Abstract: Isolation and identification of a gene associated with the number of primary panicle branches in a plant, and use of the gene. A gene encoding a protein having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:2 is isolated as a gene associated with the number of primary panicle branches in a plant. By using the gene, it is possible to readily create a plant which has a large number of primary panicle branches and a large number of grains.

Abstract: An objective of the present invention is to provide gibberellin-binding proteins, genes encoding such proteins, and applications therefor. The proteins of the present invention function as cytoplasmic receptors for gibberellin and mediate gibberellin response in plants. Plants overexpressing such genes exhibited gibberellin-hypersensitive phenotypes, such as increased plant height. In contrast, plants in which the genes were mutated exhibited gibberellin-insensitive phenotypes, and thus became dwarfed. Accordingly, plant differentiation and growth can be regulated by introducing the gibberellin-binding genes of the present invention or by suppressing the expression of same.

Abstract: A gene relating to the regeneration ability of plants was successfully isolated and identified using linkage analysis. Furthermore, methods for breeding highly regenerative varieties, methods for transforming unculturable varieties, and methods for selecting transformed cells, wherein these methods utilize this gene, were also discovered. The present invention is useful in fields such as cultivar improvement and gene analysis that uses transformation methods.

Abstract: An objective of the present invention is to provide gibberellin-binding proteins, genes encoding such proteins, and applications therefor. The proteins of the present invention function as cytoplasmic receptors for gibberellin and mediate gibberellin response in plants. Plants overexpressing such genes exhibited gibberellin-hypersensitive phenotypes, such as increased plant height. In contrast, plants in which the genes were mutated exhibited gibberellin-insensitive phenotypes, and thus became dwarfed. Accordingly, plant differentiation and growth can be regulated by introducing the gibberellin-binding genes of the present invention or by suppressing the expression of same.

Abstract: A gene that regulates the increase and decrease of the particle-bearing number (including glumous flowers, fruits, and seeds) of plants was successfully isolated and identified by a linkage analysis. In addition, breeding methods that utilize this gene to increase the particle-bearing number (including glumous flowers, fruits, and seeds) of plants were also discovered. The present invention is useful in fields such as breeding of improved plant varieties.

Abstract: A gene relating to the regeneration ability of plants was successfully isolated and identified using linkage analysis. Furthermore, methods for breeding highly regenerative varieties, methods for transforming unculturable varieties, and methods for selecting transformed cells, wherein these methods utilize this gene, were also discovered. The present invention is useful in fields such as cultivar improvement and gene analysis that uses transformation methods.

Abstract: A rice photosensitivity gene Hd1 is successfully isolated by linkage analysis. It is found out that the photosensitivity of a plant can be modified by transferring this gene or controlling the expression thereof. It is further found out that the photosensitivity of a plant can be evaluated by examining the presence/absence of this functional gene.

Abstract: The present inventors presumed that the sd1 gene was the C20 oxidase gene, and isolated and identified the rice counterpart of Arbidopsis C20 oxidase gene. As a result, it was revealed that the rice sd1 gene encodes a novel C20 oxidase. Further studies showed that mutation in this gene led to plant semidwarfing. Utilization of the plant sd1 gene is expected to increase the yield of plants, particularly useful agricultural crops and ornamental plants, to add aesthetic value to ornamental plants through dwarfing, and also to increase the yield and efficient breeding of dwarfed plants by marker selection.

Abstract: A gene that regulates the increase and decrease of the particle-bearing number (including glumous flowers, fruits, and seeds) of plants was successfully isolated and identified by a linkage analysis. In addition, breeding methods that utilize this gene to increase the particle-bearing number (including glumous flowers, fruits, and seeds) of plants were also discovered. The present invention is useful in fields such as breeding of improved plant varieties.

Abstract: The present inventors presumed that the sd1 gene was the C20 oxidase gene, and isolated and identified the rice counterpart of Arbidopsis C20 oxidase gene. As a result, it was revealed that the rice sd1 gene encodes a novel C20 oxidase. Further studies showed that mutation in this gene led to plant semidwarfing. Utilization of the plant sd1 gene is expected to increase the yield of plants, particularly useful agricultural crops and ornamental plants, to add aesthetic value to ornamental plants through dwarfing, and also to increase the yield and efficient breeding of dwarfed plants by marker selection.

Abstract: A method of dwarfing plants comprises controlling the expression of the genes involved in the dwarfism of the plants is provided. A molecule to be utilized for dwarfing plants is also provided. A single gene that causes the d1 mutation, which results in the dwarf abnormality of rice, was identified and isolated from a vast chromosomal region by the map-based cloning technique. This method enables, for example, creating ornamental plants and agricultural products with new commercial values, and therefore is useful especially in the areas of agriculture and horticulture.