May 6, 1986

A TEAM of genetic engineers has reported the first success in giving plants hereditary resistance to a viral infection. The achievement, almost the equivalent of vaccinating a plant species permanently against a virus, has long been a goal in agricultural genetic engineering. Virus infections of plants cause much economic loss. For that reason, agricultural scientists say, this kind of genetic transformation of plants may have an important future.

A Paris dispatch on May 1 about the political atmosphere in France after the American bombing of Libya incorrectly characterized a remark by Vernon A. Walters, the chief United States delegate to the United Nations, on France's refusal to let American planes enter French airspace. The passage, which said Mr. Walters had ''derided France on television for 'ingratitude,' '' was based on an erroneous paraphrase of remarks he made on the ABC News program ''Nightline.'' In the interview, Mr. Walters offered no such criticism of France.

The United States raid against Libya has reinvigorated the debate over the role and cost of aircraft carriers. Proponents of the aircraft carrier cite the controversy in Western Europe over the American attack on Libya as Exhibit A in their argument for more carriers. ''When you use a carrier you can operate unilaterally,'' said Norman Friedman, a naval expert. ''The attitude of our allies shows that this capability is very valuable.'' Pentagon officials note that, given the debate in Britain over the raid, it is highly unlikely that the United States would ask permission to launch F-111 bombers stationed there in a future mission against Libya or other targets the United States Government decides are ''terrorist associated.''

The General Accounting Office staff members studying the lobbying activities of Michael K. Deaver have recommended that the matter be referred to the Justice Department for investigation of possible illegalities, according to two officials at the agency. The Congressional agency's study is one of several regarding whether Mr. Deaver, the former White House deputy chief of staff, used undue influence in his lobbying for foreign clients. The staff recommendation that the matter be turned over to the Justice Department indicates the staff's contention that conflict-of-interest laws may have been violated, and criminal prosecution should be considered. One official said that the matter had moved beyond the scope of G.A.O.'s audit responsibility.

Richie Pietrowski, 18 years old, uneasily looked at Louis Fribourg and explained that he had been ''short of money'' and ''figured the only way to get on the train was to sneak on.'' ''Excuses,'' Mr. Fribourg, a 78-year-old hearing officer, replied, tapping his pen impatiently. ''Excuses don't count.'' Moments later, Mr. Pietrowski was paying his $50 fine at a cashier's window at the Transit Authority's new Transit Adjudication Bureau.