Abstract: The present invention relates to a mutant plant Cinnamoyl-CoA Reductase (CCR) protein capable of restoring the yield penalty in plants with lignin traits such as ccr-related deficiencies and methods and uses thereof. More specifically, the invention relates to plants lacking functional wild type CCR protein but having a weak ccr allele resulting in lower lignin amounts and increased saccharification, further accompanied by plant growth restoration of the lignin modification-induced dwarfism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of plant molecular biology, more particularly to the field of agriculture, even more particularly to the field of improving the yield of coumarins in plants. The present invention provides chimeric genes and constructs which can be used to enhance the coumarin yield.

Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to the field of molecular biology, specifically the field of agricultural biology. In particular, the disclosure relates to means and methods for modifying the lignin flu and composition in plants. In particular, the disclosure provides chimeric genes comprising transaldolase sequences, which can be used in the context of this disclosure.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for producing a plant with altered lignin content by genetically manipulating expression of a PIRIN gene. The said method comprises (a) altering expression of a gene encoding a PIRIN2 polypeptide in the plant; and/or (b) altering expression of a gene encoding a PIRIN4 polypeptide in the plant. A plant with reduced lignin content is produced by increasing expression of a gene encoding a PIRIN2 polypeptide in the plant or decreasing expression of a gene encoding a PIRIN4 polypeptide in the plant. The invention further relates to genetically modified plants produced by the said methods.

Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to the field of molecular biology, specifically the field of agricultural biology. In particular, the disclosure relates to means and methods for modifying the lignin flu and composition in plants. In particular, the disclosure provides chimeric genes comprising transaldolase sequences, which can be used in the context of this disclosure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the role of plant phenylcoumaran benzylic ether reductase (PCBER) (1) in lignification and growth of plants. More particular, the invention relates to plants in which PCBER has been down-regulated, resulting in a lower lignin content, higher soluble phenolics, a higher resistance to plant pathogens and a higher biomass production of the plant. These characteristics are maintained under elevated CO2 concentrations.

Abstract: DNA sequences comprising, as coding region, all or part of the nucleotide sequence coding for an mRNA coding for a cinnamoyl CoA reductase (CCR), or all or part of the complementary nucleotide sequence thereof and coding for an anti-sense mRNA capable of hybridizing with the above-mentioned mRNA. The invention also concerns the use of said sequences for carrying out methods of regulation of plant lignin biosynthesis.