One of the most important steps in genetic engineering a plant is the process of regenerating an entire new plant from a single cell that contains the new genetic instructions. The process is as much art as science. Retired University of Florida professor Indra Vasil was a pioneer in this area, especially in monocots, the plants we think of as our major grasses and grains.
In this interview, Vasil discusses the early days of plant tissue culture, and his contributions to the process that makes genetic engineering of crops possible. Vasil shares his experiences and talks fondly of the many scientists that supported his work, as well as the need to get students to think outside the box.
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