Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

The new (novel) trait added to a plant (e.g., crop plant such as cotton, com/maize, soybean, etc.). Example novel traits are herbicide-tolerance (via CP4 EPSPS, PAT gene, etc.), insect resistance (via B.t. gene, cholesterol oxidase gene, etc.), resistance to aluminum toxicity (via CSb gene, etc.), among others.  

A law passed by the United States’ Congress in 1970 that enables intellectual property protection (analogous to patent protection) for new seed plants and seeds in America.  

An organic compound that is synthesized in minute quantities by the plant. It influences and regulates plant physiological processes. Also called a phytochrome. The four general types of hormones that together influence cell division, enlargement, and differentiation are the auxins, gibberellins, kinins, and abscisic acid.  

The intellectual property rights that are legally accorded to plant breeders by laws, treaties, etc. Similar to patent law for inventors.  

One of the endocrine glands, it lies beneath the hypothalamus (at the base of the brain). Along with the other endocrine glands, the pituitary helps to control long-term bodily processes. This control is accomplished via interdependent secretion of hormones along with the other glands comprising the total endocrine system. For example, the pituitary helps to…

A type of bacteria that is naturally present in virtually all plants. PPFM produces cytokinin, which aids the cell division (growth) process in plants. PPFM also produces a chemical substance similar to vitamin B-12. In 1996, Joe Polacco discovered that impregnation of aged seeds with PPFM improved the germination (sprouting) rate of those aged seeds.…

A family of the smallest known viruses. The viruses of this family are a cause of the common cold and Hepatitis A in humans, one form of foot and mouth disease in animals, and at least one disease in corn (maize). In 1994, Dr. Asim Dasgupta discovered a cellular molecule within ordinary backer’s yeast that…

10-¹² gram or 3.527 x 10-14 ounce (avoirdupoir).  

Algae that are floating or freely suspended in the water.  

A plant disease that is caused by phytophthora fungus (Phytophthora sojae). Some soybean varieties are genetically resistant to as many as twenty-one races/strains of phytophthora fungus.