Abstract: The invention provides methods for decreasing lignin content in plants by reducing expression of a folylpolyglutamate synthetase 1 (FPGS1) coding sequence in the plant. Also provided are methods for reducing lignin content in a plant by down-regulation of FPGS1 expression in the plant. Nucleic acid molecules for modulation of FPGS1 expression and transgenic plants the same are also provided. Plants described herein may be used, for example, as improved biofuel feedstock and as highly digestible forage crops. Methods for processing plant tissue and for producing biofuels by utilizing such plants are also provided.

Abstract: A system and methods for trapping animals including an enclosure adapted to be suspended above a trap area. The enclosure may be movable from the suspended position to a lowered position to enclose a trap area. The system further includes a user-directed control system to remotely control the position of the enclosure in order to trap animals within the enclosure.

Abstract: The invention relates to alfalfa plants and lines having aluminum tolerance. The invention also relates to parts of alfalfa plants from lines having aluminum tolerance, including seeds capable of growing aluminum tolerant alfalfa plants. Methods for the use and breeding of aluminum tolerant alfalfa plants are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for increasing the level of fermentable carbohydrates in a biofuel crop plant such as alfalfa or switchgrass, by modification of the lignin biosynthetic pathway. Also provided are plants prepared by the methods of the invention. Methods for processing plant tissue and for producing ethanol by utilizing such plants are also provided.

Abstract: A system and methods for trapping animals including an enclosure adapted to be suspended above a trap area. The enclosure may be movable from the suspended position to a lowered position to enclose a trap area. The system further includes a user-directed control system to remotely control the position of the enclosure in order to trap animals within the enclosure.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for making a dicotyledonous plant that is susceptible to Phymatotrichopsis Root Rot (PRR) more resistant to PRR, by metabolic engineering of the plant's flavonoid and isoflavonoid biosynthetic pathways. Thus, methods for increasing the synthesis and accumulation of medicarpin and/or 7,4?-dihydroxyflavone in plants such as alfalfa are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for the modulation of proanthocynidin (“PA;” condensed tannin) production in plants. The methods of the invention allow creation of plants having novel phenotypes, such as alterations in levels of PA or in the types of tissues in which PAs are produced. Altered expression of PA in plants may be achieved, for instance without significantly affecting anthocyanin content or overall secondary metabolite profiles. Alternatively, expression of PA in plants may be achieved while also affecting anthocyanin content.

Abstract: The invention provides coding and promoter sequences for an STF gene, which affects lamina expansion in plants. Vectors, transgenic plants, seeds, and host cells comprising a heterologous STF gene are also provided. Additionally provided are methods of altering biomass in a plant using the STF gene.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for modifying lignin, cellulose, xylan, and hemicellulose content in plants, and for achieving ectopic lignification and, for instance, secondary cell wall synthesis in pith cells, by altered regulation of a WRKY transcription factor. Nucleic acid constructs for altered WRKY-TF expression are described. Transgenic plants are provided that comprise modified pith cell walls, and lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose content. Plants described herein may be used, for example, as improved biofuel feedstock and as highly digestible forage crops.

Abstract: The invention provides coding and promoter sequences for a VS-1 and AP-2 gene, which affects the developmental process of senescence in plants. Vectors, transgenic plants, seeds, and host cells comprising heterologous VS-1 and AP-2 genes are also provided. Additionally provided are methods of altering nutrient allocation and composition in a plant using the VS-1 and AP-2 genes.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for modifying lignin content and composition in plants and achieving associated benefits therefrom involving altered expression of newly discovered MYB4 transcription factors. Nucleic acid constructs for modifying MYB4 transcription factor expression are described. By over-expressing the identified MYB4 transcription factors, for example, an accompanying decrease in lignin content may be achieved. Plants are provided by the invention comprising such modifications, as are methods for their preparation and use.

Abstract: The invention provides enzymes that encode O-methyltransferases (OMTs) from Medicago truncatula that allow modification to plant (iso)flavonoid biosynthetic pathways. In certain aspects of the invention, the genes encoding these enzymes are provided. The invention therefore allows the modification of plants for isoflavonoid content. Transgenic plants comprising such enzymes are also provided, as well as methods for improving disease resistance in plants. Methods for producing food and nutraceuticals, and the resulting compositions, are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for increasing the efficiency of genetic transformation of host cells, including plant cells, and other eukaryotic cells, by reducing the expression of a polypeptide active in a pathway, such as the NHEJ pathway, for repairing damage to the cellular genome. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide is active in repairing double strand breaks (DSB's) of a cellular genome, and may include XRCC4, KU70, KU80, the DNA-activated Protein Kinase (DNA-Pkcs), and ATM. Methods for enhancing the resistance of plant cells to Crown Gall disease are also provided. In another aspect, genetic regulatory elements are provided, including an XRCC4 promoter.

Abstract: The invention relates to alfalfa plants and lines having aluminum tolerance. The invention also relates to parts of alfalfa plants from lines having aluminum tolerance, including seeds capable of growing aluminum tolerant alfalfa plants. Methods for the use and breeding of aluminum tolerant alfalfa plants are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides transgenic plants with resistance to infection by a root-infecting fungal plant pathogen such as Phymatotrichopsis omnivora. Also provided are methods of making such plants. Further provided are nucleic acid vectors for producing such a plant. Additionally, methods are provided for growing a dicotyledonous plant that is resistant to root rot disease in soil that comprises Phymatotrichopsis omnivora, or another pathogen.

Abstract: The invention provides plant isoflavonoid hydroxylase coding sequences. Also provided are constructs comprising these sequences, plants transformed therewith and methods of use thereof. In certain aspects of the invention, plants transformed with the nucleic acids are provided exhibiting improved pest and disease resistance. Plants provided by the invention may also exhibit improved nutritional qualities.

Abstract: The current invention provides plant promoter sequences. Compositions comprising the promoter sequence are described, as are methods for the expression of transgenes in plants comprising the use of these sequences. The methods of the invention include the direct creation of transgenic plants with the promoters by genetic transformation, as well as by plant breeding methods.

Abstract: The current invention provides plant promoter sequences. Compositions comprising the promoter sequence are described, as are methods for the expression of transgenes in plants comprising the use of these sequences. The methods of the invention include the direct creation of transgenic plants with the promoters by genetic transformation, as well as by plant breeding methods.

Abstract: Soybean and Medicago truncatula CYP93C genes have been isolated which encode a cytochrome P450 that can catalyze the aryl migration of a flavanone to yield an isoflavanone intermediate or an isoflavone. Plants can now be genetically engineered to produce isoflavones that provide potential human health benefits and increase disease resistance in plants. Isoflavones can now be produced in transgenic plants species in which isoflavones do not naturally occur, i.e., in species other than legumes. Alternatively, introducing infection-inducible isoflavonoid biosynthesis into non-legumes qualitatively complements these plants phytoalexin defenses against microbial pathogens, whereas over-expression of the isoflavonoid pathway in legumes quantitatively increases this defense response. Finally, modifying the extend of production of isoflavonoids in legume roots positively impacts nodulation efficiency and therefore plant yield.

Abstract: The invention relates to producing resveratrol glucoside in edible legume plants by transforming with a transgene encoding resveratrol synthase operably linked to a constitutive promoter. The invention relates to products containing and methods of using transformed edible legume plants and edible material of the transformed legume plants as a foodstuff, a nutritional supplement, an animal feed supplement or a nutraceutical. The invention further relates to a method of increasing disease resistance in an edible legume plant by transforming with a transgene encoding resveratrol synthase operably linked to a constitutive promoter.