Abstract: The present invention relates to an isolated nucleic acid sequence from a soybean plant (Glycine max) encoding an ethylene receptor polypeptide. The present invention also relates to methods for reducing an ethylene-induced abscission of reproductive structures by producing a transformed plant containing a modified ethylene receptor gene. The transformed plants herein produced demonstrate yield enhancement at their maturity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to DNA constructs which include DNA molecules which affect papaya fruit ripening and DNA molecules which encode papaya ringspot virus coat protein. The present invention further relates to a method of controlling papaya fruit ripening while conferring resistance to Papaya Ringspot Virus by transforming plants with the DNA construct. The present invention also relates to expression systems, host cells, and transgenic plants containing the DNA constructs of the invention.

Abstract: An oligonucleotide encoding a plant gene capable of controlling ethylene synthesis, comprising an oligonucleotide encoding an amino acid sequence from position 1 (Met) to 405 (Gln) of SEQ ID NO. 2 in SEQUENCE LISTING, or an oligonucleotide encoding a second amino acid sequence having one or several amino acid deletions, substitutions, or additions in the amino acid sequence.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the identification and cloning of functional plant centromeres in Arabidopsis. This will permit construction of stably inherited plant artificial chromosomes (PLACs) which can serve as vectors for the construction of transgenic plant and animal cells. In addition, information on the structure and function of these regions will prove valuable in isolating additional centromeric and centromere related genetic elements and polypeptides from other species.

Abstract: New ACC synthase genes from pineapple, papaya and mango are disclosed which have utility as targets for the generation of transgenic plants in which the expression of ACC synthase is substantially controlled to effect the regulation of plant development, and in particular, fruit ripening.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns materials and methods for controlling agricultural traits in plants that are mediated by the plant hormone ethylene. One aspect of the invention concerns a polynucleotide that comprises a sequence encoding a mutant ethylene receptor that is operably linked to a regulatory sequence that drives expression of the mutant receptor in a tissue-specific manner. In an exemplified embodiment, the mutant receptor sequence is an etr1-1 sequence, or a functional fragment or variant thereof, and the regulatory sequence is a promoter sequence from a cotton chitinase gene that can promote expression of the mutant ethylene receptor in abscission zone tissue of a plant. The subject invention also concerns plants and plant tissue transformed with the polynucleotide of the subject invention. Plants expressing the polynucleotide of the subject invention do not drop their flowers in response to exposure to ethylene.

Abstract: Promoter sequences identified in the genomic clone of PHSacc49 provide technology by which expression of a sense or antisense genes may be driven in transgenic plants. Sense and introduced antisense genes expression can be regulated by the same endogenous promoter to the same extent. Moreover, as a promoter native to geranium, its activity will be influenced by endogenous and exogenous signals in the same fashion and regulation of ethylene levels in plants would represent a condition that is natural to the plant.

Abstract: The invention establishes that coffee fruit ripening is climacteric. The invention further provides techniques to isolate substantially pure RNA from coffee fruit even though the fruit contains high levels of phenolic compounds and carbohydrate which would otherwise interfere with obtaining clean RNA preparations from this tissue. The invention provides purified proteins, nucleic acid sequences that code on expression therefore and recombinant DNA molecules, including hosts transformed therewith, and methods for transforming coffee plants to suppress the expression of coffee fruit-expressed ACC synthase and/or coffee fruit-expressed ACC oxidase necessary for ethylene biosynthesis and the ripening of coffee fruit. Coffee plants are transformed with vectors containing coffee fruit-expressed ACC synthase and/or with ACC oxidase DNA sequences that code on expression for the respective RNA that is antisense or sense to the mRNA for the respective ACC synthase and/or ACC oxidase.

Abstract: This invention relates to an isolated nucleic acid fragment encoding a cyclopropane synthetase. The invention also relates to the construction of a chimeric gene encoding all or a portion of the cyclopropane synthetase, in sense or antisense orientation, wherein expression of the chimeric gene results in production of altered levels of the cyclopropane synthetase in a transformed host cell.

Abstract: The invention relates to the nucleic acid and amino acid sequences for a melon constitutive triple response (CTR1) homologue, called mCTR, vectors, cells and transgenic plants which comprise the coding sequence for mCTR or a biologically active fragment thereof and methods of producing transgenic plants which express mCTR or a biologically active fragment thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a recombinant polynucleotide comprising a promoter sequence being an inducible promoter obtainable from apple. The promoter sequence is preferably activated in response to which agents are specific to ripening fruit and is most preferably the apple &bgr;-galactosidase (ABG1) promoter. Vectors form a further part of the invention. Also provided are host plant cells, plus methods of producing transgenic plants and fruit which incorporate antisense RNA capable of down-regulating genes involved in ripening or peptides or proteins improving fungal, insect, bacterial, viral, herbicidal, nematode, or arachnid resistance. Such transgenic plants and fruit have storage and pest-resistance properties superior to non-transgenic varieties.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated and purified genes which are differentially expressed during banana fruit development, and the protein products of these genes. The present invention further provides DNA regulatory elements which are differentially expressed during banana fruit development, chimeric genes comprising these DNA regulatory elements operably linked to heterologous DNA molecules, and plants transformed with said chimeric genes, providing for controlled expression of said heterologous DNA molecules during the development and ripening of the fruit of said plants, or in response to exogenous ethylene signals in said plants. The present invention also provides a method for expression of a heterologous protein in fruit comprising transforming fruiting plants with one or more chimeric genes according to the present invention, exposing said fruit to an endogenous or exogenous ethylene signal, and harvesting fruit containing said heterologous protein.

Abstract: Nucleic acid and polypeptide sequences are described which relate to an EIN6 gene, a gene involved in the plant ethylene response. Plant transformation vectors and transgenic plants are described which display an altered ethylene-dependent phenotype due to altered expression of EIN6 in transformed plants.

Abstract: A process for commercially propagating plants by tissue culture in such a way as both to conserve desired plant morphology and to transform the plant with respect to one or more desired genes. The method includes the steps of (a) creating an Agrobacterium vector containing the gene sequence desired to be transferred to the propagated plant, preferably together with a marker gene; (b) taking one or more petiole explants from a mother plant and inoculating them with the Agrobacterium vector; (c) conducting callus formation in the petiole sections in culture, in the dark; and (d) culturing the resulting callus in growth medium containing a benzylamino growth regulator such as benzylaminopurine or, most preferably, benzylaminopurineriboside. Additional optional growth regulators including auxins and cytokinins (indole butyric acid, benzylamine, benzyladenine, benzylaminopurine, alpha naphthylacetic acid and others known in the art) may also be present.

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: Novel synthases and the corresponding nucleic acids encoding such synthases are disclosed herein. Such synthases possess an active site pocket that includes key amino acid residues that are modified to generate desired terpenoid reaction intermediates and products. Synthase modifications are designed based on, e.g., the three-dimensional coordinates of tobacco 5-epi-aristolochene synthase, with or without a substrate bound in the active site.

Abstract: Impatiens is a major ornamental bedding and potted plant, and is an important component of the U.S. floral industry. Susceptibility to insect pests and diseases caused by pathogens remains a problem for Impatiens production, even under greenhouse conditions. While chemical treatment can control certain insect pests and disease pathogens, such treatment can also have an adverse effect upon Impatiens. The methods described herein provide a means to genetically engineer transgenic Impatiens that express macromolecules capable of protecting the plant against the insects and pathogens. The production of transgenic plants can also be used to enhance the commercial value of Impatiens by controlling or enhancing native Impatiens characteristics.

Abstract: Novel synthases and the corresponding nucleic acids encoding such synthases are disclosed herein. Such synthases possess an active site pocket that includes key amino acid residues that are modified to generate desired terpenoid reaction intermediates and products. Synthase modifications are designed based on, e.g., the three-dimensional coordinates of tobacco 5-epi-aristolochene synthase with or without a substrate bound in the active site.

Abstract: Novel polypeptides and the corresponding nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides are disclosed herein. The invention provides methods of making modified polypeptides by altering one or more amino acid residues involved in the active site of a preselected polypeptide.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to melon promoters capable of promoting the expression of heterologous genes in transformed melon fruit. The invention provides melon fruit-associated promoters, heterologous nucleic acid constructs, vectors, kits, transformation methods, transgenic plant cells and transgenic plants comprising such promoters.

Abstract: The invention establishes that coffee fruit ripening is climacteric. The invention further provides techniques to isolate substantially pure RNA from coffee fruit even though the fruit contains high levels of phenolic compounds and carbohydrate which would otherwise interfere with obtaining clean RNA preparations from this tissue. The invention provides purified proteins, nucleic acid sequences that code on expression therefore and recombinant DNA molecules, including hosts transformed therewith, and methods for transforming coffee plants to suppress the expression of coffee fruit-expressed ACC synthase and/or coffee fruit-expressed ACC oxidase necessary for ethylene biosynthesis and the ripening of coffee fruit. Coffee plants are transformed with vectors containing coffee fruit-expressed ACC synthase and/or with ACC oxidase DNA sequences that code on expression for the respective RNA that is antisense or sense to the mRNA for the respective ACC synthase and/or ACC oxidase.

Abstract: Methods are provided for producing plants and seeds having altered carotenoid, fatty acid and tocopherol compositions. The methods find particular use in increasing the carotenoid levels in oilseed plants and in providing desirable high oleic acid seed oils.

Abstract: A plant is provided which contains at least one dehiscence zone (DZ)-selective chimeric gene incorporated in the nuclear genome of its cells, wherein said DZ-selective chimeric gene comprises the following operably linked DNA fragments: a) a transcribed DNA region encoding: 1) a RNA which, when produced in cells of a particular DZ of the plant, prevents, inhibits or reduces the expression in DZ cells of an endogenous gene of the plant encoding a cell wall hydrolase, particularly an endopolygalacturonase, or, 2) a protein or polypeptide, which when produced in DZ cells, kills or disables them or interferes with their normal metabolism, physiology or development; b) a plant expressible promoter which directs expression of transcribed DNA region at least in DZ cells, provided that if transcribed DNA region encodes a protein or polypeptide, or encodes an antisense RNA or ribozyme directed to a sense RNA encoded by an endogenous gene that is expressed in plant in cells other than DZ cells, plant expressible promot

Abstract: A gene which encodes an ACC synthase is identified for the rose plants, specifically Rosa (cardinal red). This gene is shown as modified to achieve a transgenic plant which resists wilting and the like as a result of reduced ethylene production. This alteration is reproduced by the transformed plant. Isolation of high quality mRNA is achieved through use and adaptation of a 2-butoxyethanol precipitation technique using large amount of initial tissue in order to achieve critical mass for precipitation.

Abstract: A method of protecting a plant against a pathogen is described, the method comprising inducing expression of a plant defensin gene by stimulating the jasmonate and/or ethylenc pathways. Also deseribed is a method of inducing expression of a plant defensin gene, a composition which is capable of inducing expression of a plant defensin gene and a method for screening compounds giving resistance-inducing activity. Preferably, the pathogen is a necrotrophic pathogen.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to amino acid sequences for ethylene insensitive, EIN loci in the ethylene response in plant systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a transgenic fruit-bearing plant having a foreign nucleotide sequence inserted into its genome which is substantially similar to a portion of the plant's fruit ripening specific lipoxygenase cDNA. Transgenic plants according to the present invention produce fruits having modified and surprisingly superior ripening characteristics, including improved quality and texture, greater firmness, longer shelf life, better packaging and storage characteristics, and improved processing characteristics. Also provided are transgenic fruits; transgenic plant cells; methods for making transgenic plants, fruits and plant cells; methods for inhibiting lipoxygenase production in plants; isolated nulceic acid sequences; and vectors comprising these isolated nucleotide sequences.

Abstract: The identification of the maize Bx1 gene involved in benzoxazinone biosynthesis activity is described. This Bx1 gene, as well as other benzoxazinone biosynthesis genes, provide valuable tools for the production of plants with enhanced expression profiles of bezoxazinone synthesis, and therefore, resistance to insect infestation.

Abstract: The invention includes transformed plants having at least one cell transformed with a modified ETR nucleic acid. Such plants have a phenotype characterized by a decrease in the response of at least one transformed plant cell to ethylene as compared to a plant not containing the transformed plant cell. Tissue and/or temporal specificity for expression of the modified ETR nucleic acid is controlled by selecting appropriate expression regulation sequences to target the location and/or time of expression of the transformed nucleic acid. The plants are made by transforming at least one plant cell with an appropriate modified ETR nucleic acid, regenerating plants from one or more of the transformed plant cells and selecting at least one plant having the desired phenotype.

Abstract: A method of modifying ethylene biosynthesis in a plant comprises inserting into the genome of the said plant a DNA sequence such as SEQ-ID-NO-1 (encoding 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid synthase (ACS)) and/or sequence SEQ-ID-NO-2 (encoding an ethylene-forming enzyme (EFE)) which modifies the activity of at least one of ACS or EFE. The method may be used to modify fruit ripening characteristics, especially in bananas.

Abstract: Methods for producing genetically modified plants, particularly woody plants, and most particularly plants of the Eucalyptus and Pinus species, involve transformation of target plant material with a desired genetic construct and regeneration of the transformed plant material using an adventitious shoot bud system. The methods provide a high transformation efficiency and substantially reduce the duration of the transformation and regeneration protocols. Stem segments of a target plant are transformed using Agrobacterium-mediated techniques, and adventitious shoot buds are regenerated from the Agrobacterium-infected stem segments. Preferred culture media, including selection media, and improved plant culture techniques are disclosed.

Abstract: Expression of genes inserted into plants by transformation is controlled by the use of a promoter selected from Aco1, Aco2 and Aco3, the sequences of which are given. The level of expression obtained by use of these promoters varies with the stage of development of the plant.

Abstract: New ACC synthase genes from pineapple are disclosed which have utility as targets for the generation of transgenic plants in which the expression of ACC synthase is substantially controlled to effect the regulation of plant development, and, in particular, initiation of natural flowering.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an expression system for anaerobic gene expression in higher plants. The expression system comprises the promoter GapC4 or a fragment or variant and a gene to be expressed. A concrete field of application of the present invention is agriculture, particularly resistance cultivation.

Abstract: A gene which encodes an ACC synthase is isolated from rose plants, specifically Rosa (cardinal red). This gene is modified for expression in transgenic plants. Isolation of high quality mRNA for gene isolation is achieved through use and adaptation of a 2-butoxyethanol precipitation technique using large amount of initial tissue in order to achieve critical mass for precipitation.

Abstract: An improved method of Agrobacterium transformation of plants, particularly Gramineae, is provided, utilizing conditions capable of inhibiting Agrobacterium-induced necrosis.

Abstract: ACC synthases of higher plants are coded by multigene families; only certain members of these families are responsible for various plant development characteristics effected by ethylene. Control of the processes in plants which are mediated by ACC synthase, such as fruit ripening, can be effected by controlling expression of the relevant ACC synthase gene. In addition, comparison of the amino acid and nucleotide sequence of the ACC synthases from cucumber and tomato provides consensus sequences that permit the design of PCR primers that permit the isolation of ACC synthases from a variety of higher plants.

Abstract: New ACC synthase genes from pineapple, papaya and mango are disclosed which have utility as targets for the generation of transgenic plants in which the expression of ACC synthase is substantially controlled to effect the regulation of plant development, and in particular, fruit ripening.

Abstract: Impatiens is a major ornamental bedding and potted plant, and is an important component of the U.S. floral industry. Susceptibility to insect pests and diseases caused by pathogens remains a problem for Impatiens production, even under greenhouse conditions. While chemical treatment can control certain insect pests and disease pathogens, such treatment can also have an adverse effect upon Impatiens. The methods described herein provide a means to genetically engineer transgenic Impatiens that express macromolecules capable of protecting the plant against the insects and pathogens. The production of transgenic plants can also be used to enhance the commercial value of Impatiens by controlling or enhancing native Impatiens characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a synthetic hybrid promoter composed of polynucleotide segments derived from the E8 and E4 gene promoters. The hybrid promoter is capable of providing high-level expression of heterologous genes, particularly in transformed fruit. DNA constructs containing the E8-E4 hybrid promoter operably linked to an exemplary heterologous SAMase gene are effective in conferring a delayed ripening phenotype to transformed fruit.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of nucleic acid sequences coding for polygalacturonase in the control of dehiscence in plants. Plants transformed with such nucleic acid sequences are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the production of transgenic pineapple-like totipotent bodies, and in particular, transgenic pineapple-like callus and transgenic pineapple-like protocorm-like bodies. Also provided by this invention are methods for the production of transgenic plants from transgenic totipotent bodies which include transgenic pineapple-like callus and protocorm-like bodies. The invention additionally provides transgenic pineapple-like plants which may be genetically engineered to exhibit resistance to pests and disease and to exhibit improved qualities. The invention further provides improved methods for the maintenance of pineapple-like protocorm-like bodies in culture. These improved methods are useful for reducing the time, cost, and labor involved in selecting stably transformed pineapple-like protocorm-like bodies.

Abstract: Polypeptide compounds and nucleotide sequences promoting resistance to eutypa dieback in plantsThe subject of the invention is a nucleotide sequence coding for an enzyme with eutypine reductase activity, capable of metabolizing the eutypine synthesized in plants by a fungus of the Eutypa lata or Libertella blepharis type.The overproduction of eutypine reductase by the plant host of the fungus enables the consequences of the presence of this fungus in plants to be attenuated or even eradicated.

Abstract: The cDNA and genomic DNA encoding the ACC oxidase of broccoli are provided along with recombinant materials containing antisense constructs of these DNA sequences to permit control of the level of ACC oxidase in and, thus, the maturation and aging of Brassica oleracea plants which allows one to influence, e.g., lengthen, the shelflife of these plants.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to nucleic acid sequences for ethylene insensitive, EIN loci and corresponding amino acid sequences.

Abstract: The present invention provides tomato plants exhibiting a delayed ripening phenotype. The plants of the invention comprise a T-DNA insert comprising a first sequence of from about nucleotide 149 to about nucleotide 1237 of a tomato Acc synthase gene and two inverted repeats of the first sequence. Integration of the T-DNA insert into the plant genome inhibits ethylene biosynthesis in the fruit.

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: The invention provides purified proteins, DNA sequences that code on expression therefore and recombinant DNA molecules, including hosts transformed therewith for transforming coffee plants to suppress the expression of enzymes necessary for ethylene synthesis. The DNA sequences and recombinant DNA molecules are characerized in that they code on expression for the enzymes ACC synthase or ACC oxidase that are elements of the pathway for ethylene biosynthesis in coffee plants. Coffee plants are transformed with vectors containing ACC synthase and/or with ACC oxidase DNA sequences that code on expression for the respective mRNA that is antisense to the mRNA for ACC synthase and/or ACC oxidase. The resulting antisense mRNA binds to the respective ACC synthase and/or ACC oxidase mRNA, thereby inactivating the mRNA encoding one or more enzymes in the pathway for ethylene synthesis. The described DNA sequences can also be used to block synthesis of ACC synthase or ACC oxidase using co-suppression.