15 
recombinant DNA through pollen or seeds. Efcr. Scandalios said perhaps that 
reason should be stated clearly in the preposed language. Dr. Fedoroff 
thought dispersal of pollen and seeds could be minimized simply by covering 
the plant. 
Dr. Alexander said the proposed language did not adequately define "plant." 
He suggested the language be more specific. He pointed out that ferns and 
fungi are considered plants. Ferns produce spores which behave quite 
differently from pollen and seeds. He suggested the words "larger plants" 
or "higher plants" be added. 
Dr. McKinney asked whether most research with plants would be handled at PI 
containment. Dr. Tblin replied that most research would be handled at PI 
containment conditions. Dr. McKinney questioned the use of the words 
"wishes to require" in the first sentence. Efc. Tolin suggested this be 
changed to "requires." 
Dr. Fedoroff proposed two amendments to the proposed language as published 
in the Federal Register . She suggested the second sentence be deleted, 
and the last sentence of the proposed language be modified to read: 
"Plants can be transported locally, e.g. , between laboratory, 
growth chamber, and greenhouse, at physically separated locations 
provided: (1) plants are in a vegetative condition, i.e., no 
reproductive organs or structures (e.g., pollen, flowers, seeds) 
are present; (2) the reproductive parts of the plants are enclosed 
in such a way as to prevent dissemination of reproductive cells 
and spores; and (3) plants are essentially 'hand-couriered' between 
locations." 
Dr. Scandalios seconded the proposed amendments. 
Dr. Talbot questioned whether this issue should be remanded to a working 
group for further study. Dr. Tolin felt it would be preferrable to take 
action at the RAC meeting as IBCs are waiting for guidance. 
Dr. Gottesman asked Dr. Fedoroff if she wished to modify specification 
(1) in the last sentence. Dr. Fedoroff suggested that specification (1) 
be deleted. Ihat specification reads as follows: 
"(1) plants are in a vegetative condition, i.e., no reproductive 
organs or structures (e.g., pollen, flowers, seeds) are present;" 
Alternatively, she suggested that clause might read as follows: 
"(1) plants are in a vegetative condition i.e., no reproductive 
organs or structures (e.g., pollen, f lowers, seeds) are 
present or the reproductive organs of the plants are covered 
to prevent dispersal of reproductive cells and spores;" 
[260] 
