Abstract: The present invention relates to genetically modified woody plants comprising a heterologous nucleic acid construct comprising a promoter sequence operably linked to a coding sequence encoding a gibberellin 20-oxidase gene product, wherein the promoter is preferentially or specifically expressed in meristematic tissue of said plant. The invention further relates to methods for producing such plants and to certain nucleic acid molecules useful as promoters.

Abstract: A sowing unit including water-absorbing material, an enclosure and a seed, wherein the water-absorbing material includes a hygroscopic negatively-charged material capable of binding a positively charged nutrient ion selected from NH4+, L-arginine, L-lysine and L-histidine; and optionally a nutrient including a positively charged nutrient ion selected from K+, NH4+, L-arginine, L-lysine and L-histidine. Methods and uses of the sowing unit are described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of using a fertilizer, comprising an amino acid selected from the group of L-glutamine, L-asparagine and L-arginine as major nitrogen source, optionally together with inorganic nitrogen and/or a suitable preservative, for stimulating root growth, inducing more fine roots, increase the number of root tips and/or for stimulating mycorrhiza development.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a novel and extensive analytical platform for selecting genes with a possible commercial phenotype from a large group of candidate genes identified using tools in bioinformatics, data from EST sequencing and DNA array. An aspect of the invention provides a method of producing a transgenic plant having an increased growth compared to its wild type. The method comprises altering in the plant the level of a gene product of at least one gene specifically expressed during different phases of wood formation. Further aspects of the invention provide a plant cell or plant progeny of a transgenic plant comprising a recombinant polynucleotide according to the invention. Other aspects pertain a DNA construct comprising a nucleotide sequence of the invention and a plant cell or plant progeny comprising the DNA construct.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of increasing the growth and/or biomass of plants by partially suppressing the expression of a SHORT-ROOT (SHR) polypeptide, such as AtSHR or PtSHR1. Manipulation of SHORT-ROOT expression may be useful, for example, in accelerating growth and increasing biomass production in transgenic plants.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a set of genes, which when modified in plants gives altered lignin properties. The invention provides DNA construct such as a vector useful in the method of the invention. Further, the invention relates to a plant cell or plant progeny of the plants and wood produced by the plants according to the invention Lower lignin levels will result in improved saccharification for bio-refining and ethanol production and improved pulp and paper. Increased lignin levels will utilise lignin properties for energy production. The genes and DNA constructs may be used for the identification of plants having altered lignin characteristics as compared to the wild-type. According to the invention genes and DNA constructs may also be used as candidate genes in marker assisted breeding.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of using a fertilizer, comprising an amino acid selected from the group of L-glutamine, L-asparagine and L-arginine as major nitrogen source, optionally together with inorganic nitrogen and/or a suitable preservative, for stimulating root growth, inducing more fine roots, increase the number of root tips and/or for stimulating mycorrhiza development.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the preparation of polymer shells, preferably composed of cellulose or hemicellulose, comprising the steps of dissolving the polymer component in a first solvent, preferably an organic solvent and precipitating the polymer component by contacting the first solution with a second solvent, which second solvent has a polar character, and in which second solvent the polymer component is essentially insoluble, thereby obtaining polymer shells. Moreover, the invention refers to the polymer shells as such, having permeable and responsive properties, as well as various applications comprising such polymer shells within the fields of drug delivery, separation techniques, and inter alia filling material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for reductive amination of a water soluble carbohydrate. An aminated water soluble carbohydrate is a prerequisite in processes for further modification of cellulose. The synthesis of this molecule comprises, providing a water soluble carbohydrate, an amine and a reducing agent, which are reacted under acidic conditions, isolated to give an aminated water soluble carbohydrate with a yield larger than 60%. The invention also relates to an aminated hemicellulose molecule with a molecular weight of at least 1 kDa, especially xyloglucan.

Abstract: Ethanol production from biomass can be rendered more effective by the use of at least one fungus or a mix of fungi capable of fermenting pentose compounds, or both pentose as well as hexose compounds. Preferably said at least one fungus is a fungus belonging to the species Chalara sp., optionally used in combination with a second fungus belonging to the species Trametes sp. Preferably said fungus or fungi is/are used in combination with other fermenting microorganisms, such as a yeast, e.g. Saccaromyces cerevisiae.

Abstract: This invention relates to plants and plant cells which express heterologous D-amino acid metabolizing enzymes and may therefore employ D-amino acids as a source of nitrogen. Methods and means are provided for selectively modulating the growth and stress tolerance such plants using D-amino acids. The methods can be used either for detoxification of phytotoxic D-amino acids such as D-alanine and D-serine, thereby allowing for selection of plants comprising said D-amino acid metabolizing enzymes, or for enhancing toxicity of lesser phytotoxic D-amino acids such as D-isoleucine, thereby allowing for selection of plants not comprising said D-amino acid metabolizing enzymes.