Abstract: The present invention is related to biosynthetic oil compositions and methods of making thereof. In some embodiments, the invention relates to the use of endogenous enzymes in plants capable of synthesizing oil. In preferred embodiments, said plants are algae. In further embodiments, said algae are from the family Chlamydomonas, Nannochloropsis, Dunaliella, Chiarella and Scenedesmus. In still further embodiments, said endogenous enzymes are diacylglycerol acyltransferases.

Abstract: Methods and compositions which increase the concentration of an inhibitory RNA specific for a target sequence in a cell are provided. In one embodiment, the methods and compositions employ a first polynucleotide comprising a silencing element for a target pest sequence operably linked to a promoter active in the plant cell; and, a second polynucleotide comprising a suppressor enhancer element comprising the target pest sequence or an active fragment or variant thereof operably linked to a promoter active in the plant cell. The combined expression of the silencing element with the target pest sequence, or an active variant or fragment thereof, leads to the amplification of the inhibitory RNA produced from the silencing element over the achievable with only the expression of the silencing element alone. Thus, the various methods and compositions of the invention provide improved methods for the delivery of inhibitory RNA to a target organism.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns compositions and methods for targeting peptides, polypeptides, and proteins to plastids of plastid-containing cells. In some embodiments, the disclosure concerns chloroplast transit peptides that may direct a polypeptide to a plastid, and nucleic acid molecules encoding the same. In some embodiments, the disclosure concerns methods for producing a transgenic plant material (e.g., a transgenic plant) comprising a chloroplast transit peptide, as well as plant materials produced by such methods, and plant commodity products produced therefrom.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for regulating expression of heterologous nucleotide sequences in a plant are provided. Compositions include promoter sequences with direct expression in an egg cell or embryonic cell-preferred manner. Such compositions find use in, for example, a method for expressing a heterologous nucleotide sequence in a plant; detection of specific cell types in the ovule and targeted ablation of specific cell types.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided which employ a silencing element that, when ingested by a pest, such as a Coleopteran plant pest or a Diabrotica plant pest, decrease the expression of a target sequence in the pest. In specific embodiments, the decrease in expression of the target sequence controls the pest and thereby the methods and compositions are capable of limiting damage to a plant. The present invention provides various target polynucleotides set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 1-236 or active variants and fragments thereof, wherein a decrease in expression of one or more the sequences in the target pest controls the pest (i.e., has insecticidal activity). Further provided are silencing elements which when ingested by the pest decrease the level of the target polypeptide and thereby control the pest. In specific embodiment, the pest is D. virgifera virgifera, D. barberi, D. speciosa, or D. undecimpunctata howardi.

Abstract: Recombinant microorganisms, plants, and plant cells are disclosed that have been engineered to express novel recombinant genes encoding steviol biosynthetic enzymes and UDP-glycosyltransferases (UGTs). Such microorganisms, plants, or plant cells can produce steviol or steviol glycosides, e.g., rubusoside or Rebaudioside A, which can be used as natural sweeteners in food products and dietary supplements.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for modulating plant response, development and yield under varying environmental conditions are provided. Methods employing MAPKKK are provided. The MAPKKK sequences are used in a variety of methods including modulating root development, modulating leaf and/or shoot development, modulating tolerance under abiotic stress and modulating yield. Transformed plants, plant cell, tissues, seed and expression vectors are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a promoter and/or specific regulatory regions for the expression of genes of interest in roots. The invention further describes DNA constructs containing the polynucleotide of the invention operatively linked to a heterologous and/endogenous gene. Besides, the invention refers to the use of these constructions in the form of expression vectors, recombinant vectors and in plants, plant cells or transgenic protoplasts. The invention further describes a method employing such constructs containing the polynucleotide of the invention for the production of plants, plant cells or transgenic protoplasts.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided that employ microRNA (miRNA) that, when expressed in a plant cell, is capable of reducing the level of mRNA of a target sequence (i.e. endogenous sequence) without reducing the level of mRNA of one or more closely related sequences. While miRNAs can be designed with specificity for a particular target sequence, the instant application demonstrates that a miRNA can specifically silence a target sequence without silencing a closely related sequence having high sequence identity to the target sequence. In certain embodiments, an endogenous target sequence can be suppressed with a recombinant miRNA expression construct without silencing a recombinant polynucleotide of interest having a sequence closely related to the target sequence. Such methods and compositions employ recombinant miRNA expression constructs which produce a 21-nt miRNA.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a genus of insect inhibitory proteins that exhibit properties directed to controlling Lepidopteran and/or Hemipteran crop pests, methods of using such proteins, nucleotide sequences encoding such proteins, methods of detecting and isolating such proteins, and their use in agricultural systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the recombinant manufacture of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Specifically, it relates to acyltransferase polypeptides, polynucleotides encoding said acyltransferases as well as vectors, host cells, non-human transgenic organisms containing said polynucletides. Moreover, the present invention contemplates methods for the manufacture of polyunsaturated fatty acids as well as oils obtained by such methods.

Abstract: The NR enzymes described herein were discovered in the red algae of Porphyra perforata (PpNR) and Porphyra yezoensis (PyNR). The present invention provides methods and compositions relating to altering NR activity, nitrogen utilization and/or uptake in plants. The invention relates to a method for the production of plants with maintained or increased yield under low nitrogen fertility. The invention provides isolated nitrate reductase (NR) nucleic acids and their encoded proteins. The invention further provides recombinant expression cassettes, host cells, and transgenic plants. Plants transformed with nucleotide sequences encoding the NR enzyme show improved properties, for example, increased yield and growth.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to nucleic acid sequences encoding proteins that are associated with abiotic stress responses and abiotic stress tolerance in plants. In particular, this invention relates to nucleic acid sequences encoding proteins that confer drought, heat, cold, and/or salt tolerance to plants.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for use in reducing biotic stress in plants by providing recombinant DNA molecules encoding methkyletone thioesterase into the cells of a plant in order to achieve a reduction in infestation by nematodes, insects and other pests are described. The plant cells in some cases produce one or more of 2-nonanone, 2-undecanone, 2-tridecanone and 2-pentadecanone. Also described are methods for making transgenic plants that express the recombinant DNA molecule for use in protecting plants from pest infestations.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns methods and compositions relating to UXS polypeptides and/or nucleic acids encoding UXS polypeptides. In certain claims, the methods and compositions are of use to improve digestibility and/or ease of grain processing. Such improvements relate to a modulation in arabinoxylan and/or hemicellulose content in transgenic plants. Such plants can, for example, comprise one or more nucleic acid sequences that inhibit expression of one or more UDP-Xylose Synthase (USX) genes.

Abstract: In vivo methods for production of styrene via a recombinant host cell can include cell expression of at least one polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having cinnamic acid decarboxylase activity, and at least one polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having phenylalanine ammonia lyase activity.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for conferring hydroxyphenyl pyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) herbicide resistance or tolerance to plants are provided. Compositions include amino acid sequences, and variants and fragments thereof, for mutant HPPD polypeptides. Nucleic acids that encode the mutant HPPD polypeptides are also provided. Methods for conferring herbicide resistance or tolerance, particularly resistance or tolerance to certain classes of herbicides that inhibit HPPD, in plants are further provided. Methods are also provided for selectively controlling weeds in a field at a crop locus and for the assay, characterization, identification and selection of the mutant HPPDs of the current invention that provide herbicide tolerance.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of biotechnology or genetic engineering. Specifically, this invention relates to the field of gene expression. More specifically, this invention relates to a novel inducible gene expression system and methods of modulating gene expression in a host cell for applications such as gene therapy, large scale production of proteins and antibodies, cell-based high throughput screening assays, functional genomics and regulation of traits in transgenic plants and animals.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for conferring hydroxyphenyl pyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) herbicide resistance or tolerance to plants are provided. Compositions include amino acid sequences, and variants and fragments thereof, for mutant HPPD polypeptides. Nucleic acids that encode the mutant HPPD polypeptides are also provided. Methods for conferring herbicide resistance or tolerance, particularly resistance or tolerance to certain classes of herbicides that inhibit HPPD, in plants are further provided. Methods are also provided for selectively controlling weeds in a field at a crop locus and for the assay, characterization, identification and selection of the mutant HPPDs of the current invention that provide herbicide tolerance.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for conferring hydroxyphenyl pyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) herbicide resistance or tolerance to plants are provided. Compositions include amino acid sequences, and variants and fragments thereof, for mutant HPPD polypeptides. Nucleic acids that encode the mutant HPPD polypeptides are also provided. Methods for conferring herbicide resistance or tolerance, particularly resistance or tolerance to certain classes of herbicides that inhibit HPPD, in plants are further provided. Methods are also provided for selectively controlling weeds in a field at a crop locus and for the assay, characterization, identification and selection of the mutant HPPDs of the current invention that provide herbicide tolerance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inbred sunflower line, designated ON2509A/B. The invention relates to the seeds of inbred sunflower line ON2509A/B, to the plants of inbred sunflower line ON2509A/B and to the methods for producing a sunflower plant, either inbred or hybrid, by crossing the inbred line ON2509A/B with itself or another sunflower line. The invention further relates to methods for producing a sunflower plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other inbred sunflower lines derived from the inbred ON2509A/B.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inbred sunflower line, designated 503A/B. The invention relates to the seeds of inbred sunflower line 503A/B, to the plants of inbred sunflower line 503A/B and to the methods for producing a sunflower plant, either inbred or hybrid, by crossing the inbred line 503A/B with itself or another sunflower line. The invention further relates to methods for producing a sunflower plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other inbred sunflower lines derived from the inbred 503A/B.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inbred sunflower line, designated CI1151R. The invention relates to the seeds of inbred sunflower line CI1151R, to the plants of inbred sunflower line CI1151R and to the methods for producing a sunflower plant, either inbred or hybrid, by crossing the inbred line CI1151R with itself or another sunflower line. The invention further relates to methods for producing a sunflower plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other inbred sunflower lines derived from the inbred CI1151R.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for conferring hydroxyphenyl pyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) herbicide resistance or tolerance to plants are provided. Compositions include amino acid sequences, and variants and fragments thereof, for mutant HPPD polypeptides. Nucleic acids that encode the mutant HPPD polypeptides are also provided. Methods for conferring herbicide resistance or tolerance, particularly resistance or tolerance to certain classes of herbicides that inhibit HPPD, in plants are further provided. Methods are also provided for selectively controlling weeds in a field at a crop locus and for the assay, characterization, identification and selection of the mutant HPPDs of the current invention that provide herbicide tolerance.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for targeting a polypeptide of interest to a chloroplast. Recombinant polynucleotides comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a chimeric chloroplast transit peptide (CTP) operably linked to a heterologous polynucleotide of interest are provided. In specific embodiments, the chimeric CTP comprises an N-terminal domain operably linked to a central domain operably linked to a C-terminal domain of a CTP to form a chimeric chloroplast transit peptide having CTP activity. Recombinant polypeptides encoding the same, as well as, cells, plant cells, plants and seeds are further provided which comprise the recombinant polynucleotides. Methods of use of the various sequences are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided which allow for a single microRNA (miRNA) to reduce the level of expression of at least two members of the same protein and/or gene family. Such methods and compositions employ miRNA expression constructs having a structure such that the most abundant form of miRNA produced from the construct is a 22-nucleotide miRNA. The 22-nucleotide miRNA produced from the miRNA expression construct thereby reduces the level of expression of not only the target sequence for the miRNA, but also reduces the level of expression of at least one additional sequence from the same protein and/or gene family as the target sequence.

Abstract: This invention provides promoter sequences that are useful for modulating transcription of a desired polynucleotide and/or in the construction of recombinant genes for plant transformation to enable expression of foreign or endogenous coding sequences in plants. The promoters are functional in a both monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plant species and are active in a wide range of vegetative or generative plant organs. The invention also provides a polynucleotide construct comprising a promoter of the invention operably linked to a foreign or endogenous polynucleotide encoding a protein of interest or a transcript capable of modulating expression of a target gene. The invention is further concerned with transformed plant cells, as well as differentiated plants, plant parts, plant tissues or plant seeds containing the construct.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inbred sunflower line, designated OI1153A/B. The invention relates to the seeds of inbred sunflower line OI1153A/B, to the plants of inbred sunflower line OI1153A/B and to the methods for producing a sunflower plant, either inbred or hybrid, by crossing the inbred line OI1153A/B with itself or another sunflower line. The invention further relates to methods for producing a sunflower plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other inbred sunflower lines derived from the inbred OI1153A/B.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inbred sunflower line, designated OID263R. The invention relates to the seeds of inbred sunflower line OID263R, to the plants of inbred sunflower line OID263R and to the methods for producing a sunflower plant, either inbred or hybrid, by crossing the inbred line OID263R with itself or another sunflower line. The invention further relates to methods for producing a sunflower plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other inbred sunflower lines derived from the inbred OID263R.

Abstract: Methods for modulating plants using optimized ZmME293 down-regulation constructs are disclosed. Also disclosed are nucleotide sequences, constructs, vectors, and modified plant cells, as well as transgenic plants displaying increased seed and/or biomass yield, improved tolerance to abiotic stress such as drought or high plant density, improved nitrogen utilization efficiency, increased ear number and/or reduction in time to scenescence.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of increasing the photosynthesis rate of a plant cell and/or the production of biomass in a plant, as well as to plant cells and plants with increased photosynthesis rate/production of biomass. The present invention also relates to a phosphatase of the light-harvesting complex of photosystem II, to nucleic acids coding for such phosphatase, and to mutants of such nucleic acids. Moreover, the present invention relates to plant cells and plants, wherein the activity of said phosphatase is inhibited; in particular the present invention relates to plant cells and plants comprising the mutant nucleic acids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acids derived from Sphaeroforma arctica. The invention also relates to the individual coding sequences and to proteins encoded by these sequences in combination with other sequences as well as to a process for converting oleic acid to linoleic acid to linoleic acid and the production of arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid and/or docosahexaenoic acid in a plant.

Abstract: A method for producing a plant with increased yield as compared to a corresponding wild type plant whereby the method comprises at least the following step: increasing or generating in a plant or a part thereof one or more activities of a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase, 3-ketoacyl-CoA thiolase, 3?-phosphoadenosine 5?-phosphate phosphatase, 4-diphosphocytidyl-2-C-methyl-D-erythritol kinase, 5OS chloroplast ribosomal protein L21, 57972199. R01.1-protein, 60952769. R01.1-protein, 60S ribosomal protein, ABC transporter family protein, AP2 domain-containing transcription factor, argonaute protein, AT1 G29250.

Abstract: Improved compositions and methods for controlling pests are disclosed. In particular, novel engineered Cry1Ba (eCry1Ba) proteins having improved toxicity to lepidopteran insect pests are provided. By substituting at least one amino acid in domain I of a Cry1Ba protein an engineered Cry1Ba protein having substantially altered insecticidal properties is designed. Further, a method of making the engineered Cry1Ba proteins and methods of using the ecry1Ba nucleic acid sequences, for example in transgenic plants to express eCry1B proteins to confer protection from insect damage are disclosed.

Abstract: A sunflower seed having imidazolinone resistance and an oleic acid content of greater than 85 percent is provided. Sunflower cultivars designated E83329, OI1601A, OI2653R, and OI1601B and having high oleic acid and imidazolinone resistance, plants and seeds of the E83329, OI1601A, OI2653R, and OI1601B sunflower cultivars, methods for producing a sunflower plant produced by crossing the E83329, OI1601A, OI2653R, or OI1601B cultivar with itself or with another sunflower plant, and hybrid sunflower seeds and plants produced by crossing the E83329, OI1601A, OI2653R, or OI1601B cultivar with another sunflower line or plant are also provided.

Abstract: A method for producing a plant with increased yield as compared to a corresponding wild type plant whereby the method comprises at least the following step: increasing or generating in a plant or a part thereof one or more activities of a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of 26S proteasome-subunit, 50S ribosomal protein L36, Autophagy-related protein, B0050-protein, Branched-chain amino acid permease, Calmodulin, carbon storage regulator, FK506-binding protein, gamma-glutamyl-gamma-aminobutyrate hydrolase, GM02LC38418-protein, Heat stress transcription factor, Mannan polymerase II complex subunit, mitochondrial precursor of Lon protease homolog, MutS protein homolog, phosphate transporter subunit, Protein EFR3, pyruvate kinase, tellurite resistance protein, Xanthine permease, and YAR047C-protein.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid molecules which encode novel fatty acid desaturases and elongases from the organism Emiliana huxleyi. The invention also provides recombinant expression vectors containing desaturase or elongase nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and methods for large-scale production of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs), e.g. arachidonic acid (ARA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid molecules which encode novel fatty acid desaturase family members. The invention also provides recombinant expression vectors containing desaturase nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and methods for large-scale production of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs), e.g., DHA.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid molecules which encodes a novel fatty acid nECR. The invention also provides recombinant expression vectors containing nECR nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and methods for large-scale production of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs), e.g., ARA, EPA and DHA.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the isolation of Jatropha curcas curcin genes and tissue-specific promoters and to the production of curcin-deficient Jatropha plants. More specifically, the present invention relates to the isolation of Jatropha curcas Curcin 1, Curcin 2 and Curcin 2 A. The present invention further relates to of the Curcin 1, Curcin 2 A and Curcin 2 genes and more particularly to tissue specific promoters of the Curcin 1 and Curcin 2A genes. The present invention further relates to production of curcin-deficient transgenic jatropha plants by using RNAi technology to suppress curcin gene expression.

Abstract: Sunflower plants having increased resistance to herbicides relative to wild-type sunflower plants are provided. These plants contain a new genetic mutation in the AHAS gene which confers broad-spectrum resistance to AHAS-inhibiting herbicide. An herbicide-tolerant sunflower crop production system and new and powerful weed control option for sunflower growers are provided.

Abstract: Chimeric polynucleotides comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a chloroplast transit peptide operably linked to a heterologous polynucleotide of interest are provided, wherein the chloroplast transit peptide comprises an amino acid sequence having the chloroplast transit peptide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:1 or a biologically active variant or fragment thereof or wherein the chloroplast transit peptide comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 58 or an active variant or fragment thereof. Chimeric polypeptides encoding the same, as well as, cells, plant cells, plants and seeds are further provided which comprise the chimeric polynucleotides. Compositions further include HPPD polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding the same as set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 57 and 60 or active variants and fragments thereof. Such sequences comprise the chloroplast transit peptide as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 58 or an active variants or fragments thereof.

Abstract: Compositions and methods comprising polynucleotides and polypeptides having 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) activity and having insensitivity to an HPPD inhibitor are provided. Further provided are nucleic acid constructs, plants, plant cells, explants, seeds and grain having the HPPD sequences. Various methods of employing the HPPD sequences are provided. Such methods include, for example, methods for producing an HPPD inhibitor tolerant plant, plant cell, explant or seed and methods of controlling weeds in a field containing a crop employing the plants and/or seeds disclosed herein. Methods are also provided to identify additional HPPD variants. Further provided are various methods and compositions that allow the various HPPD polypeptides and variant and fragments thereof to be expressed in a chloroplast or transported to a chloroplast.

Abstract: An isolated polynucleotide sequence that encodes for a multi domain recombination protein, comprising a donor DNA-Binding domain (BDB); and a chromosomal binding domain (CBD). A plant cell can be transformed by introducing into the cell a first nucleic acid sequence, which comprises a plant nuclear promoter operably linked to a first nucleic acid sequence comprising the stated polynucleotide sequence, and a second nucleic acid sequence, which comprises a donor nucleic acid sequence and at least two flanking sequences capable of binding to a donor binding domain of the protein, the sequences being located adjacent to each end of the donor polynucleotide sequence forming left and right borders thereto.

Abstract: The present invention describes an alternative approach to increase GABA production in prokaryotes or eukaryotes, namely by the insertion of the putrescine catabolic pathway in organisms where the pathway does not exist or has not clearly been identified. The invention describes methods for the use of polynucleotides that encode functional putrescine aminotransferase (PAT) and gamma-aminobutyricaldehyde dehydrogenase (GABAlde DeHase) polypeptides in plants to increase GABA production. The preferred embodiment of the invention is in plants but other organisms may be used. Changes in GABA availability will improve growth and increase tolerance to biotic and abiotic stress.

Abstract: Novel herbicide-resistant sunflower plants designated as MUT31 and herbicide-resistant descendents thereof are provided. The MUT31 sunflower plants and the herbicide-resistant descendents thereof comprise increased resistance to at least one imidazolinone herbicide, when compared to wild-type sunflower plants. Methods for controlling weeds in the vicinity of these herbicide-resistant sunflower plants and methods for increasing the herbicide-resistance of a sunflower plant are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1023487. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1023487. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1023487 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1023487 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to promoters that enable gene expression which is both specific to the endosperm and early during the development of the endosperm, as well as nucleic acid molecules encoding basal endosperm transfer cell layer (BETL) proteins.

Abstract: Transgenic plants and methods of culturing them using sorbitol as a sole carbon source are provided. One embodiment provides a method and system for positively selecting transgenic plants carrying and expressing a gene of interest. The transgenic plants are engineered to express sorbitol dehydrogenase in an amount effective to allow the transgenic plant to grow using sorbitol as the sole carbon source. In a preferred embodiment, the plant to be transformed does not have endogenous sorbitol dehydrogenase activity. Representative plants that can be transformed, include but are not limited to members of the Brassica family, industrial oilseeds, Arabidopsis thaliana, algae, soybean, cottonseed, sunflower, palm, coconut, rice, safflower, peanut, mustards, silage corn, alfalfa, switchgrass, miscanthus, sorghum, tobacco, sugarcane and flax.

Abstract: The present invention pertains transgenic plant cells and mature plants comprising Oxidoreductase Stress Related Proteins (ORSRP) resulting in increased tolerance and/or resistance to environmental stress as compared to non-transformed wild type cells and methods of producing such plant cells or plants. Further object of the present invention are isolated ORSRPs or ORSRP encoding nucleic acids from plants.