds neces- One solution is for science departments or workshops, field studies, field trips, etc.; pro- sary for mounting the proposed activity. divisions to establish units or ties with units fessional development for teachers; a resource Although Michigan is somewhat unique whose main role is to liaise with the K–12 clearinghouse of equipment, classroom activi- in possessing such a comprehensive and co- ordinated network of Mathematics and Science Centers, a quick search on the web Deadlines for ASPB News shows that they also exist in some form in We invite you to submit articles and letters to the ASPB News. Deadlines for other states. In some cases, they are large, submission of copy follow: Issue Deadline statewide entities with federal monies. How- May/June 2003 ...... April 5, 2003 ever, smaller centers often exist in museums, July/August 2003 ...... June 5, 2003 zoos, nature centers, and regional colleges. September/October 2003 ...... August 5, 2003 Thus, local math/science could offer the link November/December 2003 ...... October 5, 2003 necessary to establish successful outreach ac- January/February 2004 ...... December 5, 2003 March/April 2004 ...... February 5, 2004 tivities for many research scientists.

24 • ASPB News, Vol. 30, No. 2 Principles of Plant Biology Bookmarks—NOW AVAILABLE

New, full-color bookmarks, each depicting a different principle of plant biology, are now available in limited quantities at no cost to ASPB members. The bookmarks are designed by Carol Reiss of Brown University, past chair and current adjunct member of the Education Committee.

NEW BOOKMARKS Plants Contain the Same Biological Processes Reproduction in Flowering Plants Plants Are a Primary Source of Fiber Plants Have Unique Ways to Defend Plant Growth and Development

All new orders will also receive the brochure Principles of Plant Biology—Concepts for Science Education. To order bookmarks, contact Paula Brooks, Education Foundation assistant, through the ASPB web site at www.aspb.org or by e-mail at [email protected]. Or, you can fax your name, the quantity desired, your ASPB member ID number, and your complete mailing address to 301-279-2996.

- More than 12 million searchable journal articles - World’s largest collection of free full-text articles - 4 different search tools to locate what you need - Online archives of Plant Physiology and The Plant Cell, plus more than 330 other journals covering the sciences and medicine

ASPB News, Vol. 30, No. 2 • 25 Obituary

Richard Harry Hageman

Richard “Dick” Harry Hageman, professor improve crop productivity. He was the first Science Society of America; as vice president emeritus, was born April 14, 1917, in Powell, to isolate and characterize leaf nitrite reduc- and president of the Midwest Section of ASPB; Wyoming, a son of Frank and Creda Wright tase from plants. This research, together with on the editorial boards of Plant Physiology, Hageman. He died December 4, 2002, in Mt. his work on determining the intracellular lo- Plant Biochemical Journal, Crop Science, and Pleasant, Michigan. He married Margaret calization of nitrate and nitrite reductase and Agronomy Journal; and on numerous grant Elizabeth Catlett on August 14, 1941, in on the identification of the primary source of panels and award committees. Waleetka, Oklahoma. He graduated from reductant for nitrate reductase, played a ma- He received several prestigious awards, Kansas State University in 1938 with a B.S. jor role in establishing the metabolic pathway including the Crop Science Achievement in chemistry and received his M.S. in chemis- and limitations of nitrate assimilation in Award, Agronomic Research Award, Fellow try from Oklahoma A&M College in 1940. leaves. He enthusiastically pursued the con- of the Crop Science Society, Fellow of the After working for two years as an assistant cept that rate-limiting enzymes—exemplified American Society of Agronomy, Duggar chemist at the Kentucky Agricultural Experi- by his research on nitrate reductase—served Award, Funk Award for Research, Spencer ment Station, he served in the Army Chemical as physiological control points limiting crop Award for Outstanding Achievement in Ag- Corps from 1942 to 1946, training troops productivity. ricultural Chemistry, Hoagland Award, and in protective tactics against chemical warfare This fertile research area was the subject the Alumni Fellow Award from Kansas State agents. He continued to serve in the Army Re- of many of the graduate and postdoctoral University. The breadth of his awards attests serve until 1968, when he retired with the students who studied under Dr. Hageman. He to his broad array of scientific endeavors to rank of colonel. Following his active-duty mili- was one of only six plant scientists (among improve crop productivity for betterment of tary service, he resumed physiological research 1,000 scientists in all disciplines) whose pub- agriculture and mankind. in the chemistry section of USDA in lications were cited most frequently by their In addition to a sterling research/teaching Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. He returned to peers during the period of 1965–1978. In- career at the University of Illinois, Dr. graduate studies in 1950 with Professor deed, he published extensively, with more than Hageman was an inspiring mentor for many Daniel Arnon and received his Ph.D. in plant 25 book chapters and 140 technical papers students, a strong family person, and a close physiology at the University of California at detailing his research. friend to many of us. He enjoyed woodwork- Berkeley in 1953. Dr. Hageman then joined In addition to his research, Professor ing and was an avid gardener who did not the Department of Agronomy at the Univer- Hageman exerted a major influence on the spare the nitrogen and had a running battle sity of Illinois in 1954 as an assistant direction of plant physiology as a science with squirrels in the fruit trees. He is survived professor of plant physiology, advancing to through his guidance of students, associates, by his wife Elizabeth (Liz) of 61 years; one son, associate professor in 1957 and to professor and junior faculty. The upper-level graduate James, of Mount Pleasant; two daughters, in 1961. course, Enzymes and Metabolic Pathways of Peggy Burke, of Mount Pleasant, and Janet He avidly pursued a research/teaching Plants, which he taught for many years, at- Chrispeels of Santa Barbara; 12 grandchil- career at the University of Illinois and broad- tracted students from various disciplines. dren; and six great-grandchildren.
ened his horizons with sabbatical leaves to the Because of the rigor, it was widely appreciated Memorials may be made to the KSU Founda- Long Ashton Research Station, Bristol, En- by students who were seeking information on tion to support the Hageman Lecture Fund. gland (1960–1961), as a Rockefeller fellow; how specific biochemical processes were inte- Mail to KSU Foundation, 2323 Anderson, to the Department of Biochemistry, Michigan grated in whole plant function. Many of the Suite 500, Manhattan, KS 66502. State University (1967–1968) as a visiting more than 50 students and postdocs who professor; and to the University of Melbourne, undertook research projects in his laboratory Jim Harper Melbourne, Australia (1975–1976), on a senior are today widely known for their work and Fred Below research scholar award from the Australian– in many cases carry on the Hageman tradi- Marlowe Thorne John Hanson American Educational Foundation. He retired tion of approaching plant productivity University of Illinois from the University of Illinois in 1984 after through the identification and characteriza- an illustrious 30-year research/teaching career. tion of rate-limiting enzymes. Professor Hageman’s distinguished career Professor Hageman served in many ca- at the University of Illinois involved pioneer- pacities in professional societies, including ing research on the application of plant membership in several and service on the ex- biochemical and physiological techniques to ecutive committees of ASPB and the Crop

26 • ASPB News, Vol. 30, No. 2 ANNOUNCEMENT Letters to the Editor Journal of Food, Agriculture, and Environment (JFAE) LET US HEAR Print ISSN: 1459-0255 Online ISSN: 1459-0263 Chief Editor: Professor Shri Mohan jain FROM YOU! Publisher: WFL (Helsinki, Finland) Research on Food and Agriculture is progressively moving toward an interdisci- The ASPB News welcomes plinary study of sustainable food production to meet the demand of growing human comments on topics covered populations. However, as more countries industrialize, there is an increase in air and in the newsletter and on other water pollution and soil contamination as well as elevated levels of global warming points of interest to the and depletion of the ozone layer. This complex scenario challenges researchers to de- velop and test more appropriate technologies for sustainable agriculture. Research, profession. Letters are for example, is being carried out to overcome problems of environmental stress; mini- published as space permits mize the use of pesticides; slow post-harvest storage losses; and explore nutrition, and may be edited for clarity animal science, and human health, by using conventional and new technologies such as biotechnology, mutation-assisted breeding, and molecular biology. and length. Submissions may The Journal of Food, Agriculture, and Environment (JAFE) is dedicated to meet- not necessarily be published; ing the need for a new journal that can encompass this wide range of topics and receipt is not acknowledged. interdisciplinary approaches. JAFE will publish (in print and online versions) peer- Mail letters to Editor, ASPB reviewed original research, protocols, critical reviews, and short communications in food science and technology and agriculture, with particular emphasis on interdisci- News, 15501 Monona Drive, plinary studies in food, human nutrition, agricultural, animal science, and environment. Rockville, MD 20855-2768 USA; e-mail [email protected]. For more details: [email protected] or [email protected]/www.world-food.net

Register Online Now!

ASPB Plant Genetics 2003: Mechanisms of Genetic Variation

Online registration is now open for the first event in ASPB’s new annual specialty conference series: Plant Genetics 2003. The confer- ence is scheduled for October 22–26 at the Snowbird Resort & Conference Center in Snowbird, Utah. Seven scientific symposia will address the nature and mechanisms of genetic variation and their effects on evolution of plant form and function, as well as on plant speciation and crop domestication. The conference’s secluded location and schedule are designed to facili- tate ongoing discussion and interaction between presenters and attendees. All speakers will be on hand throughout the conference. Conference details and online registration can be found at http:/ /www.aspb.org/meetings/pg-2003. To receive information by fax or mail, contact Susan Rosenberry at [email protected] or 301- 251-0650, extension 111.

ASPB News, Vol. 30, No. 2 • 27 ASPB Headquarters Telephone Extensions and E-Mail Directory

For your convenience, keep this listing of extension numbers and e-mail addresses handy when you contact ASPB headquarters so that you can reach the person best able to assist you.

Our office telephone number is

301-251-0560 / ext. 115 John Lisack, Jr. [email protected] Susan Rosenberry / ext. 111 [email protected] Stefanie Shamer / ext. 144 [email protected] Stephanie Liu-Kuan / ext. 143 [email protected] Kelley Noone / ext. 142 [email protected] Suzanne Moore / ext. 141 [email protected] Robin Lempert / ext. 110 [email protected] Brian Hyps / ext. 114 [email protected] / ext. 117 Nancy Winchester [email protected] Beth Staehle / ext. 121 [email protected] John Long / ext. 119 [email protected] Melissa Junior / ext. 118 [email protected] Lisa Pergolizzi / ext. 130 [email protected] Annette Kessler / ext. 120 [email protected] Leslie Malone / ext. 124 [email protected] Leslie (Ash) Csikos / ext. 125 [email protected] Missing journal issues, books Subscriptions, individual Subscriptions, institutional Plant Physiology (except missing issues) Disposition of a manuscript All other questions The Plant Cell (except missing issues) Disposition of a manuscript All other questions ASPB News Advertising Plant Physiology The Plant Cell ASPB News Address changes Membership applications Membership problems Accounts payable Accounts receivable Accounts payable/receivable problems Annual meeting Public affairs /government relations Education Society governance ASPB Education Foundation International issues Awards Biochemistry & Molecular Biology of Plants

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ASPB News (ISSN 1535-5489) is published bimonthly by the American Society of Plant Biologists, 15501 Monona Drive, Rockville, MD 20855-2768 USA, telephone 301-251-0560, fax 301-279-2996. Members’ dues include a subscription price of $2 per year to ASPB News. Subscription price to nonmembers is $30 per year. Periodicals postage paid at Rockville, MD, and at additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Please send address changes to ASPB News, 15501 Monona Drive, Rockville, MD 20855-2768 USA.