Abstract: Genes associated with nitrogen utilization efficiency (NUE) in plants are provided. The gene VRN1N was identified as TaNUE1 in chromosome 5A of the wheat cultivar Jagger and is encompassed by quantitative trait locus Qnue.osu-5A. VRN1N is regulated by nitrogen is associated with enhanced NUE by plants which contain the gene. In addition, the gene ANR1 from wheat cultivar Jagger has also been identified as involved in nitrogen metabolism. Methods for genetically engineering plants to contain and express one or both of VRN1N and ANR1 are also provided, as are genetically modified plants that have been transformed with one or both of the genes, and plants that have been bred conventionally and selected for the presence of one or both genes.

Abstract: A transgenic wheat 2174 cultivar with increased resistance to diseases caused by foliar pathogens is provided, as are methods for making the transgenic cultivar. The methods involve genetically engineering (transforming) 2174 to overexpress cDNA encoding the resistance gene LR34 in a form that is correctly spliced.

Abstract: Winter wheats require several weeks at low temperature to flower. This process called vernalization is controlled mainly by a pair of genes, VRN1 and VRN2. The present invention includes the sequences of the VRN1 and VRN2 genes, proteins and promoter regions, transgenic plants containing the genes and/or promoters and uses of the foregoing. Of particular interest are temperate cereals with modified vernalization responses or flowering times.

Abstract: Winter wheats require several weeks at low temperature to flower. This process called vernalization is controlled mainly by the VRN1 gene. Using 6,190 gametes VRN1 was found to be completely linked to MADS-box genes AP1 and AGLG1 in a 0.03-cM interval flanked by genes Cysteine and Cytochrome B5. No additional genes were found between the last two genes in 324-kb of wheat sequence or in the colinear regions in rice and sorghum. Wheat AP1 and AGLG1 genes were similar to Arabidopsis meristem identity genes AP1 and AGL2 respectively. AP1 transcription was regulated by vernalization in both apices and leaves, and the progressive increase of AP1 transcription was consistent with the progressive effect of vernalization on flowering time. Vernalization was required for AP1 transcription in apices and leaves in winter wheat but not in spring wheat. AGLG1 transcripts were detected during spike differentiation but not in vernalized apices or leaves, suggesting that AP1 acts upstream of AGLG1.

Abstract: Winter wheats require several weeks at low temperature to flower. This process called vernalization is controlled mainly by a pair of genes, VRN1 and VRN2. The present invention includes the sequences of the VRN1 and VRN2 genes, proteins and promoter regions, transgenic plants containing the genes and/or promoters and uses of the foregoing. Of particular interest are temperate cereals with modified vernalization responses or flowering times.