Abstract: RNAi vectors comprising a fragment of the SbCSE polynucleotide sequence and transgenic plants, e.g. transgenic sorghum plants, comprising said RNAi vectors are described. Aspects of the technology are further directed to methods of using the RNAi vectors of the present technology to silence SbCSE gene expression or activity in a transgenic plant, such as a transgenic sorghum plant. Silencing the SbCSE gene leads to reduced lignin content in a transgenic plant.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel starch branching enzyme that is bound to A-type starch granules in wheat, barley, rye or triticale. The enzyme is not substantially associated with B-type starch granules. A cDNA sequence encoding an isoform of the enzyme has been isolated from the wheat cultivar Fielder and deduced amino acid sequence has been determined.

Abstract: The sinapine content of seeds of Brassica napus, and other crucifera plants, and the resulting seed meal made therefrom, is reduced by transforming cells of the plants to incorporate an expressible exogenous CYP84 monooxygenase enzyme, particularly ferulate 5-hyroxylase (F5H:) enzyme, or an antisense equivalent thereof. This allows for the production of a seed meal that is commercially more valuable. Three specific nucleic acid sequences encoding the F5H polypeptide are disclosed, designated BNF5H1, BNF5H2 and BNF5H3, and genetic constructs produced. The antisense suppression of sinapine is preferred, which can reduce the sinapine content of seed meal by up to 40% compared to wild type or vector-only transformed plants.