Abstract: The invention relates to the isolation of promoters from corn capable of directing transcription of an operably linked foreign DNA sequence preferentially, selectively or exclusively in the roots of plants, such as corn plants. The invention also relates to the use of chimeric genes for the preferential or selective expression of biologically active RNA of interest in the roots of plants, such as corn plants. Plants, such as corn plants, comprising corn root preferential or selective promoters operably linked to a foreign DNA sequence which, upon transcription, yield biologically active RNA preferentially or selectively in the roots of plants are also provided.

Abstract: An improved barstar gene and improved barstar protein can be used to neutralize the activity of a barnase in eukaryotic cells, particular in plant cells. The improved barstar gene can be used to produce fertility restorer plants capable of restoring the fertility to a line of male-sterile plants that contain in the nuclear genome of their cells a chimeric gene comprising a stamen-selective promoter and a DNA coding for a barnase. Restorer plants containing the barstar gene in the restorer plant's nuclear genome is also disclosed.

Abstract: Four novel Bacillus thuringiensis strains, which are deposited at the BCCM-LMG under accession nos. LMG P-12592, LMG P-12593, LMG P-12594, and LMG P-13493, produce new crystal proteins during sporulation that are toxic to Lepidoptera, more particularly against Noctuidae such as Spodoptera spp. and Agrotis ipsilon, against Pyralidae such as Ostrinta nubilalis, and against Yponomeutidae such as Plutella xylostella, and that are encoded by a novel gene. The crystal proteins contain protoxins, which can yield a toxin as trypsin-digestion product. A plant, the genome of which is transformed with a DNA sequence that comes from either one of the strains and that encodes its respective toxin, is resistant to Lepidoptera. Each strain, itself, or its crystals, crystal proteins, protoxin or toxin can be used as the active ingredient in an insecticidal composition for combatting Lepidoptera.

Abstract: Novel bacterial insecticidal proteins and equivalents thereof were isolated. These proteins and the DNA sequences encoding them are useful to make insecticidal compositions or transgenic plants to protect plants from damage by insects, particularly coleopteran insects.

Abstract: The invention provides for the use of isolated polynucleotides encoding maize poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) proteins to produce eukaryotic cells and organisms, particularly plant cells and plants, with modified programmed cell death. Eukaryotic cells and organisms particularly plant cells and plants, are provided wherein either in at least part of the cells, preferably selected cells, the programmed cell death (PCD) is provoked, or wherein, on the contrary, PCD of the cells or of at least part of the cells in an organism is inhibited, by modulation of the level or activity or PARP proteins in those cells.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved methods for the production of transgenic cotton plants, comprising cocultivating Agrobacterium cells comprising a DNA fragment of interest operably linked to at least one T-DNA border with cotton embryogenic callus in the presence of a plant phenolic compound.