Abstract: The present invention provides for a non-naturally occurring binding protein comprising an amino acid sequence capable of binding to a CCG regulatory sequence and an amino acid sequence which forms a transcription activation region. In particular the invention comprises a sequence selected from the group consisting of an AP2 domain of SEQ. I.D. Nos. 13, 15, 39, 41, 43, 45, 47, 49, 51, 53, 55, 57, 59, 61, 63, 65, 67, 69, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, 83, 85, 87, 89, 91, 93, and 95. When these proteins are overexpressed in a plant the plant exhibits increased tolerance to environmental stresses such as cold, freezing, drought or high salinity.

Abstract: Methods for increasing the biomass of a plant and levels of a cell protectant in a plant, such as sucrose or proline, or plant cell are provided. The methods comprise altering expression levels of a polynucleotide comprising a sequence encoding a C-repeat/DRE binding factor (CBF)-related polypeptide in a plant and identifying plants so altered.. These methods may be used to enhance yield, or cold, freezing, drought, and high salt tolerance of a plant or plant cell.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for modifying a trait of a plant. Isolated polynucleotide and polypeptide sequences are provided, along with an expression vector comprising the isolated polynucleotide, a host cell comprising the isolated polynucleotide, and a transgenic plant comprising the isolated polynucleotide. Also provided is a method for producing a transgenic plant, a method for screening for a compound that may modify the trait and a method for identifying other homologous polynucleotide and polypeptide sequences.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for modifying a trait of a plant. Isolated polynucleotide and polypeptide sequences are provided, along with an expression vector comprising the isolated polynucleotide, a host cell comprising the isolated polynucleotide, and a transgenic plant comprising the isolated polynucleotide. Also provided is a method for producing a transgenic plant, a method for screening for a compound that may modify the trait and a method for identifying other homologous polynucleotide and polypeptide sequences.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for affecting the development of fruit in a plant. In particular the invention provides compositions and methods for producing a plant with parthenocarpic fruit and/or enlarged fruit.

Abstract: Recombinant proteins comprising on or more mitochondrial leader peptide sequences and a domain having herbicidal sulfonamide-insensitive dihydropteroate synthase activity are disclosed. Transformation of plants with nucleic acids that encode this mitochondrially-targeted recombinant protein is also provided. Such transformed plants exhibit resistance to herbicidal sulfonamides, such as asulam, and therefore may be cultivated where such herbicides are being used to control weed growth.

Abstract: A top access test probe fixture (10) for use with a vacuum-actuated primary test fixture (12) includes a probe block (70) supported for reciprocal movement on a contact board (54) mounted on the movable top platen (28) of the primary test fixture. The probe block (70) is actuated through bellows (86) disposed between the probe block and contact board (54), which bellows are connected in fluid communication with the vaccum chamber of the primary test fixture (12) so that the top access test fixture (10) is actuated simultaneously and responsive to actuation of the primary fixture. Contacts (102) are provided on the contact board (54) for engagement with probes (104) on the primary fixture (12) and probes (100) on the probe block (70) connected by leads (106) to other probes (108) on the probe block adapted for engagement with predetermined points on the top of the circuit board under test to avoid bending and thus fatigue and breakage of wires during operation.