Abstract: The invention relates to methods for stably integrating a desired polynucleotide into a plant genome, comprising transforming plant material with a first vector comprising nucleotide sequences encoding TAL proteins designed to recognize a target sequence; transforming the plant material with a second vector comprising (i) a marker gene that is not operably linked to a promoter (“promoter-free marker cassette”) and which comprises a sequence homologous to the target sequence; and (ii) a desired polynucleotide; and identifying transformed plant material in which the desired polynucleotide is stably integrated.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for stably integrating a desired polynucleotide into a plant genome, comprising transforming plant material with a first vector comprising nucleotide sequences encoding TAL proteins designed to recognize a target sequence; transforming the plant material with a second vector comprising (i) a marker gene that is not operably linked to a promoter (“promoter-free marker cassette”) and which comprises a sequence homologous to the target sequence; and (ii) a desired polynucleotide; and identifying transformed plant material in which the desired polynucleotide is stably integrated.

Abstract: A method for modifying a quality of a fruit includes cutting a live stem attached to a live fruit at a cut distance from the fruit, producing a cut end of the stem, contacting only the cut end of the stem with a solution comprising at least one mobile and quality-modifying food ingredient while protecting the fruit from contact with the solution, and keeping the cut end of the stem in contact with the solution for an incubation time sufficient to allow absorption and transport of the food ingredient into the fruit, the food ingredient conferring a modified quality upon the fruit. A system for practicing the method and an edible raw plant product produced by the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for stably integrating a desired polynucleotide into a plant genome.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for stably integrating a desired polynucleotide into a plant genome, comprising transforming plant material with a first vector comprising nucleotide sequences encoding TAL proteins designed to recognize a target sequence; transforming the plant material with a second vector comprising (i) a marker gene that is not operably linked to a promoter (“promoter-free marker cassette”) and which comprises a sequence homologous to the target sequence; and (ii) a desired polynucleotide; and identifying transformed plant material in which the desired polynucleotide is stably integrated.

Abstract: Steviol glycosides are sweeter than sugar and have a much lower calorimetric value. The compounds are purified from leaves of Stevia and Rubus plants and used as sweetener in foods and beverages. The present methods use recombinant and genetic methods to produce steviol and steviol glycosides in plants and plant products.

Abstract: Aurone, including aureusidin-6-O-glucoside, are known to have antioxidant properties. The compounds are produced in the flowers snapdragon (e.g., Antirrhinum majus) and have been suggested for potential medicinal use. The present methods use recombinant and genetic methods to produce aurone in plants and plant products. In particular, the present methods have resulted in the production of aureusidin-6-O-glucoside in the leaves of various plants.

Abstract: The present invention provides potato plant varieties with high tuber yield and tuber products with superior flavor and texture, and methods for increasing tuber yield and improving heat-processed product quality.