THE NEWSLETTER OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF PLANT PHYSIOLOGISTS Volume 26, Number 6 November/December 1999
PRESIDENT'S LmER ~~ T
Challenges for the Future of Our Society
s I assume the role of president of our Society, I tion, who interpret the word "physiology" much Afind myself recalling the ancient curse "May you more narrowly. One can argue the semantics of this live in interesting times." These are indeed interest issue endlessly, but I doubt that many of our ing times for the Society, and whether they turn out younger scientists will be much interested in, or to be a curse or a blessing for us will depend very influenced by, these arguments. The fact is that the much on how we as members respond to several field of plant science has broadened dramatically in important emerging issues that will undoubtedly the past decade, and it may be time to consider affect our future. In this, my first message to you, I changing the name of the Society to reflect this would like to outline what I believe are the major broader base. After much discussion and consulta challenges ahead and what I believe are the goals we tion, the new name proposed, which seems to III should set for ourselves as we enter this new describe us best, is perhaps the simplest of all: The millennium. American Society of Plant Biologists. Because it is simple, it is also inclusive. Defining Who We Are and What We Do I, personally, do not take this issue lightly. I am of the older generation who has a great fondness n my opinion, the biggest challenge facing the for this Society, and its name is intimately tied to I Society is to convince the next generation of plant my feelings about it. But, in the end, I care much scientists that our existence is important to them more about the future than the past, and if this and that they should want to playa role in the change can make even a small difference in helping Society. For decades, ASPP represented a fairly the next generation see ASPP as the major small and homogeneous group of scientists who organization that represents them, then I conclude defined themselves clearly as engaging primarily in it is in our best interests to embrace the change. the study of plant physiology. Thus, the name The Executive Committee has agreed that this is an "American Society of Plant Physiologists" has served issue that needs to be addressed now, and, to this us well through the years. At our most recent end, we shall be asking the membership to engage Executive Committee meeting, it was voted to in a discussion of the issue throughout the year. We discuss a name change, with the objective of shall be creating on our Web site a page to post expanding the membership, particularly our member opinions. We urge those of you who feel younger membership. I know that some of our strongly about this issue one way or the other to members still believe that the term "physiologist" place your comments there, and we urge all of you can be interpreted broadly enough to continue to to visit this site to see how the debate progresses represent us well and can be easily interpreted to and to help yourself form your own opinion on the include the disciplines of biochemistry, genetics, issue. There will also be an opportunity to discuss a and molecular biology. Yet I also know many name change at the business meeting that will be scientists, especially those of our younger genera- held in conjunction with the annual meeting in
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T ASPP Members TesHfy Before Senate Agriculture Committee lllld House Basic Research Subcommittee T Safe in the Ivory Tower? T Call for Abstracts for Plant Biology 2000 ASPP Futur e ASPP Annual Meetings OFFICERS &STAFF President Deborah Delmer 530·752-7561 President-Elect Daniel J. Cosgrove _.. _.. _: 814-863-3892 Immediate Past President 2000 Brion A. Larkins _ 520-621-9958 Seaetary Saturday, July 15, through Daniel R. Bush _.. 217-333-6109 Treasurer Terri Lomax 541-737-5278 Wednesday, July 19 Chair, Board of Trustees Donald R.Ort .. _ 217-333-2093 Choir, Publicotions Committee San Diego, Calitornia Rebe ------November/December 1999, Vol. 26, No.6 _ 3 LmER T~ EDITOR ~~ Natasl1a Raikl1el Appointed Plant Physiology Editor-in-Chief he American Society of Plant Physiolo Dear Editor: Tgists appointed Natasha V. Raikhel editor wo quotes from the September/October in-chief of Plant Physiology at the annual TASPP NEWS: On page 3, Brian Larkins meeting held in Baltimore last July. Her says "In the future, the ASPP Education term will begin in May 2000. Natasha is Foundation will have the opportunity to be currently University Distinguished Professor come a key source of unbiased, scientifically at the Michigan State University-Department accurate information about plants and ge of Energy Plant Research Laboratory and netically altered crops." On page 14, you Department of Biochemistry at MSU in East headline "Monsanto Supports ASPP Educa Lansing. She has served on the Plant tion Foundation." Isn't there at least the ap Physiology editorial board, as a member of pearance of a contradiction here? Lest you the ASPP Publications and Executive think I am being unduly sensitive, one of our Committees, and more recently on THE best newspapers in Britain has recently run PLANT CELL editorial board. an "expose" of a supposed conflict of interest Natasha's primary research emphasis has because Lord Sainsbury, the UK minister re been to elucidate the fundamental principles sponsible for biotechnology, founded the that govern protein trafficking through the Sainsbury Laboratory in Norwich, which re secretory system and to the nucleus in ceives public money for work on genetically plants, in particular to identify the various modified plants. It would be all too easy for components involved in the specific sorting Notosho V. Roikhel an organization opposed to genetic modifica of soluble proteins to the vacuoles and to tion to say "You can't trust those scientists. analyze the molecular mechanisms involved Look at them-they set up a body that sup in protein trafficking to the plant nucleus. A articles dealing with plant development and posedly provides unbiased information. few years ago, in collaboration with Ken plant function. Natasha intends to continue And where do they get their money from? Keegstra, Natasha initiated the study of cell the journal's growth not only in terms of Monsanto-the company that started wall biosynthesis in plants. Their research circulation but also in the expanse of its the whole business and is at the greatest teams have isolated and cloned the gene coverage: "I believe the journal should strive risk from public opposition to genetic encoding xyloglucan fucosyltransferase, as to become a journal of choice for attracting modification." well as genes encoding several additional and publishing excellent papers in the broad Ethan Hack putative fucosyltransferases. They recently field of plant biology, providing a forum for a University of Newcastle received a functional genomics grant from wide variety of topics from the whole plant to Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom NSF (Natasha is principal investigator, Ken biochemistry and physiology, and including Keegstra and Jonathan Walton are molecular and cellular biology. I believe that coprincipal investigators) to identify and it is extremely important for Plant Physiol Dr. Hack raises an interesting argument, and study other genes required for hemicellulose ogy to continue to recognize the importance this is a good opportunity to make a more biosynthesis. of changes in the field as they occur, to be general clarification ofthe goals ofthe Edu Natasha belongs to the American Society very flexible and to keep pace with innova cation Foundation. It is true that the founda for Cell Biology and the International tions planned by up-and-coming new tion does receive some proportion ofits sup Society for Plant Molecular Biology, as well journals, and to attempt some innovations of port from various industries, and, for this as to ASPP. She has published dozens of its own," she said. reason, we are sensitive to any suggestion research articles since 1980 and has served Initiatives planned for the journal that we might in any way be guided in our on several editorial boards, including those beginning in January include a new section efforts by the opinions ofour donors. We be of the Journal ofCell Biology, Current entitled "Breakthrough Technologies." These lieve the Education Foundation has an im Opinion in Plant Cell Biology, and Trends in articles will report on the technological portant role to play in the general education innovations that are accelerating the rate of ofthe public about how plants work, how ag Plant Science. She has served on USDA, progress in science. When she takes over in riculture today operates to bring food and DOE, and NSF advisory panels. In 1996, was May, Natasha will broaden the editorial board other agricultural products to the public, awarded the Guggenheim Fellowship. to add editors in developing and emerging and how crops are developed by traditional Natasha sought the top job at Plant means. The foundation also has an impor Physiology because she likes working with a research areas, such as genomics and tant role in providing information related to medium that disseminates science and molecular evolution, while maintaining the ongoing debate over the use ofgeneti within a system that "as a whole works only strength in the areas that during the past 10 cally modified organisms. This role should when people without a personal agenda years have come to be "traditional" areas of be as an honest broker that presents all ma contribute to it." She assumes the editorship plant biology. terial in an objective manner with all sides of of the journal during exciting times, when Natasha will succeed Maarten J. a debate covered and that provides an outlet progress in plant biology has been nothing Chrispeels, who has led Plant Physiology for dialogue andeducational materials that short of phenomenal and a veritable since 1992. Under his leadership, the journal are based on sound science. Keeping these explosion of new information and new has evolved into a highly respected resource goals in mind, we believe the foundation can research directions is emerging. Since its reflecting progressive modern science. operate without conflict ofinterest. inception in 1926, the journal has been Maarten has been instrumental in position transformed from a small upstart into a ing the journal in the mainstream of the Debby Delmer major international medium for the most rapidly moving multiple fronts of plant President publication of many types of scientific research. 4 ______--:..:AS~P~PN~EW~S~ _ Biotechnology and Plant Stress Conference Set in Mexico he National Institute for Research in provided excellent facilities. Conference reception and luncheon for the group. TForestry Crops and Livestock (INIFAP) participants met in the UANL Biblioteca Registration materials included a conference and the Mid-America International Agricul Magna, the largest university library in Latin briefcase and hard copy and CD-ROM tural Consortium (MIAC) recently held an America. versions of plenary papers. Adisplay by international conference entitled "Biotech About 200 scientists from throughout various commercial biotech firms was nology and the Response to Stress in Plants." Mexico and a MIAC group of six traveling maintained in the lobby throughout the The conference was held in Monterrey Nuevo professors under the leadership of MIACs conference. All participants received Leon, Mexico, from August 10 to 12, 1999, to executive director, David Hansen, were in certificates signed by the UANL rector, assess the roles of biotechnology in address attendance. The opening ceremonies INIFAP director, and MIAC executive ing and improving the response of plants to included high-level representation from director. drought, salt, disease, and nutrient stress. national and state governments and UANL. The conference generated much enthusi These serious agronomic problems exist on The occasion was highlighted by a special asm for joint activity, and many areas and both sides of the border between the U.S. and signing ceremony of a memorandum of models of collaboration were discussed. If Mexico. Thus, an important additional understanding between the National these ties materialize, a subsequent confer conference goal was to identify areas of Coordination Office of Fundacion Produce, ence will be held, perhaps in winter 2001 at a cross-country collaboration. represented by Armando Paredes, and MIAC, different location in Mexico, to encourage The 13 plenary speakers (seven from represented by Robert Hudgens. participation of additional groups and various Mexican institutions and six from Conference support provided by the MIAC institutions. In addition to a continuation of MIAC) presented papers in the areas of Mexican partners included simultaneous the popular plant stress theme, the confer disease/pests, nutrients, and drought/salinity. translation, continuous registration, all ence will feature progress reports on The final session, led by Joe Polacco surface transportation, and a special collaborative programs in the works. (University of Missouri), centered on the possibilities for future collaboration in plant biotechnology between MIAC and Mexican scientists. Rodrigo Aveldafio, national director of the INIFAP Crop Research Program, outlined potential collaborative models. MIAC is a 23-year-old association of the Universities of Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa State, Kansas State, and Oklahoma State. Its emphasis has always been on international linkages and during the past five years, it has focused on broad ties with ,Mexico. Plant biotechnology is one facet of those ties. The MIAC Plant Biotechnology Committee, under Joe Polacco, co-organized the conference with INIFAP, whose efforts were directed by Hector Cortinas (director of research at INIFAP's Northeast Station). The meeting was sponsored by MIAC, INIFAP, and Fundacion Produce (an umbrella organiza tion of Mexican producer groups) and received support from Pioneer Hi-Bred and the Missouri soybean growers. The Autono mous University of Nuevo Leon (UANL) From leh: Joe Polocco (University of Missouri), Rodrigo Aveldano (notional direttor, INIFAP Crop Research Programl, and Luis J. Golan-Wong hosted and participated in the program and (University of Nuevo Leon). Please Note: Pl November/December 1999, Vol. 26, No.6 _ -----~-~------' s CUR 2000 ASPP Education Foundation Is Trust Beneficiary he Council on Undergraduate Research revious ASPP member Dr. Richard M. This contribution will make it possible to T(CUR) is proud to present its Eighth PKlein and his wife Dr. Deana T. Klein proceed with specific activities to increase National Conference, entitled "CUR 2000: designated the ASPP Education Foundation public understanding of basic plant research The Many Facets of Undergraduate Re as a beneficiary of their Deana Tarson Klein and plant research using biotechnology. search," hosted by The College of Wooster in Revocable Trust. ASPP Education Foundation Board Chair Wooster, Ohio, on June 22-24, 2000. The Richard Klein was a distinguished member Bob Goldberg will be working with board conference will bring faculty, administrators, of ASPP for more than 40 years. For many members, ASPP members, and advisers to and representatives from private foundations years he was a professor in the Botany direct the educational activities of the and federal agencies to the college. During Department at the University of Vermont and foundation. the three-day conference, there will be a previously wa$ a research associate at the Richard Klein died September 4, 1997, variety of plenary sessions, panel discussions, New York Botanical Gardens in Bronx Park. and Deana died April 26, 1999. Their and workshops. Day-long programs for His participation and commitment to the accomplishments and generosity to ASPP graduate students, new faculty, tenured activities and goals of ASPP are reflected in will benefit plant science and the public for faculty, and administrators are planned. The the initial designation from the trust to the many years to come. conference is designed for all those who are ASPP Education Foundation in the amount interested in undertaking or promoting of $100,000. This contribution represents undergraduate research and for faculty and the joint desires and accomplishments of administrators who want information on both Richard and Deana. funding and grantsmanship. This is an ideal The couple specified that there were to be time and setting for networking. For more no memorials of any kind. The opportunity information, visit CUR's Web site at this provides to the foundation to carry out www.cur.org and go to the meetings and its work will be a lasting tribute to the events section. Also visit The College of dedication of Richard and Deana Klein. Wooster's Web site at www.wooster.edu/cur. The Washington, D.C., Section held its annual crab feast 01 ASPP headquarters in Rockville, Maryland, on Oclober 1. Seoled (from lehl ore John Radin, Jerry Cohen, and Tori Radin. 6 _~ A_S_PP_N_EW_S _ Public Affairs ------~~ T Senator Bond Wins 20 Percent Increase for NSF's Plant Genome Research Program enator Christopher Bond (R-MO), chair $3.91 billion. This amount represents an Sof the Senate Appropriations Subcom increase of $240 million, or 7 percent, over mittee on VA, HUD and Independent the FY1999 appropriation. For the Research Agencies, led efforts to increase support for and Related Activities account, the conferees plant genome research by 20 percent (or $10 have agreed to provide a total of $2.966 million) to $60 million in fiscal year 2000. billion, nearly $200 million or 7 percent over This is the third consecutive year that the FY99 level. Major items within this Senator Bond has championed plant genome account include the $60 million for the plant research. He authored the earlier NSF plant genome research program; $105 million for genome research provisions of $40 million information technology research; $50 in FY1998 and $50 million in FY1999. million for biocomplexity in the environ Senator Bond's tremendous efforts have ment research; and $25 million to support succeeded in gaining the support of the arctic logistics. Congress and the administration for a For Education and Human Resources, the cumulative total of $150 million in new conferees agreed to provide $696.6 million, a dollars for NSF-sponsored plant genomic $34.6 million increase over the FY1999 level. research over three years. The Salaries and Expenses account is In addition to the $10 million increase for funded at the level of $149 million, and the plant genome research, Senator Bond Office of Inspector General is funded at the provided language in the Senate Committee level of $5.45 million. Both levels are equal report, which explains the relation of plant to the budget request. Senatar Christopher Bond research to the NSF biocomplexity in the House and Senate conferees determining environment initiative. This language helps funding for agencies and programs in the ensure that plant research will be a part of FY2000 VA, HUD and Independent Agencies October 15 and sent it to the president to be the biocomplexity research program. ASPP (including NSF) Appropriations Act reached signed into law. worked with Senator Bond's staff, who wrote agreement with respect to NSF on October 7. the report. The House approved the conference report An adopted House and Senate Conference on October 14 and sent it to the Senate. The Report provides NSF with a total budget of Senate approved the conference report on Senator Bond Delivers S'lrong Statement in Support of Plant Genomics Research and Biotechnology ollowingare the draft remarks of Senator cattleman told me, with hybrid breeding, More important, I am grateful that you are FChristopher Bond (R-MO) on plant sometimes you breed a greyhound to a pit endeavoring to solve human problems that genomics and biotechnology for the bull, and you get a dog that won't run or until now seemed unsolvable. Regrettably, September 23rd plant genome research fight. Biotechnology addresses this matter. although you know that this technology reception held in the Senate Dirksen The benefits of biotechnology are to farmers, will improve the lives of the world's Building. The reception was attended by NSF but also to consumers, to the hungry, to the citizens, the world's citizens do not know plant genome research award recipients, sick, to the environment, to our energy this. congressional staff, officials from the security, and to our economy. Worse yet, the professional activist Executive Branch, and others. ASPP For federal genomics research on the community and the luddites are spreading president Deborah Delmer, past president plant level, we provided $40 million the first science fiction regarding biotechnology. Ken Keegstra, and executive committee year and $50 million last year. I have The European leaders are engaged in an member Vicki Chandler were among the included $60 million in the bill that is effort to regulate U.S. productivity. They ASPP members who attended. ASPP currently on the floor. are behind and trying to catch up. Further, cosponsored the reception. Remarks of You have made the case; I have provided lawbreakers are tearing up test plots not Senator Bond: the obstinacy and the gavel; and Congress just in Europe, but here in the United Together, we have been successful in has, consequently, provided the money that I States as well. That is against the law building political support for the federal hope to increase in the years ahead. even in California. scientific effort to promote genomics I am very grateful for the professionalism More disappointing yet, opportunistic research and plant science. Those in and the cooperation of the research commu corporations, such as Archer Daniels agriculture have always been at the forefront nity-both public and private-and the of promoting new technologies. As a people at the National Science Foundation. continued on page 8 ------'------November/December 1999, Vol. 26, No.6 _ 7 continued (rom page 7 that a product is not safe, that should draw a among the few and very special people who response-an aggressive response from the know the most about these issues. Regretta Midland Co. and Novartis, to placate the regulatory agencies. bly, politics and corporate opportunism have activists and protectionists, are undermining The highest priority of these regulatory placed an additional burden on you to our scientists and our trade negotiators. ADM agencies is to ensure safe food without harm become more active and challenge the announced that grain should be segregated, to the environment, and they have a science when it is not sound. Many of you and Greenpeace put out a press release tremendous record in this regard that have done so already, but we have a large applauding their support. Novartis develops, deserves to be vigorously defended. We scale effort before us. This issue is too easy to receives approval for, promotes, and sells should hear as much from the EPA as we sensationalize and too easy to demagogue for technology to our farmers that its subsidiary hear from Jeremy Rifkin. The USDA should the activist community to lose interest. What refuses to buy. be sending out strong signals of support for you are trying to accomplish for people and Further, the U.S. Department of Agricul the products that are approved and not for the environment is at stake if science ture, the Environmental Protection Agency, sending out the mixed signals that we have does not prevail. and the Food and Drug Administration are seen the European tabloids use against us. I am very proud of your accomplishments, not defending publicly their findings that Yes, there is a risk! Ahealth risk and an your pursuits, your patience, your vision, these products are safe. They are not environmental risk that politics, tabloid and your support, and I welcome all supporting the rigorous and science-based sensationalism, science fiction, and suggestions as to how we can promote the approval process that they conduct. Profes corporate opportunism will undermine the triumph of science over politics. Keep up sional regulators do the rigorous, costly, most promising technology of the next your critical work and thank you for this time-consuming, and duplicative analysis century. Many of us have heard more from honor. that is and that must be done to prove a the Washington Post editorial page than product is safe. When some activists suggest from the regulatory agencies. You are ASPP Members Tes'l'ify Before Senate Agriculture Committee on Plant Biotechnology Benefits to Farmers and Consumers n a hearing of the Senate Committee on directly benefit human health here and Brian Larkins, of the University of Arizona I Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry held particularly in the developing world. "The and ASPP immediate past president, October 6, testimony on the benefits of next generation of [biotechnology] products explained his research, which is leading to research using biotechnology was presented will increasingly have direct value-added high-quality protein corn. He noted that by ASPP members Charles Arntzen, Roger benefits for food consumers as well as the enhanced corn in the diet could help prevent Beachy, Ray Bressan, Bob Buchanan, Dean indirect value of protecting the environ and reverse several human maladies. DellaPenna, Ralph Hardy, Brian Larkins, and ment," Arntzen noted. His research using "Typically, the protein in corn seeds John Ohlrogge. biotechnology is leading to plants engi contains around 2 percent lysine, while we Ralph Hardy, president of the National Ag neered to be edible vaccines that would require 5 percent lysine in our diet to avoid ricultural Biotechnology Council, provided prevent illnesses deadly to millions of protein deficiency disorders. Globally, nearly an overview of several issues that are perti people. 195 million children younger than five years nent to the public debate on modified foods. "Genetic improvement of microorganisms, plants, and animals using molecular approaches that are variously identified as genetically engineered organisms, transgenic organisms or genetically modified organisms, or molecularly modified organisms has received and continues to receive extensive scientific examination regarding risks to the environment and to humans. These risks must be evaluated relative to those of existing products that they would replace. Genetically engineered crops are inherently less risky because of the ability to better ask and answer the important risk questions than for existing processes," Hardy said. Charles Arntzen, president and CEO of the Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research and past ASPP Education Foundation board Bob Buchanon explains to senators the research he is conducting on removing allergens from foods such as member, testified that there are a number of wheat products. His work demonstrotes that research using biotechnology conducted with existing safeguards new plant products that are being created . could lead to safer foods for millions of people here and abroad. In thanking him for his teslimony, Choir using recombinant DNA technology that will Richard Lugar remarked that Buchanan's enthusiasm for his research is conlagious. _ 8 '------ASPPNEWS are undernourished for protein, and in 1992, some 12 million American children were thought to have diets that were significantly lower in protein than what is recommended by the National Academy of Sciences," Larkins said. Dr. Bob Buchanan, of the University of California, Berkeley, and an ASPP past president, said that his in vitro studies on thioredoxin using biotechnology have demonstrated that thioredoxin alleviates food and pollen allergies; enhances the digestibility and nutritional quality of foods; improves the baking quality of poor-quality flour; and disarms neurotoxins of snakes, scorpions, and bees. In addition to eliminat ing allergens from wheat food products in the lab, Buchanan has developed an animal Charles Arntzen (right) notes that his research using biotechnology to develop a plant that would model to provide the first allergy test for be an edible va«ine against diarrhea November/December 1999, Vol. 26, No.6 _ ------9 continued {rom page 9 supporters in the Congress to help fend off foods that could provide enhanced nutrition anti-biotech proposals that are not based in for consumers and increased revenues for ture among some sectors of European science. The testimony and responses to farmers, the testimony provided many society to the extent that the current questions by ASPP members also cited the significant reasons for continued support of approval process in the European Union has value of congressional support for basic modified foods and research using virtually ground to a halt." Lugar has been a plant research. biotechnology. strong supporter of the use of modern The contribution by ASPP members in technologies such as biotechnology in this debate on f)1odified foods before agriculture. congressional committees on October 5 and Lugar, Ranking Democrat Tom Harkin of 6 (see related story on page 11) occurred at a Iowa, Senator Thad Cochran (R-MS), key time when some members of Congress Senator Bob Kerrey (D-NE), Senator Charles were considering seeking new restrictions on Grassley (R-IA), and Senator Peter Fitzgerald biotech foods as a result of attempts by anti (R-IL) engaged the plant scientist witnesses biotech groups to scare the populace. By with many questions and comments. Most of discussing research leading to value-added the senators appeared supportive of research using biotechnology. However, Kerrey expressed some disappointment with some market rejections of modified foods. He said that when he was in the restaurant business, if the customers did not order a particular menu item, he believed he was being sent a message that the particular rejected food item on the menu was "garbage" and should be taken off the menu. Many representatives from the media, life science companies, producer and refiner groups, and others attended the hearing. The gathering of people was sizable enough to spill out of the hearing room and into an overflow room with internal televised coverage of the hearing. The Senate Agriculture Committee held a follow-up hearing October 7 with representa tives from USDA, EPA, FDA, Consumers Union, the National Academy of Sciences, Rolph Hardy (rightl comments that genetically engineered foods are inherently less risky because scientists and farm producer and refiner groups. are better able to ask and answer important risk questions when conducting research using biotechnology. Senator Lugar cited information presented Roger Beachy (left) provided testimony citing the large reduction in the use of chemical insecticides by October 6 by ASPP member scientists on formers mode possible when formers plant crops engineered to be resistant to pests. several occasions throughout the day. The committee videotaped the October 6 hearing with testimony from eight ASPP member scientists for further use on this issue. The statements of the witnesses and chair at the October 6 hearing can be found at http:// www.senate.gov/-agriculture/wit99106.htm. The committee chair commented to the committee staff and to the people in attendance on the good preparation that the plant scientists' statements reflected. The hearing provided an influential audience of policymakers and attending media with convincing examples of the value offered by research using modern transfor mation technologies. Members of the committee and attending media heard credible accounts on the comparable safety of food products developed with research using biotechnology. They also heard of the value-added foods and renewable energy sources that will be coming with the next generation of biotech products. Hearings Senalor Peter Fitzgerald (R-Il) discusses the recognized safely of modified foods with plant scientist like this provide important facts needed by witnesses at the Committee on Agriculture hearing. _ 10 L.- ASPPNEWS _ Thomashow, Cook Testify on Plant Genomics and Biotechnol ogy at U.S. House Basic Research Subcommittee Hearing SPP members Dr. Michael Thomashow of AMichigan State University and Dr. Jim Cook of Washington State University testified at a congressional hearing on "Plant Genome Science: From the Lab to the Field to Market, Part 2" on October 5. The hearing was held by the House Science Subcommittee on Basic Research Jim Cook, 01 Washington State University and ASPP (leNl, Sharon Hays, 01 the House Science chaired by Congressman Nick Smith (R-MI). Subcommittee an Basic Research, and Michael Thomashow, 01 Michigan Slate University and Smith is holding a series of hearings on ASPp, participated in the subcommittee hearing on "Plant Genome Science: From the Lob to plant genomic research supported by the the Field to Market, Port 2" on October 5. National Science Foundation. Smith's subcommittee has authorizing jurisdiction over NSF. Smith's comments indicated his strong support for genomics research and for research using biotechnology. Thomashow discussed a range of research efforts using biotechnology that will offer value-added benefits, including improved crop production, improved human health, and alternative non-food uses. He pointed out the value offered by research that leads to herbicide-resistant crops, crops with improved stress tolerance, food crops with increased vitamin and mineral content, and plants engineered to be edible vaccines for use against illnesses afflicting humans. Cook pointed out that genetic modifica House Science Subcommittee on Basic Research Chair Nick Smith (R-MI; leN) welcomes wit tion of plants has occurred for many years. ness Michael Thomashow in the subcommittee hearing room in the Rayburn House Office He remarked on the very impressive Building. In conducting the hearing, Smith demonstrated considerable knowledge 01, and environmental safety record that is found in support lor, research in plant genomics and plant biotechnology. using plants as crops to produce food, fiber, and other products. Cook noted that genetic modification of crop plants can result in FY2000 Funding Restored for NRI in Conference increased benefits for the environment. For example, herbicide-resistant crops can eductions in the fiscal year 2000 budget be expected to be the upper and lower reduce the need for soil tillage by farmers. Rfor the National Research Initiative budget number limits from which confer Cook added that there are effective perfor Competitive Grants Program were averted in ence negotiators would determine a con mance trial and institutional review the House/Senate Conference Report for ference agreement figure. It is unusual for safeguards in place to help ensure the safety agriculture. The conference report provides conferees to produce a budget number of genetically modified crops. $119.3 million for the NRI, including $41 higher than that found either in the Senate In the first round of hearings on plant million for plant research and $20.5 million or House version. The House has adopted genome research held August 3 by Smith's for research related to natural resources and the conference report, and further action is subcommittee, ASPP past president Ken the environment. The FY1999 budget for the awaited in the Senate. Keegstra of Michigan State University; ASPP NRI was also $119.3 million. The Agricul USDA officials acknowledged the efforts of member John Ryals, president and CEO of tural Research Service budget for FY2000 ASPP members in seeking to avert NRI Paradigm Genetics; Mary Clutter, NSF also received a boost in conference over budget cuts this year. ASPP Campus assistant director; Eileen Kennedy, USDA Senate and House bill numbers with an Contacts and their colleagues in the states of deputy undersecretary for Research, appropriation of $834,322,000. conferees responded effectively by contacting Education and Economics; and Susanne Going into conference, the picture looked their key members of Congress participating Huttner of the University of California were much more bleak. The Senate had approved in the conference. Some research programs the hearing witnesses. (See story in Septem a bill calling for $114.1 million for the NRI, might have been eliminated within the NRI ber/October issue of ASPP NEWS.) and the House bill provided $105.4 million if either the original House or Senate budget for the NRI. Generally, the Senate and House numbers had been agreed to in conference. bill recommended spending amounts would _~N~o:::ve~m~be~r/~Oe~(e:::.m::be:.r .:...:19:.:....99~, ..:.:::Vo::.:..1.::26~,N=o.:....:.6=-- _ 11 Safe in the Ivory Tower? was stunned by the message! Yes, I had out. Those who chose to venture out into the biotechnology, see the issues section I read that European field tests of geneti publ ic arena were often misquoted or containing plant research briefing papers on cally engineered plants by large multina misrepresented, only serving to drive them the Public Affairs Web page (http://aspp.org/ tional companies were being destroyed by further into their "ivory towers." pubafflissues.htm). For guidance in prepar protesters and that farmers' fields in India Do we have the luxury of continuing to ing a "listener friendly" talk on general containing genetically engineered crops were stay cloistered within our laboratories? Of issues related to agricultural biotechnology, being burned to the ground. But now it had course, as scientists, we have a choice, but see Peggy Lemaux's Generic Talk and Slide happened in my own backyard! I replayed the the consequences of that choice are clear. We Set on her Web site, which is linked to the message on my answering machine. The can stay on the sidelines and hope that ASPP homepage at http://aspp.org/pubaff/ disturbed voice of a student repeated that someone else takes on the responsibility of resplbio.htm. someone had entered fenced, university defending this discipline. The potential It is best to proceed with letters to the property where his experimental plants were consequence of that choice might be that we editor, interviews with the media, and growing and used machetes to cut his corn lose our ability to engage in scientific meetings with editorial boards at which you plants to the ground. discovery using the new genetic tools we provide the content of the presentation. You The perpetrators, or "decontaminators" as helped to develop. Or, we can become do not need to feel compelled to invite they referred to themselves, were either actively involved, participating in dialogue members of the "opposition," because this is unaware or did not care that the plants they with public opinion makers, consumers, and often more confusing to the audience than it had destroyed were not genetically engi the press on the technology's risks and is enlightening. If you want assistance in neered. Although a small percentage of the benefits in an informed and professional these ventures from the Committee on plants at this university field station were manner. The choice is ours. Public Affairs or the ASPP Public Affairs genetically engineered, a.part of a National Deciding to do the latter is not a trivial Office, please contact ASPP headquarters. Science Foundation-funded study, the plants commitment. Interacting with the public Remember, if your local newspapers do not that were destroyed had been created by often requires more skills (and certainly hear about the benefits of modern plant classical breeding. They were an integral part different ones) than we, as scientists, use in research from you, they may only hear one of the graduate student's doctoral thesis, and our own research. Communicating effec sided accounts about the risks of the now his research would he delayed an entire tively requires sensitivity to the audience, research you do from anti-biotech activists. year because of the destruction! knowledge of the topic, and skill in sculpting For a compelling reason to enter the fray, Can we as scientists continue to stand by answers that are scientifically accurate, lead just look at what activists have done to the and watch this happen? Can we let misun to minimal misinterpretation, and address attitudes of the public toward genetic derstandings about modern plant biology the concerns of the public. Deciding to engineering in Europe. Activists have even and biotechnology go unchallenged, result become an active player in public dialogue demanded that GM-free clothing be made ing in painful interruptions in the training requires a dedication to learning the skills available in Britain (Nature Biotechnology of tomorrow's scientists or stopping our own necessary to do so effectively (see below). 17,939; 1999)! Imagine what this attitude pursuits of fundamental scientific discovery? Ifwe, as scientists, recognize the impor could do in the United States to future Over the years, scientists have kept a low tance of communicating with the public and support decisions for federal research money public profile, conducting their research make it a priority, I believe that we can make and your ability to use these tools in within the confines of their laboratories in a difference in the debate. If we chose not to productive ways! universities, publishing their research engage in this important exercise, we must results, and rarely communicating with the accept the consequences of remaining in our ASPP Book Pr og.ram general public about the implications of ivory towers! prOP0SGlI~ their work or its potential risks or rewards to Peggy G. Lemaux · ASPP wel@0lif11es for its 'b00k society. Utilizing funding from federal grants Department of Plant and , program. Books typically publistiled tvy, the SbOiety are edited, pe~T-re'Liewed· . was sufficient for most scientists to make a Microbial Biology works based on symposium pro.ceed- -. living and to train the next generation of University of California, Berkeley · Ing{end celleGtipns of mlnl-revjew~.TGp scientists without having to justify or explain les inc! r de.plant'PhysI010gy, m01ecular . what they were doing to the public. Note from the ASPP Public Affairs Office biology, ehVlrOi'Hn.ental ~ldJogy,qiQ-. For decades, there was little to draw ASPP is taking an active role in helping · chemistry, celll'lology, blopf.lyslcs o~ . scientists out to engage in public discussions scientists enter the dialogue taking place , planfs, re@l'Jldtion of gefl6 expression, about their work. Biotechnology, I believe, is around genetically engineered plants. The : molecwlar Qllild @emetlc basis of plant changing that situation. Few controversies ASPP Public Affairs Office and Committee on · Plant Scientists to Speak at NIH Scientists Participate in CNN Online Conference December 5-7 Discussion of Modified Foods ASPP is pl'~ased to.allf- everal scientists conducting research on number of supportive comments on ·rilo"unce that Plant Physibl- Splants and yeast will be speakers at a Aresearch using biotechnology have been • ~ i '.'. . It. ' conference on "Advances in Membrane registered as part of a CNN online discussion ogy-cind THE ptANif CELL will , . ..' Transport: Lessons from Model Organisms" on modified foods. ASPP Campus Contacts '·now:,revi$Vv, materrial to be to be held December 5 through 7. The were alerted October 7 of an online CNN conference is sponsored by the National message board inviting the public to pUb.lished'only. illl the olNline Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and participate in the discussion. Kidney Diseases of the National Institutes of The CNN description of the issue was very ·vers'iOIl of'th'e joqr-rna/s, Health. It will be held on the NIH campus in one-sided and appeared to be designed to Authors.me iF)vited to sWfb- Bethesda, Maryland. generate a public response that would be in , . . ~ Plant and yeast speakers include Joe opposition to modified foods. The ASPP alert tTl'it Video~~ large data sets, Ecker, Michael Palmgren, Michael Sussman, of the online discussion noted that the David Eide, Wolf Frommer, and Bruno Monarch butterfly study paper discussed by .tables,· and'other mater~dls Andre. ASPP member Julian Schroeder is on CNN was actually rejected for publication by , thGJlt are' relevant to tlAeir the organizing committee for the confer Science and Nature, according to congres · t·· •.. ence. He said the increased number of sional testimony by a reviewer, but did ·articles and thQlt would be speakers working with plants is an indication eventually get published in Nature as a news of increased interest on the part of the brief item. Scientists who have reviewed the ,~EMer represented online institute in plant research. Schroeder said Monarch butterfly study have noted that it than' in pninfi. I'f ~o\!l ha:qe any there is considerable interest in innovative does not reflect field conditions. . " approaches to study membrane transport · questions~ prease visit our developed in Arabidopsis and yeast studies. 'Web sitesot IMt'p:l/ Membrane transporters are studied in . I, relation to nutritional disorders and kidney aspp"org/PP/pjlDh~alJl.tiltl1ril disease in humans. Questions concerning the workshop ·',Plant P,?Y1SiOlogY.), Glrndt1~p: . should be directed to ComputerCraft Corp.; telephone (301) 493-9674, fax (301) 530-0634, I/www.plonfcell.org/misc/ e-mail [email protected]. Web: iforoi,shtml (FHE PI!.ANij" CELIl.) www.ep.niddk.nih.gov. _____November/December 1999,--'-Vol. 26, No.6 ------J_ 13 ASPP Education Forum ------1~~.... Compiled andedited by Carol Reiss, Division tions-photosynthesis and respiration the student. The publisher does supply an ofBiomed-Box G-J4, Brown University, precede the chapter on solute transport so artwork CD-ROM that contains all the photo Providence, RI02912, e-mail that students are familiar with how ATP is graphs and fine line art work. hcr@brownedu both generated and utilized before topics such as active transport are discussed. Bill Cohen Bill Cohen, who used the new second edition Many new details have been added to the University of Kentucky of Plant Physiology by Lincoln Taiz and unit on biochemistry and metabolism.These Lexington Eduardo Zeiger in his classroom this past include the characterization of the FOF1 year, wrote the following review for the ATP synthase as a "molecular motor," the Education Forum. molecular structure of photosynthetic pigment complexes and reaction centers, a Plant Physiology, 2nd ed., by Lincoln Taiz molecular description of alternate oxidase, Science Writing Internship and Eduardo Zeiger. Sinauer Associates, Inc., and the role of Nod factors in rhizobial Launched at ASPP Sunderland, MA, 1998. ISBN 0-87893-831-1. symbioses. The chapters are rich in the hows Hardcover. and whys, but I would have preferred more hilippa information on the use of inhibitors and P(Pippa) J. he long-awaited second edition of Plant ionophores as probes of electron transport Sammes joined TPhysiology by Lincoln Taiz and Eduardo and oxidative- and photophosphorylation, for the Society on Zeiger was available for classroom use early example. In addition, more information on November 8 as in the fall of 1998. Plant Physiology the current understanding of both sulfur and its first science represents the efforts of 21 contributors, phosphate metabolism in higher plants writing and each being an expert in his or her field, and would be helpful. publishing thus each chapter is a mini-review. The The new chapter on gene expression and intern. The organization of the second edition is similar signal transduction in the unit on Growth Executive to the first. The book is divided into three and Development is excellent and extremely Committee main sections: Transport and Translocation helpful to students who have not had a authorized the of Water and Solutes, Biochemistry and formal course in cell biology. The treatment internship Metabolism, and Growth and Development. of the material dealing with regulation of program, which This new edition contains brand new gene expression, hormone receptors, will run for three years and provide for one chapters on cell walls; gene expression and secondary messengers, and components of intern a year, at its July 1998 meeting in signal transduction; growth, development, signal transduction pathways compares quite Madison, Wisconsin. and differentiation; and blue light responses. favorably with the presentation in Albert's Pippa is completing her Ph.D. in marine The organization closely follows the course Essential Cell Biology. The chapters on physiology, researching interclonal and that I present to advanced undergraduate/ phytochrome and phytohormones in this interspecific dark survival and primary first-year graduate students in plant unit contain much new information that is production of marine phytoplankton. Her physiology. The approach is clearly based on based on the use of Arabidopsis mutants and supervisors are Professors Richard J. Geider connecting fundamental principles of plant molecular cloning techniques to elucidate (University of Essex, U.K.) and John A. Raven physiology to recent developments in plant the role of hormones and their receptors in (University of Dundee, Scotland), and the cell biology and plant molecular biology. the regulation of gene expression during Ph.D. project was jointly funded by NERC The section on water relations focuses growth and development. and a CASE scholarship from the Marine more on experiments and quantitative As might be expected with a textbook in Biological Association, Plymouth, U.K. relationships than it did in the first edition which each chapter is a mini-review focused Between 1991 and 1995, Pippa was a student and is in some ways similar to the presenta on a narrow area, one finds in some cases at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland, tion in Park Nobel's Physiochemical and too much detail on certain topics and in oth where she was awarded a B.Sc. (2.1 Hons) in Environmental Plant Physiology. The ers too little. Overall, my students found the Zoology (Marine & Fisheries). She has chapter on water balance would be more second edition to be quite valuable compared presented at a number of European confer valuable to students if the basic information to the previous edition. That was true, in ences, most recently the 2nd European on stomatal opening and closure was particular, with regard to the newer informa Phycological Congress in Montecatini Terme, included rather than being scattered across tion derived from experiments in molecular Italy. She participated in a three-month three other chapters. cell biology. In many cases, the references university field expedition to Borneo in the The section on solute transport has been cited from the primary literature are from summer of 1994 focusing on the ecology and greatly enlarged and contains much new the past year or two. My students were disap human geography of the jungle. information on the molecular nature of pointed, though, by the absence of useful Interns will be trained in science writing carriers, channels, and pumps, including Web sites for each chapter, a feature that is and other aspects of scientific publishing. aquaporins. The use of molecular analysis to becoming more common in introductory bi Their work will appear in both Plant identify and elucidate membrane protein ology textbooks. The Web site maintained by Physiology and THE PLANT CELL. The long structure is amply described. Organization Sinauer Associates, the publisher, does not term goal of the program is to enhance the ally, it might have been more appropriate to contain any useful information that supple influence of plant biology in science have the chapters on energy transforma- ments the text for either the instructor or journalism. _ 14 L- ASPPNEWS _ NEW ANNUAL MEETING FORMAT! CALL FOR ABSTRACTS Submit your abstract for Plant Biology 2000 via.the World Wide Web. (Abstracts will also be accepted by physical mail. Faxed abstracts will not be accepted.) All abstracts submitted for Plant Biology 2000 will be accessible for browsing and searching on the World Wide Web beginning in April 2000. The program format for the 2000 annual meeting will include five major symposia, 18 minisymposia selected primarily from the submitted poster abstracts, and poster presentations (no oral presentations). All posters will be on display for four days. Authors should submit their abstracts in one of the 27 poster categories. The program committee will also use these abstracts as a basis for composing the 18 minisymposia. Potential minisymposium topics are listed on page 3 of the call for abstracts. Suggestions or proposals for any additional minisymposium topics should be sent to Susan Chambers, [email protected] or Plant Biology 2000, 15501 Monona Dr., Rockville, MD 20855 USA. IMPORTANT NOTICE To be able to submit and view abstracts on the World Wide Web, instructions for authors have been significantly changed from previous years. It is essential to read and follow carefully the enclosed new instructions for submitting abstracts to Plant Biology '99. The new system will work best for abstracts submitted via the World Wide Web. All authors who have the electronic capability to submit via the Web are urgently requested to do so. Deadline for Receipt of Abstracts WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 2000. Do not submit before Monday, February 1, 2000. CALL FOR ABSTRACTS PLANT BIOLOGY 2000: 2000 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Plant Physiologists Saturday, July IS-Wednesday, July 19, San Diego, CA, USA Deadline: Wednesday, March 1, 2000 Do not submit abstracts before February 1, 2000. PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY BEFORE SUBMITTING ABSTRACTS FOR PLANT BIOLOGY 2000 Abstracts to Be Submitted and Viewed Electronically for Plant Biology 2000 For Plant Biology 2000, abstracts should be submitted via the World Wide Web, and the annual abstract supple ment will be available for viewing and searching on the Web beginning in April 2000. We will also publish a printed version of the abstract supplement in 2000 which will be available to attendees at the meeting. Abstracts will be available for viewing and program details will be attached to the abstracts, making it possible for you to plan your visit to the annual meeting with precision long before you get to the meeting. The Web site will make it possible for you to prepare and print out a personal program to guide you at the meeting. The deadline for submission is Wednesday, March I, 2000. Abstracts may not be submitted before Tuesday, February I, 2000. This system will work best for members who have access to the World Wide Web through a forms-capable Web browser. We strongly recommend Netscape or MS Internet Explorer, version 3.0 or higher. We will include links at the site to immediately download the latest version of these two browsers. We strongly urge all members who are able to do so to use this method of submission. The more abstracts that are received via the Web, the better the electronic abstract supplement will work. In recognition that not all members have access to the Web or to the proper browsing software, abstracts may also be submitted via physical mail. Although this alternate method of submission will work, it is cumbersome and expensive to convert to the Web file. Again, we urgently request everyone who has World Wide Web capability to use that format to submit his or her abstract. For all abstract submissions, authors will be strictly limited to 1800 characters in the body of the abstract. Automatic acknowledgments will be sent to all who submit, regardless of the method they use. Inside this insert are the new instructions for submitting your abstracts electronically (or by regular mail if you don't have access to the Web). For this electronic submission project to work effectively, it is critical that you read and follow these new instructions carefully when you send your abstracts for Plant Biology 2000. If you have any questions, contact Susan Chambers at [email protected] or 301-251-0560, ext. 111. Remember the following four guidelines: • Limit the body of your abstract to 1800 characters. • Do not submit any abstracts before February I, 2000. • Be sure to submit by Wednesday, March I, 2000. • Do not use fax. • Most important: IF AT ALL POSSIBLE, SUBMIT BY WORLD WIDE WEB. FOLLOW THE ENCLOSED INSTRUCTIONS EXACTLY. Call for Abstracts-Plant Biology 2000 2000 ASPP Annual Meeting San Diego, CA, USA, Saturday, July IS-Wednesday, July 19 HOW TO SUBMIT AN ABSTRACT TO PLANT BIOLOGY 2000 We urge all who have the electronic capability to use the World Wide Web. I. Via the World Wide Web II. Via Physical Mail 1. Select a poster presentation report category from the list below. A 1. Select a poster presentation report category from the list below. A member may submit or sponsor one research poster abstract and member may submit or sponsor one research poster abstract and one Education poster abstract. one Education poster abstract. 2. A member may request that an abstract also be considered for a 2. A member may request that an abstract also be considered for a selected minisymposium category (optional). selected minisymposium category (optional). 3. Deadline for receipt is Wednesday, March 1, 2000. DO NOT USE 3. Deadline for receipt is Wednesday, March 1, 2000. DO NOT USE FAX. FAX. 4. DO NOT include any graphics or tabular material in the body of 4. DO NOT include any graphics or tabular material in the body of your abstract. your abstract. 5. Access URL 5. Use this method of submission only if you do not have access to the http://aspp.orglabstract. You must have a forms-capable browser World Wide Web. (for example, Netscape 3.0 or above or Internet Explorer). 6. Fill in the form on the following page exactly as it is shown and 6. Detailed instructions will be provided on the screen. Enter the within the space provided. information called for in each field. If you use special characters (super- or subscripts, italics, bold or Greek letters), you will be 7. Type the abstract in the area proVided; DO NOT exceed 1800 asked to enter some simple text mark up codes. The codes will be characters. A proofing copy and acknowledgment will be e-mailed provided in the instructions on screen. Those with Internet to you; if you do not have or do not provide an e-mail address, the browsers 3.0 or higher have more automated functions for inserting proofing copy will be sent by fax. the characters. The system will provide an immediate proofing copy to ascertain that you have entered the codes properly. The 8. Mail two flat, unfolded copies (original and photocopy) of your system will count the characters (minus the codes) and will not abstract to Plant Biology 2000 Abstracts, 15501 Monona Drive, permit you to enter an abstract of more than 1800 characters. Rockville, MD 20855-2768 USA. 7. After proofing, press the "Submit" button. Acknowledgment will be sent to you bye-mail. The meeting format for Plant Biology 2000 will include poster presentations and minisymposia. All abstracts must be submitted as poster presenta tions in one of the following 27 poster session categories. The program committee will then review the poster abstract submissions and select a limited number of abstracts to compose up to 18 minisymposia. If you wish to have your abstract considered for a minisymposium presentation, please select a potential ~inisymposium topic in which it would best fit. If your abstract is chosen by the program committee for a minisymposium presentation, you will be contacted before April 1, 2000. POSTER PRESENTATION REPORT CATEGORIES Abstracts for poster presentations (no orals) may be submitted in any of the following 27 categories. Intercellular Signaling Resource Allocation Intracellular Signaling Tropisms Reproductive Biology Oxidative Stress Vegetative Development Photomorphogenesis Seed Biology Enzymology and Metabolism Cytoskeleton Genomics Lipids and Related Molecules Growth Regulators and Hormones Organelle Biogenesis Membrane Transport Root Biology Photosynthesis and Respiration Secondary Metabolism Plant Interaction with Other Organisms Cell Walls Regulation of Gene Expression Water Stress Education Elevated C02 Societal Issues Abiotic Stress Potential Minisymposium Topics: Plant Interaction with Pathogens Long Distance Signal Transduction Seed Biology Plant Interaction with Symbionts Cell to Cell Signal Transduction Silencing Plant Interaction with Other Plants Lipid Biology Cell Walls Enzymology Algal Physiology Programmed Cell Death Bioenergetics in Photosynthesis Targeting Vascular System Biology Resource Allocation: Mechanism & Control Vegetative Plant Development Post-translational Control of Metabolism Molecular Motors Reproductive Development Physiological Ecology Membrane Transporters Genome Structure Abiotic Stress Sugar Signal Transduction Functional Genomics Nutraceuticals Guard Cell Signal Transduction Genomic Tools (bioinformatics, Societal Issues in GMOs Hormone Receptors and Signaling arrays, proteomics) Address any questions to Susan Chambers, [email protected] or 301-251-0560, ext. 111. DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION: WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 2000. DO NOT SUBMIT BEFORE FEBRUARY 1, 2000. FOLLOW THIS FORM EXACTLY TO SUBMIT AN ABSTRACT TO PLANT BIOLOGY 2000 BY PHYSICAL MAIL (Type information directly onto this form and mail this original and one photocopy. Please submit via physical mail ONLY if you lack the electronic capability to submit via the Web) ABSTRACT TITLE (Type in sentence style: capitalize first letter of first word only; type all other words except proper names in lower case letters): AUTHOR: AFFILIATION: AUTHOR: AFFILIATION: AUTHOR: AFFILIATION: AUTHOR: AFFILIATION: POSTER PRESENTATION REPORT CATEGORY (select from list at the bottom of page 3 of the call for abstracts): MINISYMPOSIUM TOPIC (if you would like the program committee to consider your abstract for a minisymposium, select from the minisymposium topics list on page 3 of the call for abstracts): SUBMITTING OR SPONSORING MEMBER (a member may submit or sponsor one research abstract and one education abstract): NAME: PRESENTER'S NAME (if e-mail address cannot be provided, fax number must be proVided): MAILING ADDRESS: TELEPHONE: E-MAIL ADDRESS: FAX: ASPP Member: [] YES ] No Other Plant Physiology Society Membership: _ BODY OF ABSTRACT: (Abstract must fit into space below, and it must not exceed 1800 characters. Present all elements of a research report [introduction, materials and methods, results, discussion) but without headings. End abstract with acknowledgment of funding sources, if applicable. Do not indent first line of abstract. DO NOT break copy into paragraphs. DO NOT include graphics or any tabular material. Super and subscripts, bold, and italics may be used. Abstracts submitted by physical mail will be retyped to be put into the electronic file that will appear on the Web and be used for printing the abstract supplement. Mail two flat, unfolded copies of this abstract (this form and a photocopy) to Plant Biology 2000 Abstracts, 15501 Monona Drive, Rockville, MD 20855-2768 USA.) _-=PEO P-lE-~~ T Raskin Named Finalist in World Technology Awards for Biotechnology Emmanuel Epstein Receives Award of Distinction SPP member Ilya Raskin, a professor of up biomedical company founded by Raskin Aplant science at Rutgers' Biotechnology and currently licensing Rutgers technology. Center for Agriculture and the Environment Raskin's methods substantially improve on SPP member Emanuel Epstein is one of (Biotech Center), has been named one of five current methods for production, detection, A12 Award of Distinction recipients finalists for the World Technology Awards for and isolation of novel natural product honored at the University of California at Biotechnology. Raskin was cited for his work candidates from plants by harvesting Davis by the College of Agricultural and in developing novel molecular farming biologically active molecules from the places Environmental Sciences on October 15, techniques for drug discovery and manufac where they accumulate. By adding controlled 1999. The Award of Distinction is the highest turing. Other finalists include Ian Wilmut of stimulation protocols, Raskin is also able to recognition presented by the college to the Roslin Institute, creator of Dolly, the enhance the content and diversity of these individuals whose contributions and cloned sheep; John Sulston of the Sanger molecules. In collaboration with achievements enrich the image and reputa Centre in England, who is working on the Phytomedics, Raskin's group has also tion of the college and enhance its ability to Human Genome Project; Craig Venter, developed a system for continuous, low-cost provide public service. president of Celera Genomics in Rockville, production of pharmaceutical proteins in Epstein received his bachelor of science Maryland, also working on sequencing the plants. and master of science degrees in pomology at human genome; and Peter Stadler, Raskin is internationally renowned for his the University of California at Davis and Christiane Nuesslein-Volhard, and Klaus work on salicylic acid as a signal in plant joined the school's faculty as a lecturer in Rajewsky of Artemis Pharmaceuticals GmbH thermogenesis and disease resistance, as well plant nutrition in 1958. He received the in Cologne, Germany, who are conducting as for his ongoing role in the development of Cherubim Gold Medal and twice was awarded genetic, genomic, and bioinformatic analyses phytoremediation (the use of plants to the Senior Fulbright Research Scholarship. in vertebrate and model organisms. extract contaminants from soil and water). It He is a member of the National Academy of The awards, presented in association with is for this work, now widely duplicated in Sciences. The Economist magazine of London, have labs around the world, that he was recog Aprofessor emeritus in the UC Davis been created to honor those individual nized in 1997 as a finalist in the Discover Department of Land, Air and Water Re leaders from around the globe who have Awards for Technological Innovation. He was sources, Epstein is an internationally contributed the most to advancing emerging also the 1993 recipient of the Charles Albert recognized scientist. He reopened the field of technologies for the benefit of business and Shull Award, presented every two years by essential elements with his work on the role society and whose work today will have the ASPP to recognize the most prominent and of silicon in plant systems. He lectures greatest impact on the fblture in both active young botanical scientist in North worldwide, speaks at national and interna expected and unexpected ways. "As a major America. tional meetings, and is considered to be one research universit), Rutgers strives to attract The winners of the World Technology of the pioneers in ion transport research in scientists, such as Ilya Raskin, who are doing Awards were announced on November 12 in plants. He has been a key figure in research cutting-edge work," said Rutgers president, London at the National Museum of Science on salt tolerance and its application in Francis L. Lawrence. "This richly deserved and Industry. All finalists will have their case agriculture. honor recognizes his outstanding scientific studies and select artifacts of their choosing Dr. Epstein received the award at College contributions and places him in truly presented to the museum to become part of Celebration, an annual fall event at the distinguished company." the permanent collection. They and the university. The theme of this lIth College "Ilya has that rare ability to integrate competition judges will also be inducted as Celebration was "A Bountiful Harvest." fundamental research with practical the latest fellows/members in the World applications," said Peter Day, director of the Technology Network. Biotech Center. "We art proud and delighted The awards presentation was available live that his contributions are being recognized online at the World Technology Awards Web in this way." site. Case studies and profiles of the finalists The research that caught the attention of are also available on the site. In addition to the awards committee was Raskin's develop biotechnology, awards were presented in 19 ment of a unique process for the discovery other categories, including information and manufacture of valuable natural technology hardware, information technol products, including pharmaceuticals, ogy software, communications technology, nutraceuticals, biopesticides, preservatives, space, materials, energy, law, policy, start-up cosmetics, flavors, pigments, and fragrances. companies, design, the arts, media and His novel, cost-effective, and environmen journalism, finance, commerce, marketing, tally safe technique uses certain chemical health and medicine, transportation, the elicitors as triggers to produce mixtures of environment, and ethics. biologically active compounds from plants. This work is funded by Phytomedics, a start- ------'November/December 1999, Vol. 26, No.6 _ 19 ASPP Member Camellia Okpodu Recounts for Oprah Keys to Her Success amellia Okpodu, an ASPP member since How did Okpodu develop her interest in C1990, appeared on the July 12 th edition of plants? "I grew up on a farm. I was always the popular television show Oprah, which growing things. But any child interested in was dedicated to how parents can encourage biology is steered to medicine." So, when she girls to become successful women. Dr. went to N.C. State, she got on the premed Okpodu is an assistant professor of plant pathway. But early on, she decided she didn't molecular biology at Hampton University, like the sight of blood. She did like biochem Hampton, Virginia. She earned both her istry, though, and decided as an undergrad to bachelor's degree and Ph.D. in botany/ take a graduate-level biochemistry course. plant physiology at North Carolina State That's how she met fellow ASPP member University. Wendy Boss, who among others encouraged Dr. Okpodu came across the solicitation her fledgling interest in plant biochemistry. for guests to appear on Oprah during a Okpodu urges her colleagues in plant search on the Internet for a book that had science to make greater efforts at public .. " .;-.".: :~ been recommended by Oprah's Book Club. A outreach. "Part of the problem of minorities ' .. ) .... '""z " query popped up asking people to tell talk being underrepresented in the plant sciences show host Oprah Winfrey about their is a P.R. problem. Medicine is glamorized. mothers. Okpodu's essay led to a call from But when people think of plant science, they Winfrey's staff (which Okpodu at first think of agriculture. And for some minori mathematics to become a success. I urge thought was a joke) and ultimately an ties, the historical association with agricul them to use their own yardstick to measure appearance on the July 12 th Oprah. Winfrey's ture is negative. What would help is more their success, not their neighbor's yard featured guest that day was Dr. Sylvia Rimm, community-level efforts to get the discipline stick-they'll never know when their author of a new book entitled See Jane Win: out there ...especially to minorities." neighbor's yardstick is in inches when theirs The Rimm Report on How 1,000 Girls The schools need to refocus their priori is in feet. And finally, I tell them that failure Became Successful Women. ties, too. "Schools are too outcome-based, is just another opportunity to learn." Rimm studied 1,000 girls over a period of too grade-oriented. The way they assess kids several years to determine what makes is ridiculous. The important thing is to women successful. She summarized her expose children as much as possible to findings into six key elements: subjects like math." In fact, this final point • Teach healthy competition (teach girls not figures prominently in Camellia's own set of just the excitement of winning but resili key elements for spurring young girls on Trewavas Elected to Royal Society ence and perseverance when they lose). "Encourage girls to pursue math and • Teach girls how to feel smart. science. Don't emphasize grades so much as of Great Britain • Encourage math. Math is an important broad exposure to these important fields." threshold subject that opens up opportu What else? "Set expectations for your SPP member Anthony Trewavas was nities in many other fields. daughters. Tell daughters that they are Arecently elected into the Royal Society of • De-emphasize appearance and popularity. college material; ask them early on what Great Britain for his groundbreaking re • Be a coach, not a judge. college they want to attend. Make sure your search on how plant growth substances work • Parents: Fulfill your own dreams. daughters believe they're smart; brag about and his identification of developmental "win Dr. Okpodu was especially able to relate to them. Encourage them to participate in team dows" during which specific cells are sensi the second point. A"very reserved" child, she sports to emphasize collective work." tive to growth regulators. Trewavas pio liked to be by herself. She recalls being Does Okpodu have advice for the Society neered the use of aequorin and other intrac picked on a lot, and books became her way in its efforts to increase minority participa ellular probes as in vivo reporters, allowing out. She learned to read at age 3, and tion in plant biology and to encourage young detailed real-time studies of fluctuations in because of that her mother would tell her children to consider careers in the field? cytoplasmic calcium concentrations in re she was special. "That made me feel incred Absolutely. "ASPP is an elite organization. sponse to diverse signals. He has also made ible and invincible." Today the mother of Most people have no idea it exists. It seminal contributions to our knowledge of three girls, Okpodu says that because her perpetuates science among scientists, but if calcium-dependent protein kinases. mother believed in her, she believed in we don't tell the public what we're doing, Trewavas is a professor at the Institute of herself. someday we won't even have a discipline." Cell and Molecular Biology, University of For years, Okpodu's mother worked two Okpodu sees an opportunity for the Society Edinburgh. He received the ASPP Corre jobs to send Okpodu and her four siblings to to do more with organizations like Archer sponding Membership Award in 1999. college. Afew years later, when Okpodu told Daniels Midland and Monsanto to spread the her mother she was thinking of pursuing her word about plant biology. She pointed to the Ph.D., her mother asked simply: Why not? American Society for Microbiology poster, "not realizing that [her daughter] would be too, which highlights when minority groups one of the first African American women to entered the field of microbiology. receive a Ph.D. in plant physiology and What does Okpodu hope for her own biochemistry from N.C. State," Okpodu daughters? "I tell them that they must build added. a strong foundation on the cornerstone of _ 20 L..-...- ASPPNEWS _ Diversity in Science and Engineering s we approach the next millenium, the relationships with several pre-engineering • strong mentoring by faculty and staff Aplace of the United States in the global programs nationwide. • good professional and career development community will be determined greatly by the In 1993, EMSEP was formed along with linkages. quality and diversity of its workforce. At the the Marshall/Chavez/Means Scholarship. EMSEP in particular has been key to the session on Maintaining Diversity in Plant EMSEP is a comprehensive support service success of those students who graduate. This Physiology at the 1999 ASPP annual meeting network designed to help traditionally effort has been well supported with funds in Baltimore, panelists discussed the chal underrepresented populations succeed in not only from numerous foundations but lenges involved not only in recruiting but college. EMSEP empowers students to take also from corporations who view support of also in retaining underrepresented students an active role in their education by helping EMSEP and Strive as an investment in their of African, Latino, and Native American them establish a solid foundation in their corporate future. For more information descent. academic and personal development. EMSEP about the WPI programs, visit the MAO Web The Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI; has been so successful that in 1995, the Na site at www.wpi.edu/Admin/MAO/ or contact Worcester, MA) has successfully met the tional Academic Advising Association recog Ms. Dawn R. Johnson, Director, Minority challenges. Since 1993, WPI has increased nized it for "Outstanding Institutional Affairs and Outreach Programs, e-mail the entering pool of these underrepresented Advising." drj@WpLedu or telephone 508-831-5796. students by about 10 percent annually to the There are three main components to Pam Weathers current level of 4.8 percent. About half of the EMSEP: a Summer Bridge Program, a Professor, Biology and Biotechnology entering students achieved SAT scores above Network of Support Services, and the Dawn Johnson 1200 and were ranked in the top 20 percent Academic Development Plan. The Summer Director, Minority Affairs and Outreach of their high school graduating class. The Bridge Program is a two-week residential Worcester Polytechnic Institute retention rate for these students has also orientation program during August, prior to Worcester, MA risen over the past few years. For the class of start of classes. Its purpose is to assist in the 1997, 67 percent returned for their sopho transition from high school to college more year; for the class of 1998, that number through a series of interactive sessions with . Can. You Help Us locate was 74 percent; for the class of 1999, 97 faculty and staff. There are also academic percent; for the class of 2000, 100 percent; enrichment courses in physics, math, Toshi nori Abe for the class of 2001,89 percent; and for the writing, and literature, as well as instruction Pedro M. Aparicio-Tejo class of 2002,91 percent. The overall in basic and advanced computer skills. ). Celio retention rate at WPI is 91 percent. Seminars are provided to enhance and The real key to success is the graduation improve study skills, and discussions are : Cmarles c. Cr€lft rate of students. For the 1997 class of held to help clarify issues surrounding 'EI Hassania IDaoudi underrepresented students, 60 percent personal growth and development. Students UJenliam D'eng graduated in five years, the class of 1998 also participate in leadership training and graduated 64 percent in four years, and the social activities while interacting with upper ,'Zhanao Deng class of 1999 graduated 55 percent in four class students. Mary Elleard~lvey The Network of Support Services includes years. Compared td the overall rate of WPI I ifamara L. Jones student graduation of 52 percent in four academic advising, personal counseling, fi years, graduation of underrepresented nancial aid planning and assistance, faculty lien Bich Lai students is on a par with the rest of the advising, peer tutoring, academic skills " Fan Lu student body. workshops, mentoring, and career planning. 'Ewe! Mbdey' How has WPI, a small science and Students are encouraged to develop a per engineering university, achieved these sonal network of resources that include fac , BhClvesh Patel results? In 1990, with funding from United ulty and staff from many areas and groups on EKat~rioa Reveri,kovQ Technologies Corp., WPI established the campus. ,Yoon Rhee Minority Affairs and Outreach Programs Academic Development Plans are devel Office (MAO) and initiated the summer oped for those students who experience : LuciClde 5. Smith Strive program. MAO ~oordinates two main academic difficulty. This intensive interven Norbert Sprenger programs aimed at recruiting and retaining tion program is individualized to focus on Mark Stitt underrepresented students: Strive and the diagnosed problems and to provide effective Excellence in Mathematics, Science and solutions through increased contact with , David UJ~r.KJehenne Engineering Program (EMSEP). professors and advisers, attendance at a five Mar:ia Eugenia Zanetti Strive is a two-week intensive summer week college success workshop, and Sergiy Zhu outreach program for high school students participation in study skill development of color with superior academic ability and programs. If yo.u have ,an updated ad interest in math and science. Besides Strive, Overall, the reason for WPI's success in dress for any of these people, MAO has expanded recruiting nationwide. recruiting, retaining, and graduating MAO has participated in SERO/NSSFNS underrepresented students can be summed .please e-m.ail Kelley Noone, college information sessions in more than 10 up as follows: member servi<::es coordinator, major metropolitan cities. It has expanded • extensive outreach efforts . at knoone@C\spp.o.rg. '" " recruitment to Puerto Rico and developed • intensive pre-entry orientation ----_...:.....-..---:.-_------November/December 1999, Vol. 26, No.6 _ 21 student unrest continued, this window was sion programs. Here, he presented a series _O---:=BIT=UA:--RY ~~ shattered time and again, only to be replaced called Patterns ofLife for National Educa T as he made clear his unequivocal dedication tional Television and a series for the Public to dialogue and his wish to give students an Broadcasting System. He authored America PAUL SALTMAN opportunity not to break his windows. and the Future ofMan, the first of the Paul Saltman was irreverent in an Courses by Newspapers for the National En hen Paul Saltman died ofprostate endearing way, taking on hierarchical figures dowment for the Humanities. The publica Wcancer on August 27 at age 71, we lost and colleagues when needed to further his tion of his landmark UCSD Nutrition Book a dear colleague whose dedication, empathy, precepts of academic virtue and student well offered a reassuring disquisition on sensible academic accomplishments, and vision were being. His steadfast efforts shaped Revelle eating that absolved the public of the dietary cherished far beyond his campus at the into an innovative world-class college on a fears inculcated by less-visionary nutrition University of California San Diego (UCSD), new and burgeoning university campus. ists. His dedication to an emancipated ap an institution he served with devotion and Teaching and mentoring were at the core proach to healthful nutrition won him the distinction for 32 years. of his being in the context of his role as a title "The 1Winkie Doctor," replete with a Paul began his academic career at Caltech, research professor. He received excellence shellacked Hostess 1Winkie on a pedestal in where he received a bachelor's degree in in-teaching awards from the University of conjunction with an MVP (most valuable chemistry in 1949 and a doctorate in Southern California, as well as from the four professor) award by the students of Muir Col biochemistry in 1953. His Ph.D. research colleges at UCSD. He established the lege at UCSD. was conducted in the Biology Department "Frontiers of Science" course as an option Paul's special research preoccupation dealt under the direction of Professor James for non-majors to fulfill the noncontiguous with micronutrient metabolism and Bonner and in the happy ambiance of minor requirement at Revelle College and transport of iron in particular. His produc Bernard (Barney) Axelrod, a visiting designed it to prepare non-science majors to tive accomplishments were recognized with postdoctoral fellow. Accordingly, Paul joined become the political, educational, and a Fulbright Senior Fellowship in 1981 and ASPP and remained a member for more than sociological leaders of tomorrow. He was appointment to the Lady Davis Professorship 40 years. named honorary alumnus of the year in 1999 in Jerusalem in 1987. However, in addition In between his bachelor's degree and his by the UCSD Alumni Association and was to his basic science contributions, his work Ph.D. studies, Paul undertook a postgraduate honored by the establishment of the Paul D. led to significant clinical applications, scholarship in Paris-upon the recommen Saltman Chair in Science Education at including reduction of free-radical damage dation of Nobelist Irene Joliet Curie-that UCSD shortly before his death. His accolades to the heart, prevention of anemia, enhanced entailed steeping himself in phosphate from students bordered on the poetic, for he physical performance, bone and skeleton metabolism in the laboratory of Professor gave of himself unstintingly in his determi metabolism, and, of course, rational diet. Jean Roche. (Paris also served as the setting nation to bring out in all students the limit Paul was a boxer and basketball player in for a storybook honeymoon and offered Paul of their potential. His philosophy was college and a consummate surfer his entire the chance to play basketball for the Racing straightforward: "To me, a great teacher is adult life-an original member of the San Club of France.) His Ph.D. dissertation and a the person who, being sensitive and loving Onofre Surfing Association. Ahistorical subsequent publication unequivocally and creative in the discipline in which he is cover of Chemical and Engineering News has established the role of hexokinase in higher working, and actually on the cutting edge of Paul on his eight-foot mahogany board in plant glycolysis and characterized soluble that discipline, can bring that excitement to the thrall of a wave that would make lesser and particulate forms of the enzyme in wheat freshmen." men tremble. He surfed the way he ap germ and other plant materials. Following With a generous grant from the NSF in proached life-upright, on the cutting edge, the completion of his Ph.D., he moved to the conjunction with his service on the NSF exhilarated, undaunted, and ready for University of Southern California, where he Committee on Science Education, he anything. served for 14 years, receiving an NIH senior established a summer program at UCSD for research fellowship and rising to the rank of high school science teachers to acquaint George G. Laties professor of biochemistry. them with the cutting edge of contemporary University of California Paul was enticed to the UCSD during its biology. Instruction was mounted by Los Angeles formative years when direction was just distinguished members of the UCSD faculty, being established. In 1967, he became and course recipients were obliged to convey provost of Revelle College, the earliest their expanded reach to their home-school component of UCSD, and in 1972 he was colleagues. An unprecedented accomplish appointed campus vice chancellor of ment in his furtherance of science education academic affairs. He served in this office was his mounting of a Gordon Research until 1980, when he returned to his first Conference devoted to science teaching, the loves: teaching, mentoring, and research. only Gordon Conference in its venerable His tenure as provost spanned tumultuous history dedicated to the challenges and times. The war in Vietnam stirred deep urgencies of science teaching rather than to passions nationwide and on campus, and particularized research subject matter. In perceived authority figures became the addition, he was consultant to the National target of student ire. From the outset, Paul Institutes of Health and the National faced his constituency through a large glass Academy of Sciences, as well as to the NSF picture window bounding his provost's and local and regional agencies. office-a manifestation of his philosophy of Paul was more visible to the public accessibility. As reward for his pains as through his appearances on national televi- 22 _~ A_S_PP_N_EW_S _ Gatherings ------=------~~.. The ASPP NEWS publishes dates, titles, locations, and contact names and addresses for meetings, courses, seminars, and the like that are of interest to ASPP members. Submit announcements via e-mail to [email protected] or mail to Sylvia Braxton Lee, ASPP NEWS, 15501 Monona Drive, Rockville, MD 20855-2768 USA. Faxed transmissions are not accepted. APRIL April 1-5 The XVI International Congress on Sexual Plant Reproduction Banff, Alberta, Canada Coorganizers: Dr. D. D. Cass, University of Alberta ([email protected]) and Dr. V. K. Sawhney, University of Saskatchewan ([email protected]). For information, check our Web site at http://www.usask.ca/ biology/spr/. April 11-13 MICRO 2000 International Microscopy Conference & Exhibition Hammersmith, London For registration forms and information, contact Royal Microscopial Society, 37/38 St. Clements, Oxford OX4 1A1, United Kingdom; telephone +44 2000 For further information contact Professor Ruth 1865-248768, fax +44-1865-791237, e-mail for Ben-Arie, PO Box 50006, Tel Aviv 61500, Israel; conference information [email protected], JANUARY telephone +972-3-5140018/9; fax +972-3-5172484 e-mail for exhibition information allison@rms. or +972-3-5140077. org.uk, Web site http://www.rms.org.uk. January 13-14 Agricultural Microbes Genome I Conference MAY San Diego, California March 26-29 Information on the meeting (including online The 5th International Conference on "Plasma May 13-18 registration forms and abstract instructions) is Membrane Redox Systems and Their Role in Auxin 2000 available at http://wWw.ag-microbial.orgi. Biological Stress and Disease" Ajaccio, Corsica Hamburg, Gennany Organizers: Alan Jones, Catherine Perrot FEBRUARY Detailed information about the conference and a Rechenmann, and Mark Estelle. For information form to receive the first circular can be found at on the speakers, venue, application for participa February 20-24 http://www.rrz.uni-hamburg.de/biologie/ialb/ tion, and estimated costs, visit the Web site at World Congress of Young Farmers Conference redox2000/redox.htm. You can also contact the http://www.isv.cnrs-giUr/CRJaux2000 or contact Orlando, Florida organizers by sending e-mail to REDOX2000@ [email protected]. For information check the Web site at http:// botanik.uni-hamburg.de or contact M. Bottger, O. www.fb.com/world. To contact please e-mail Doring, and S. Llithje, Institut fUr Allgemeine May 14-18 [email protected] or call 630-323-6880. Botanik, Ohnhorststr. 18, 0-22609 Hamburg, World Congress for Soilless Culture on Germany; telephone +49-40-82282-345 /348, fax Agriculture in the Coming Millennium MARCH +49-40-82282-254, e-mail REDOX2000@ Kibbutz Ma'ale Ha'chamisha, Israel botanik.uni-hamburg.de. For information, contact the Congress Secre March 5-9 tariat, Ortra Ltd., 1 Nirim Street, PO Box 9352, New Frontiers in Plant Science and Plant March 27-29 Tel Aviv 61092, Israel; telephone +972-3-6384444, Biotechnology Cellular Compartmentation of fax +972-3-6384455, e-mail [email protected]. Toulouse-Labege, France Plant Metabolism Organizer: Alain Michel Boudet. Detailed Society for Experimental Biology Annual May 14-19 information and preliminary registration form Conference 10th International Symposium on Iron Nutrition can be found at http://ambre.toulouse.inraJr/ifr/ Exeter University, United Kingdom and Interactions in Plants NewFrontiers/welcome.html. Or contact Christine Organizers: C. G. Bowsher, S. A. Hill, A. K. Tobin, Houston, Texas Guidice, BP17 Auzeville, F 31326 Castanet R. Walker. For information contact Dr A. K. Tobin, Organizing Committee Chairman: Michael A. Tolosan, France; telephone +33-5-62-19-35-31, School of Biology, Sir Harold Mitchell Building, Grusak. For information, contact Stancia fax +33-5-62-19-35-02, e-mail newfront@cicUr. University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, Fife, KY16 Pemberton, USDNARS Children's Nutrition 9TH, U.K.; fax +44-1334-363366, e-mail at6@st Research Center, 11 00 Bates Street, Houston, TX March 26-31 andrews.ac.uk, Web site http://www.demon.co.ukl 77030; telephone 713-798-7020, fax 713-798 Postharvest 2000-4th International SEB/meetings/2000/ExeterSessions.html. Entry 7078, e-mail [email protected]. Conference on Postharvest Science form deadline is October 18, 1999. Jerusalem, Israel November/December 1999, Vo!. 26, No.6 _ --~-_.:....--:..-_------23 JUNE UniIe University of Crete, PO Box 2208, 71409 same as above Heraklion, Greece; telephone/fax +30-81-394459, e-mail [email protected]. Also, visit the symposium Web site at http://www.biology.uch.gr/ stlme as above meetings. Nancy Winchester. ASPP June 22-24 CUR 2000: The Many Facets of Undergraduate n/a Research 10. Ofmef (00 nollo8y~b/lil/( Iftlnl public41ion I:$olMl«1by. ~Iion.f/WtI IIuI ~~Md.rJdr9SS olllul ClNpOntiollitnmedifJ/-'Y'()Ik)lw(Jbylhf/ The College of Wooster, Wooster, Ohio =~wi~~r!:~~~~"f:!~~~~~;:':::{=C;:8~ For information, visit CUR's Web site at http:// Compllt. M.lIIn AllIIN.. www.cur.org and go to the meetings and events American Society of Plant Physiologists 15501 Monona Drive, Rockv1l1e HD 20855-2768 section. The College of Wooster's Web site is http:/ /www.wooster.edu/cur. June 24-28 Molecular Biology of Model Legumes 11.~80nlfhohl.re.MOO1gao;tcls.eoQ'OlherS6CllrfryHoklef'OfmlrlgOf John Innes Centre, Norwich, United Kingdom =;l~~~~~:,o:~:~O:~tofBonds.MOflpgeS.Of , ..... Local scientific organizer: Martin Parniske FuI1N.m. C4m l.t. Mallin AdlfrI.. ([email protected]). To register contact UEA Conference Services, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR47TJ, United Kingdom; telephone +44-1603-593271, fax +44-1603 250585, e-mail [email protected]. Further details can be found at http://www.jic.bbsrc.ac.uk/ 12. Tax Slatus (FoIoompIetionbyttertpffJMOff}tIII!rMiDnstllJ1hot!EIdIOftIfJI.'~"''''){CI»cIrOllfl) Tho ~.ll.W1CIlotl.end l'lllf'4l/oit status 01 Ws otgarUallorl end !hi exempt stalus fof fltd&/a11noomo laX PU/poul.: events/elm-2000/. W Hu Nor Changed Ourfr.g PrKOding 12 MorIN o H,sChlngod Ourfr.gProeo PS Form 3526, Seplember 1999 June 29-July 2 IJ.Pubb~on11ll1 ' •. I$.$u"O,111of CilcthlionOlLa Bilow Symposium on Biosynthesis of Glucose "'PO Now, .,,,, v/A"n'" 1QQQ Ext,ntlndNlluroolClreul,tlon AVlrag. No. Copln Each luuO No. Copl..0161ngl. ISlI;u. Polysaccharides Durlnv PtKlIdlng 12 Monlhs PubllshDd Nu'tlilo FIling 0.10 Scheman Continuing Education Building e. Tout Nl/lTlber 01 CoplltS (N,I{Vess nm) 4776 5088 Iowa State University, Ames 2788 2987 Registration deadline is May 30, 2000. For information contact: Plant Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Conferences, Symposim Office, 1645 1727 (.J OtherCIaSSD.SMulld~theUSPS 314 252 3208 Molecular Biology Building, Iowa State c. TOIlI PaJdlJn FriO Distribution Outsldo tho ~ (CtJtrffJrsOlo~r~"fI$) OCTOBER ~ g. Total Oisttlbution (Sum '$C. 8M (Sf) ~ 4747 4966 October 3-6 29 122 Workshop: The Role of Invertases in Plant lOlaI lSumoll5g. M1d1l.) Carbohydrate Partitioning and Beyond .noo University of Regensburg, Germany ,no .nn Noy/Dec 99 o Publicatiol'll'lOltequlrtd. For information and registration, contact Thomas Oalo Roitsch, Lehrstuhl fuer Zellbiologie und 10-8-99 Pflanzenphysiologie, Universitaet Regensburg, oonify that ,1 fl'\!OITTI8tion lllmlshed onlhls lorm Is IluG and com 0.1 ~ISIand Iha anyono who furnish" f.lse Of mblee6ng Inlonnalion 0tI this form orwtlOomJlsmaterlaJOflnIOtmlJtJonrequesltdOl'lI/loIOfl'l1maybosWftcllocri~SItlC\lons(lrldodln9rtnesandrmpritorfflOnl)ar4fOlcivilsaneti00li 93040 Regensburg, Germany; telephone +49-941 (Incll4l"ll!ovilpenaltio.s). 943-3021, fax +49-941-943-3352, e-mail Instructions to Publishers Cornp!OI9 and tile Dna copy 01 IhIslorm wilh your poslmUlot annualty on or berore Oc10b0r ,. Keep a copy or 1M comp!elod 101m [email protected], for your records. Web site: http://www.biologie.uni-regensburg.de/ 2. In cases whero Ihe slockholdof or 50CUrily holdorls elrusloo. include In Items 10 and 11 the name 01 tho parson or corporation lor vmom the If\lSleO Is acting. Al$o Include the namos and addrosses 01 Indlvtduals who are stockholdors who own or hold 1 porconl invertase/. Of mOle or tho total amount 01 banets,l1'lOrtgagos. Of othOt '&alrilles of lhe publishing oorporaUan.lnllom \1.11 nono,checlt the box. Use blank sheels If more spa¢t Is '&qulled. 3. Bill SUfO 10 rurnlSh all clrcu'.aUon InlonnaUon called IOf In 118m 15. F,oe clrculallon mUil be ehOWn In Items 1Sd. o. IltId I. 110m 15h., Copies not OlstrfbUlod. musl Includo (1) nowsstand coples origInally 61ated on Fonn 3541, and returned 10 Ihe publisher, (2) osllmat9C\ returns 110m nows agents, and (3), coplo$lor office U60, loftovora, spoiled, and all other ooples not dlslrfbuted. 5. If lho publication had Por1od!cafs alJlhorlzallon as a general or requoBter publication, this Slat41mont of Own41rShlp, Management. and C1rculatton must be published; It must be plWed In any Issue In OCt~tor, II the publicallon Is not publislltd during Qe1ober. the lirst Issuo printed aher Oclober. 6. In Item 16, Indicate the date oJ tho Issuo In whlctIlhll Statement of Ownorshlp wiR bo published. 7. 110m 17 must bo signed. Fill/UFO to fllQ 0'pub/Ish. stllttJmMt 01 ownorshlp mllY IlIlId10 susponslon 01 P.Flodoc.fs .uthorlDtlO(l. PS FOtm 3526, S4lplell'obt' 199a (RoY(J~) 24 ______A_S_pp_N_EW_S _ ASPP Placement Service This form may be used only by members of the American Society of Plant Physiologists. Please print or type your placement information on this form (curriculum vitae will not be accepted) and send it to Donna Gordon, ASPP Headquarters, 15501 Monona Drive, Rockville, MD 20855-2768 LAST NAME TITLE FIRST NAME INITIAL STREET ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP COUNTRY TELEPHONE FAX E-MAIL I am seeking the following position (check all that apply): [] Permanent [] Temporary [] Postdoctoral ] Industrial [] Academic [] Government [] USA only ] Outside USA US citizen? [] Yes [] No Date available: _ Fields of interest, specialties, and publications titles: _ Thesis, dissertation topics, professor: _ Professional societies' and honors:_------ Degree/year Major Minor College/university and Its location Postdoctoral study (specialty and with whom, where, when): _ Employer and location From To Position, Title, Duties . References (names, addresses, telephone numbers): _AS_P_PJ_ob_P_la_(e_me_n_IS_erYI_·_(e_----Irii~ T I. Registering with the ASPP Placement Service and Obtaining Placement Files ASPP headquarters in Rockville, Maryland, operates a placement service in which are kept active two files of resumes of individuals who are seeking employment. Employers are urged to survey the resume files for those seeking permanent positions and those seeking postdoctoral or similar positions. The files cost $25 each and may be ordered from Donna Gordon, ASPP Placement Service, 15501 Monona Drive, Rockville, MD 20855-2768 USA. Those seeking employment should complete the Placement Service Form on the facing page to be included in the service. II. Placing a Position Ad in ASPP NEWS and on the ASPP World Wide Web Homepage Submit all ads bye-mail to Sylvia Braxton Lee at [email protected] (or by mail to Sylvia Braxton Lee, 15501 Monona Drive, Rockville, MD 20855-2768 USA; FAXED ADS ARE NOT ACCEPTED). Afee of $150 for print, Web, or both is charged for all academic/government! industry permanent positions and for all positions, regardless of rank, posted by private companies (private nonprofit companies are not charged a fee). If a fee is charged for your ad, please include billing information at the time the ad is submitted. • AcademidGovernmentlIndustry Permanent Positions (Ph.D.): Limited to 200 words; ad will run 12 weeks on the Web and appear in one issue of ASPP NEWS. (If the ad runs only on the Web, the word limit is waived.) • Postdoctoral Positions and Researchlfechnical Positions (non-Ph.D.): At universities and government installations, limited to 100 words; at private companies, limited to 200 words. Ad will run 12 weeks on the Web and appear in one issue of ASPP NEWS. (If the ad runs only on the Web, the word limits are waived.) • Assistantships, Fellowships, Internships, etc.: Announcements of programs and fellowships or internships for students seeking advanced degrees run at no charge and without a word limit. They will run two times in ASPPNEWS: the first time, they will run at full length; the second time, they will include location, contact name, and address, with a reference to the original posting. These announcements will run on the ASPP World Wide Web homepage for 12 weeks from the date of posting. ACADfMK/GOVERNMENT/INDUSTRY PERMANENT POSITIONS telephone 864-656-5728, e-mail DKLPFL@ research interests, and three letters of recommen (Ph.D.) clemson.edu. Review of applications will begin dation to Professor Lila M. Gierasch, Head, November 30, 1999, and continue until a suitable Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Assistant/Associate Professor candidate is hired. Clemson University is an EOE/ Biology, LGRC 913, University of Massachusetts, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina AA employer. Amherst, MA 01003-4505. Review of applications (Received 10/01) will begin on October 31, 1999, and continue A tenure-track position is available for a until the position is filled. The University of motivated individual to develop an interdiscipli Faculty Positions Massachusetts is an equal opportunity employer/ nary program in functional genomics at Clemson University of Massachusetts, Amherst affirmative action employer. Women and members University. The candidate will establish an (Received 10/06) of minority groups are encouraged to apply. internationally recognized research program in The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular basic and applied molecular aspects of plant or Biology expects to fill several faculty positions in microbial biology and/or plant-microbe the next three to four years in areas that interface Biologist interactions. Applicants with experience in non biology and chemistry. We now invite applications Duke University, Durham, North Carolina plant systems who have a desire to apply their for a tenured position at the associate/full Plant Developmental Biology expertise in functional genomics to important professor level to begin September 2000, with a (Received 10/14) cropping systems will be considered. The particular preference for individuals with research A tenure-track position is available fall 2000, for a candidate must hold a Ph.D. in a relevant programs that complement our existing strength biologist who is using genetic, biochemical, and discipline. Documented experience in functional in plant molecular biology and biochemistry. molecular approaches to study aspects of the genomics and acquisition of extramural support is Exceptionally qualified junior candidates will also development of plants. The successful candidate essential. This position includes a competitive be considered. Individuals working on fundamen will be expected to develop an externally funded salary and generous start-up package. The tal questions in areas such as cell-cell communi research program and to participate in teaching successful candidate will work in the new $27 cation, signal transduction, organellar biogenesis, both undergraduate and graduate courses. The million Plant Biotechnology Building/Greenhouse nucleic acid and protein structure-function person hired will be part of the Developmental, Complex and will be associated with the CU relationships are particularly encouraged to apply. Cellular and Molecular Group situated in the new Genomics Institute, a facility emphasizing high We seel\ individuals with an established record of Levine Science Research Center, with a tenure throughput gene discovery projects in plants and significant accomplishment in research and track appointment as an assistant professor. More fungi (http://www.genome.clemson.edu). Submit creative scholarship. The successful candidate will detailed information about the program can be a curriculum vitae, official transcripts, four letters have access to graduate students from several found at http://www.dcmb.duke.edu/htm. of reference, and a statement of professional goals interdisciplinary graduate programs and will be Applicants should provide (1) a resume, a two- to to Functional Genomics Search, Dr. Kluepfel, expected to participate in teaching at the four-page description of their research plans, and Department of Plant Pathology, 120 Long Hall, undergraduate and graduate levels. Applicants a one-page teaching statement and (2) reprints of Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634; should send a curriculum vitae, a description of recent papers. Applicants should arrange for three [~E '.DEADLINE FOR AD$ fOR JHE 1AN.UARY1fEBRUARY ISSUE oF. ASPPWEWS'IS DECEMBER 31, 1999: ehjlck ASPR sWorld Wide Web sjte ihllp,!iospp.orgJJOBS/) every Fridby for new job listIngs. . JQbs with eo/ly OJlplicolion' deodlin~s are listed on th,e Web site,:but mig~t ~ot.appe,o~ in ASPP NEWS. 26 _~ A_S_PP_N_E_W_S _ letters of reference to be sent to Plant Develop Montreal, Quebec H3A IBl, Canada; The individual is expected to teach at the ment Search, DCMB Group, Box 91000, Duke [email protected]. The deadline for undergraduate and graduate level in his/her University, Durham, NC 27708. Review of all applications is December 1, 1999, but applications area of expertise; to seek research funding applications will begin on November 15, 1999. will continue to be considered until the position from federal, provincial, and industry Duke University is an affirmative action/equal is filled. In accordance with Canadian immigra sources; and to work as part of a team of opportunity employer. tion requirements, this advertisement is directed scientists in the university's Food System in the first instance to Canadian citizens and Biotechnology Centre. The position is 60% permanent residents. McGill University is research and 40% teaching. Candidates Biologist committed to equity in employment. should have a Ph.D. in an appropriate Duke University, Durham, North Carolina discipline, and postdoctoral experience is Plant Biology Using Functional Genomics preferred. Candidates should provide (Received 10/14) Plant Pathologist evidence of a commitment to teaching and A tenure-track position is available for a biologist Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc. of excellence in research. Excellent who uses functional genomics to study plant Lakeville, Massachusetts research facilities and support are available. biology. We are especially interested in applicants (Received 10/19) Please see our Web page at http:// who focus on structure-function analyses of Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc., is currently www.plant.uoguelph.ca for details on the proteins. Successful applicants will be expected to accepting applications for a Cranberry Plant department, the facilities, the university, develop an externally funded research program Pathologist. The successful candidate will lead and application procedures. and to teach at the undergraduate and graduate a research program, of which the primary levels. The person hired will be part of either the goal will be to reduce the incidence of Developmental, Cellular and Molecular Group or cranberry disease, most notably fungal Assistant Professor-Plant Genomics associated with the Organismal Biologists, with a diseases, which affect fruit quality. In addition University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada tenure-track appointment as an assistant to conducting independent goal-oriented (Received 10/25) professor. Participation in the newly formed Duke research, the incumbent will be responsible The Department of Plant Agriculture at the University Institute for Genomic Science & Policy for developing strong research contacts with University of Guelph invites applications for a full will also be expected. More detailed information other pathologists, researchers, and Ocean time, tenure-track research and teaching position about the program can be found at http:// Spray cranberry growers. Research efforts will at the rank of assistant professor. The successful www.botany.duke.edu/.htm. Applicants should include investigations to improve fungal candidate is expected to initiate a creative provide (1) a resume and (2) a two- to four-page disease control: for example, disease research program that applies recent develop description of their research plans and a one page epidemology, pathogen diagnosis and ments in genomics to enhance our understanding teaching statement. Applicants should arrange for prediction, and improved disease control. The of fundamental plant processes and leads to the three letters of reference to be sent to Plant successful candidate should possess (a) strong genetic improvement of grass species. The Functional Genomics Search, DCMB, Box 91000, plant pathology skills, (b) basic skills in individual is expected to teach at the undergradu Duke University; Durham, NC 27708. Review of all molecular biology, (c) experience in field ate and graduate level in his/her area of expertise; applications will begin on November 15, 1999. testing, including experimental design and to seek research funding from federal, provincial, Duke University is an affirmative action/equal data analysis, and (d) excellent communica and industry sources; and to work as part of a opportunity employer. tion skills. This position requires an M.S. or a team of scientists in the university's Food System Ph.D. in plant pathology. Interested candi Biotechnology Centre. The position is 65% dates should send a letter of interest, resume, research and 35% teaching. Candidates should Assistant Professor Positions academic transcripts, and the names and have a Ph.D. degree in an appropriate discipline, McGill University, Montreal, Canada contact information ofthree references to Mr. and postdoctoral experience is preferred. (Received 10/15) Robert G. Donnelly, Human Resource Candidates should provide evidence of a The Department of Biology at McGill University Department, One Ocean Spray Drive, commitment to teaching and of excellence in invites applications\for two tenure-track positions Lakeville, MA 02349. All or part of the research. Excellent-research facilities and support at the assistant professor level in the area of requested information-may also be submitted are available. Please see our Web page at http:// molecular biology. One position is for a molecular to [email protected]. For informa www.plant.uoguelph.ca for details on the cell biologist. The other position is for a tion about Ocean Spray, please visit our Web department, the facilities, the university, and molecular biologist in any area that complements site at http://www.oceanspray.com. Ocean application procedures. the strengths of the department; preference wi II Spray is an affirmative action/equal opportu be given to candidates whose research addresses nity employer. fundamental problems in plant molecular biology, Research Scientist functional genomics,or developmental biology. The Volcani Center, Bet-Dagan, Israel Applicants should hold a Ph.D. in biological Assistant Professor-Plant (Received 10125) sciences and have demonstrated research Bioinformatics The Institute of Horticulture, Agricultural proficiency through postdoctoral training. The University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Israel, successful applicant will join a large and dynamic (Received 10/25) announces a tenure-track position for a research department with research strengths in cellular, The Department of Plant Agriculture at the scientist at the Department of Floriculture. The molecular, and developmental biology; ecology; University of Guelph invites applications for required qualifications are a Ph.D. in agriculture evolution; and neurobiology, with extensive a fu II-time, tenure-track research and or plant sciences, with specialization in molecular affiliations with the Faculty of Medicine and local teaching position at the rank of assistant genetics/plant physiology and postdoctoral research institutes. Additional information on the professor. The successful candidate is training in one of these disciplines. Experience in department is available at http://www.mcgill.cal expected to initiate a creative research horticulture is advantageous. The successful Biologylbiologyl.htm. Duties will involve the program on computational and statistical candidate is expected to develop original research development of a vigorous research program and methods to interpret and exploit molecular for the promotion of the flower industry in Israel; teaching at the undergraduate and graduate genetic and physiological data that will to participate in research projects concerning levels. The expected starting date is July 1, 2000. enhance our understanding of fundamental plant growth and development, the role of Applications, including a curriculum vitae, a plant processes and lead to the genetic environmental conditions on plant and flower statement of research interests, and three letters improvement of crops. Interactions with development, and improvement and adaptation of of reference, should be sent to Dr. Donald L. other scientists involved with genomics, new crops; and to develop an independent Kramer, Chair, Department of Biology, McGill breeding, quantitative genetics, crop research on control mechanisms in plant University, 1205 Docteur Penfield Avenue, modeling, and statistics will be expected. development. Applicants should send a letter of ------'-----'------November/December 1999, Vol. 26/ No.6 _ 27 application, curriculum vitae and a list of additional experience in applied plant breeding. applications will begin on October 29, 1999. publications, and the names and addresses of three Salary commensurate with qualifications and Correspondence should be sent to the Committee or four scientists who will be willing to answer experience. Health and retirement benefits on the Deanship of the College of Forest questions and recommend the candidate. Send provided. Send a letter of application and a Resources, Dean Denice D. Denton, Chair, c/o applications to Dr. Y. Ben-Tal, Floriculture detailed resume, and arrange for three letters of Linda Kaye, Box 351237, University of Washing Department, The Volcani Center, PO Box 6, Bet reference to be sent, to Applied Legume ton, Seattle, WA 98195-1237. The university is an Dagan 50250, Israel; telephone +972-3-9683500, Geneticist, Human Resources Dept., The Samuel equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. fax +972-3-9660589. The deadline for applications Roberts Noble Foundation, 2510 Sam Noble is December 31, 1999, or until a suitable Parkway, Ardmore, OK 73401. Application and job candidate is found. description obtainable from our Web site at http:// Faculty Positions www.noble.org. University of Minnesota, St. Paul (Received 10/29) Facuity Positions The University of Minnesota's initiative in cell and Iowa State University, Ames Assistant Professor-Thrfgrass Physiologist molecular biology provides for the hiring of at (Received 10/27) NJAES, Cook College, Rutgers University least eight new faculty in the Department of Plant The Plant Sciences Institute at Iowa State New Brunswick, New Jersey Biology over the next three years. We are University invites applications for four faculty (Received 10/28) currently accepting applications from scientists positions to conduct fundamental research at the A tenure-track position (80% research, 20% with expertise in plant developmental biology or genetic, molecular, and/or biochemical levels on teaching) is available July 1, 2000, in the Plant in experimental or computational aspects of plant how plants sense and/or respond to biotic or Science Department. The incumbent will be genomics. Successful candidates must have a abiotic stresses. These represent the first of an expected to develop innovative and competitively Ph.D. and strong publication record and will be anticipated 25 new hires in a multimillion-dollar funded research focusing on stress physiology, expected to develop strong, externally funded initiative in the plant sciences. Positions are management, or soil science related to turfgrass research programs and to contribute to the available at all academic ranks and are tenured or germplasm enhancement. The candidate will undergraduate and graduate teaching programs. tenure-track with generous start-up packages. conduct a broad range of problem-oriented field Substantial start-up funds are available. For more Successful candidates will be expected to develop and laboratory research and will teach at least one information, consult http://biosci.cbs.umn.edu/ energetic, extramurally funded research undergraduate or graduate course each year. The cbs.html. Please send a curriculum vitae, programs, train graduate students, and participate candidate is also expected to mentor M.S. and statement of research and teaching interests, and in teaching activities. Departmental and college Ph.D. students. Ph.D. in agronomy, plant science, three letters of recommendation to either the affiliations are negotiable. To apply, submit a horticulture, or soil science required. Experience Plant Development Search Committee or to the letter of application; curriculum vitae; statement in turfgrass science desired. Strong commitment Plant Genomics Search Committee, Department of research and teaching interests; recent reprints; to teaching, ability to obtain outside funding, and of Plant Biology, University of Minnesota, 1445 and the names, addresses, e-mail addresses, and demonstrated ability to publish research in peer Gortner Ave., St. Paul, MN 55108. Review of telephone numbers of at least three references to reviewed journals essential. Salary and benefits applications will begin December 15, 1999. The Dr. Charlotte R. Bronson, Interim Director, Center are competitive. Applications accepted until University of Minnesota is committed to the for Plant Responses to Environmental Stresses, February 28, 2000, or until a suitable candidate policy that all persons shall have equal access to Iowa State University, 351 Bessey Hall, Ames, IA is selected. Send inquiries, including a curricu its programs, facilities, and employment without 50011-1020; e-mail [email protected], Web lum vitae, transcripts, statement of teaching and regard to race, color, creed, religion, national site http://www/plantsciences.iastate.edu. research interests and long-range career goals, origin, sex, age, marital status, disability, public Applicants for assistant professor positions should and the names and addresses of five references to assistance status, veteran status, or sexual arrange for letters of reference to be sent. Review Dr. William Meyer, Plant Science Department, orientation. of applications will begin on December 15, 1999, Foran Hall, Cook College, 59 Dudley Road, New and continue until the positions are filled. ISU is Brunswick, NJ 08901. Contact Dr. Meyer by Chairperson an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. telephone 732-932-0091, ext. 160, fax 732-932 Michigan State University, East Lansing 9377, e-mail [email protected]. AA/EOE. (Received 10/29) The College of Natural Science and the College of Applied Legume Geneticist Agriculture and Natural Resources at Michigan Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation Dean State University invite applications and nomina Ardmore, Oklahoma University Of Washington, Seattle tions for the position of chairperson of the (Received 10/28) (Received 10/28) Department of Botany and Plant Pathology. MSU The Forage Biotechnology Group (FBG) at the The University of Washington invites applications is a premier land-grant and AAU institution. The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation is seeking an and nominations for the position of dean, CoIlege Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, which applied legume geneticist. The Noble Foundation of Forest Resources. The college holds a position enjoys an excellent national reputation, comprises is a nonprofit organization of approximately 200 of national and international leadership in 27 regular faculty, nine jointly appointed faculty, employees involved in community service, instruction and research. The college's Seattle one USDA scientist, 60 graduate students, more agricultural consultation and research, and location, a vibrantly urban city in a region rich than 70 undergraduate majors, and a dedicated fundamental plant biology research. The mission with natural resources, offers a unique opportu support staff of career professionals. Further of the FBG is to develop improved forages for the nity to address issues of urbanization and its information can be found at http:// southern Great Plains and, in the process, advance ecological implications. College faculty and www.botany.msu.edu. MSU has recently the science of forages. The applied legume students enjoy interdisciplinary collaboration committed to the recruitment of four new plant geneticist will conduct a program to identify with prominent departments throughout the biology faculty, some of whom will likely have agronomically useful genes, taking advantage of university, including programs in the natural appointments or associations with Botany and access to the Medicago truncatula functional sciences, engineering, and business. For more Plant Pathology. Additional positions are open genomics program in the Plant Biology Division, information, see http://www.cfr.washington.edu. within the department. The chairperson provides and incorporate such genes into elite alfalfa The dean must be able to work with a diverse leadership and promotes a creative environment germplasm for eventual variety release. The university community, as well as public and for instruction, research, and extension programs applied legume geneticist will also conduct a private agencies outside the university. The of this diversified department and fosters breeding program focused on developing candidate should be qualified by academic or collaborations in all aspects of the unit's mission improved forage legume varieties adapted to the practitioner performance to be appointed to the across campus and throughout the state. southern Great Plains. Qualifications include a rank of professor. Preferably, applicants should be Candidates must possess an established record of Ph.D. in an appropriate area of plant science plus prepared to assume the position during or before distinguished scholarship, administrative fall 2000. Review (until the position is filled) of experience, proven leadership and interpersonal _ 28 L..- ASPPNEWS _ skills, excellent communications abilities, and a to understand molecular genetic and biochemical established between the United Soybean Board and broad vision of innovative programs in plant events during the response of potato to DuPont, the projects are specifically designed to biology research, education, and extension. Phytophthera infestans. The candidate will be elucidate the mechanism(s) by which ER Continuation of an active research program is responsible for fabricating potato cDNA membrane biogenesis is regulated during seed encouraged and supported. Applicants should microarrays to survey gene expression in response development. Avariety of methods will be submit a complete curriculum vitae and names, to P. infestans infection and during disease employed to alter ER membrane biosynthesis addresses, and telephone numbers of five development. Requirements include a Ph.D. in through what is termed the unfolded protein references. Every effort will be made to maintain plant science and extensive knowledge of response in either transgenic soybean somatic confidentiality until the final slate of candidate is molecular biology techniques. Experience with embryos or soybean cell cultures, followed by selected. Review of applications will begin microarray production is highly desirable; biochemical and genomic analysis. Considerable February 15, 2000. Please send application knowledge of relational databases is helpful. interaction with our industry collaborators is materials to Search Committee, Department of Contact Catherine M. Ronning, Collaborative expected, including on-site training in the Botany and Plant Pathology, Michigan State Investigator, The Institute for Genomic Research, synthesis, probing, and analysis of microarrays at University, East Lansing, MI 48824-1312. 9712 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD 20850; the DuPont Biotechnology/Genomics Center. Anticipated starting date will be January 2001. e-mail [email protected]. NCSU provides a collegial, interactive environ Women and under-represented minorities are ment for plant molecular biologists with a strongly encouraged to apply. MSU is an number of interdepartmental facilities and affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. Postdoctoral Position programs that contribute to intellectual exchange The Institute for Genomic Research and cooperation. NCSU is located in Raleigh at Rockville, Maryland the northeastern point of the Research Triangle AssistanVAssociate Professor (Received 09/01) area within a short drive of laboratories at Iowa State University, Ames Apostdoctoral position is available immediately Research Triangle Park, the University of North (Received 10/31) studying tomato genomics. ESTs from a variety of Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Duke University. Joint A 12-month tenure-track appointment in research tomato tissues are being generated and used to seminars and an annual retreat sponsored by the (75%) and teaching (25%) is available beginning construct the TIGR Tomato Gene Index (http:// NC Consortium for Plant Molecular Biology help July 1, 2000 (vacancy number 993524). Responsi www.tigr.orgttdb/lgi/index.html). The candidate foster interactions and communication among bilities will include the establishment of basic and will be expected to use bioinformatics tools for plant scientists in the Triangle. The annual salary applied research in the area of turfgrass breeding data analysis and will have the opportunity to is $32,000. Interested individuals are invited to and genetics with experience in biotechnology pursue research interests in functional genomics contact Ralph Dewey at [email protected]. preferred. Required qualifications: Ph.D. in plant as it relates to this project. Requirements include genetics or related field with experience in plant a Ph.D. in plant science and experience in breeding and molecular biology. Demonstrated molecular biology. Knowledge of relational Postdoctoral Position ability in effective written and verbal communica database systems is highly desirable. Contact University of Missouri, Columbia tion and innovative thinking. Salary will be Catherine M. Ronning, Collaborative Investigator, (Received 09/15) competitive and commensurate with training and The Institute for Genomic Research, 9712 Medical Apostdoctoral position in cell division is available experience. Applicants should send a curriculum Center Dr., Rockville, MD 20850; e-mail to work on an NSF-funded project aimed at vitae, transcripts, and a cover letter with a brief [email protected]. understanding the regulation of cell division. The statement of research and teaching interests (not project aims to deepen knowledge of how a to exceed two pages), reprints of key publications growing plant organ controls the spatial (up to five), and three letters of reference by Postdoctoral Position distribution of cell division, using as a model the December 15, 1999, to either Dr. Michael H. National Institute for Agronomical Research root meristem of Arabidopsis thaliana. Funding is Chaplin, Professor and Head, 106 Horticulture (INRA) available for up to three years. The applicant must Hall, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011; INRA-Bordeaux, France have a Ph.D. in a relevant subject area. Applicants telephone 515-294J3718, fax 515-294-0730, e (Received 09/10) with experience in the molecular control of the mail [email protected] or to Dr. Nick Chris Atwo-year postdoctoral position is available cell cycle, or with mathematical prowess, such as tians, Chair of Search Committee, Department of immediately at INRA-Bordeaux to study experience with kinematics, are highly desirable. Horticulture, Iowa State University, Ames, IA endoreduplication during tomato fruit develop To apply, please send curriculum vitae, a 50011; telephone 515-294-0036, fax 515-294 ment and the related inhibitory mechanisms of description of your research experience, and the 0730, e-mail [email protected]. For additional cell division. The successful applicant should have names and addresses (including e-mail) of three information about employment opportunities at a strong background in plant cell biology, references to Tobias Baskin, Biological Sciences, Iowa State University, contact the Recruitment & physiology, biochemistry. Relevant experience University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211 Employment Office, 16 Beardshear Hall, Ames, IA includes protein purification and determination of 7400; telephone 573-882-0173, fax 573-882-0123, 50011-2033; telephone 515-294-2936, e-mail kinase activity. Experience in plant molecular e-mail [email protected]. [email protected], Web site http:// biology is preferred. The yearly stippend is around www.iastate.edulhrs/jobs/jobs.html. Iowa State 140000 FF. Send curriculum vitae, publication University does not discriminate on the basis of list, and names and contact addresses of Postdoctoral Research Associate race, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual references to Dr. Christian Chevalier, Unite de University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign orientation, sex, marital status, disability, or Physiologie Yegetale, INRA-Bordeaux, B.P. 81, (Received 09/22) status as a U.S. Vietnam era veteran. Anyone who 33883 Villenave d'Ornon cedex, France; e-mail Apostdoctoral position is available to study has inquiries concerning this may contact the [email protected]. molecular aspects of inducible herbicide Director of Affirmative Action, 318 Beardshear detoxification genes in Triticum (Genome 41, Hall, 515-294-7612. 368-372). The project will involve cloning, Two Postdoctoral Research Associate Positions analysis of expression, and promoter characteriza North Carolina State University, Raleigh tion. Candidates should have a Ph.D. and a strong POS1DOCTORAL POSmONS (Received 09/13) background in plant molecular biology. Demon '!\vo postdoctoral research associate positions are strated proficiency in oral and written communi Postdoctoral Position available to work jointly among the labs of Drs. cation is required. Previous experience in The Institute for Genomic Research Ralph Dewey (Department of Crop Science), examining DNA-protein interactions is desirable. Rockville, Maryland Becky Boston (Botany Department), and Wendy Applicants should submit a letter, curriculum (Received 09/01) Boss (Botany Department) at North Carolina State vitae, and the names and e-mail addresses of three A postdoctoral position is available (pending final University in the area of soybean genomics. references to Dr. Dean Riechers, University of notification of award) using functional genomics Funded by a collaborative research program f1linois, Department of Crop Sciences, 1102 S. _____November/December 1999,~_:....--Vol. 26, No.6 -----l_ 29 Goodwin Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801. The University Postdoctoral Position Postdoctoral Fellowships of Illinois is an affirmative action, equal opportu Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation Max-Planck Institute of Chemical Ecology nity employer. (Received 10/05) Jena, Germany A postdoctoral position ($31,000/year) is available (Received 10126) in Dr. Nancy L. Paiva's laboratory to continue Five postdoctoral fellowships are available at the Postdoctoral Position studies characterizing clones of putative Max-Planck Institute of Chemical Ecology to Duke University, Durham, North Carolina transcriptional regulators of phytoalexin study anti-herbivore defenses in Arabidopsis, (Received 09/22) biosynthesis (Plant Cell 6, 1789; 1994) and tobacco, and related species. Research in the Professor M. C. Pirrung seeks a postdoctoral genetic manipulation of natural products in Department of Genetics and Evolution will use fellow with a background in plant enzymology for alfalfa. Molecular biology and/or biochemistry functional genomics and QTL mapping to study an initial one-year appointment. The research is experience essential. Experience with plant insect resistance. Research in the Department of focused on the ethylene-forming enzyme, transformation, binary vector construction, or Plant Biochemistry and Molecular Biology including active-site residues, mechanism, analysis of protein-DNA interactions desired. emphasizes the molecular regulation of stoichiometry, novel kinetic assays, and the Send curriculum vitae, names of three references, glucosinolate and terpenoid metabolism. The mechanism of oxygen activation. The project will and letter describing research interests and institute is international in character, with also address activators and inactivators, such as experience to Ms. Jane Nance, Job#PB27399-1NP, English as the official language. Additional carbon dioxide, cyanoformate, cyanide, and Noble Foundation, PO Box 2180, Ardmore, OK information can be found at http://www.ice. cobalt. Experience in site-directed mutagenesis, 73402; e-mail [email protected]. For general mpg.de/. Review ofapplications will begin structure-function relationships, and/or steady information on past/current projects, visit http:// November 26, 1999. Please send curriculum vitae, state kinetics is desirable. Send curriculum vitae, www.noble.orglAR98/NP98.htm. statement of research interests, addresses and publication list, and references (with contact phone numbers of three references to Molecular information) to Department of Chemistry, Duke Biology Search, Max-Planck Institute of Chemical University, PO Box 90317, Durham, NC 27708 Postdoctoral Position Ecology, Tatzendpromenade la, 07745 Jena, 0317; fax 919-660-1591. University of California, Berkeley Germany. Contacts: Thomas Mitchell-Olds (Received 10/07) (Genetics & Evolution), telephone +49-3641 Appl ications are invited for a postdoctoral 643657, e-mail [email protected]; Jonathan Postdoctoral Position position to study molecular genetics of plant Gershenzon (Plant Biochemistry & Molecular Tel Aviv University, Israel development. Successful candidates have the Biology), telephone +49-3641-643661, e-mail (Received 09/27) choice of studying one of two projects: (1) 1M [email protected]. A postdoctoral position is available to study signaling and provascular development or (2) intercellular trafficking of proteins and viruses via molecular mechanism of EMF-regulated plant plasmodesmata using cellular, molecular, and development. We are employing a variety of Postdoctoral Research Position proteomic approaches. The aim of this project is molecular genetic techniques as well as immuno The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Ardmore, to identify the cellular components involved in logical and genome (gene expression profiling) Oklahoma mediating and regulating this cell-to-cell approaches to investigate the above problems. For (Received 10/29) trafficking of macromolecules. A Ph.D. in cell details of the projects, please check our Web site A postdoctoral position is immediately available in biology, protein biochemistry, molecular biology, at http://plantbio.berkeley.edul-sungl. Applicants the Forage Biotechnology Group of the Noble genetics, or virology is required. To apply, send a can e-mail a personal statement, curriculum vitae, Foundation. The successful candidate will work letter of application, curriculum vitae, and names and two letters of recommendation to Renee Sung on genetic manipulation of flowering time in and addresses of three references (by fax or e at [email protected] or mail the forage crops. Applicants should have a Ph.D. with mail) to Professor Bernard L. Epel, Department of information to Professor Renee Sung, Department a strong background in plant developmental Plant Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of biology/molecular biology. Previous experience on Israel; fax +972-3-640-8598, e-mail California, Berkeley, CA 94720. generation of transgenic monocot plants is a plus, [email protected]. but training will be provided if necessary. The project is supported by the Noble Foundation, and Postdoctoral Positions the position is initially available for two years with Postdoctoral Position Mitsui Chemical, Inc., Chiba, Japan the possibility of renewal for an additional year. Goteborg University, Goteborg, Sweden (Received 10/20) Annual salary is in the range of $31,090-$46,630 (Received 09/29) 1\vo postdoctoral positions are available depending upon qualifications and experience. We seek a highly motivated postdoc to elucidate immediately to investigate the biochemical and For details of the project, contact Dr. Zengyu the molecular role of two new homeobox genes in physiological changes in transgenic plants that Wang at [email protected] or 580-221-7368. For Arabidopsis. These genes belong to the recently express CAM-or C4-related enzyme(s) and application, send a cover letter and detailed discovered PALE class (Hertzberg and Olsson, establish protein accumulation system in crops. curriculum vitae and arrange for three letters of Plant J. 16,285-295; 1998). The work will involve Por the former position, applicants should have reference to be sent to Ms. Jane Nance, Human expression studies and phenotypical characteriza extensive experience in techniques related to Resources Department,· Attn: Job# PBG30099 tion of transgenic Arabidopsis PALE plants and photosynthesis research. Knowledge and skills in lZW, The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, PO knock-out mutants. Prior experience with plant molecular biology are helpful. Por the latter Box 2180, Ardmore, OK 73402. Arabidopsis will be a plus. The position is for one position plant molecular biologists with a strong year with a possibility for an extension. Starting agricultural research background are encouraged date is as soon as possible but not later than to apply. These positions are available for a RESEARCH/TECHNICAL POSmONS January 15, 2000. The salary will be 13500 SKr minimum of two years. It is desirable that (Non-Ph.D.1 per month (tax free). Interested candidates should applicants live in Japan at present. Please send a send a curriculum vitae including names and letter of application, curriculum vitae, and the Researchers addresses with e-mail addresses and/or fax names of three references with e-mail addresses to Performance Plants Inc., Ontario, Canada numbers of three references no later than October Dr. H. Honda, Biotechnology Group, Life Science (Received 10/14) 31, 1999, to Dr. Olof Olsson, Department of Cell Laboratory, Mitsui Chemical, Inc., 1144 Togo, Performance Plants Inc. is a plant biotechnology and Molecular Biology, Goteborg University, Box Mobara, Chiba, 297-0017, Japan; e-mail company whose mission is to genetically modify 462, SE 405 30 Goteborg, Sweden; telephone +46 [email protected]. plant metabolism to improve agricultural 31-7733462, fax +46-31-773 3801, e-mail productivity. The company is seeking experienced [email protected]. B.Sc. or M.Sc. level molecular biologists to generate and study transgenic plants in our Kingston and Saskatoon laboratories. This _ 30 '------ASPPNEWS research is part of a team-based approach focused major professor and graduate degree program. programs within the department and discipline. on identifying plants and technologies suitable for After the second year, funding will be provided by Faculty interests include plant breeding and future commercialization. The successful the major professor and department. Each Plant genetics, plant physiology, post-harvest physiol candidates must have at least two years' practical Science Fellow also will receive a $2,000 ogy, biotechnology, molecular biology, sustainable lab experience and ideally will be detail oriented, professional enhancement grant to facilitate travel agriculture, and horticultural systems that well organized, self-motivated, enthusiastic, to scientific meetings or other relevant activities. integrate basic plant and crop management adaptable, and able to appreciate goal-based Participating departments and graduate programs sciences in nursery, orchard, berry, and vegetable research and development. Performance Plants include Biochemistry (http://www.bch.msu.edu/); cropping systems. The fellowship stipend is offers a strong benefits package and is an equal Botany (http://www.bpp.msu.edu); Cellular and $16,500 for M.S. candidates and $18,000 for Ph.D. opportunity employer. Company information can Molecular Biology (http://www.ns.msu.edu/cmb/); candidates; tuition will be waived. Applicants with be found at http://www.performanceplants.com. Crop and Soil Sciences (http://www.css.msu.edu/); a B.S. or B.A. degree in agriculture, biology, Kingston applicants should have experience in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Behavior botany, or related field are preferred. Selection standard nucleic acid manipulations such as (http://www.msu.edu/-eebb); Entomology (http:// will be based on academic achievements, GRE vector construction, southerns, northerns, and www.ent.msu.edu); Forestry (http://www.for. scores, academic and/or work experience, letters PCR. Knowledge of stress signaling, pollination msu.edu/); Genetics (creator.ns.msu.edu/ of reference, and a personal letter describing goals biology, or plant development is advantageous. genetics/); Horticulture (http://www.hrt.msu. and interests in research. The application deadline Saskatoon applicants should have experience in edu/); the MSU-DOE Plant Research Laboratory is February 15, 2000. In addition to these standard nucleic acid manipulation such as vector (http://www.prl.msu.edu/); and Plant Breeding and fellowships, graduate research assistantships are construction, RT-PCR, northerns, and PAGE. Genetics (www.hrt.msu.edu/pbgp). To obtain more offered by faculty members, for which there is no Knowledge of promoter characterization, information about the Plant Science Fellowships application deadline. For further information, transient plant expression systems, or plant or Plant Science programs at Michigan State contact Dr. Machteld Mok, Department of physiological analysis is advantageous. Applica University, please contact Ms. Judy Ward, The Horticulture, Oregon State University, ALS 4017, tion letters should be sent to Louise Thornton, Graduate School, Michigan State University, 118 Corvallis OR 97331-7304; e-mail mokm@bcc. Human Resources Manager, Performance Plants Linton Hall, East Lansing, MI 48824; telephone orst.edu. View our Web site at http://www.orst. [nc., BioSciences Complex, Queen's University, 517-355-0301, e-mail [email protected], MSU Plant edu/deptlhortlgrad. Kingston, Ontario, Canada, K7L 3N6; fax 613-545 Science Web site http://www.msu.edu/user/ 3618, e-mail [email protected]. The gradsch I/plantsci. htm. application closing date is December 1, 1999. Graduate Research Assistantship Applicants holding a Ph.D. will not be considered. West Virginia University, Morgantown Graduate Research Assistantship (Repeat) University of Florida, Gainesville For information, contact the division office at ASSISTANTSHIPS, FELLOWSHIPS, INTERNSHIPS, ETC. (Received 10/25) 304-293-4817 or Dr. Sven Verlinden at the A Ph.D.-level research assistantship is available at Division of Plant and Soil Sciences, PO Box 6108, Graduate Assistantships the University of Florida to participate in an Morgantown, WV 26506; telephone 304·293-6023, University of Florida, Gainesville interdisciplinary plant metabolic engineering e-mail [email protected]. (Details September/ (Received 09/20) project on one-carbon metabolism. The project is October 1999 ASPP NEWS) Research/teaching assistantships are available in funded by NSF, DOE, and NIST and involves a the Horticultural Sciences Department for studies network of PIs at five universities: Andrew Hanson leading to an M.S. or a Ph.D. degree. Program (University of Florida), Hans Bohnert (University Graduate Assistantship areas include plant production and nutrition, of Arizona), David Rhodes (Purdue University), University of Florida, Gainesville plant physiology, postharvest physiology and Douglas Gage (Michigan State University), and (Repeat) technology, biochemistry, rn.olecular biology, seed Yair Shachar-Hill (New Mexico State University). For information, contact Dr. Bala physiology, and plant breeding and genetics. The project involves molecular biology, metabolic Rathinasabapathi, Assistant Professor, Horticul Stipends range from $.14,000 to $15,000 plus a biochemistry, MS and NMR analysis, and tural Sciences Department, WAS, PO Box 110690, tuition waiver. The diverse climatic conditions computer-assisted modeling of metabolism. There University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611-0690; and cultural practices in Florida offer research will be opportunities to work for short periods in telephone 352-392-3991, fax 352-392-5653, opportunities with temperate, subtropical, and other labs of the network. Applicants should e-mail [email protected]. (Details Septem tropical commodities. U.S. applicants are preferably already have an M.Sc. degree. The basic ber/October 1999 ASPP NEWS) encouraged to apply. For further information annual stipend is US $15,000 (with raises contact Dr. D. J. Huber, Graduate Coordinator, generated by the Graduate Student Union), plus Horticultural Sciences Department, PO Box tuition wavers for three years; the stipend could Graduate Research Assistantship 110690, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL be raised for students with highly relevant Colorado State University, Fort Collins 32611-0690; telephone 352-392-1928, ext. 216, experience. Preference will be given to U.S. or (Repeat) e-mail [email protected]. The University of Canadian students because of the source of For information, contact Dr. Michelle L. Jones, Florida is an equal opportunity employer. funding. To apply, send letter of interest; Department of Horticulture and Landscape curriculum vitae including GRE scores and Architecture, III Shepardson, Colorado State description of previous lab experience; and names, University, Fort Collins, CO 80523; telephone 970 Graduate Fellowships and Assistantships addresses, and telephone numbers of three 491-7216, fax 970-491-7745, e-mail mljones@ Michigan State University, East Lansing references to Andrew Hanson, University of lamar.colostate.edu. (Details September/October (Received 09/20) Florida, Horticultural Sciences Department, 1999 ASPP NEWS) Michigan State University is pleased to announce Gainesville, FL 32611-0690; telephone 352-392 graduate fellowships and assistantships in the 1928, ext. 334, e-mail [email protected]. plant sciences. Graduate assistantships are available in nine departments or programs as listed below. In addition, the newly established Graduate Research Fellowships Plant Science Fellowships provide outstanding Oregon State University, Corvallis candidates with funding for the first two years of (Received 10/15) study. Fellows may select a department upon The Horticulture Department at Oregon State enrollment, or if desired, may perform research University is offering two graduate research rotations in any plant science-related laboratory fellowships, the ARca and Swallow Fellowships, on campus, regardless of department or program. to conduct research that leads to an M.S. or a After the first year, rotating students wi II choose a Ph.D. degree and contributes to research November/December 1999, Vol. 26, No.6 _ ------' 31 ASPP Headquarters Telephone Extensions and E-Mail Directory For your convenience, keep this listing of extension num bers and e-mail addresses handy when you contact ASPP headquarters so that you con reach the person best able to assist you. Our office telephone number is 301-251-0560 American Society of Plant Physiologists tit 15501 Monona Drive Rockville, MD 20855-2768 USA PERIODICALS :cIII Z 0 0- ASPP NfWS(lSSN 0279-9936) is published bimonthly by the American Society 01 Plant Physiologists, 15501 Monona Drive, Rockville, MD 20855-2768 USA, telephone 301-251-0560, lox 301-279-2996. Members' dues include asubscription price 01 $2 per year to ASPP NEWS. Subscription price to nonmembers is $30 per year. Periodicals postage paid at Rockville, MD, and at additional moiling offices. Postmaster: Pleose send address changes to ASPP NEWS, 15501 Monona Drive, Rockville, MD 20855-2768 USA.