Abstract: Methods for altering levels in plants of one or more phenolic compounds that are intermediates or final products of the plant phenylpropanoid pathway are provided. One method comprises transforming a plant cell with an expression construct comprising a nucleic acid which encodes a transactivator protein comprising the myb domain of the maize “ZmMyb-IF35” protein and an activation domain. Another method comprises transforming a plant cell with an expression construct comprising a transgene which encodes an antisense ZmMyb-IF35 RNA. The present invention also relates to expression constructs and vectors used in the present methods. transformed plant cells and transgenic plants prepared according to the present methods, and the seeds of such transgenic plants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a recombinant viral nucleic acid selected from a (+) sense, single stranded RNA virus possessing a native subgenomic promoter encoding for a first viral subgenomic promoter, a nucleic acid sequence that codes for a viral coat protein whose transcription is regulated by the first viral subgenomic promoter, a second viral subgenomic promoter and a second nucleic acid sequence whose transcription is regulated by the second viral subgenomic promoter. The first and second viral subgenomic promoters of the recombinant viral nucleic acid do not have homologous sequences relative to each other. The recombinant viral nucleic acid provides the particular adivantage that it systemically transcribes the second nucleic acid in the host. Host organisms encompassed by the present invention include procaryotes and eucaryotes, particularly animals and plants.

Abstract: This invention relates to isolated nucleic acid fragments encoding all or a substantial portion of a corn, rice, wheat or soybean 4-&agr;-glucanotransferase. The invention also relates to the construction of chimeric genes encoding all or a portion of a corn, rice, wheat or soybean 4-&agr;-glucanotransferase, in sense or antisense orientation, wherein expression of the chimeric gene results in production of altered levels of 4-&agr;-glucanotransferase in a transformed host cell.

Abstract: The invention relates to isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding MutS homologues (MSHs). Such MSH proteins are involved in DNA mismatch-repair processes in organisms. The invention provides isolated nucleic acid molecules comprising MSH2 nucleotide sequences which encode MSH2 proteins and MSH2 nucleotide sequences which encode dominant-negative MSH2 variants. Such MSH2 nucleotide sequences find use in altering mismatch repair, mutation rates and recombination frequencies in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms. The invention also provides isolated nucleic acid molecules comprising MSH2 promoter nucleotide sequences. Such MSH2 promoter nucleotide sequences find use in regulating the expression of genes of interest in plants. Additionally provided are isolated proteins, transformed host cells, and transformed plants, tissues, cells and seeds thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a BZR1 gene and an altered gene, bzr1-D, involved in the brassinosteroid response pathway. The expression of BZR1 genes in transgenic plants causes such plants to become significantly larger and more robust than their wild-type counterparts, thus increasing plant yields.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cytochrome P450-encoding gene, DAS5, as well as an altered gene, das5-D, which are involved in the synthesis of the plant steroid hormone brassinolide. The das5-D mutant has an insertion of a T-DNA containing transcriptional enhancers into its promoter region. Overexpression of the mutant thus produces large amounts of DAS5 transcript. The expression of this das5-D mutation or overexpression of the DAS5 gene in transgenic plants causes such plants to become significantly larger and more robust than their wild-type counterparts, thus increasing plant yields.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the genetic control of pathogen infestation in host organisms such as plants, vertebrate animals and fungi. Such methods utilize the host as a delivery system for the delivery of genetic agents, preferably in the form of RNA molecules, to a pathogen, which agents cause directly or indirectly an impairment in the ability of the pathogen to maintain itself, grow or otherwise infest a host plant, vertebrate animal or fungus. Also provided are DNA constructs and novel nematode nucleotide sequences for use in same, that facilitate pathogen resistance when expressed in a genetically-modified host. Such constructs direct the expression of RNA molecules substantially homologous and/or complementary to an RNA molecule encoded by a nucleotide sequence within the genome of a pathogen and/or of the cells of a host to effect down-regulation of the nucleotide sequence. Particular hosts contemplated are plants, such as pineapple plants, and particular pathogens are nematodes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel transformation system for generating transformed plants with lower copy inserts and improved transformation efficiency. In particular, the invention relates to the use of Agrobacterium growth inhibiting agents during the Agrobacterium-mediated transformation process that suppress Agrobacterium growth and reduce T-DNA transfer to the target plant genome.

Abstract: Provided is a method for producing transgenic monocotyledonous plants, plant cells, plant parts, seeds, and reproduction material with modified 5-aminolevulinic acid biosynthesis. This is achieved by stably integrating one or several nucleic acid molecules coding for a protein with a 5-aminolevulinic acid synthase function (ALAS) isolated from the alpha group of purple bacteria, an active fragment thereof or an antisense or complementary sequence thereof, into tie plant genome in stable form. This method can also be used to control undesired vegetation Also provided is a method for producing transgenic plants or plant cells whose glutamate-1-semialdehyde transferase (GSAAT) expression is suppressed or inhibited by stable integration of at least one nucleic acid molecule encoding an ALAS isolated from the alpha group of purple bacteria into the plant plastome by plastid transformation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the production of male sterile plants by providing them with a recombinant DNA capable of specific expression in the male reproductive system of a plant of the enzyme trehalose phosphate (TPP). Resotration of the fertility can be established either by providing said male sterile plants with a recombinant DNA capable of expression of trehalose phosphate synthase (TPS) under control of an inducible promoter or with a recombinant DNA capable of expression of a suppressor protein which suppresses expression of TPP under control of an inducible promoter. This inducible restoration possibilities enable the maintenance of a homozygous male sterile line. Restoration can also be done by spraying the male sterile plants with gibberellic acid.

Abstract: A method for regulating cell death in a plant, includes the steps of: transforming a plant cell with a polynucleotide containing a gene encoding DS9 or a homologue thereof or a part of the gene; and redifferentiating the transgenic plant cell to obtain a plant. The DS9 or the homologue thereof is an ATP-dependent Zn-type metalloprotease. The polynucleotide decreases or increases production of the ATP-dependent Zn-type metalloprotease in the plant cell, whereby cell death of a cell in the plant is promoted or suppressed.

Abstract: A novel process for the direct transfer of foreign genes to plant genomes is described. The novel process comprises placing a gene under the control of plant expression signals and transferring it, by contact with protoplasts without the aid of natural systems for infecting plants, direct to plant cells from which genetically transformed plants can subsequently be derived.

Abstract: This invention relates to isolated nucleic acid fragments encoding all or a substantial portion of a plant glycogenin or water stress protein. The invention also relates to the construction of chimeric genes encoding all or a portion of a plant glycogenin or water stress protein, in sense or antisense orientation, wherein expression of the chimeric gene results in production of altered levels of a plant glycogenin or water stress protein in a transformed host cell.

Abstract: This invention relates to isolated nucleic acid fragments encoding all or a substantial portion of a maize, rice, or wheat histone acetyltransferase protein. The invention also relates to the construction of chimeric genes encoding all or a portion of a maize, rice, or wheat histone acetyltransferase protein, in sense or antisense orientation, wherein expression of the chimeric gene results in production of altered levels of a maize, rice, or wheat histone acetyltransferase protein in a transformed host cell. The invention also relates to targeting of the maize, rice, or wheat histone acetyltransferase protein to a novel promoter region by the addition of either a DNA-binding domain or a protein-protein interaction domain, to acetylate the core histone, weaken the interaction between core histones and DNA, open up chromatin structure, increase the efficiency of transcriptional initiation, thus leading to a higher level of gene expression.

Abstract: The present invention provides Inter alia, a method for the production of cotton somatic embryos comprising (a) isolating a totipotent stomatal cell-containing epidermal explant from leaf material excised from a cotton plant; and (b) culturing said explant in a basal medium which comprises an embryogenic callus-inducing quantity of an auxin and a cytokinin under an embryogenic callus inducing intensity of light until embryogenic callus is formed; and (c) sub-culturing said embryogenic callus onto a somatic embryo differentiation media to produce said somatic embryos. Plants may be regenerated from the somatic embryos and in a particular embodiment of the invention said totipotent stomatal cell is transformed, prior to the inducement of embryogenic callus, with a polynucleotide that provides for a desired agronomic trait.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for influencing the sinapine content in transgenic plant cells and plants. In particular, the invention relates to the inhibition of the enzymatic activity of a UDP-glucose: sinapate glucosyltransferase (SGT) in transgenic plant cells. The invention further relates to nucleic acid molecules containing a DNA sequence which codes for a protein with the enzymatic activity of an SGT. The invention furthermore relates to transgenic plants and plant cells comprising a nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, as a result of which contain a lower content of sinapine in comparison with wild-type plants or cells, and the agricultural products and propagating material of the transgenic plants.

Abstract: A synthetic nucleotide sequence encodes the LexA DNA binding domain, the nucleotide sequence having been modified to bring the codon usage in conformity with the preferred codon usage of Arabidopsis thaliana. The preferred sequence of the gene is provided as SEQ ID NO: 1. DNA constructs, transformed host cells and transgenic plants comprising the synthetic nucleotide sequence are also provided.

Abstract: A potato plant which has a genome containing, as a result of genetic engineering, at least one gene construct containing a potato granule-bound starch synthase (PGBSS) cDNA or genomic DNA sequence in reverse or functional orientation in an expression cassette which is functional in potato plants, the gene construct giving rise to tubers containing essentially amylose-free starch. In one embodiment, the gene construct contains a PGBSS cDNA sequence in reverse orientation which results in the production of PGBSS antisense RNA.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleotide and peptide sequences of an isolated cDNA coding for sunflower farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase, a key enzyme for the structurally diverse class of isoprenoid biosynthetic metabolites. The present invention also provides the recombinant plant expression vector comprising said nucleotide sequences and for the host cell into which said DNA sequence in the recombinant plant expression vector has been introduced to produce transgenic tobacco plants. Transgenic plants expressing heterologous farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase show 2-fold increase in seed production, higher chlorophyll contents in leaves as compared to non-transgenic or control vector-transformed tobacco plants. The expression vector for the sunflower farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase gene, herein designated pCIP-sfps, has been deposited with the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology Korean Collection for Type Cultures (K.C.T.C.) designation number KCTC 0520BP, having been deposited on Sep.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for modulating gene expression in plants are provided. The compositions comprise novel genes and promoters as well as regulatory and binding elements therein. The methods comprise the modulation of gene expression using the compositions of the invention. Compositions and methods are provided to reduce the impact on plants of biotic and abiotic environmental stresses. Accordingly, the compositions and methods may also be used to decrease the necessary amounts of conventional stress reduction treatment as well as to increase plant yield.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for biolistic transformation and regeneration of Pennisetum glaucum (Pearl millet) comprising: a) initiating embryogenic calli formation from the seeds of P glaucam in an MS media containing 5 mg/L of 2,4 D; b) incubating the said calli in dark for a predetermined period; c) sub-culturing the calli on an MS media containing 3 mg/L of 2.4 D; d) incubating said sub cultured calli under fight for a predetermined period; e) subjecting the embryogenic calli to biolistic bombardment with plasmid DNA containing pre-identified genes using a biolistic apparatus; f) allowing the proliferating calli to grow and differentiate into plantlets; g) analysing the expression of said pre-identified genes in the regenerated plantlets using known techniques.

Abstract: Regulation of expression of programmed cell death, including senescence, in plants is achieved by integration of a gene or gene fragment encoding senescence-induced deoxyhypusine synthase, senescence-induced eIF-5A or both into the plant genome in antisense orientation. Plant genes encoding senescence-induced deoxyhypusine synthase and senescence-induced eIF-5A are identified and the nucleotide sequences of each, alone and in combination are used to modify senescence in transgenic plants.

Abstract: The cen gene of Antirrhinum has been cloned, also homologues from Arabidopsis (tfl1) and rice. Flowering characteristics of transgenic plants, especially switching of apical meristem to a floral fate and the ting of flowering, may be manipulated by regulating gene expression. The promoter of the cen gene may be used to drive tissue-specific expression, specifically in the apical meristem of plants.

Abstract: DNA encoding a plant quinolate phosphoribosyl transferase (QPRTase) enzyme, and constructs comprising such DNA are provided. Methods of altering quinolate phosphoribosyl transferase expression are provided.

Abstract: DNA obtained, for example, from snapdragon or torenia, encoding an enzyme that can convert flavanones directly to flavones, and its uses; the DNA and amino acid sequences for enzymes encoded thereby are listed as SEQ.ID. No. 1 & 2 and 3 & 4, for example. Introduction of the genes into plants can, for example, alter the flower colors of the plants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant nucleic acid molecules which contain two or more nucleotide sequences which encode enzymes which participate in the starch metabolism, methods for generating transgenic plant cells and plants which synthesize starch which is modified with regard to its phosphate content and its side-chain structure. The present invention furthermore relates to vectors and host cells which contain the nucleic acid molecules according to the invention, the plant cells and plants which originate from the methods according to the invention, to the starch synthesized by the plant cells and plants according to the invention, and to processes for the preparation of this starch.

Abstract: Novel isolated plant polynucleotide promoter sequences are provided, together with genetic constructs comprising such polynucleotides. Methods for using such constructs in modulating the transcription of DNA sequences of interest are also disclosed, together with transgenic plants comprising such constructs.

Abstract: The invention provides improved transformation methods. In particular the method provides increased transformation frequency, especially in recalcitrant plants. The method comprises stably transforming a target cell with at least one polynucleotide of interest. The target cell has been previously transformed to stimulate growth of the cell and has gone through at least one cell division.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel nucleic acid and amino acid sequences associated with the metabolism of seed storage compounds in plants. More particularly novel lipid metabolism protein (LMP) sequences are provided herein. Preferably, the seed storage compounds are lipids, fatty acids, starches or seed storage proteins.

Abstract: The invention provides improved methods and means for introducing inhibitory RNA into plant cells. The invention also provides kits comprising viral RNA vectors derived from satellite viruses and corresponding helper viruses for the introduction of inhibitory RNA into plant cells and plants. Further, the invention comprises methods for obtaining an enhanced or improved gene-silencing phenotype.

Abstract: Procedures and vectors are provided for the specific alteration of particular genetic loci in eukaryotic cells. One procedure utilizes fluorescence-probe-in-cell (FPIC) gene targeting DNA vectors for the purpose of creating and identifying cells which have vector sequences integrated into the host cell genome via site-specific homologous recombination. The procedure also utilizes sequences encoding in vivo detectable markers for the identification of cells which have exogenous vector sequences integrated into the genome of the host cell, either via site-specific homologous recombination or nonhomologous recombination or insertion. In addition, cells modified using a FPIC vector, and organisms generated from such cells, are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a DNA construct comprising a root knot nematode responsive promoter, preferably the Arabidopsis cel1 promoter or promoters that hybridize thereto, operatively associated with a heterologous DNA segment that encodes a product disruptive of nematode attack. Plants and plant cells using the same and methods of use thereof are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides polynucleotides isolated from eucaryotic organisms which are structural genes or promoters. Such isolated polynucleotides are particularly useful in the modification of gene expression in plants. This invention also relates to compositions isolated from plants and their use in the modification of gene activation and/or expression. In a specific embodiment, the subject invention provides plant polynucleotide sequences encoding promoters that are components of the cellular activation and transcription apparatus and the use of such polynucleotide sequences in the modification of expression of genes.

Abstract: Two genes involved in the resistance of insects to Bacillus thruingiensis toxins have been cloned providing an understanding of mechanisms of resistance to the toxins. Such an understanding allows for rational methods to modify or combine toxins to prevent or overcome Bt toxin resistance to improve crop protection.

Abstract: Recombinant polynucleotides and methods for altering the regulation of gene expression in plants are provided to modify a plant's traits.

Abstract: Nucleic acid molecules are described which encode enzymes which participate in starch synthesis in plants. These enzymes are a new isoform of starch synthase. There are furthermore described vectors for generating transgenic plant cells and plants which synthesize a modified starch. There are furthermore described methods for the generation of these transgenic plant cells and plants, and methods for producing modified starches.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a method which comprises providing a plant with characters of a repressor and operator both constituting a gene expression inducing system with an actinomycete autogenous regulatory factor as an inducer by gene transfer and administering the actinomycete autogenous regulatory factor to the transformed plant to thereby induce the expression of a gene placed under the control of the operator at a site of administration of the actinomycete autogenous regulatory factor. This method makes it possible to cause expression of a desired gene at a desired time and site, thus enabling even the production, in a plant, of a metabolite otherwise disadvantageous to the growth of the plant. It is also useful in preventing transformant plants from spreading through the environment by controlling the fertility thereof.

Abstract: Methods and systems to modify fatty acid biosynthesis and oxidation in plants to make new polymers are provided. Two enzymes are essential: a hydratase such as D-specific enoyl-CoA hydratase, for example, the hydratase obtained from Aeromonas caviae, and a &bgr;-oxidation enzyme system. Some plants have a &bgr;-oxidation enzyme system which is sufficient to modify polymer synthesis when the plants are engineered to express the hydratase. Examples demonstrate production of polymer by expression of these enzymes in transgenic plants. Examples also demonstrate that modifications in fatty acid biosynthesis can be used to alter plant phenotypes, decreasing or eliminating seed production and increasing green plant biomass, as well as producing polyhydroxyalkanoates.

Abstract: DNA encoding a tobacco quinolate phosphoribosyl transferase (QPRTase) enzyme, and constructs comprising such DNA are provided. Methods of altering quinolate phosphoribosyl transferase expression are provided.

Abstract: A soybean variety designated 91B92, the plants and seeds of soybean variety 91B92, methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing the variety 91B92 with itself or with another soybean plant, and hybrid soybean seeds and plants produced by crossing the variety 91B92 with another soybean line or plant, and the creation of variants by mutagenesis or transformation of variety 91B92. This invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean varieties or breeding lines derived from soybean variety 91B92 and to soybean varieties or breeding lines produced by those methods.

Abstract: This invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule encoding the catalytic subunit of a protein phosphatase (PP2AC-JD) that belongs to the PP2A family. The PP2AC-JD interacts with the phytochrome A, a primary photoreceptor in the light signal transduction in plants, in the photoperiodic control of flowering. The present invention also provides the methods and processes for generating transgenic higher plants transformed with said nucleic acid molecule to engineer flowing time of economically important crop plants.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for enhancing disease resistance in plants are provided. The method involves transforming a plant with an avirulence gene or alternatively with an avirulence gene and the complementing resistance gene. A pathogen inducible promoter or alternatively a weak constitutive promoter is used to control the desired level of disease control in the plant. Transformed plants, plant cells, tissues, and seed are also provided having enhanced disease resistance.

Abstract: The invention relates to isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding plant XRCC3 proteins. Such XRCC3 proteins are believed to be involved in homologous recombination and DNA-repair processes in organisms, particularly plants. The invention provides isolated nucleic acid molecules comprising XRCC3 nucleotide sequences which encode XRCC3 proteins and XRCC3 nucleotide sequences which encode dominant-negative XRCC3 variants. Such XRCC3 nucleotide sequences find use in altering DNA repair, mutation rates and recombination frequencies in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms. Additionally provided are isolated proteins, transformed non-human host cells, and transformed plants, tissues, cells and seeds thereof.

Abstract: The current invention provides the maize A3 promoter and actin 2 intron. Compositions comprising these sequences are described, as well as transformation constructs derived therefrom. Further provided are methods for the expression of transgenes in plants comprising the use of these sequences. The methods of the invention include the direct creation of transgenic plants with the A3 promoter directly by genetic transformation, as well as by plant breeding methods. The sequences of the invention represent a valuable new tool for the creation of transgenic plants, preferably having one or more added beneficial characteristics.

Abstract: A soybean variety designated 91B12, the plants and seeds of soybean variety 91B12, methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing the variety 91B12 with itself or with another soybean plant, and hybrid soybean seeds and plants produced by crossing the variety 91B12 with another soybean line or plant, and the creation of variants by mutagenesis or transformation of variety 91B12. This invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean varieties or breeding lines derived from soybean variety 91B12 and to soybean varieties or breeding lines produced by those methods.

Abstract: A soybean variety designated 93B47, the plants and seeds of soybean variety 93B47, methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing the variety 93B47 with itself or with another soybean plant, and hybrid soybean seeds and plants produced by crossing the variety 93B47 with another soybean line or plant, and the creation of variants by mutagenesis or transformation of variety 93B47. This invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean varieties or breeding lines derived from soybean variety 93B47 and to soybean varieties or breeding lines produced by those methods.

Abstract: A genetic transformation system via the pollen tube pathway is presented, plasmid DNA prepared with each of 4 different methods was applied to the surface of an ovary wound site after removal of the style of florets following pollination. Movement of the plasmid DNA indicated plasmid DNA reached the ovules of decapitated florets within about 24 hours after its application to the surface of remaining styles or ovary wound site after pollination. Based on the result of PCR analyses of genomic DNA, 12% to 15% of the plants tested had the 282 bp fragment, the specific portion of the luciferase gene construct into the genome. Southern blotting of genomic DNA from PCR positive plants indicated that the firefly luciferase gene construct may have been incorporated into the genomic DNA of the plants.

Abstract: A soybean variety designated 90B11, the plants and seeds of soybean variety 90B11, methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing the variety 90B11 with itself or with another soybean plant, and hybrid soybean seeds and plants produced by crossing the variety 90B11 with another soybean line or plant, and the creation of variants by mutagenesis or transformation of variety 90B11. This invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean varieties or breeding lines derived from soybean variety 90B11 and to soybean varieties or breeding lines produced by those methods.

Abstract: Plants, particularly transgenic plants, may be produced having a 2-acyltransferase enzyme from Limnanthes with an altered substrate specificity compared to the native enzyme. For example, oil seed rape (Brassica napus) may contain the 2-acyltransferase transgene derived from Limnanthes douglasii in order to produce trierucin. The cDNA sequence of Limnanthes douglasii 2-acyltransferase and its equivalents protein sequence are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel process for the production of transgenic organisms or transgenic cells, to transgenic orgaisms or transgenic cells obtainable by the process of the present invention, to the use of vectors comprising DNA encoding a recombination promoting enzymes for curing impairments caused by environmental influences in plants or plant cells and for gene therapy in mammals or mammalian cells, and to novel vectors.