Abstract: The present invention provides chemically regulatable DNA sequences capable of regulating transcription of an associated DNA sequence in plants or plant tissues, chimeric constructions containing such sequences, vectors containing such sequences and chimeric constructions, and transgenic plants and plant tissues containing these chimeric constructions. In one aspect, the chemically regulatable DNA sequences of the invention are derived from the 5' region of genes encoding pathogenisis-related (PR) proteins. The present invention also provides anti-pathogenic sequences derived from novel cDNAs coding for PR proteins which can be genetically engineered and transformed into plants to confer enhanced resistance to disease.

Abstract: Methods of regenerating fertile Zea mays plants from protoplasts or protoplast-derived cells are described. The protoplasts or cells may be derived from embryogenic cell cultures or callus cultures. The protoplasts, cells and resulting plants may be transgenic, containing, for example, chimeric genes coding for a polypeptide having substantially the insect toxicity properties of the crystal protein produced by Bacillus thuringiensis.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel eukaryotic DNA sequences coding for native protoporphyrinogen oxidase (protox) or modified forms of the enzyme which are herbicide tolerant. Plants having altered protox activity which confers tolerance to herbicides are also provided. These plants may be bred or engineered for resistance to protox inhibitors via mutation of the native protox gene to a resistant form or through increased levels of expression of the native protox gene, or they may be transformed with modified eukaryotic or prokaryotic protox coding sequences or wild type prokaryotic protox sequences which are herbicide tolerant. Diagnostic and other uses for the novel eukaryotic protox sequence are also described. Plant genes encoding wild-type and altered protox, purified plant protox, methods of isolating protox from plants, and methods of using protox-encoding genes are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides chemically regulatable DNA sequences capable of regulating transcription of an associated DNA sequence in plants or plant tissues, chimeric constructions containing such sequences, vectors containing such sequences and chimeric constructions, and transgenic plants and plant tissues containing these chimeric constructions. In one aspect, the chemically regulatable DNA sequences of the invention are derived from the 5' region of genes encoding pathogenisis-related (PR) proteins. The present invention also provides anti-pathogenic sequences derived from novel cDNAs coding for PR proteins which can be genetically engineered and transformed into plants to confer enhanced resistance to disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to monoclonal antibodies that are distinguished by a high degree of selectivity and affinity towards herbicides from the group of the sulfonylureas, especially towards sulfonylurea herbicides of formula (A) ##STR1## wherein X is a mono- or di-substituted 6-membered heterocycle having from one to three nitrogen atoms and bonded via carbon, but is preferably mono- or di-substituted s-triazine or pyrimidine; andn is an integer from 0 to 4, preferably the number 1, and that are therefore outstandingly suitable for use in an immunoassay for the rapid and effective detection of the said sulfonylurea herbicides in soil, water or air samples or in plant extracts, and to methods for the production of said monoclonal antibodies. The present invention relates also to hybridoma cell lines that produce said monoclonal antibodies and to immunological detection methods using said monoclonal antibodies, and to test kits that may be used in those detection methods.

Abstract: Strains of Pseudomonas have been genetically engineered to have enhanced biocontrol properties. The strains of the invention are particularly effective against plant pathogenic fungi such as species of Rhizoctonia and Pythium, because the strains produce enhanced amounts of antifungal metabolites such as pyrrolnitrin that are active against these fungal pathogens. Both the genetically modified biocontrol strains and the antifungal metabolites can be used as active agents for biocontrol compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel plant DNA sequences coding for geraniol/nerol 10-hydroxylase (G10H). Methods for using the complete or partial G10H coding sequence as a probe for diagnostic, mapping and other purposes are taught. Generation of transformed host cells capable of expressing G10H is also taught. Also included is a method for enhancing levels of terpenoid indole alkaloid and/or iridoid insect pheromone produced by a plant. Resulting transgenic plant tissues, including whole plants, having enhanced levels of terpenoid indole alkaloids and/or iridoid insect pheromones are also provided.

Abstract: A transdermal drug delivery device has a drug containing element containing a drug which is preferably charged and first and second electrodes for conducting a current flow through the drug containing element. The current flow causes the drug to be released from the drug containing element and to permeate through the skin of a user to which the device has been fixed. A power source is connected to the first and second electrodes for providing the energy necessary to generate the current flow. The power source comprises a thermocouple or thermopile having two different poles which are connected to the first and/or second electrodes, whereby a self-contained drug delivery device is formed which provides the energy necessary for generating the current flow by means of a difference in temperature of the skin of the user and the ambient air (environment), thus providing a device free of batteries, accumulators or other external energy sources.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the production of an antipathogenic substance (APS) in a host via recombinant expression of the polypeptides needed to biologically synthesize the APS. Genes encoding polypeptides necessary to produce particular antipathogenic substances are provided, along with methods for identifying and isolating genes needed to recombinantly biosynthesize any desired APS. The cloned genes may be transformed and expressed in a desired host organisms to produce the APS according to the invention for a variety of purposes, including protecting the host from a pathogen, developing the host as a biocontrol agent, and producing large, uniform amounts of the APS.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the production of a polyketide antibiotic such as soraphen in a host via recombinant expression of the polypeptides needed to biologically synthesize the polyketide antibiotic. Polyketide synthase (PKS) genes encoding polypeptides necessary to synthesize soraphen are provided, along with methods for identifying and isolating the PKS genes needed to recombinantly biosynthesize any desired polyketide antibiotic. The cloned PKS genes may be transformed and expressed in a desired host organisms to produce soraphen for a variety of purposes, including protecting the host from a pathogen, developing the host as a biocontrol agent, and producing large, uniform amounts of soraphen.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel plant DNA sequences coding for native adenylosuccinate lyase (ADSL). Methods for using the complete or partial ADSL coding sequence as a probe for diagnostic, mapping and other purposes are taught. Generation of transformed host cells capable of expressing ADSL is also taught. Methods of using the transformed host cells are taught, including methods for recombinant production of ADSL enzymes. A method for using the plant ADSL enzyme to screen for inhibitors of ADSL activity is also provided.

Abstract: Gene activating sequences which activate the expression of other bacterial genes, which are latent or expressed at low levels, are provided. The gene activating sequences confer the ability to produce several metabolites and may be transferred to bacterial strains. The transformed biocontrol agents are active to inhibit the growth of the fungal pathogens.

Abstract: Novel plant proteins (SAFPs) which synergize the activity of antifungal antibiotics are identified. SAFPs are demonstrated to synergize antifungal antibiotics, such as nikkomycins, polyoxins and amphotericins. SAFPs alone also display antifungal activity against several species of fungi, including strains of Candida, Trichoderma, Neurospora and strains of the plant pathogens Fusarium, Rhizoctonia and Chaetomium. Synergistic antifungal compositions containing SAFP and antifungal antibiotics are provided. In particular, synergistic compositions of corn-SAFP (zeamatin), sorghum-SAFP (sormatin) or oat-SAFP (avematin) and nikkomycin are found to be effective as antifungal compositions, especially against the opportunistic human pathogen Candida albicans. Method for employing SAFPs and synergistic compositions containing them for the inhibition of fungi are provided. In addition, a method for purifying SAFP from grain meal is provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the production of an antipathogenic substance (APS) in a host via recombinant expression of the polypeptides needed to biologically synthesize the APS. Genes encoding polypeptides necessary to produce particular antipathogenic substances are provided, along with methods for identifying and isolating genes needed to recombinantly biosynthesize any desired APS. The cloned genes may be transformed and expressed in a desired host organisms to produce the APS according to the invention for a variety of purposes, including protecting the host from a pathogen, developing the host as a biocontrol agent, and producing large, uniform amounts of the APS.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a DNA molecule isolated from the genome of Sorangium cellulosum that encodes a polypeptide required for soraphen biosynthesis and to methods for the preparation of said DNA fragment. The present invention further relates to plasmids, vectors, and host cells that comprise the DNA molecule of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel plant DNA sequences coding for native adenylosuccinate synthetase (ADSS). Methods for using the complete or partial ADSS coding sequence as a probe for diagnostic, mapping and other purposes are taught. Generation of transformed host cells capable of expressing ADSS is also taught. Methods of using the transformed host cells are taught, including methods for recombinant production of ADSS enzymes. A method for using the plant ADSS enzyme to screen for inhibitors of ADSS activity is also provided.

Abstract: Antibodies, monoclonal antibodies or fragments thereof which bind to brush border membrane vesicles of insect gut and the gene or genes which encode these proteins are provided. The monoclonal antibodies bind the gut of a target insect but do not bind to mammalian brush border membranes or to plant microsomes. The antibodies and the genes encoding them find use in constructing hybrid toxins for control of insect pests.

Abstract: Gene activating sequences which activate the expression of other bacterial genes, which are latent or expressed at low levels, are provided. The gene activating sequences confer the ability to produce several metabolites and may be transferred to bacterial strains. The transformed biocontrol agents are active to inhibit the growth of the fungal pathogens.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel process for the genetic manipulation of myxobacteria, preferably of myxobacteria of the Sorangium/Polyangium group, which makes it possible for the first time specifically to apply recombinant DNA techniques to this group of organisms. The technical implementation of this process is based primarily on the preparation of recombinant DNA molecules which, by reason of their specific construction, are able to integrate genes or DNA sequences which code, where appropriate, for novel and desirable properties, with the aid of homologous recombination at sites, which are accurately defined by reason of the homologies present, within the bacterial genome, and on the insertion thereof into the myxobacterial cell.

Abstract: Gene activating sequences which activate the expression of other bacterial genes, which are latent or expressed at low levels, are provided. The gene activating sequences confer the ability to produce several metabolites and may be transferred to bacterial strains. The transformed biocontrol agents are active to inhibit the growth of the fungal pathogens.