Abstract: The present invention relates to chimeric genes having (i) a DNA sequence encoding a product that is effective to reduce ethylene biosynthesis in fruit from the plant, and (ii) a promoter whose expression is induced during fruit ripening or by ethylene synthesis by the fruit, where the DNA sequence is heterologous to the promoter and the DNA sequence is operably linked to the promoter to enable expression of the product. The invention describes vectors and transgenic plants, vegetables, flowers and fruits carrying the chimeric gene, as well as methods related thereto.

Abstract: The use of AdoMetase to reduce ethylene biosynthesis in plants is facilitated by the exploitation of the tissue and stage specific properties of the E4 promoter from tomato.The E4 promoter, isolated from tomato or other plants by methods described herein, provides a useful regulatable promoter for the expression of a variety of heterologous genes, including the AdoMetase gene.

Abstract: An efficient transformation system for plants has been developed that yields high transformation efficiencies and pure transgenic plants. Genomic integration of transgenes was confirmed by genomic DNA hybridization analysis. Pure transgenic plants have been successfully established in soil.

Abstract: The use of AdoMetase to reduce ethylene biosynthesis in plants is facilitated by the exploitation of the tissue and stage specific properties of the E8 promoter from tomato. Expression of AdoMetase is shown to be limited to the ripening tomato fruit. The functional properties of several regions of the E8 promoter are also described. The E8 promoter, and variants described herein, provides a useful regulatable promoter for the expression of other genes as well as the AdoMetase gene.

Abstract: A method for control of ethylene biosynthesis in plants comprising a vector containing a selective gene under plant promoter control, and a DNA insert comprising codons for a functional heterologous polypeptide having AdoMetase activity and flanked by a plant promoter on one side and a polyA signal sequence on the other side; and, transforming a plant host with said vector wherein the plant host transformed thereby is capable of expressing the heterologous polypeptide having AdoMetase activity under the control of said control region. The presence of the AdoMetase gene and the expression of AdoMetase in transgenic plants lowers AdoMet levels and generates an inhibitor of ACC synthase causing a corresponding decrease in ethylene biosynthesis and precursor availability.

Abstract: A method for control of ethylene biosynthesis in plants comprising a vector containing a selective gene under plant promoter control, and a DNA insert comprising codons for a functional heterologous polypeptide having AdoMetase activity and flanked by a plant promoter on one side and a polyA signal sequence on the other side; and,transforming a plant host with said vector wherein the plant host transformed thereby is capable of expressing the heterologous polypeptide having AdoMetase activity under the control of said control region. The presence of the AdoMetase gene and the expression of AdoMetase in transgenic plants lowers AdoMet levels and generates an inhibitor of ACC synthase causing a corresponding decrease in ethylene biosynthesis and precursor availability.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method of extending bloom life of a cut flower. In the method, a storage solution containing 5-deoxy-5-ethylthio-D-ribose (ETR) is provided, and the stem of the cut flower is bathed in the solution. ETR is safe for human use, and is effective at relatively low concentrations. A method for synthesizing 5-deoxy-5-alkylthioribose compounds is also disclosed.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R is H, Cl, F, Br, I or R.sub.1 S--, in which R.sub.1 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 linear or branched chain alkyl or halogenated linear or branched chain alkyl, andwherein R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are the same or different and each is H-- or --OH,with the proviso that at least one of R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 is hydroxy and the further proviso that when R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are all OH, R.sub.1 is other than methyl, are useful in inhibiting the growth of MTR kinase-dependent microorganisms and parasitic protazoans. The compounds wherein R is R.sub.1 S are novel, except those wherein R.sub.1 is methyl or isobutyl when R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are all OH.