Abstract: The sequence of the T.sub.L -DNA of Ri plasmids found in Agrobacterium rhizogenes strains HRI and A4 is disclosed. Sixteen open reading frames bounded by eukaryotic promoters, ribosome binding sites, and polyadenylation sites were found, five of which were observed to be transcripted in a developmentally and phenotypically regulated manner. The use of promoters and polyadenylation sites from pRi T.sub.L -DNA to control expression of heterologous foreign structural genes is taught, using as examples the structural genes for Phaseolus vulgaris storage protein (phaseolin), P. vulgaris lectin, a sweet protein (thaumatin), and Bacillus thuringiensis crystal protein. Vectors useful for manipulation of sequences of the structural genes and T-DNA are also provided.

Abstract: A DNA segment from the upstream untranscribed region of a maize ubiquitin gene is disclosed. This ubiquitin promoter region, which comprises heat shock consensus elements, initiates and regulates the transcription of genes placed under its control. Recombinant DNA molecules are also described in which a ubiquitin promoter is combined with a plant expressible structural gene for regulated expression of the structural gene and for regulated control of expression when stressed with elevated temperatures. Such recombinant DNA molecules are introduced into plant tissue so that the promoter/structural gene combination is expressed.

Abstract: The phaseolin structural gene and promoter are disposed. Also disclosed are plasmids, bacteria, plant cells, plant tissue and plants containing the phaseolin promoter. The promoter finds use in the expression of heterologous plants genes, including the phaseolin gene, in transformed plant cells and plants.

Abstract: A + strand RNA viral transformation of host organisms with foreign RNA, and expression of said foreign RNA. The foreign RNA is inserted into an infective RNA viral segment containing replication elements, and allowed to infect the host organism. The invention is exemplified utilizing brome mosaic RNA modified to contain a gene codting for chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) in the transformation of barley protoplasts.

Abstract: The invention includes a consensus nucleotide sequence found in the promoter regions of those Rhizobium and Bradyrhizobium nodulation genes which are activated by chemical inducer(s) in legume exudate. A promoter comprising the consensus sequence is a legume exudate-inducible promoter. A recombinant gene comprising a structural gene and a legume exudate-inducible promoter is selectively expressed in the presence of legume exudate or chemical inducer(s) and a functional nodD gene. The consensus nucleotide sequence isATCCAYNNYGYRGATGNWYKYKATCSAAWCAATCRATTTTACCARWYYKNSRR whereN is A, G, C or TY is C or TR is A or GW is A or TK is G or T andS is C or G.

Abstract: A subgenomic promoter of a positive strand RNA virus is disclosed which directs the amplified expression of a structural gene in plant tissue. The core region and an upstream activating domain of the subgenomic promoter are identified. This promoter can be utilized in a modified virus, or in an appropriate engineered recombinant DNA derivative, which may be chromosomally integrated or maintained as an episome in transformed cells.

Abstract: A plant heat shock promoter has been isolated from soybean, sequenced and shown to induce gene expression in response to a temporary heat shock. This invention utilizes the disclosed plant heat shock promoters for the construction of promoter/structural gene chimeras which are expressible in plant cells in response to heat shock. The reporter gene .beta.-galactosidase was expressed transiently in response to a heat shock signal. Further, this invention permits application of heat shock inducible chimeras as a detection method for successful transformation of plant cells.

Abstract: Methods for the isolation of mutant rhizobial strains with improved competition of nodulation (Comp.sup.+) is presented. Mutants are selected for constitutive expression of inducible nod genes (in the absence of inducer) and screened for hyperinduction of nod genes in the presence of inducer. Mutants which are defective in nodulation or in symbiotic nitrogen fixation are eliminated from further testing. Selections for constitutive nod expression and for hyperinduction of nod genes are facilitated by the use of plasmid carrying a selectable marker fused to an inducible nod gene and a plasmid carrying a reporter gene fused downstream of an inducible nod gene. The methods exemplified are particularly useful for the isolation and identification of Comp.sup.+ mutants of Bradyrhizobium japonicum.

Abstract: The sequence of the T-DNA of the octopine-type Ti plasmid found in Agrobacterium tumefaciens ATCC 15955 is disclosed. Fourteen open reading frames bounded by eukaryotic promoters, ribosome binding sites, and polyadenylation sites were found. The use of promoters and polyadenylation sites from pTi15955 to control expression of foreign structural genes is taught, using as examples the structural genes for the Phaseolus vulgaris storage protein phaseolin, P. vulgaris lectin, thaumatin, and Bacillus thuringiensis crystal protein. Vectors useful for manipulation of sequences of the structural genes and T-DNA are also provided.

Abstract: A unf. 13 protein and gene encoding it are disclosed which confer sensitivity to B. maydis T toxin and the insecticide methomyl, in cells carrying the gene and expressing the protein. Toxin sensitivity domains of the protein have been identified wherein a modification yields a toxin-insensitive product.

Abstract: Synthetic Bacillus thuringiensis toxin genes designed to be expressed in plants at a level higher than naturally-occurring Bt genes are provided. These genes utilize codons preferred in highly expressed monocot or dicot proteins.

Abstract: The sequence of the T.sub.L -DNA of Ri plasmids found in Agrobacterium rhizogenes strains HRI and A4 is disclosed. Sixteen open reading frames bounded by eukaryotic promoters, ribosome binding sites, and polyadenylation sites were found, five of which were observed to be transcripted in a developmentally and phenotypically regulated manner. The use of promoters and polyadenylation sites from pRi T.sub.L -DNA to control expression of heterologous foreign structural genes is taught, using as examples the structural genes for Phaseolus vulgaris storage protein (phaseolin), P. vulgaris lectin, a sweet protein (thaumatin), and Bacillus thuringiensis crystal protein. Vectors useful for manipulation of sequences of the structural genes and T-DNA are also provided.