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Re: Suicidal Seeds Why this is Important Research

Without having read the article I can't comment directly on the research
yet I will put forth that, contrary to some views, this is useful and
important research.

First, understand that tobacco is a MODEL system, that is easy to
manipulate and we understand it quite well.  Murashige (sp?) did most of
his early tissue culture work using tobacco callus which lead to much of
our current ability to propagate so much via TC.

Having spent many hours of my school life working in tissue culture labs, I
can personally attest to the fact that while much of the research is basic,
there are usually practical reasons for it.

The ability to create a strain of a plant that will not reproduce is a
highly valuable idea.  Plants that don't reproduce via seed will put more
of their photosynthetic reproduces into production of leaves, or roots or
flowers or secondary metabolites--which ever may be the desired "crop".   
This phenomenon would also allow us to use plants in areas where, if they
escaped via seed dispersal,  they might pose problems.

With limited funding available for research, I would support this as
potentially very useful.  After all, would in not be nice to have some
ornamental that doesn't drop messy fruit all over your deck?

Best Regards,
Scott
..........................................................
Scott Gregory Vergara		
Botanical Resources
(Specialty Nursery, Horticulture Education/Training, Consulting)	
P.O. Box 669
Burley, Washington  98322-0669   USA
USDA Zone 8 Ave Min Temp 10-20 deg F. Record low 0/hi 104 
svergara@pacific.telebyte.com,  HORTULANUS@aol.com
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