Abstract: The present invention relates to non-naturally occurring plants that display enhanced agronomic characteristics due to elevated levels of nitrogen utilization proteins in the root of the plants. In particular, the present invention relates to non-naturally occurring plants with elevated levels of nitrogen utilization proteins specifically localized to the root epidermis of the plant. In addition, the present invention includes a preferred method of generating such non-naturally occurring plants by introducing into the plant a transgene encoding a nitrogen utilization protein operably linked to a root-epidermis-specific promoter.

Abstract: A genetic construct is taught which contains a nitrogen assimilation and/or metabolism gene and a promoter for the gene which is inducible under conditions where it would be beneficial to take-up, store or use nitrogen. The promoter can be, for example, induced by the presence of nitrate or other form of nitrogen and will be induced by application of a nitrogenous fertilizer. The stress inducible promoter btg-26 is also taught. Promoter btg-26 is isolated from the Brassica turgor gene-26 and exhibits osmotic-stress induced expression.