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 to aid in protecting plants from invading pathogenic organisms are provided. The compositions of the invention comprise anti-pathogenic nucleotide sequences, including their promoters, and polypeptides encoded by the anti-pathogenic nucleic acid sequences. The compositions find use in methods for reducing or eliminating damage to plants caused by plant pathogens. Transformed plants, plant cells, tissues, and seed are also provided having enhanced disease resistance.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for enhancing the resistance of plants to pests and for altering the level of biotin in plants are provided. Nucleotide sequences isolated from soybean, rice, maize, and wheat are provided. The nucleotide sequences encode orthologs of sunflower SCIP-1. Also provided are the SCIP-1 proteins encoded by such nucleotide sequences. The methods involve transforming plants with the SCIP-1 nucleotide sequences to enhance the plant's resistance to plant pests or to alter the level of biotin in the plant. Transformed plants, plant cells, tissues, and seeds are also provided.

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: This invention relates to an isolated isoflavone synthase 1 (IFS1) promoter nucleic acid fragment. The invention also relates to the construction of chimeric genes comprising all or a portion of the IFS1 promoter directing the expression of transgenes, in sense or antisense orientation.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for enhancing disease resistance in plants are provided. Compositions comprise sunflower resistance gene analogs. The methods involve transforming a plant with a resistance nucleotide sequence. The methods find use in enhancing broad-based resistance in plants to pathogens. Also provided are transformed plants, plant cells, tissues, and seeds having enhanced disease resistance. The R gene analogs can be used as molecular markers for disease resistance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nematode-regulated promoter sequences and their use in creating or enhancing nematode-resistance in plants. Nucleic acid molecules comprising a heterologous nucleotide sequence operably linked to a nematode-regulated promoter and vectors, plant cells, plants, and transformed seeds containing such constructs are provided. Methods for the creation and use of such promoters in repressing or inducing expression of a heterologous nucleotide sequence in a plant, as well as methods for creating or enhancing nematode-resistance in plants by such repression or induction of heterologous nucleotide sequences by nematode-regulated promoters are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated WRKY nucleic acids and their encoded proteins. The present invention provides methods and compositions relating to altering WRKY concentration and/or composition of plants. The present invention also relates to transcriptional regulatory regions of WRKY polynucleotides and their use to regulate heterologous gene expression. The invention further provides recombinant expression cassettes, host cells, and transgenic plants.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for enhancing the resistance of plants to pests and for altering the level of biotin in plants are provided. Nucleotide sequences isolated from soybean, rice, maize, and wheat are provided. The nucleotide sequences encode orthologs of sunflower SCIP-1. Also provided are the SCIP-1 proteins encoded by such nucleotide sequences. The methods involve transforming plants with the SCIP-1 nucleotide sequences to enhance the plant's resistance to plant pests or to alter the level of biotin in the plant. Transformed plants, plant cells, tissues, and seeds are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for modulating development and defense response are provided. Nucleotide sequences encoding maize rhoGAP proteins are provided. The sequence can be used in expression cassettes for modulating development, developmental pathways, and defense response. Transformed plants, plant cells, tissues, and seed are also provided.