High level accumulation of gamma linolenic acid (C18:3Δ6.9,12 cis) in transgenic safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) seeds.

Gamma linolenic acid (GLA; C18:3Δ6,9,12 cis), also known as γ-Linolenic acid, is an important essential fatty acid precursor for the synthesis of very long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and important pathways involved in human health. GLA is synthesized from linoleic acid (LA; C18:2Δ9,12 cis) by endoplasmic reticulum associated Δ6-desaturase activity. Currently sources of GLA are limited to a small number of plant species with poor agronomic properties, and therefore an economical and abundant commercial source of GLA in an existing crop is highly desirable.

Anther, pollen and tapetum development in safflower, Carthamus tinctorius L.

In safflower, the anther wall at maturity consists of a single epidermis, an endothecium, a middle layer and the tapetum. The tapetum consists mainly of a single layer of cells. However, this single-layer appearance is punctuated by loci having 'two-celled' groupings due to additional periclinal divisions in some tapetal cells.

Clonal propagation of softwoods.

Softwoods or gymnosperms, which make up 60% of the forested areas of the world, are economically important as a source of lumber, pulp, and paper. Reforestation is a major activity worldwide and the potential benefits of using clonal planting stock have long been recognized. Tissue culture clonal methods or micropropagation is a newer approach that can be achieved by enhancing axillary bud breaking, production of adventitious buds (organogenesis), and somatic embryogenesis.