Abstract: The invention relates to the regulation of gene expression, particularly to methods and compositions for regulating gene expression in plants. Expression cassettes comprising a polynucleotide molecule of interest operably linked to the Brachytic2 (Br2) promoter, or a functional fragment or variant thereof, are provided. Methods of using such expression cassettes, as well as plant cells, plant tissues, plants, and seeds transformed with these expression cassettes, are additionally provided. The methods and compositions find use in regulating the expression of a polynucleotide molecule of interest in a plant.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for manipulation of plant polysaccharides and plant polysaccharide synthases. Compositions include novel nucleotide sequences encoding polysaccharide synthases polypeptides, and biologically active variants thereof. Further provided are methods for polysaccharide manipulation using the sequences disclosed herein. One method comprises stably incorporating into the genome of a plant cell, a nucleotide sequence of the present invention operably linked to a heterologous promoter and regenerating a stably transformed plant that expresses the nucleotide sequence.

Abstract: Methods for plant transformation, for improving transformation efficiency, and for producing transgenic plants are provided. The methods comprise crossing a recipient plant from a genetic line of a plant species of interest with a donor plant selected from a transformation competent genetic line of the same plant species or of another closely related plant species to obtain a hybrid plant. Tissues obtained from the hybrid plant are transformation competent. These tissues can then be transformed with one or more nucleotide sequences of interest and selected for transgenic events having the nucleotide sequence of interest integrated within a chromosome derived from the recipient plant. Transformed cells can be selected and transgenic hybrid plants regenerated. The nucleotide sequence of interest can be introgressed into the genetic line from which the original recipient parent was derived, or into other genetic lines. Transformed plants and seeds are additionally provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for modulating flowering time in plants. Maize RAP2.7 nucleotide sequences are disclosed which upon overexpression cause later flowering and when inhibited cause earlier flowering. Also disclosed is a DNA sequence which acts as a regulator/enhancer of RAP2.7, termed VGT1. This sequence does not code for any known protein, but acts as either a RNAi element or a regulatory DNA or RNA element that either directly regulates expression of flowering genes such as Rap2.7 or specifically targets expression of other genes which control flowering genes such as Rap2.7. This element this can be used as a sequence-based marker to identify inbred and hybrids which have altered maturity. Methods for expressing these nucleotide sequences in a plant for modifying maturity and flowering in plants are provided as well as expression constructs, vectors, transformed cells and plants.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for regulating expression of nucleotide sequences in a plant. Compositions may comprise a novel nucleic acid sequence for a promoter with tissue specificity and/or cytokinin. inducibility. A method for expressing a heterologous nucleotide sequence in a plant using the promoter sequence is also provided. The method comprises transforming a plant cell to contain a heterologous nucleotide sequence operably linked to the promoter of the present invention and regenerating a stably transformed plant from the transformed plant cell. Other methods provide for downregulation of cytokinin oxidase in a plant.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to the field of plant molecular biology. More specifically, this invention relates to methods and reagents for the temporal and/or spatial expression of genes that affect metabolically effective levels of cytokinins in plant seeds and related maternal tissue. This invention further relates to transgenic plants having enhanced levels of cytokinin expression wherein the transgenic plant exhibits useful characteristics, including: improved seed size, decreased tip kernel abortion, increased seed set during unfavorable environmental conditions, and stability of yield.

Abstract: The invention relates to the regulation of gene expression, particularly to methods and compositions for regulating gene expression in plants. Expression cassettes comprising a polynucleotide molecule of interest operably linked to the Brachytic2 (Br2) promoter, the Dwarf3 (Dw3) promoter, or a functional fragment or variant thereof, are provided. Methods of using such expression cassettes, as well as plant cells, plant tissues, plants, and seeds transformed with these expression cassettes, are additionally provided. The methods and compositions find use in regulating the expression of a polynucleotide molecule of interest in a plant.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated cellulose synthase nucleic acids and their encoded proteins. The present invention provides methods and compositions relating to altering cellulose synthase levels in plants. The invention further provides recombinant expression cassettes, host cells, and transgenic plants comprising said nucleic acids.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated cellulose synthase nucleic acids and their encoded proteins. The present invention provides methods and compositions relating to altering cellulose synthase levels in plants. The invention further provides recombinant expression cassettes, host cells, and transgenic plants comprising said nucleic acids.

Abstract: The invention relates to improved transformation and regeneration of alfalfa, Medicago sativa. Regeneration and transformation of alfalfa is made possible by use of immature cotyledons of alfalfa. By using immature cotyledon tissue, it is possible to regenerate and transform varieties of alfalfa never before capable of regeneration and transformation.

Abstract: The invention relates to improved transformation and regeneration of alfalfa, Medicago sativa.A method is used to transform alfalfa by using particle acceleration. Optimum results with mature cotyledons occurs when bombarding after 24 to 120 hours of imbibing water. Regeneration and transformation of alfalfa is greatly improved by using immature cotyledons or embryos of immature cotyledons for transformation and regeneration. Immature cotyledons include those up to about 25 days past pollination, and preferably include cotyledons excised at 10-15 days past pollination, most preferably including those excised at about 10 days past pollination. These cotyledons have a light green to translucent appearance. Plants resulting from bombardment of somatic embryos of immature cotyledons retain regeneration ability.

Abstract: An improvement in the process of transporting biological materials into living cells by bombarding the cells with microprojectile particles coated with biological material. In the improved process prior to coating of the particles such as tungsten beads for example, with biological material such as DNA, the particles are first pretreated with a strong inorganic acid such as nitric acid.

Abstract: The invention relates to improved transformation and regeneration of alfalfa, Medicago sativa.A method is used to transform alfalfa by using particle acceleration. Optimum results with mature cotyledons occurs when bombarding after 24 to 120 hours of imbibing water. Regeneration and transformation of alfalfa is greatly improved by using immature cotyledons or embryos of immature cotyledons for transformation and regeneration. Immature cotyledons include those up to about 25 days past pollination, and preferably include cotyledons excised at 10-15 days past pollination, most preferably including those excised at about 10 days past pollination. These cotyledons have a light green to translucent appearance. Plants resulting from bombardment of somatic embryos of immature cotyledons retain regeneration ability.

Abstract: The invention relates to improved transformation and regeneration of alfalfa, Medicago sativa.A method is used to transform alfalfa by using particle acceleration. Optimum results with mature cotyledons occurs when bombarding after 24 to 120 hours of imbibing water. Regeneration and transformation of alfalfa is greatly improved by using immature cotyledons or embryos of immature cotyledons for transformation and regeneration. Immature cotyledons include those up to about 25 days past pollination, and preferably include cotyledons excised at 10-15 days past pollination, most preferably including those excised at about 10 days past pollination. These cotyledons have a light green to translucent appearance. Plants resulting from bombardment of somatic embryos of immature cotyledons retain regeneration ability.

Abstract: Plant cells in tissue culture are more efficiently transformed in a method which involves treatment with a cytokinin followed by incubation for a period sufficient to permit undifferentiated cells in cotyledonary node tissue to differentiate into meristematic cells and to permit the cells to enter the phases between the G1 and division phases of development.

Abstract: An improved particle gun for transporting biological substances such as nucleic acid into the cytoplasm of living cells. The gun has a barrel which is rifled to allow effective sealing on an acetal plastic macroprojectile within the barrel such that there is no blow-by of debris.