Abstract: The present invention provides methods for improving fruit quality in plants that have low or reduced levels of Golden2-like (GLK) activity in the green fruit (e.g., cultivated tomato). The methods involve introgressing genes encoding functional GLKs into the plant so that they are expressed in the green fruit of the plant and thereby increase chloroplast biogenesis in the fruit. The plants of the invention have improved fruit quality, such as increased levels of starch, soluble solids, and/or sugars.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for improving fruit quality in plants that have low or reduced levels of Golden2-like (GLK) activity in the green fruit (e.g., cultivated tomato). The methods involve introgressing genes encoding functional GLKs into the plant so that they are expressed in the green fruit of the plant and thereby increase chloroplast biogenesis in the fruit. The plants of the invention have improved fruit quality, such as increased levels of starch, soluble solids, and/or sugars.

Abstract: Expression of two Arabidopsis thaliana GARP-family transcription factors, AtGLK1, SEQ ID NO: 2, and AtGLK2, SEQ ID NO: 4, in tomato plants resulted in intensely green fruit that ripen to a normal red color. These Golden2-like (GLK) transcription factors were expressed under the control of several promoters in transgenic tomato lines. When AtGLK1 or AtGLK2 expression was regulated with the constitutive 35S promoter or with three promoters that enhanced expression in fruit tissues, the chlorophyll content of mature green fruit was increased by as much as 100%. The chloroplasts in green fruit expressing AtGLK1 or AtGLK2 developed earlier, were enlarged and had more extensive thylakoid granal development. In addition, expression of AtGLK1 or AtGLK2 resulted in increased starch accumulation in green fruit and higher levels of sugars in ripe fruit. In contrast to wild-type fruit, fruit expressing AtGLK1 developed full green color when they developed in the absence of light.

Abstract: Expansins are proteins that induce extension in isolated plant cell walls in vitro and have been proposed to disrupt non-covalent interactions between hemicellulose and cellulose microfibrils. Because the plant primary cell wall acts as a constraint to cell enlargement, this process may be integral to plant cell expansion and studies of expansins have focused on their role in growth. We have discovered an expansin (Ex1) from tomato, melon and strawberry that is highly abundant and specifically expressed in ripening fruit, a developmental period when growth has ceased but when selective disassembly of cell wall components is pronounced. Also disclosed are expression vectors containing the Ex1 coding sequence, expression vectors containing an Ex1 sequence in the antisense orientation, Ex1 proteins, and transgenic plants which express both sense and antisense exogenous Ex1.

Abstract: A new tomato cultivar is provided which is homozygous for a genetically fixable recessive genetic factor which confers the ability to bear fruit that accumulate sucrose. The increased sucrose content, in turn, leads to a higher total soluble solids content in the mature fruit. Higher total soluble solids in tomato fruit are of particular importance to the tomato processing industry. A method for producing the claimed cultivar is also provided.The claimed genetic factor can be derived from any Lycopersicon species which accumulates sucrose in the mature fruit. Once genetically fixed in a tomato cultivar, the factor can be transmitted to other plants in a predictable manner.

Abstract: This invention provides for novel cDNA and regulatory DNA sequences which modify carbohydrate metabolism in ripening fruit. In order to suppress fructokinase gene expression in transgenic plants and their fruit, we have isolated the cDNA of two tomato fructokinase genes that are expressed in developing and ripening fruit. These cDNA sequences, antisense sequences or ribozymes can be used to suppress expression of the transgenic plant's endogenous genes in ripening fruit by the use of chimeric constructions of the cDNA or antisense using either constitutive or fruit-specific and ripening-regulating regulatory sequences.In addition to a novel method of modifying carbohydrate metabolism, we have also found a novel fructokinase gene. Of the two tomato fructokinase genes described in this invention, one is highly homologous to previously described potato fructokinase gene; the other is highly divergent and represents a kinetically unique plant fructokinase.

Abstract: Expansins are proteins that induce extension in isolated plant cell walls in vitro and have been proposed to disrupt non-covalent interactions between hemicellulose and cellulose microfibrils. Because the plant primary cell wall acts as a constraint to cell enlargement, this process may be integral to plant cell expansion and studies of expansins have focused on their role in growth. We have discovered an expansin (Ex1) from tomato, melon and strawberry that is highly abundant and specifically expressed in ripening fruit, a developmental period when growth has ceased but when selective disassembly of cell wall components is pronounced. Also disclosed are expression vectors containing the Ex1 coding sequence, expression vectors containing an Ex1 sequence in the antisense orientation, Ex1 proteins, and transgenic plants which express both sense and antisense exogenous Ex1.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated nucleic acid constructs comprising tomato AFR reductase polynucleotide sequences. The polynucleotides encode AFR reductase polypeptides having ability to catalyze the reduction of AFR, which provide enhanced resistance to oxidative stress. The invention further provides transgenic plants comprising the recombinant expression cassettes, as well as methods of enhancing resistance to oxidative stress in a plant.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods for modifying the sucrose content of fruit. In particular, it relates to methods for increasing fruit sucrose content by inhibiting the expression of acid invertase. Additionally, it relates to methods for decreasing fruit sucrose content and increasing fruit hexose content by over expressing acid invortase.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for reducing fruit softening and cell wall polysaccharide degradation by inhibiting endo-1,4-.beta.-glucanase activity using antisense nucleic acid constructions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for reducing fruit softening and cell wall polysaccharide degradation by inhibiting endo-1,4-.beta.-glucanase activity using antisense nucleic acid constructions.

Abstract: A new tomato cultivar is provided which is homozygous for a genetically fixable recessive genetic factor which confers the ability to bear fruit that accumulate sucrose. The increased sucrose content, in turn, leads to a higher total soluble solids content in the mature fruit. Higher total soluble solids in tomato fruit are of particular importance to the tomato processing industry. A method for producing the claimed cultivar is also provided.The claimed genetic factor can be derived from any Lycopersicon species which accumulates sucrose in the mature fruit. Once genetically fixed in a tomato cultivar, the factor can be transmitted to other plants in a predictable manner.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for reducing fruit softening and cell wall polysaccharide degradation by inhibiting endo-1,4-.beta.-glucanase activity using antisense DNA constructions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for reducing fruit softening and cell wall polysaccharide degradation by inhibiting endo-1,4-.beta.-glucanase activity using antisense DNA constructions.

Abstract: A method for producing a thermally processed, shelf-stable, egg product wh comprises adding a small amount of microcrystalline cellulose to raw eggs, preparing omelets and scrambled eggs, packing the cooked egg product in containers and heating the eggs sufficiently to sterilize the contents. This particular treatment results in an egg product with good textural and taste qualities.