The gap between science and perception : the case of plant biotechnology in Europe / A. Einsele -- Biotechnology patenting policy in the European Union, as exemplified by the development of Germany / A. Schrell, H. Bauser, H. Brunner -- Bioscience, bioinnovations, and bioethics / M. Leisola -- Genetically modified organisms in the United States : implementations, concerns, and public perception / M.P. Oeschger, C.E. Silva -- Agricultural biotechnology and its contribution to the global knowledge economy / P. Aerni -- Exploration and Swiss field-testing of a viral gene for specific quantitative resistance against smuts and bunts in wheats / T. Schlaich [and others] -- Recombinant DNA technology in apple / C. Gessler, A. Patocchi -- Prospects for biopolymer production in plants / J.B. van Beilen, Y. Poirier -- Plastoglobule lipid bodies : their functions in chloroplasts and their potential for applications / F. Kessler, P.-A. Vidi -- Genetic and ecological consequences of transgene flow to the wild flora / F. Felber [and others] -- Assessing effects of transgenic crops on soil microbial communities / F. Widmer -- Ecological impacts of genetically modified crops : ten years of field research and commercial cultivation / O. Sanvido, J. Romeis, F. Bigler.