Abstract: The present invention exploits the discovery that certain single base changes in the gacA gene coding sequence, which result in certain single amino acid changes in the encoded GacA protein, render it LemA-independent. The present invention therefore provides DNA that encodes mutant GacA proteins that do not require phosphorylation by LemA in order to be active as transcriptional activators.

Abstract: The present invention provides chemically regulatable DNA sequences capable of regulating transcription of an associated DNA sequence in plants or plant tissues, chimeric constructions containing such sequences, vectors containing such sequences and chimeric constructions, and transgenic plants and plant tissues containing these chimeric constructions. In one aspect, the chemically regulatable DNA sequences of the invention are derived from the 5' region of genes encoding pathogenisis-related (PR) proteins. The present invention also provides anti-pathogenic sequences derived from novel cDNAs coding for PR proteins which can be genetically engineered and transformed into plants to confer enhanced resistance to disease.

Abstract: Strains of Pseudomonas have been genetically engineered to have enhanced biocontrol properties. The strains of the invention are particularly effective against plant pathogenic fungi such as species of Rhizoctonia and Pythium, because the strains produce enhanced amounts of antifungal metabolites such as pyrrolnitrin that are active against these fungal pathogens. Both the genetically modified biocontrol strains and the antifungal metabolites can be used as active agents for biocontrol compositions.

Abstract: Gene activating sequences which activate the expression of other bacterial genes, which are latent or expressed at low levels, are provided. The gene activating sequences confer the ability to produce several metabolites and may be transferred to bacterial strains. The transformed biocontrol agents are active to inhibit the growth of the fungal pathogens.

Abstract: Gene activating sequences which activate the expression of other bacterial genes, which are latent or expressed at low levels, are provided. The gene activating sequences confer the ability to produce several metabolites and may be transferred to bacterial strains. The transformed biocontrol agents are active to inhibit the growth of the fungal pathogens.

Abstract: Gene activating sequences which activate the expression of other bacterial genes, which are latent or expressed at low levels, are provided. The gene activating sequences confer the ability to produce several metabolites and may be transferred to bacterial strains. The transformed biocontrol agents are active to inhibit the growth of the fungal pathogens.

Abstract: Gene activating sequences which activate the expression of other bacterial genes, which are latent or expressed at low levels, are provided. The gene activating sequences confer the ability to produce several metabolites and may be transferred to bacterial strains. The transformed biocontrol agents are active to inhibit the growth of the fungal pathogens.

Abstract: The invention is a method for identifying and cloning bacterial genes that are responsive to the presence of a plant host, comprising mutating a bacterial culture with a transposon containing a promoterless marker gene, exposing the bacterial mutants to root exudates, other plant-derived substances or plants, and identifying mutants that have a transposon-associated gene inducible by the plant. These mutants may be used to clone and characterize the promoters and the associated wild-type bacterial genes responsive to the plant.

Abstract: A day/night vehicle rearview mirror assembly comprises a casing carrying a prismatic mirror, the casing being pivotally mounted on a mounting plate. Preferably, the casing and mirror are driven between a full reflectance position and partial reflectance position by a rack and pinion assembly having interengaging gear teeth extending between a d.c. motor operated drive shaft and a portion of the casing. Alternately, a friction coupling extends between the drive shaft and casing. A noise and vibration reducing coupling are provided in the drive shaft while appropriate glare sensing circuitry and/or switches control operation of the reversible motor and, thus, the reflectance position of the mirror.

Abstract: The invention provides an automatic rearview mirror system (10) for a vehicle comprising a reflective element (22) actuatable between at least two different reflective conditions. The system includes a forward light sensor (11) to detect light forward of the vehicle and a rear light sensor (12) to detect light rearward of the mirror. A control circuit means (14,16) is coupled to the reflective element (22), the forward light sensor (11) and the rear light sensor (12). The control circuit causes the reflective element to assume a reflective state dependent upon the output of the forward and rear light sensors. The control circuit includes means for modifying the output of the forward light sensor (11) to cause a reduction in the sensitivity of the mirror.