Abstract: The present inventors have discovered that NADPH:protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase (POR) is essential for plant growth. Specifically, the inhibition of POR gene expression in plant seedlings results in reduced growth and chlorosis. Thus, POR is useful as a target for the identification of herbicides. Accordingly, the present invention provides methods for the identification of herbicides by measuring the activity of a POR in the presence and absence of a compound, wherein an alteration of POR activity in the presence of the compound indicates the compound as a candidate for a herbicide.

Abstract: The present inventors have discovered that Lipid Transfer Protein (LTP) is essential for plant growth. Specifically, the inhibition of LTP gene expression in plant seedlings results in reduced growth and chlorosis. Thus, LTP is useful as a target for the identification of herbicides. Accordingly, the present invention provides methods for the identification of herbicides by measuring the activity of an LTP in the presence and absence of a compound, wherein an alteration of LTP activity in the presence of the compound indicates the compound as a candidate for a herbicide.

Abstract: The present inventors have discovered that serine acetyltransferase (SAT) is essential for plant growth. Specifically, the inhibition of SAT gene expression in plant seedlings results in reduced growth and altered pigmentation. Thus, SAT is useful as a target for the identification of herbicides. Accordingly, the present invention provides methods for the identification of herbicides by measuring the activity of an SAT in the presence and absence of a compound, wherein an alteration of SAT activity in the presence of the compound indicates the compound as a candidate for a herbicide.

Abstract: Novel polynucleotide sequences that encode insect toxins TcdA and TcbA have base compositions that differ substantially from the native genes, making them more similar to plant genes. The new sequences are suitable for use for high expression in both monocots and dicots. Transgenic plants with a genome comprising the nucleic acid of SEQ ID NO:4 are insect resistant.

Abstract: Proteins from the genus Photorhabdus are toxic to insects upon exposure. Photorhabdus luminescens (formerly Xenorhabdus luminescens) have been found in mammalian clinical samples and as a bacterial symbiont of entomopathogenic nematodes of genus Heterorhabditis. These protein toxins can be applied to, or genetically engineered into, insect larvae food and plants for insect control.

Abstract: Novel polynucleotide sequences that encode insect toxins TcdA and TcbA have base compositions that differ substantially from the native genes, making them more similar to plant genes. The new sequences are suitable for use for high expression in both monocots and dicots. Transgenic plants with a genome comprising a nucleic acid of SEQ ID NO: 3 or SEQ ID NO:4 are insect resistant.

Abstract: Novel polynucleotide sequences that encode insect toxins TcdA and TcbA have base compositions that differ substantially from the native genes, making them more similar to plant genes. The new sequences are suitable for use for high expression in both monocots and dicots. Transgenic plants with a genome comprising a nucleic acid of SEQ ID NO: 3 or SEQ ID NO:4 are insect resistant.

Abstract: Proteins from the genus Photorhabdus are toxic to insects upon exposure. Photorhabdus luminescens (formerly Xenorhabdus luminescens) have been found in mammalian clinical samples and as a bacterial symbiont of entomopathogenic nematodes of genus Heterorhabditis. These protein toxins can be applied to, or genetically engineered into, insect larvae food and plants for insect control.

Abstract: An enzymatic nucleic acid molecule with RNA cleaving activity, wherein said nucleic acid molecule modulates the expression of an gene in a plant. A transgenic plant comprising nucleic acids encoding for an enzymatic nucleic acid molecule with RNA cleaving activity, wherein said nucleic acid molecule modulates the expression of a gene in said plant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding delta 9 desaturase gene, and expression vectors, plant cells, and transgenic plants expressing delta 9 desaturase nucleic acid. The nucleic acid molecules of the present invention can be used, for example, to decrease delta 9 desaturase activity in plant cells, resulting in decreased unsaturated fatty acid production.

Abstract: Genes encoding maize oleoyl-ACP and palmitoyl-ACP thioesterase enzymes have been isolated from maize. These genes, when expressed in a plant, can be used to create transgenic plants having altered palmitic acid oil profiles.