Abstract: Improved compositions and methods for transformation and regeneration of plants from embryogenic callus are disclosed that include, for example: use of an intermediate-incubation medium after callus induction to increase the competence of the transformed cells for regeneration; dim light conditions during early phases of selection; use of green callus tissue as a target for microprojectile bombardment; and media with optimized levels of phytohormones and copper concentrations.

Abstract: Vectors for transforming plants with the use of agrobacteria which have been modified so as to elevate the possibility of the recognition of the border sequences of the vectors by vir proteins of the agrobacteria, thereby lowering the possibility of the transfer of DNAs other than T-DNA into plant chromosomes. More particularly, the above-vectors are those to be used in transforming plants which have right and left border sequences which can be recognized by the vir proteins of the agrobacteria, a T-DNA sequence which is located between these border sequences and into which a gene to be transferred into plants can be inserted, and a replication origin enabling the replication of the vectors in bacteria, characterized by having a plural number of left border sequences.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated Rad23 nucleic acids and their encoded proteins. The present invention provides methods and compositions relating to altering Rad23 concentration and/or composition of plants. The invention further provides recombinant expression cassettes, host cells, transgenic plants, and antibody compositions.

Abstract: The invention describes methods for producing plant resistance to a ssDNA virus, particularly a geminivirus such as mastrevirus, curtovirus or begomovirus. The method comprises introducing a ssDNA-binding protein of the Inoviridae virus into the plant, and includes a phage coat protein, particularly, a coliphage gene 5 protein. The invention also describes a transgenic plant comprising a gene that expresses the ssDNA-binding protein and vectors for expressing the protein in plants.

Abstract: Methods, nucleic acid sequences, and transformed duckweed plant or duckweed nodule cultures for the expression and the secretion of biologically active polypeptides from genetically engineered duckweed are provided. Expression of recombinant polypeptides in duckweed is improved by modifying the nucleotide sequence of the expression cassette encoding the polypeptide for improved expression in duckweed. Recovery of biologically active polypeptides from duckweed is improved by linking the biologically active polypeptide to a signal peptide that directs the secretion of the polypeptide into the culture medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant viral vectors encoding a transcriptional unit, that encodes a fusion protein, or a foreign protein or a gene of interest to be silenced, which can be expressed in a host. The present invention also relates to the use of these recombinant viral vectors to express a fusion protein, a foreign protein, to silence a gene of interest in a host. The present invention also relates to the use of these recombinant viral vectors to screen a CDNA or genomic library in order to correlate a nucleotide sequence with a phenotypic or biochemical change.

Abstract: Transgenic plants with increased resistance to geminivirus infection, and nucleic acid constructs useful in producing such plants, are described. The transgenic plants express a mutant AL1/C1 geminivirus protein, which increases resistance to infection by at least one geminivirus, compared to a non-transformed control plant.

Abstract: Briefly stated, the invention includes a method of making a transgenic plant that is capable of expressing a physiologically active human acetylcholinesterase, comprising the steps of introducing into at least one plant cell a polynucleotide that encodes a human acetylcholinesterase, and regenerating from the plant cell a transgenic plant that is capable of expressing a physiologically active human acetylcholinesterase in at least one tissue type of the transgenic plant.

Abstract: The invention provides a method to enhance Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of plant cells, parts and tissues, thereby enhancing the production of transgenic plants.