Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated biocontrol agent, which is a strain of Pyricularia setariae. The present invention also relates to a biocontrol composition comprising at least one fungal biocontrol agent, which is a strain of Pyricularia setariae. Examples of the biocontrol agent of the present invention include Pyricularia setariae 94-409A (IDAC 190701-1), Pyricularia setariae 01-069A (IDAC 290102-01), and Pyricularia setariae 01-071A (IDAC 290102-02). Preferably, the biocontrol composition comprises an acceptable medium such as a liquid culture medium or a solid culture medium. The biocontrol agent or biocontrol composition may be used to suppress the growth of a weeds such as green foxtail (Setaria viridis [L.] Beauv.).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a nucleic acid comprising a nucleotide sequence that encodes a protein that imparts a dull luster to a seed coat when expressed within seed-coat tissues and to transgenic seeds, plant cells and plants expressing the protein.

Abstract: The growing controversy over GM/novel-trait crops and food products that possess novel industrial or nutritional traits, has resulted in an increased need for technologies that allow the rapid and reliable identification of GM/novel-trait crops so that they can be identified, and segregated if necessary, at the various stages of production and processing. A visual seed identity system is described that permits the identification and tracing of each individual seed through the upstream value chain, from field increase to the processing plant. These traits are genetically controlled, transmitted to progeny by either pollen or ovule and expressed in developing seed, showing a xenia effect. That novelty of this proposed IP system will facilitate early mitigation measures if out-crossing or admixtures occur and exceed a threshold limit set by regulatory agencies.

Abstract: A plant expressing a cytokine and an autoantigen is disclosed. An example of a cytokine is a contra-inflammatory cytokine, for example IL-4 and IL-10, and an example of autoantigen is GAD. A novel method for the production of transgenic proteins of interest suitable for oral administration is also disclosed. Further, non-food crop plants expressing one or more proteins of interest are disclosed, as is a method involving the preparation of a protein of interest suitable for oral administration within a non-food crop plant comprising, transforming the non-food crop plant with a suitable vector containing a gene of interest and appropriate regulatory regions to ensure expression of the gene of interest within the non-food crop plant, such that the non-food crop plant is characterized as being non-toxic, non-addictive, palatable, and requiring minimal or no processing prior to oral administration. An example of a non-food crop plant is low alkaloid tobacco.

Abstract: A novel seed coat specific peroxidase genomic sequence is characterized and presented. The seed coat peroxidase is translated as a 352 amino acid precursor protein of 38 kDa comprising a 26 amino acid signal sequence which when cleaved results in a 35 kDa protein. Probes derived from the cDNA, or genomic DNA can be used to detect polymorphisms that distinguish EpEp and epep genotypes. The regulatory region of the seed coat specific gene may be used to control expression of genes of interest such as genes encoding herbicide resistance, biological control of insects or pathogens, viral coat proteins to protect against viral infections, proteins of commercial interest, or proteins that alter the nutritive value, taste, or processing of seeds.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for selectively controlling the transcription of a gene of interest, comprising producing one or more plants that express either a first, a second, or both the first and second genetic constructs. The first genetic construct comprises a first regulator region operatively linked to a gene of interest and at least one repressor sequence capable of controlling the activity of the first regulatory region. The second genetic construct comprises a second regulator region in operative association with a nucleic acid molecule, or a derivative thereof, encoding a repressor protein, the repressor protein exhibiting both repressor operator sequence binding activity and repressor activity. The first and second genetic constructs may reside on separate vectors, or the vector may comprise both the first and second genetic constructs comprised as just defined.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method for the expression of a gene of interest, or a chimeric or modified gene allowing the localization of a protein, protein fusion, peptide or fragment of interest within the extracellular domain of a floral cell. This method comprises preparing a construct comprising a promoter sequence capable of expressing a gene encoding the protein, protein fusion, peptide, or fragment of interest, within the floral cell; a translated sequence of the protein, protein fusion, peptide, or fragment of interest, which is localized within the extracellular domain of a floral cell; a gene that encodes the protein, protein fusion, peptide, or fragment of interest; and a terminator sequence, and transforming a plant. Plants transformed with such a construct are characterized as having a protein, fragment thereof, or peptide of interest on the surface of a floral cell.

Abstract: T-DNA tagging with a promoterless ?-glucuronidase (GUS) gene generated transgenic Nicotiana tabacum plants that expressed GUS activity either only in developing seed coats, or constitutively. Cloning and deletion analysis of the GUS fusion revealed that the promoter responsible for seed coat specificity was located in the plant DNA proximal to the GUS gene. Analysis of the region demonstrated that the seed coat-specificity of GUS expression in this transgenic plant resulted from T-DNA insertion next to a cryptic promoter. This promoter is useful in controlling the expression of genes to the developing seed coat in plant seeds. Similarly, cloning and characterization of the cryptic constitutive promoter revealed the occurrence of several cryptic regulatory regions. These regions include promoter, negative regulatory elements, transcriptional enhancers, core promoter regions, and translational enhancers and other regulatory elements.

Abstract: The present invention provides oil seeds obtained from Sinapis alba that have a high level of oleic acid (from about 72 to about 84% by weight), a low level of erucic acid (from 0.0 to about 0.2% by weight), low levels of p-hydroxybenzyl glucosinolate and benzyl glucosinolate (each less than or equal to about 0.1 mole per g seed), or a combination thereof. Also provided are plants that produce such oil seeds. Also disclosed are oil seeds having high levels of erucic acid (greater than about 55% by weight) and low levels of p-hydroxybenzyl glucosinolate and benzyl glucosinolate (each less than about 0.1 mole per g seed), and plants that produce such oil seed.

Abstract: The invention provides for a chimeric construct comprising a regulatory region obtained from a hydroperoxide lyase (HPL) gene in operative association with a heterologous gene of interest. Even though the HPL gene is known to be expressed in response to wounding, unexpectedly, it was observed that the HPL regulatory region or one or more fragments thereof, result in constitutive expression of the gene of interest in a range of tissues and organs in the absence of any wound or stress treatment. This invention also provides for a transgenic organism comprising the chimeric construct defined above, and a method for preparing a transgenic organism using the chimeric construct.

Abstract: A method of monitoring health in chlorophyll containing matter comprises exposing the matter to a light source to cause chlorophyll to fluoresce and emit a fluorescence signal. Any changes in a parameter indicative of changes in the intensity of the fluorescence signal are detected and compared with a predetermined threshold. A change which exceeds the predetermined threshold is interpreted as a transition of the level of stress in the chlorophyll containing matter. An apparatus for monitoring health in chlorophyll containing matter is also provided and comprises a light source for causing chlorophyll in the matter to fluoresce, a detector for detecting the intensity the fluorescent signal, means for measuring changes in a parameter indicative of changes in the intensity of the fluorescent signal and a detector to detect an increase in the change of the parameter above a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a gene obtained during the induction of microspore embryogenisis. The protein encoded by this gene renders plant cells embryongenic, and increases the regenerative capacity of the plant cell. Also disclosed is the regulatory region of this gene and its use for directing the expression of a gene of interest within a suitable host cell.

Abstract: The invention may be summarized as follows. The present invention provides insecticides comprised of naturally-occurring compounds, such as, for example, PA1b-related peptides and terpenoid saponins. The present invention also provides for identification and characterization of a synergistic insecticidal effect between peptides and saponins extracted from plants. Furthermore, simplified extraction procedures are provided that avoid the use of a chloroform defatting step or a column chromatography step.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new and distinct variety of strawberry (Fragaria ananassa) named ‘Cabot’ characterized by its few, small flowers, large calyx, large and light colored fruit, and resistance to red stele root. The invention is distinct from other varieties, but most similar to ‘Bounty’.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of strawberry named “La Cle des Champs”. The variety is botanically identified as Fragaria×ananassa. The new variety is distinguished from other varieties by a number of properties including but not limited to: shape and lengthy leaves; fruit color and texture; and disease and temperature hardiness.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of pear tree, which has been given the designation ‘HW610’, which produces a high quality, attractive mid-season fruit and has a good to very good rating for quality of fresh and processed fruit.

Abstract: A new and distinct June-bearing strawberry cultivar named ‘Saint-Jean d'Orléans’ is primarily adapted to the growing conditions of Eastern Central Canada. Its high yield of medium sized, firm, light-red glossy fruits, resistance to leaf diseases, long shelf life and high levels of given antioxidants essentially characterize ‘Saint-Jean d'Orléans’.

Abstract: A new and distinct apple tree cultivar named ‘SJCA38R6A74’ is primarily adapted to the growing conditions of Northern Eastern Central Canada. The fruit of ‘SJCA38R6A74’, which hangs well on tree, is a dessert apple having very good firmness, crispness and flavor, high quality flesh and a long shelf life. The phenol (oxidative agent) content of this cultivar's fruit is significantly lower than that of other known cultivars, including Cortland which is the most popular apple variety for transformation. No browning of the fruit occurs after cutting (even after 4-5 days at room temperature), without adding any chemical, which makes it an excellent candidate for fresh fruit slice, fruit salad, dried apple chips and processing (juice, cider).

Abstract: A new cultivar of bee balm, Monarda didyma ‘ACrade’, characterized by its purple-violet blossoms that are present abundantly in June through August. The new variety is mid sized in height with a mounded plant habit, is hardy in U.S.D.A. Zones 3 to 8, and exhibits dark green slightly glossy foliage that has shown resistant to powdery mildew.

Abstract: A new cultivar of bee balm, Monarda didyma ‘AChall’, that is characterized by its deep red-purple blossoms that are present abundantly in June through August. The new variety is mid sized in height with an upright oval plant habit, is hardy in U.S.D.A. Zones 3 to 8, and exhibits dark green semi-glossy foliage that has shown resistant to powdery mildew.