Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for controlling hybridization in plants and producing hybrid plants. The present invention also relates to nucleic acids encoding amino acid sequences for self-incompatibility (SI) proteins in plants, and the use thereof for the manipulation of SI, including seed production, in plants, particularly of the Solanaceae family. The present invention also relates to kits, compositions, constructs and vectors including such nucleic acids, and related polypeptides, regulatory elements and methods as well as resultant plant varieties developed through the use of self-pollination.

Abstract: A method for increasing the levels of a cell protectant, such as sucrose or proline, in a cell is provided. Additionally, a method for modifying the fatty acid composition of a cell is provided. These methods may be used to enhance the cold or freezing tolerance, or drought or high salt tolerance of a cell.

Abstract: DNA transcription regulating proteins capable of binding to a DNA regulatory sequence that regulates expression of one or more environmental stress tolerance genes in a plant such as to cold and drought are provided. Cold-regulated transcription factors may include ZAT12 and RAV1. The present invention relates to the DNA regulatory sequence to enhance the stress tolerance of recombinant plants into which these genes are introduced. Methods for using the DNA and transcription regulating proteins to regulate expression of one or more native or non-native environmental stress tolerance genes in a plant are provided. Use of a promoter capable of effecting mRNA transcription in the selected plant cell to be transformed may also included. Other embodiments include the use of vectors.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a non-naturally occurring binding protein comprising an amino acid sequence capable of binding to a CCG regulatory sequence and an amino acid sequence which forms a transcription activation region. In particular the invention comprises a sequence selected from the group consisting of an AP2 domain of SEQ. I.D. Nos. 13, 15, 39, 41, 43, 45, 47, 49, 51, 53, 55, 57, 59, 61, 63, 65, 67, 69, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, 83, 85, 87, 89, 91, 93, and 95. When these proteins are overexpressed in a plant the plant exhibits increased tolerance to environmental stresses such as cold, freezing, drought or high salinity.

Abstract: Methods for increasing the biomass of a plant and levels of a cell protectant in a plant, such as sucrose or proline, or plant cell are provided. The methods comprise altering expression levels of a polynucleotide comprising a sequence encoding a C-repeat/DRE binding factor (CBF)-related polypeptide in a plant and identifying plants so altered.. These methods may be used to enhance yield, or cold, freezing, drought, and high salt tolerance of a plant or plant cell.

Abstract: A transformed plant is provided which comprises one or more environmental stress tolerance genes; a DNA regulatory sequence which regulates expression of the one or more environmental stress tolerance genes; a sequence encoding a binding protein capable of binding to the DNA regulatory sequence and inducing expression of the one or more environmental stress tolerance genes; and a recombinant promoter which regulates expression of the gene encoding the binding protein.

Abstract: A transformed plant is provided which comprises one or more environmental stress tolerance genes; a DNA regulatory sequence which regulates expression of the one or more environmental stress tolerance genes; a sequence encoding a binding protein capable of binding to the DNA regulatory sequence and inducing expression of the one or more environmental stress tolerance genes; and a recombinant promoter which regulates expression of the gene encoding the binding protein.

Abstract: A gene, designated as CBF1, encoding a protein, CBF1, which binds to a region regulating expression of genes which promote cold temperature and dehydration tolerance in plants is described. CBF1 is used to transform microorganisms and can be used to transform plants.

Abstract: A gene, designated as CBF1, encoding a protein, CBF1, which binds to a region regulating expression of genes which promote cold temperature and dehydration tolerance in plants is described. CBF1 is used to transform microorganisms and can be used to transform plants.