Abstract: Disclosed are isolated polynucleotides expressing or modulating microRNAs or targets. Further disclosed are transgenic plants comprising an isolated polynucleotide expressing or modulating microRNAs or target for improving nitrogen use efficiency, abiotic stress tolerance, biomass, vigor or yield of a plant. The sequences of microRNAs and targets to be modulated are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides transgenic plants with altered oil content. The invention further provides nucleic acid sequences and methods for generating such plants.

Abstract: Methods of improving abiotic stress tolerance, nitrogen use efficiency, biomass, vigor or yield of a plant are provided. According to an aspect the method comprising expressing within the plant an exogenous polynucleotide having a nucleic acid sequence at least 90% identical to SEQ ID NOs: 103, 101-102, 104-216, 223-227, 264-416, wherein the nucleic acid sequence is capable of regulating abiotic stress tolerance of the plant, thereby improving abiotic stress tolerance, nitrogen use efficiency, biomass, vigor or yield of the plant. Alternatively, the method comprises, expressing within the plant an exogenous polynucleotide which downregulates an activity or expression of a gene encoding an RNAi molecule having a nucleic acid sequence at least 90% identical to a nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1-100, 615-626 and 639, thereby improving abiotic stress tolerance, nitrogen use efficiency, biomass, vigor or yield of a plant.

Abstract: A method of improving nitrogen use efficiency, abiotic stress tolerance, biomass, vigor or yield of a plant is provided by expressing within the plant an exogenous polynucleotide at least 90% identical to SEQ ID NOs: 1-56, 62, 63, 110, 116, 117, 119-161, 200, 201-255, 1027-1031, 1459-1836. Also provided is a method of improving nitrogen use efficiency, abiotic stress tolerance, biomass, vigor or yield of a plant by expressing within the plant an exogenous polynucleotide which downregulates an activity or expression of a gene encoding an RNAi molecule having a nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 57-61, 64-115, 118, 162-200, 260-262, 265-267, 271, 1032-1455, 1810-1827, 1842-2265, 2620-2643, 2742-2792. Also provided are polynucleotides and nucleic acid constructs for the generation of transgenic plants.

Abstract: A method of improving nitrogen use efficiency, abiotic stress tolerance, biomass, vigor or yield of a plant is provided by expressing within the plant an exogenous polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence at least 80% homologous to SEQ ID NOs: 687-981, 992-1248, 1281-1310, 1389-1391, and 2806-3081. Also provided is a method of improving nitrogen use efficiency, abiotic stress tolerance, biomass, vigor or yield of a plan by expressing within the plant an exogenous polynucleotide which downregulates an activity or expression of a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence at least 80% homologous to SEQ ID NOs: 311-514, 2007-2436, 1311-1320, 982-991, 1249-1280, 1321-1388. Transgenic plants and constructs are provided as well.

Abstract: A method of introducing an exogenous non-transcribable polynucleotide trigger, for example dsRNA, molecule into a seed is provided. The method comprises contacting the seed with the exogenous non-transcribable polynucleotide trigger, for example dsRNA, molecule under conditions which allow penetration of the exogenous non-transcribable polynucleotide trigger, for example dsRNA, molecule into the seed, thereby introducing the exogenous non-transcribable polynucleotide trigger, for example dsRNA, molecule into the seed.

Abstract: The present invention provides transgenic plants with altered oil content. The invention further provides nucleic acid sequences and methods for generating such plants.

Abstract: A method of improving abiotic stress tolerance of a plant is provided. The method comprising genetically modifying the plant to express miRNA167 in an abiotic stress responsive manner, wherein a level of expression of total miR167 under the abiotic stress conditions is selected not exceeding 10 fold compared to same in the plant when grown under optimal conditions, thereby improving abiotic stress tolerance of the plant.

Abstract: Isolated polynucleotides expressing or modulating microRNAs or targets of same are provided. Also provided are transgenic plants comprising same and uses thereof in improving nitrogen use efficiency, abiotic stress tolerance, biomass, vigor or yield of a plant.

Abstract: A method of introducing naked dsRNA into a seed is provided. The method comprising contacting the seed with the naked dsRNA under conditions which allow penetration of the dsRNA into the seed, thereby introducing the dsRNA into the seed.

Abstract: A method of increasing tolerance of a plant to an abiotic stress or increasing biomass, vigor or yield of a plant is disclosed. The method comprising upregulating within the plant an exogenous polynucleotide of a microRNA or a precursor thereof, wherein the microRNA is selected from the group consisting of miR-156, miR-169, miR-164, miR-159, miR-167, miR-529, miR-168, ppt-miR395, sof-miR408a, ath-miR408, miR-1039, miR-1091, miR-1118, miR-1134 and miR-1129, thereby increasing the tolerance of the plant to the abiotic stress or increasing the biomass, vigor or yield of the plant.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for increasing oil content in algae. More particularly, the present invention relates to enhancement of phytohormone activity in algae, by genetic transformation thereof or by supplementing the algal growth medium with phytohormones, to maximize the production of oil within the algae cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides transgenic plants with altered oil content. The invention further provides nucleic acid sequences and methods for generating such plants.