Abstract: The invention provides nucleic acid isolates comprising nucleotide sequences encoding polypeptides having Gl function, or which are complementary to such sequences. Constructs containing such nucleic acids are useful in transforming plants to control flowering and/or starch accumulation in the transformed plant.

Abstract: The EARLY SHORT DAYS 4 gene ESD4 of Arabidopsis thaliana, and homologues from other species, and manipulation and use thereof in plants to influence timing of flowering of the plants.

Abstract: The CONSTANS (CO) gene of Arabidopsis thalina and homologues from Brassica napus are provided and are useful for influencing flowering characteristics in transgenic plants, especially the timing of flowering.

Abstract: A flowering characteristic of a plant, particularly the timing of flowering, is controlled by the expression of the Late Elongated Hypocotyl (LHY) gene of Arabidopsis thaliana or a mutant, variant, allele, derivative, or homologue thereof. Over-expression may be used to delay flowering in a transgenic plant. The promoter of the gene regulates transcription in accordance with the circadian rhythm and may be used to control expression of genes whose products are only required or desired at certain times of the day.

Abstract: A depth control device (1) for a subsmersible body comprises a depth monitor (5) and depth controller (6). A variable volume buoyant body operates under the control of the depth controller and comprises three chambers, the first (10) containing air and the second and third chambers (7, 8) containing hydraulic fluid. The second and third chambers (7, 8) communicate reversibly with one another by means of a tube (13) and bypass valve (12) in a pump (3), so that a piston (9) at the entrance to the first chamber (10) is displaced in response to movement of fluid between the second and third chambers. Thus, the volume of the buoyant body is varied and hence the buoyancy of the subsmersible body which it controls. To keep the submersible body at a particular depth, a depth trigger value is set in the depth controller (6), so that a reversible change in the volume of the buoyant body is initiated in response to a change in depth sensed by the depth monitor (5) by pumping fluid between the two chambers (7, 8).

Abstract: The CONSTANS (CO) gene of Arabidopsis thaliana and homologues from Brassica napus are provided and are useful for influencing flowering characteristics in transgenic plants, especially the timing of flowering.