Abstract: The invention provides novel methods and compositions directed to farnesol production, accumulation and cellular sequestration in plants. More specifically, the methods of the invention comprise modifying plant cells that express farnesene to convert the farnesene to farnesol, and in some cases, to farnesol glycoside, such as farnesol glucoside. In other embodiments, carbon flux is shunted towards sesquiterpene production by applying certain plant growth regulators and herbicides to increase sesquiterpene production.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for treating lignocellulosic material with a dual activity enzyme having xylanase and cellulase activity. The enzyme is stable and active at increased pH and increased temperatures. The present invention therefore provides methods for hydrolyzing lignocellulosic material, especially cellulose and hemicellulose, which are major components of the cell wall of non-woody and woody plants. The methods for hydrolyzing cellulose and hemicellulose can be used on any plant, wood or wood product, wood waste, paper pulp, paper product or paper waste or byproduct.

Abstract: The present invention describes the cloning and sequencing of plant Polyphenol Oxidase (PPO) cDNAs which has subsequently permitted their use to genetically transform plants to achieve a variety of desired phenotypes.

Abstract: Essentially pure acyltransferase is provided which is functional to catalyze reaction to form sugar esters. Also provided is isolated gene encoding acyltransferase. Additionally provided is method for forming palmityl esters of glucose comprising reacting 1-O-palmitoyl-.beta.-D-glucose with itself, with glucose or with palmityl partial ester of glucose in the presence of a catalytically effective amount of acyltransferase.

Abstract: Enzyme activities which transfer glucose from uridine 5'-diphosphate glucose to fatty acids to form 1-O-acyl-.beta.-glucoses which act as acyl donors in the esterification of glucose and further esterification of partially acylated glucose and in the esterification of sucrose and further esterification of partially acylated sucrose, are separated according to specificity for transferring glucose to short, medium or long chain length fatty acids. DNA molecules coding for the enzyme activities are isolated. Methods for preparing 1-O-acyl-.beta.-D-glucoses comprise reacting uridine 5'-diphosphate glucose and fatty acid in the presence of the appropriate enzyme activity.

Abstract: Essentially pure acyltransferase is provided which is functional to catalyze reaction to form sugar esters. Also provided is isolated gene encoding acyltransferase. Additionally provided is method for forming palmityl esters of glucose comprising reacting 1-O-palmitoyl-.beta.-D-glucose with itself, with glucose or with palmityl partial ester of glucose in the presence of a catalytically effective amount of acyltransferase.

Abstract: 2,3,4-Triacylhexoses and mixtures thereof have been found to repel insects from plants. The hexoses may be readily formulated into insect repellant compositions by blending them with inert carriers and then depositing the resultant compositions upon a surface to be protected from attack by the insects.