Abstract: The procedure is based on the use, as vegetable starting material for the transformation, of the first shoots from the graft of buds of adult trees onto stock, the genetic transformation of explants from the adult shoots by mean of co cultivation with Agrobacterium tumefaciens in mother plaques, and the obtaining of complete adult woody plants by means of in vitro micrografting of the transgenic buds, apices or shoots, regenerated by means of the explants, by means of in vitro micrograft onto stock cultivated in vitro.This procedure makes it possible to avoid the juvenile period and the high heterozygosis which affects most woody species, blossoming and fruiting of the transgenic plants are brought forward, and it permits the direct genetic transformation of commercially interesting varieties.It has argicultural applications.

Abstract: The invention provides genes from the I2 Fusarium resistance locus of tomato belonging to a multigene family herein designated I2C. The DNA molecules of the invention are useful as a tomato resistance gene to plant vascular diseases caused by Fusarium pathogens, particularly Fusarium oxysporium f.sp. lycopersici race 2, or as probes for breeding Fusarium-resistant tomato lines or for screening of news diseases in plants of the Solanaceae family. Further provided are Fusarium-resistant tomato lines transformed by an I2C resistance gene of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of conferring resistance against fire blight to pomaceous fruit scion or rootstock cultivars by transforming such cultivars with a gene which encodes for lytic proteins. Such transformation can be effected by bacterial infection or propulsion of particles into cell interiors. Once transformation has taken place, the cultivar is regenerated to a transgenic pomaceous fruit tree. This technique is particularly useful in treating apple and pear cultivars.

Abstract: The sequence of the T-DNA of the octopine-type Ti plasmid found in Agrobacterium tumefaciens ATCC 15955 is disclosed. Fourteen open reading frames bounded by eukaryotic promoters, ribosome binding sites, and polyadenylation sites were found. The use of promoters and polyadenylation sites from pTi15955 to control expression of foreign structural genes is taught, using as examples the structural genes for the Phaseolus vulgaris storage protein phaseolin, P. vulgaris lectin, thaumatin, and Bacillus thuringiensis crystal protein. Vectors useful for manipulation of sequences of the structural genes and T-DNA are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of making paper utilizing glucans, produced by glucosyltransferase B enzymes of the species Streptococcus mutans, instead of modified starches. The present glucans are functionally similar to the hydroxethyl modified starch and are particularly useful in the sizing and coating steps of paper manufacture. The present glucans also exhibit thermoplastic properties and impart gloss to the paper during the coating step. In particular, the present invention provides plant cells and plants transformed with Streptococcus mutans genes encoding wild-type or mutant glucosyltransferase B enzymes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transgenic plant that produces high levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and to a method for producing the transgenic plant. The hypocotyl section of seedlings is co-cultured with Agrobacterium transformant and regenerated by adventitious shoot induction and by root induction, where the Agrobacterium transformant contains an expression vector that comprises the promoter of a fruit-dominant ascorbate oxidase gene, an SOD gene isolated from cassava, and an herbicide-resistant bar gene. The present invention also relates to a method for inducing adventitious shoot from hypocotyl sections in plant tissue culture, thus providing a method for the efficient production of transgenic plants maintaining higher SOD activity in fruits. Therefore, the SOD transgenic cucumber of the present invention can be used for cosmetics, additives in functional foods, and medicines as well as having tolerance to herbicides and environmental stresses.

Abstract: Disclosed is a plant transformation construct comprising DNA having(1) a ring-opening gene that encodes an enzyme that can open an aromatic ring,(2) upstream of the ring-opening gene, a eukaryotic promoter, and(3) downstream of said ring-opening gene, a polyadenylic acid addition site.Also disclosed is a plasmid that contains the plant transformation construct and bacteria that contain the plasmid. A transgenic plant cell that contains, as part of its genome, the plant transformation construct is also disclosed, and a transgenic plant is grown from the transgenic plant cell. Also disclosed is a method of degrading aromatic compounds in soil by planting the transgenic plant in the soil.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for producing transgenic plant cells, which comprises: contacting a culture of plant cells with an inhibitor of poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase, prior to transformation, for a period of time sufficient to reduce the response of the cultured cells to stress and to reduce their metabolism. The untransformed cells are then contacted with foreign DNA comprising at least one gene of interest under conditions in which the foreign DNA is taken up by the untransformed cells and the gene of interest is stably integrated in the nuclear genome of the untransformed cells to produce the transgenic cells. The transgenic plant cells are recovered from the culture.

Abstract: A combination of DNA sequences is described which, in transgenic plant cells and plants, results in the formation of a modified starch which differs from starch synthesized naturally in the cells, especially in respect of its degree of branching and its phosphate content. A process for the production of genetically modified plants which are modified in respect of the physical and chemical properties of the synthesized starch due to the expression of artificially introduced DNA sequences, the plants obtainable by this process, and the modified starch obtainable from these plants, are also described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the identification and isolation of a promoter region from a raspberry genome. The promoter is operably linked, in a native raspberry genome, to the coding region of a raspberry E4 gene. The raspberry E4 gene promoter of the invention is capable of regulating moderate level, constitutive expression of a heterologous plant gene under its control. The invention is further directed to chimeric genes, cassette vectors, kits, transgenic plants, and methods employing a raspberry E4 promoter.

Abstract: Inactivation of the cytokinin autonomy gene of T-DNA in broad host range Ti plasmid produces mutant T-DNA vectors suitable for insertion of foreign genes; insertion of the mutant T-DNA by an in vitro tissue culture technique or any other technique into plant cells produces genetically engineered plant cells that can be regenerated into complete plants with roots. The inactivation of the cytokinin autonomy gene disarms the Ti plasmid and produces a useful gene vector for higher plants. The inactivation of the cytokinin gene may be accomplished by techniques such as point mutation, inversion, deletion, transposition, substitution or insertion.

Abstract: The present invention discloses functional and selectable micro-Ti plasmids. The hygromycin phosphotransferase (aphIV) gene from Escherichia coli was inserted between the 5' promoter and associated amino terminal region-encoding sequence of an octopine synthetase gene and the 3' terminator signal sequence of a nopaline synthetase gene. These constructs were assembled between T-DNA border fragments in a broad-host-range vector and used to create antibiotic-resistant plant cells.

Abstract: NIa protease genes of papaya ringspot virus strains FLA83 and USA P-type (HA-attenuated strain) are provided.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the efficient transformation of duckweed are provided. Preferably, the methods involve transformation by either ballistic bombardment or Agrobacterium. In this manner, any gene or nucleic acid of interest can be introduced and expressed in duckweed plants. Transformed duckweed plants, cells, tissues are also provided. Transformed duckweed plant tissue culture and methods of producing recombinant proteins and peptides from transformed duckweed plants are also disclosed.

Abstract: A promoter derived from an SHH gene, especially the SHH gene of Arabidopsis thaliana which is capable of directing expression on a variety of operator genes in both monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants. The promoter of the invention may be used for directing expression of pathogen resistance genes to disease or wound sites.

Abstract: A method of producing transformed Gramineae comprising making a wound in a seedling in an area of the seedling containing rapidly dividing cells and inoculating the wound with vir.sup.+ Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Also, this same method wherein the vir.sup.+ A. tumefaciens contains a vector comprising genetically-engineered T-DNA. There are further provided a transformed pollen grain of a Gramineae, a pollen grain of a Gramineae produced by a plant grown from a seedling infected with vir.sup.+ A. tumefaciens, a pollen grain of a Gramineae produced by a plant grown from a seedling infected with vir.sup.+ A. tumefaciens containing a vector comprising genetically-engineered T-DNA, a pollen grain of a Gramineae whose cells contain a segment of T-DNA, and Gramineae derived from each of these pollen grains. There are also provided a transformed Gramineae plant, a transformed Gramineae plant derived from a seedling infected with vir.sup.

Abstract: Nematode-resistant transgenic plants are disclosed. The plants comprise plant cells containing a DNA construct comprising a transcription cassette, which construct comprises, in the 5' to 3' direction, a promoter operable in the plant cells, and a DNA comprising at least a portion of a DNA sequence encoding a nematode-inducible transmembrane pore protein in either the sense or antisense orientation. Intermediates for producing the same along with methods of making and using the same are also disclosed. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the sense or antisense DNA is replaced with a DNA encoding an enzymatic RNA molecule directed against the mRNA transcript of a DNA sequence encoding a nematode-inducible transmembrane pore protein.

Abstract: NIb replicase gene of papaya ringspot virus replicase strain FLA.83 W is provided.

Abstract: Protocols for ogranogenic regeneration of cotton and kenaf are provided, which makes the in vitro regeneration of mature fertile plants in a reduced amount of time possible. Seedlings are the basis for monocotyl or hypocotyl explants which are transferred from the germination medium to a shoot initiation medium which comprises AgNO.sub.3. These explants, prior to shoot initiation, may be transformed with exogenous DNA either through inoculation with a Agrobacterium agent such as A. tumefaciens, or through biolistic bombardment of the explants with microprojectiles having the exogenous DNA adsorbed onto their surface.

Abstract: Chimeric genes encoding antifungal chitin binding proteins (antifungal CBPs) with very low chitinase activity (10% or less than that of the class-I chitinases from tobacco). Also substantially pure DNA sequences encoding antifungal CBP are provided for the obtention of transgenic plants producing antifungal CBP. Plants expressing an antifungal CBP gene, optionally in combination with a plant expressible glucanase gene, show reduced susceptibility to fungi.

Abstract: Transgenic plants which express cellulose-degrading enzymes, methods to make the transgenic plants, and methods to use the cellulose-degrading enzymes produced by the transgenic plants are disclosed.

Abstract: The maize gene dull1 (du1) of the present invention is a determinant of the structure of endosperm starch. Mutations of du1 affect the activity of at least two enzymes involved in starch biosynthesis, namely the starch synthase, SSII, and the starch branching enzyme, SBEIIa. Du1 codes for a predicted 1674 residue protein, and is expressed with a unique temporal pattern in endosperm but is undetectable in leaf or root. The size of the Du1 product and its expression pattern match precisely the known characteristics of maize SSII. The Du1 product contains two different repeated regions in its unique amino terminus, one of which is identical to a conserved segment of the starch debranching enzymes. The cDNA provided for in the present invention encodes SSII, and mutations within this gene affect multiple aspects of starch biogenesis by disrupting an enzyme complex containing starch synthase(s), starch branching enzyme(s), and possibly starch debranching enzyme(s).

Abstract: Compositions and methods for controlling pests, particularly insect pests, are provided. The compositions comprise proteins isolated from plants of the genus Pentaclethra which exhibit trypsin inhibiting activity. Nucleotide sequences encoding the proteins are also provided. Such sequences find use in transforming organisms for control of pests.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the regulation of lignin composition in plant tissue. Plants are transformed with a gene encoding an active F5H gene. The expression of the F5H gene results in increased levels of syringyl monomer providing a lignin composition more easily degraded with chemicals and enzymes.

Abstract: Regulatory regions from genes expressed during a particular developmental stage or in a specific tissue are identified employing cDNA screening. The resulting regulatory regions are manipulated for use with foreign sequences for introduction into plant cells to provide transformed plants having phenotypic property which can be modulated. The invention is exemplified with light, seed and fruit-specific promoters.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a vector for transferring heterologous DNA into a plant cell. The vector is based on the bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) vector designed for the construction of genomic libraries with large DNA inserts, and the binary (BIN) vector designed for Agrobacterium-mediated plant transformation. The BIBAC vector according to the subject invention allows the construction of plant genomic libraries with large DNA inserts that can be directly introduced into plants by transformation mediated by Agrobacterium.

Abstract: An expression vector comprising a promoter capable of directing expression of a coding sequence in an angiosperm cell, and a 3' untranslated region of a rice .alpha.-amylase gene, wherein, after the coding sequence is inserted into the vector, the 3' untranslated region and the coding sequence are transcribed into a single mRNA. Also featured are methods of producing a polypeptide in angiosperm cells using such a vector.

Abstract: A method of transforming and regenerating soybean plants relies on selection of hypocotyl explants as the target material. Hypocotyl explants can be transformed either by microparticle bombardment with DNA-coated microparticles of inert metals, or by co-culturing with an Agrobacterium strain. The transformed explants can be successfully regenerated, using a protocol including culturing on a shoot induction medium, followed by transfer to a shoot elongation medium to form rooted plantlets, which are transplanted to soil.

Abstract: A method to select and identify transformed plant cells by expressing a chimeric gene encoding an aminoglycoside-6'-N-acetyltransferase in the plant cells in the presence of an aminoglycoside antibiotic.

Abstract: The present invention relates to genetic-engineering of plants for enhanced oxygen assimilation and utilization. More particularly, this invention relates to producing transgenic plants engineered to express oxygen-binding proteins such as, for example, hemoglobin, myoglobin, and hemoproteins. The engineered plants of the invention achieve quicker germination, are faster growing or maturing crops, produce higher crop yields, and/or contain higher levels of desired plant metabolites, particularly alkaloids.

Abstract: The preparation and use of nucleic acid fragments encoding acyl-acyl carrier protein thioesterase enzymes to modify plant lipid composition are disclosed. Also disclosed are chimeric genes incorporating such nucleic acid fragments and suitable regulatory sequences may be used to create transgenic plants with altered levels of saturated fatty acids.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for the genetic transformation of pineapple plant tissue with Agrobacterium. The present invention also provides for the regeneration of intact pineapple plants from the transformed tissue.

Abstract: Transgenic monocotyledonous plants are produced by inserting a foreign genetic material directly into a node segment of a stem of a plant and thereafter subjecting the node segment to conditions sufficient to permit regeneration of the node segment into a plantlet. Preferably, the genetic material is inserted by biolistic transformation, Agrobacterium, or direct DNA uptake mediated by electroporation. The process is especially useful for producing transgenic ryegrasses, fescues and turfgrasses, such as St. Augustinegrass, creeping bentgrass, Kentucky bluegrass, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method for the induction of resistance in a plant host to a RNA or DNA virus pathogenic to the plant which comprises isolating a fragment of viral RNA or DNA associated with the replicase portion of the virus genome, specifically a portion that does not involve a read-through portion of the gene, and integrating a DNA copy of the isolated fragment or a portion thereof into the genome of a recipient plant in such a manner that the plant becomes transformed with the inserted fragment.

Abstract: A medium is disclosed that supports pollen germination and pollen tube growth in the presence of Agrobacterium, the medium comprising agarose, sucrose, NO.sub.3, MnSO.sub.4, H.sub.3 BO.sub.3, MgSO.sub.4 and gibberellic acid. A method is disclosed for the genetic transformation of plants and lines by a pollen-based Agrobacterium-mediated transformation.

Abstract: Disarmed A. tumefaciencs strain KYRT1, derived from a highly tumorigenic strain identified as A. tumefaciens strain Chry5. Disarming is accomplished by inactivation of plasmid pTiChry5 T-DNA sequences by, for example, deletion of sequences comprising the T-DNA right border. Methods of making transgenic plants using the novel A. tumefaciens strains are also provided.

Abstract: A method for making a genetically modified plant comprising regenerating a whole plant from a plant cell that has been transfected with DNA sequences comprising a first gene whose expression results in an altered plant phenotype linked to a transiently active promoter, the gene and promoter being separated by a blocking sequence flanked on either side by specific excision sequences, a second gene that encodes a recombinase specific for the specific excision sequences linked to a repressible promoter, and a third gene that encodes the repressor specific for the repressible promoter.

Abstract: Hybrid nucleic acid sequences including at least the coding region of an unedited mitochondrial gene of superior plants and controlling the male fertility of plants containing said sequences, transgenic plants having such sequences and methods of production of transgenic male-sterile plants and method of restoring male-fertile plants. The nuclei of the transgenic plants contain a hybrid sequence capable of being expressed (transgene), comprising at least one coding region of an unedited mitochondrial gene of superior plants and a sequence capable of transferring the protein expressed by said coding region, to the mitochondrion, said hybrid sequence being capable of modifying the male fertility of plants having incorporated said transgene, while leaving the other phenotype characteristics of said plants unaltered.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for regulating vacuolar pH. Isolated DNA constructs comprising sequences substantially identical to a Ph gene are provided. The methods typically involve introducing the construct into a plant, whereby vacuolar pH is modified in the transgenic plant.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to DNA sequences that from Cuphea lanceolata code for a middle chain-specific acyl-?ACP!-thioesterase, and alleles and derivatives of these DNA sequences. The present invention also is directed to process for producing plants, parts of plants or plant products that contain these DNA sequences, alleles or derivative of these DNA sequences, where the plants, parts of plants or plant products produce fatty acids of middle chain length.