Abstract: A method system/apparatus for the streamlined cutting of seeds to sample the seeds and select seeds for planting is disclosed. A method of sampling seeds using such system/apparatus is also provided. The seeds are manually positioned and cut by a serrated cutting tool.

Abstract: The present invention provides polynucleotides and related polypeptides of the enzyme APAO isolated from Exophiala spinifera and Rhinocladiella atrovirens. The polynucleotides may be mutated to remove glycosylation sites and cysteine residues. Additionally, the present invention provides recombinant expression cassettes, host cells, transgenic plants, and transgenic seed. The present invention also provides for polynucleotides containing both APAO and a fumonisin esterase. In addition, the present invention provides methods for producing the APAO enzyme in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems, methods for detecting fumonisins, and methods for identifying transformed plant cells. Methods for degrading fungal toxins in plants, grain, grain processing, silage, food crops and in animal feed are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of identifying toxic agents, e.g., hepatotoxic agents, using differential gene expression.

Abstract: The present invention provides transformed plants comprising a polynucleotide enconding amino polyol amine oxidase (APAO ) from Exophiala spinifera and a method of expressing APAO transgenic plants and seeds. In this way, transgenic plant can be produced having fumonisin degrading capability, as well as with the capability of producing the degrading enzymes.

Abstract: The present invention provides polynucleotides and related polypeptides of the enzyme APAO isolated from Exophiala spinifera and Rhinocladiella airovirens. The polynucleotides may be mutated to remove glycosylation sites and cysteine residues. Additionally, the present invention provides recombinant expression cassettes, host cells, transgenic plants, and transgenic seed. The present invention also provides for polynucleotides containing both APAO and a fumonisin esterase. In addition, the present invention provides methods for producing the APAO enzyme in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems, methods for detecting fumonisins, and methods for identifying transformed plant cells. Methods for degrading fungal toxins in plants, grain, grain processing, silage, food crops and in animal feed are also disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the complete detoxification of fumonisin and fumonisin degradation products are provided. Particularly, nucleotide sequences corresponding to the detoxification enzymes are provided. The sequences find use in preparing expression cassettes for the transformation of a broad variety of host cells and organisms.

Abstract: The present invention provides polynucleotides and related polypeptides of the enzyme APAO isolated from Exophiala spinifera. Additionally, the polynucleotide encoding for the APAO enzyme can be used to transform plant cells normally susceptible to Fusarium or other toxin-producing fungus infection. Plants can be regenerated from the transformed plant cells. Additionally, the present invention provides for expressing both APAO and a fumonisin esterase in a transgenic plant. In this way, a transgenic plant can be produced with the capability of degrading fumonisin, as well as with the capability of producing the degrading enzymes. In addition, the present invention provides methods for producing the APAO enzyme in both prokaryotic and non-plant eukaryotic systems. Methods for detoxification in grain, grain processing, silage, food crops and in animal feed and rumen microbes are also disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions and methods to aid in protecting plants from invading pathogenic organisms are provided. The compositions of the invention comprise anti-pathogenic genes, including 5′ regulatory sequences in the promoter, and proteins encoded by the anti-pathogenic genes. The compositions find use in methods for reducing or eliminating damage to plants caused by plant pathogens. Transformed plants, plant cells, tissues, and seed having enhanced disease resistance are also provided.

Abstract: Compositions and methods to aid in protecting plants from invading pathogenic organisms are provided. The compositions of the invention comprise anti-pathogenic genes, including 5′ regulatory sequences in the promoter, and proteins encoded by the anti-pathogenic genes. The compositions find use in methods for reducing or eliminating damage to plants caused by plant pathogens. Transformed plants, plant cells, tissues, and seed having enhanced disease resistance are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for modulating development and defense response are provided. Nucleotide sequences encoding a LOX protein are provided. Nucleotide sequences comprising the LOX promoter are also provided. The sequences can be used in expression cassettes for modulating development, developmental pathways, and the plant defense response. Transformed plants, plant cells, tissues, and seed are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to isolated sunflower nucleic acid sequences encoding a protein having antipathogenic activity, vectors, plant cells, plants and seeds comprising said nucleic acid sequences. The invention further relates to a method of transforming plants for increased resistance against plant pathogens.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of use for the expression of plant pathogen defense-related and signaling genes are provided. The compositions include nucleotide sequences identified from tomato that show specific patterns of gene expression associated with the Avr-Pto mediated defense response in tomato plants resistant to bacterial speck disease caused by Pseudomonas syringae pathovar tomato [strain T1(A)]. The nucleotide sequences are specific to genes that are up-regulated or down-regulated in response to the interaction of AvrPto and Pto in the presence of Prf. These compositions have agricultural utility for increasing resistance to a variety of biotic and abiotic stresses, including plant pathogens.

Abstract: The invention relates to the genetic manipulation of plants, particularly to the expression of nucleotide sequences from defense-related signaling genes. Isolated nucleotide sequences encoding a neoxanthin cleavage enzyme, an amino acid permease, and a novel protein are provided. Also provided are isolated nucleotide sequences comprising promoters that drive expression in a plant in an inducible or tissue-preferred manner. The nucleotide sequences find use in increasing the resistance of plants to pathogens and other stresses, modifying ABA metabolism in plants, modifying amino acid transport and content in plants, and regulating gene expression in plants. Additionally provided are isolated proteins, and transformed plants and seeds thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides polynucleotides and related polypeptides of the enzyme APAO isolated from Exophiala spinifera. Additionally, the polynucleotide encoding for the APAO enzyme can be used to transform plant cells normally susceptible to Fusarium or other toxin-producing fungus infection. Plants can be regenerated from the transformed plant cells. Additionally, the present invention provides for expressing both APAO and a fumonisin esterase in a transgenic plant. In this way, a transgenic plant can be produced with the capability of degrading fumonisin, as well as with the capability of producing the degrading enzymes. In addition, the present invention provides methods for producing the APAO enzyme in both prokaryotic and non-plant eukaryotic systems. Methods for detoxification in grain, grain processing, silage, food crops and in animal feed and rumen microbes are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of identifying renalgenerative agensts using differential gene expression. Also disclosed are methods of treating renal disorders.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the complete detoxification of fumonisin and fumonisin degradation products are provided. Particularly, nucleotide sequences corresponding to the detoxification enzymes are provided. The sequences find use in preparing expression cassettes for the transformation of a broad variety of host cells and organisms.

Abstract: The invention relates to the genetic manipulation of plants, particularly to the expression of genes involved in oxylipin metabolism in plants. Nucleotide sequences encoding homologues of Old Yellow Enzyme, and inducible promoters and proteins thereof, are provided. The sequences find use in modifying oxylipin metabolism in plants, increasing the resistance of plants to stress, regulating gene expression in plants, and in the production of oxylipins in plants.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the complete detoxification of fumonisin and fumonisin degradation products are provided. Particularly, nucleotide sequences corresponding to the detoxification enzymes are provided. The sequences find use in preparing expression cassettes for the transformation of a broad variety of host cells and organisms.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the complete detoxification of fumonisin and fumonisin degradation products are provided. Particularly, nucleotide sequences corresponding to the detoxification enzymes are provided. The sequences find use in preparing expression cassettes for the transformation of a broad variety of host cells and organisms.

Abstract: Methods for the enhancement of plant disease resistance are provided. The methods comprise transforming said plant with a gene encoding &bgr;-glucosidase and increasing the expression said gene above wild-type levels. Transformed plants, plant cells and seeds are provided. Disease resistant transformed plants, plant cells and seeds are also provided.