Abstract: We have developed a versatile plant viral vector system based on Alternanthera mosaic virus (AltMV), suitable for infection by agroinfiltration or in vivo T7 transcripts from the same clone; agroinfection is enhanced by coinfiltration of a T7 RNA polymerase construct. Variants adapted for efficient protein expression, or for virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS), are based on a specific amino acid substitution (L88P) in the triple gene block 1 (TGB1) protein affecting RNA silencing suppression. A bipartite delivery system developed for AltMV delivers replicase (RdRp) functions separately from movement and encapsidation (TGB and coat protein, CP) functions by agroinfiltration, resulting in precise recombination of RdRp and TGB-CP constructs in planta. The bipartite delivery system has potential for high throughput protein expression or VIGS with the appropriate TGB1 variant, for hosts including Nicotiana benthamiana and Arabidopsis thaliana.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for obtaining a plant with increased stress resistance relative to a wild-type plant, comprising: (a) introducing at least one mutation or exogenous nucleic acid into the genome of one or more plant cells which results in reduced activity associated with SAL1 or a homologue thereof in said one or more plant cells; (b) regenerating one or more plants from said one or more plant cells; and (c) selecting one or more plants that have increased stress resistance relative to a wild-type plant.

Abstract: It is an objective to provide a method for controlling root parasitic plants. The present invention is directed to a method for protecting plants from root parasitic plants comprising regulating the activity of a protein associated with the strigolactone biosynthetic pathway (including the strigolactone biosynthetic and signalling pathway) in plants or expression of a gene encoding such a protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of plant molecular biology and agents useful in the manipulation of plant physiological or biochemical properties. More particularly, the present invention provides genetic and proteinaceous agents capable of modulating or altering the level of acidity or alkalinity in a cell, group of cells, organelle, part or reproductive portion of a plant. Genetically altered plants, plant parts, progeny, subsequent generations and reproductive material including flowers or flowering parts having cells exhibiting an altered cellular pH compared to a non-genetically altered plant are also provided.

Abstract: Isolated polynucleotides expressing or modulating microRNAs or targets of same are provided. Also provided are transgenic plants comprising same and uses thereof in improving nitrogen use efficiency, abiotic stress tolerance, biomass, vigor or yield of a plant.

Abstract: Plant metabolism and alkaloid levels can be regulated by transcription factors that regulate the nicotinic alkaloid biosynthetic pathway.

Abstract: The invention provides for compositions and methods for producing plants that have higher yield in drought conditions by manipulating the G-proteins such as the rice alpha subunit gene, RGA1.

Abstract: Nucleic acid molecules from hop (Humulus lupulus) have been isolated and characterized wherein said nucleic acid molecules encode polypeptides having aromatic prenyltransferase activity Expression or over-expression of said nucleic acid molecules alters the level of terpenophenolic compounds The polypeptides may be used in vivo or in vitro to produce terpenophenolic compounds (e g, prenylated acylphloroglucmols and prenylflavonoids) such as prenyl-PIVP, prenyl-PIBP, humulone, lupulone, desmethylxanthohumol and xanthohumol.

Abstract: In various embodiments, methods described herein comprise the use of water-soluble cationic fullerene derivatives for improving plant genetic transformation. Cationic Fullerene derivatives of the invention possess DNA binding and compaction activity and provide a new method to deliver DNA into plant cells for plant transformation. Water-soluble fullerene derivatives of the invention with anionic or non-polar substituents possess antioxidant (free radical scavenging) activity, provide improved yields and efficiency of plant transformation methods such as biolistic, Agrobacterium tumefaciens, or electroporation methods by limiting cellular damage and resulting cell death leading to higher yields of viable transformed cells in the process.

Abstract: Expressed Sequence Tags (ESTs) isolated from the Western Corn Rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, are disclosed. The invention encompasses nucleic acid molecules that encode D. v. virgifera protein homologs and fragments thereof. In addition, antibodies capable of binding the proteins are encompassed by the present invention. The disclosed ESTs have particular utility in isolating genes and promoters, identifying and mapping the genes involved in developmental and metabolic pathways, and determining gene function. The ESTs provide a unique molecular tool for the targeting and isolation of novel genes for plant protection and improvement. The invention also relates to methods of using the disclosed nucleic acid molecules, proteins, fragments of proteins, and antibodies, for example, for gene identification and analysis, and preparation of constructs.

Abstract: Methods of providing gene suppression DNA in a eukaryotic organism comprising introducing a first DNA segment and at least one second DNA segment into the genome of the organism. One of the DNA segments contains a promoter and a transcribable DNA. Another DNA segment contains at least part of the transcribable DNA. When inserted in tandem, the DNA segments are assembled in vivo forming a recombinant transcription unit. RNA transcribed from the transcription unit can form double-stranded RNA.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a gene promoter from an oil palm plant and to a genetically modified plant comprising same. The gene promoter of the present invention is useful in facilitating expression of beneficial and/or desired phenotypic characteristics in plants and in particular oil palm plant products from such plants also form part of the present invention.

Abstract: Novel compositions for use to enhance weed control. Specifically, methods and compositions that modulate dihydropteroate synthase in weed species. The present invention also provides for combinations of compositions and methods that enhance weed control.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel compositions for use to enhance weed control. Specifically, the present invention provides for methods and compositions that modulate Acetyl-CoA carboxylase in weed species. The present invention also provides for combinations of compositions and methods that enhance weed control.

Abstract: A method of introducing naked dsRNA into a seed is provided. The method comprising contacting the seed with the naked dsRNA under conditions which allow penetration of the dsRNA into the seed, thereby introducing the dsRNA into the seed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of generating or increasing a pathogen resistance in plants by reducing the expression of at least one subtilisin polypeptide or a functional equivalent thereof. The invention relates to novel nucleic acid sequences coding for a Hordeum vulgare subtilisin (HvRNR9) and Triticum aestivum subtilisin (TaRNR9) polynucleotide and describes homologous sequences (RNR9) thereof, and to their use in methods for obtaining a pathogen resistance in plants, and to nucleic acid constructs, expression cassettes and vectors which comprise these sequences and which are suitable for mediating a fungal resistance in plants. The invention furthermore relates to transgenic organisms, in particular plants, which are transformed with these expression cassettes or vectors, and to cultures, parts or transgenic propagation material derived therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention features tobacco nicotine demethylase nucleic acid and amino acid sequences, tobacco plants and plant components containing such sequences, including tobacco plants and plant components having reduced expression or altered enzymatic activity of nicotine demethylase, methods of use of nicotine demethylase sequences to create plants having altered levels of nornicotine or N?-nitrosonornicotine (“NNN”) or both relative to a control plant, as well as tobacco articles having reduced levels of nornicotine or NNN.

Abstract: The present invention features Nicotiana nucleic acid sequences such as sequences encoding constitutive, or ethylene or senescence induced polypeptides, in particular cytochrome p450 enzymes, in Nicotiana plants and methods for using these nucleic acid sequences and plants to alter desirable traits, for example by using breeding protocols.

Abstract: Isolated polynucleotides and polypeptides and recombinant DNA constructs useful for conferring drought tolerance, compositions (such as plants or seeds) comprising these recombinant DNA constructs, and methods utilizing these recombinant DNA constructs. The recombinant DNA construct comprises a polynucleotide operably linked to a promoter that is functional in a plant, wherein said polynucleotide encodes a miR827 microRNA.

Abstract: The nucleotide sequence of a 992 bp region of cDNA and the nucleotide sequence of a 1973 bp (or a 1913 bp) of genomic DNA of the Gr-cm-1 gene were determined for G. rostochiensis. PCR primers and probes specific for G. rostochiensis and G. pallida were generated. PCR assays, including a real-time TaqMan PCR were used to identify G. rostochiensis and G. pallida and to differentiate G. rostochiensis from G. pallida. Transgenic hairy roots expressing Gr-cm-1 dsRNA were generated. There was a 52% reduction in the average number of females per root in the Gr-cm-1 dsRNA transgenic lines when compared with the infected control lines.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for transforming grass plants with Agrobacterium. The invention allows creation of transgenic grass plants without the need for callus as a target tissue for transformation, thus providing a rapid method for the production of transgenic grass plants. Transgenic grass plants produced by this method are also provided.

Abstract: Plant CLAVATA3/ESR-related (CLE) peptides have diverse roles in plant growth and development. We have isolated and characterized the function of five new CLE genes from the potato cyst nematode Globodera rostochiensis. Unlike typical plant CLEs that contain a single CLE motif, four of the five Gr-CLE genes encode CLE proteins with multiple CLE motifs. These Gr-CLEs were found to be specifically expressed within the dorsal esophageal gland cell of nematode parasitic stages, suggesting a role for their encoded proteins in plant parasitism. Overexpression of Gr-CLEs in Arabidopsis mimicked overexpression of plant CLEs and Gr-CLE proteins could rescue the Arabidopsis clv3-2 mutant phenotype when expressed within meristems. A short root phenotype was observed when synthetic GrCLE peptides were exogenously applied to roots of Arabidopsis or potato similar to the overexpression of Gr-CLEs in Arabidopsis and potato hairy roots. These results reveal that G.

Abstract: A genetically modified fruit-producing plant, said plant having sufficiently reduced total Polyphenol Oxidase (PPO) activity relative to a wild type of said plant to reduce browning in the fruit of said plant relative to said wild type, wherein the reduced total PPO activity results from a reduction in activity of at least two PPO isoenzymes in said plant relative to said wild type, or a cell, seed, seedling, part, tissue, cell, fruit or progeny of said plant.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for increasing seed yield in a plant, the method comprising disruption of endogenous AHP6 gene in cells of the plant, wherein said disruption inhibits expression and/or activity of a product of said endo genus AHP6 gene compared to a corresponding control plant lacking such a disruption.

Abstract: A method to generate siRNAs in vivo is described, as are constructs and compositions useful in the method. The method does not depend on the use of DNA or synthetic constructs that contain inverted duplications or dual promoters so as to form perfect or largely double-stranded RNA. Rather, the method depends on constructs that yield single-stranded RNA transcripts, and exploits endogenous or in vivo-produced miRNAs or siRNAs to initiate production of siRNAs. The miRNAs or siRNAs guide cleavage of the transcript and set the register for production of siRNAs (usually 21 nucleotides in length) encoded adjacent to the initiation cleavage site within the construct. The method results in specific formation of siRNAs of predictable size and register (phase) relative to the initiation cleavage site. The method can be used to produce specific siRNAs in vivo for inactivation or suppression of one or more target genes or other entities, such as pathogens.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions and methods for altering the levels of seed proteins in cereal grain. The invention is directed to the alteration of seed protein levels in plant grain, resulting in grain with increased digestibility/nutrient availability, improved amino acid composition/nutritional value, increased response to feed processing, improved silage quality, and increased efficiency of wet milling.

Abstract: Provided are novel compositions for use to enhance weed control. Specifically, the present invention provides for methods and compositions that modulate Phytoene desaturase in weed species. The present invention also provides for combinations of compositions and methods that enhance weed control.

Abstract: Novel compositions for use to enhance weed control. Specifically, the present invention provides for methods and compositions that modulate protoporphyrinogen IX oxidase in weed species. The present invention also provides for combinations of compositions and methods that enhance weed control.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for transforming a plant by grafting of a rootstock and a scion, and using siRNA for initiating transcriptional gene silencing. The method for transforming a plant by grafting of a rootstock and a scion of the present invention as a means for resolution is characterized in that siRNA for initiating transcriptional gene silencing is produced in a scion, the siRNA produced in the scion is transported to a rootstock by grafting, and the rootstock is transformed by initiating transcriptional gene silencing therein.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel compositions for use to enhance weed control. Specifically, the present invention provides for methods and compositions that modulate glutamine synthetase in weed species. The present invention also provides for combinations of compositions and methods that enhance weed control.

Abstract: Isolated nucleic acid fragments comprising precursor miRNA, and artificial miRNAs and their use in down-regulating gene expression are described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a transgenic wheat cell or wheat plant, the wheat cell or wheat plant comprising a chimeric DNA molecule which encodes a dsRNA molecule which is capable of inhibiting wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV) replication, wherein the wheat cell or plant is immune to WSMV. The present invention also provides a chimeric DNA, the chimeric DNA comprising (i) a wheat expressible promoter; (ii) a region which encodes a dsRNA which is capable of inhibiting WSMV replication; and (iii) a transcription termination and polyadenylation signal.

Abstract: Isolated polynucleotides and polypeptides and recombinant DNA constructs useful for conferring drought tolerance, compositions (such as plants or seeds) comprising these recombinant DNA constructs, and methods utilizing these recombinant DNA constructs. The recombinant DNA construct comprises a polynucleotide operably linked to a promoter that is functional in a plant, wherein said polynucleotide encodes a PRE2 polypeptide.

Abstract: The invention relates to identifying and evaluating target coding sequences for control of plant parasitic nematodes by inhibiting one or more biological functions, and their use. The invention provides methods and compositions for identification of such sequences and for the control of a plant-parasitic nematode population. By feeding one or more recombinant double stranded RNA molecules provided by the invention to the nematode, a reduction in disease may be obtained through suppression of nematode gene expression. The invention is also directed to methods for making transgenic plants that express the double stranded RNA molecules, and the plant cells and plants obtained thereby.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for interfering with processes in the male meiocytes of a plant, by combining a first plant which may comprise a rootstock, which transgenically harbours a nucleic acid sequence, with a scion from a second plant grafted onto the rootstock of the said first plant, whereby the said transgenic nucleic acid sequence generates polynucleotide molecules in the rootstock of the first plant, which polynucleotide molecules are transported systemically across the graft junction to enter the male meiocytes produced by the scion of the second plant, and wherein the said systemically transported polynucleotide molecules are at least partially complementary to a transcript expressed in the male meiocytes produced by the scion of the second plant.

Abstract: DNA constructs comprising a first DNA segment that corresponds to at least a portion of a gene in the monolignol biosynthetic pathway, a spacer DNA segment, and a second DNA segment that is complementary to the first DNA segment can be used to reduce or modulate the lignin content in plants. In some embodiments, DNA constructs comprise at a least a portion of a gene for 4CL, C3H, CCR, C4H or CCoAOMT. Vascular-preferred and constitutive promoters can be used to drive expression of the constructs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for altering the concentration or composition of lignin in a plant; a method of making a mutant plant having an altered level of MTHFR protein compared to that of a nonmutant plant; plants, mutant plants, and mutant plant seeds produced by these methods; a method of identifying a candidate plant suitable for breeding that displays an altered lignin concentration or composition phenotype; a transgenic plant having an altered level of MTHFR protein capable of determining the lignin concentration or composition in a plant compared to that of a nontransgenic plant; and seed produced from a transgenic plant.

Abstract: The present invention discloses gene targets and methods for the genetic control of lipid accumulation in vegetative (non-seed) portions of plants. Enhanced lipid, e.g. triacylglycerol (TAG), accumulation in vegetative portions of plants may be obtained by down-regulation of activity of At4g24160 or a homolog thereof. Plants, plant parts, seeds comprising down-regulated AT4G24160 activity, or activity of a homolog thereof, are also provided, as well as products prepared therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new plant breeding process. The process improves the agronomic performance of crop plants by using genetic material that is also used in classical breeding. Instead of sexually recombining entire genomes at random, as is done in classical breeding, specific genetic elements are rearranged in vitro and inserted back into individual plant cells. Plants obtained through this new plant breeding process do not contain foreign nucleic acid but only contain nucleic acid from the plant species selected for transformation or plants that are sexually compatible with the selected plant species. Plants developed through this new plant breeding process are provided. In particular, potato plants displaying improved tuber storage and health characteristics are provided.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for modulating expression of gene products are provided. Compositions comprise suppression cassettes that comprise a convergent promoter pair operably linked to a silencing element that, upon expression, is capable of decreasing the expression of one or more target polynucleotides of interest. Compositions of the invention also include transformed plants, plant cells, plant tissues, and plant seeds. Methods of transformation and regeneration of plants comprising the novel constructs are provided. The methods find use in regulating gene expression, particularly genes associated with agronomic traits of interest. Further provided are promoter sequences, cells, plants, and vectors comprising these promoter sequences and methods of their use.

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

Abstract: A method to generate siRNAs in vivo is described, as are constructs and compositions useful in the method. The method does not depend on the use of DNA or synthetic constructs that contain inverted duplications or dual promoters so as to form perfect or largely double-stranded RNA. Rather, the method depends on constructs that yield single-stranded RNA transcripts, and exploits endogenous or in vivo-produced miRNAs or siRNAs to initiate production of siRNAs. The miRNAs or siRNAs guide cleavage of the transcript and set the register for production of siRNAs (usually 21 nucleotides in length) encoded adjacent to the initiation cleavage site within the construct. The method results in specific formation of siRNAs of predictable size and register (phase) relative to the initiation cleavage site. The method can be used to produce specific siRNAs in vivo for inactivation or suppression of one or more target genes or other entities, such as pathogens.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for assembling DNA molecules in a predetermined order to produce a DNA construct useful in Agrobacterium mediated transformation in plants. The method employs ligation independent cloning of separate DNA elements where one of the DNA elements contains T-DNA borders from Agrobacterium tumefaciens. The invention further provides methods for assembling a construct containing an inverted repeat. Using this approach, DNA constructs are constructed rapidly, efficiently and directionally.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for the transformation of plants from the genus Allium, and transformed plants produced according to the method. Specifically, this invention relates to direct transformation of Allium leaf tissue using Agrobacterium mediated transformation, and plants regenerated from the transformed leaf tissue. In various aspects, the invention relates to a method of obtaining a transformed Allium leaf tissue and methods of obtaining a transformed Allium plant by regenerating the transformed leaf tissue.

Abstract: Methods for treating, preventing or slowing viral spread between plants cells by suppressing expression of the bZIP60 gene and/or activity of the BZIP60 protein are provided. In another aspect, the present disclosure provides methods for delivering TGBp3 to cells to induce apoptosis, and/or to trigger pro-survival pathways.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of utilizing the pts gene and antisense ads to increase patchouli alcohol content in Artemisia annua L. plants. Using transgenic Artemisia annua L. plants, the method of the invention consistently increases the patchouli alcohol content in those plants, thus laying down a solid foundation for large-scale production of patchouli alcohol and other secondary metabolites such as terpenes other than artemisinin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of utilizing the pts gene and RNA interference of the ads gene to increase patchouli alcohol content in Artemisia annua L. plants. Using transgenic Artemisia annua L. plants, the method of the invention consistently increases the patchouli alcohol content in those plants, thus laying down a solid foundation for large-scale production of patchouli alcohol and other secondary metabolites such as terpenes other than artemisinin.

Abstract: A method to generate siRNAs in vivo is described, as are constructs and compositions useful in the method. The method does not depend on the use of DNA or synthetic constructs that contain inverted duplications or dual promoters so as to form perfect or largely double -stranded RNA. Rather, the method depends on constructs that yield single-stranded RNA transcripts, and exploits endogenous or in vivo-produced miRNAs or siRNAs to initiate production of siRNAs. The miRNAs or siRNAs guide cleavage of the transcript and set the register for production of siRNAs (usually 21 nucleotides in length) encoded adjacent to the initiation cleavage site within the construct. The method results in specific formation of siRNAs of predictable size and register (phase) relative to the initiation cleavage site. The method can be used to produce specific siRNAs in vivo for inactivation or suppression of one or more target genes or other entities, such as pathogens.

Abstract: Reducing /yso-phosphatidylcholine acyltransferase (LPCAT) activity in a plant increases seed oil content and/or fatty acid levels in the plant. Increases in the level of unusual fatty acids 16:3, 18:3 and 20:1 c11 are particularly pronounced.

Abstract: Anti-sense-oriented RNA gene suppression agents in the form of a loop of anti-sense-oriented RNA is produced in cells of transgenic organisms, e.g. plants, by transcription from a recombinant DNA construct that comprises in 5? to 3? order a promoter element operably linked to more than one anti-sense-oriented DNA element and one or more complementary DNA elements.