Abstract: A method of modulating the ripening and/or senescence characteristics in plants of the genus Musa comprises transforming plants with one or more sequences obtainable from the deposited cDNA library having the accession number 40184, regenerating said plants and selecting from the population of transformants those plants having modulated and/or tissue senescence characteristics.

Abstract: A method of modulating the ripening and/or senescence characteristics in plants of the genus Musa comprises transforming plants with one or more sequences obtainable from the deposited cDNA library having the accession number 40183, regenerating said plants and selecting from the population of transformants those plants having modulated and/or tissue senescence characteristics.

Abstract: A method of modifying ethylene biosynthesis in a plant comprises inserting into the genome of the said plant a DNA sequence such as SEQ-ID-NO-1 (encoding 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid synthase (ACS)) and/or sequence SEQ-ID-NO-2 (encoding an ethylene-forming enzyme (EFE)) which modifies the activity of at least one of ACS or EFE. The method may be used to modify fruit ripening characteristics, especially in bananas.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the expression of a tomato phytoene synthese gene in a plant while avoiding or reducing co-suppression involves the synthesis of a DNA which is altered in nucleotide sequence (SEQ ID NO:1) and is capable of expression of a protein, ideally identical to that of a protein already expressed by a DNA already present in the plant. This method ensures that sequence similarity between the two genes is reduced enough to eliminate the phenomenon of co-suppression, allowing the over-expression of a specific phytoene synthese protein.

Abstract: Process for the inhibition of two or more target genes which comprises introducing into the plant a single control gene which has distinct DNA regions homologous to each of the target genes and a promoter operative in plants adapted to transcribe from such distinct regions RNA that inhibits expression of each of the target genes. Constructs suitable for use in the process, as well as cells and plants containing such constructs are disclosed. Specific examples relate to the pectinesterse and polygalacturonase genes.

Abstract: The invention provides DNA homologous to a DNA sequence which encodes a pectin esterase isoenzyme. Such DNA is incorporated into DNA constructs which are transformed into plants to increase or decrease expression of the related gene. This provides a method for modifying the phenotypic characteristics of plants, particularly fruit-ripening characteristics.

Abstract: A method of modifying ethylene biosynthesis in a plant comprises inserting into the genome of the said plant a DNA sequence such as SEQ-ID-NO-1 (encoding 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid synthase (ACS)) and/or sequence SEQ-ID-NO-2 (encoding an ethylene-forming enzyme (EFE)) which modifies the activity of at least one of ACS or EFE. The method may be used to modify fruit ripening characteristics, especially in bananas.

Abstract: The invention provides DNA homologous to a disclosed sequence which encodes a galactosidase/galactanase enzyme. Such DNA is incorporated into DNA constructs which are transformed into plants to increase or decrease expression of the related gene. This provides a method for modifying cell wall metabolism and fruit-ripening characteristics.

Abstract: The gene of the construct pTOM5 is involved in the carotenoid pathway, which produces carotenes, lutein, xanthophylls, and pigments such as lycopene. The invention proposes to modify (inhibit or promote) the synthesis of such compounds in plants using novel DNA contructs comprising a DNA sequence homologous to some or all of the gene encoded by the clone pTOM5, preceded by a plant promoter. In particular, colour of plant parts, especially fruit, may be modified. Yellow tomatoes are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to the clone pTOM36, comprising a gene encoding an enzyme involved in ripening related processes in tomato. Also described are DNA constructs comprising pTOM36 and a transcriptional intiation region operative in plants such that pTOM36 RNA is generated in plant cells, and tomato cells transformed with the DNA constructs.

Abstract: DNA constructs comprise a DNA sequence homologous to some or all of the pectinesterase gene encoded by the clone pB8 (Sequence ID No.1), under control of a transcriptional initiation region operative in plants for transcribing this DNA sequence, optionally in the antisense direction to produce RNA complementary to the gene mRNA. From such constructs may be derived transformed plant cells and plants in which expression of pectinesterase genes is inhibited: fruit from the plants (such as tomatoes) can show modified ripening properties.