6 
Dr. Clowes asked Dr. Tolin to describe the types of experiments covered by 
Appendix L. Dr. Tolin said Appendix L applies to plant species which are 
cultivated crcps of a genus that has no species known to be a noxious weed. 
These requirements are described in Appendix L-II^A. 
Dr. Clowes asked if RAC will in the near future receive proposals involving 
field testing of plants not covered by Appendix L-II-A. Dr. Fedoroff suggested 
that investigators may wish to field test modified Arabidopsis . Arabidopsis 
is a known weed, albeit a highly studied plant. 
Dr. Clcwes asked if all crop plants are covered by Appendix L. Dr. Tolin 
replied that most crcp plants will be covered, but potatoes and rice are not 
covered by Appendix L. 
Drs. Clowes and Fedoroff asked why Appendix L applies only to cultivated crcp 
plants of a genus that has no species kncwn to be a noxious weed. Dr. Tolin 
said this specification was developed following a USDA recommendation. What 
is known about how plants became weeds indicates that this process generally 
follows taxonomic classifications. 
Dr. Pirone felt the preposed guidance document should be specific and only refer 
to cultivated crcp plants of a genus that has no species kncwn to be a noxious 
weed; documents dealing with experiments involving other plants should be 
constructed at a later date. Drs. McGarrity and Tolin suggested the working 
group would be most successful if it concentrated on one task at a time; they 
urged the working group to concentrate its efforts on developing guidance for 
proposals submitted under Appendix L. The working group agreed. 
Dr. Gottesman reread her modified motion concerning the title and the 
introduction to the guidance document. The motion read as follows : 
" Preposed Guidelines for Submission Under Appendix L. 
"Appendix L of the Guidelines specifies conditions under which certain 
plants may be approved for 'release into the environment' including field 
tests. Experiments in this category cannot be initiated without 
submission of relevant information on the proposed experiments to NIH, 
review by the RAC Plant Working Group, and specific approval by NIH. 
"The proposal should include a statement of objectives and a description of 
materials and methods including methodology for monitoring the experi- 
ments and expected results. A summary of relevant preliminary results 
should accompany the proposal . A check list of detailed requirements 
should include but is not limited to...." 
Dr. Scandalios seconded the modified motion. By a vote of twelve in favor, 
none opposed, and no abstentions, the working group accepted the motion. 
Dr. McGarrity suggested the working group proceed through the document 
evaluating each item. He called the group's attention to item A, "Description 
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