Abstract: Method of production of recombinant sucrose synthase, use thereof in the manufacture of kits for determination of sucrose, production of ADPglucose and production of transgenic plants whose leaves and storage organs accumulate high contents of ADPglucose and starch A method is described for efficient production of large quantities of soluble recombinant SS in its active form, by expression of the gene that encodes SS in a strain of Escherichia coli. The expression vector used means that the recombinant SS produced possesses a histidine tail which facilitates its quick purification. In addition it describes sequences of mutated versions of the gene of SS that encode isoforms of SS suitable for the production of ADPG. Making use of the “wild-type” and “mutated” versions of recombinant SS, an efficient method is described for production of ADPG and UDPG. It also describes the use of SS for the production of assay kits for the determination of sucrose.

Abstract: The present invention discloses transgenic plants having an altered level of NAP protein compared to that of a non-transgenic plant, where the transgenic plants display an altered leaf senescence phenotype relative to a non-transgenic plant, as well as mutant plants comprising an inactivated NAP gene, where mutant plants display a delayed leaf senescence phenotype compared to that of a non-mutant plant. The present invention also discloses methods for delaying leaf senescence in a plant, as well as methods of making a mutant plant having a decreased level of NAP protein compared to that of a non-mutant plant, where the mutant plant displays a delayed leaf senescence phenotype relative to a non-mutant plant. Methods for causing precocious leaf senescence or promoting leaf senescence in a plant are also disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of identifying a candidate plant suitable for breeding that displays a delayed leaf senescence and/or enhanced yield phenotype.

Abstract: A transgenic plant transformed by a transcription factor stress-related protein (TFSRP) coding nucleic acid, wherein expression of the nucleic acid sequence in the plant results in increased tolerance to environmental stress as compared to a wild type variety of the plant. Also provided are agricultural products, including seeds, produced by the transgenic plants. Also provided are isolated TFSRP, and isolated nucleic acid coding TFSRP, and vectors and host cells containing the latter. Further provided are methods of producing transgenic plants expressing TFSRP, methods of increasing expression of other genes of interest using the TFSRP, methods of identifying novel TFSRP, and methods of modifying the expression of TFSRP in plants.

Abstract: A process of producing one or more than one protein of interest, comprising: (a) providing a plant or plant cells comprising a first heterologous nucleotide sequence comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding an RNA replicon, and a first inducible promoter operably linked to said nucleotide sequence encoding said RNA replicon; said RNA replicon not encoding a protein providing for cell-to-cell movement of said RNA replicon in said plant; said RNA replicon encoding a polymerase and said one or more than one protein of interest, said polymerase being adapted for replicating said RNA replicon; and (b) inducing, in said plant or plant cells of step (a), said inducible promoter, thereby producing said one or more than one protein of interest in said plant or plant cells.

Abstract: The invention provides several promoters isolated from Oryza sativa, which promoters are capable of driving and/or regulating the expression of an operably linked nucleic acid in a plant. The expression patterns of the promoters according to the invention have been studied in Oryza sativa and some of the promoters displayed specific activity in particular cells, tissues or organs of the plant, while others displayed constitutive expression throughout substantially the whole plant. Some promoters showed weak expression, while others were strongly active.

Abstract: Genetic mechanisms for mitigating the effects of introgression of a genetically engineered genetic trait of a cultivated crop to an undesirable, interbreeding related species.

Abstract: The invention provides plant gene promoters and regulatory elements that are root-specific and/or induced by parasitic nematodes. The promoters of the invention are useful for controlling expression of nucleic acids of interest in plants roots.

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: The subject invention concerns materials and methods for providing plants or plant tissue with increased resistance to heat conditions. Increased resistance of a plant or plant tissue to heat conditions provides for decreased yield losses generally observed at elevated temperatures. One aspect of the invention concerns polynucleotides that encode a mutant plant small subunit of AGPase. The subject invention also comprises a mutant plant small subunit of AGPase encoded by a polynucleotide of the invention. The subject invention also concerns plants comprising a polynucleotide of the invention and method for making the plants.

Abstract: A method of modifying morphology in a plant by introducing into a plant at least one chimaeric gene having a promoter sequence operably associated with a nucleic acid sequence, the promoter sequence being operable to direct expression in specific cells of the plant and the nucleic acid sequence encoding at least one gene product capable of altering the metabolism of or causing death of the specific cells and/or nearby cells. In particular, the promoter sequence is operable to direct expression in lateral bud or lateral shoot and the nucleic acid encoding at least one gene product capable of disrupting the metabolism of or causing the death of the lateral bud or lateral shoot or nearby cells. Preferably the promoter sequence has the sequence shown as SEQ ID No. 1 or SEQ ID No. 7 or SEQ ID No. 4, or a part thereof capable of regulating expression of a gene, or a sequence having at least 60%, preferably at least 75%, homology to SEQ ID No. 1 or SEQ ID No. 7 and being capable of regulating expression of a gene.

Abstract: The present invention provides thermostable polypeptides related to Arabidopsis Rubisco Activase polypeptides. Nucleic acids encoding the polypeptides of the invention are also provided. Methods for using the polypeptides and nuclei acids of the invention to enhance resistance of plants to heat stress are encompassed.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for modifying the growth characteristics of a plant relative to corresponding wild type plants, comprising modifying expression in a plant of a seedy1 nucleic acid and/or modifying the level and/or activity in a plant of a seedy1 protein. The invention also concerns novel constructs and novel seedy1 nucleic acid and protein sequences.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transgenic plant comprising one or more plant cells transformed with exogenous nucleic acid encoding a Dunaliella salt-inducible or salt-responsive protein selected from the group consisting of elongation initiation factor 3 (eIF3), NADPH dependent quinone reductase (QOR), aldo-keto reductase (AKR), bifunctional aspartate kinase-homoserine reductase (AK-HSD) and mitochondrial import membrane translocase subunit (TIM9), or a fragment, homolog or variant thereof. The transgenic plant has increased tolerance to salt as compared to a corresponding non-transgenic plant.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to transformed plant cells and plants comprising an inactivated or down-regulated gene resulting in increased tolerance and/or resistance to environmental stress as compared to non-transformed wild type cells and methods of producing such plant cells or plants. This invention further relates generally to transformed plant cells with increased tolerance and/or resistance to an environmental stress as compared to a corresponding non-transformed wild type plant cell, methods of producing, screening for and breeding such plant cells or plants and method of detecting stress in plants cells or plants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolation and characterization of a cDNA corresponding to Na+/H+ antiporter gene from Porteresia coarctata, the deduced protein of the said gene and its promoter region capable of conferring tolerance to abiotic stress in plants. The present invention also relates to cloning the complete cDNA sequence corresponding to Na+/H+ antiporter gene from Porteresia coarctata. The present invention also relates to isolating the promoter for Na+/H+ antiporter gene from Porteresia coarctata. The invention further provides a method for producing abiotic stress tolerant transgenic plants. Further, the invention relates to salt tolerant transformed plants of rice over-expressing the Na+/H+ antiporter gene from Porteresia coarctata.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for reducing the level of nornicotine and N?-nitrosonornicotine (NNN) in Nicotiana plants and plant parts thereof are provided. The compositions comprise isolated polynucleotides and polypeptides for cytochrome P450s that are involved in the metabolic conversion of nicotine to nornicotine in these plants. Expression cassettes, vectors, plants, and plant parts thereof comprising inhibitory sequences that target expression or function of the disclosed cytochrome P450 polypeptides are also provided. Methods for the use of these novel sequences to inhibit expression or function of cytochrome P450 polypeptides involved in this metabolic conversion are also provided. The methods find use in the production of tobacco products that have reduced levels of nornicotine and its carcinogenic metabolite, NNN, and thus reduced carcinogenic potential for individuals consuming these tobacco products or exposed to secondary smoke derived from these products.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the expression of transgenes in monocot plants including maize are disclosed. In the invention, gene silencing is avoided by use of monocot-homeologous sequences from plants of the genus Coix for transformation. Included in these transgene sequences are Coix promoters, enhancers, coding sequences and terminators. Suitable alternatives to maize-derived transgenes are desirable for expression in maize in that homology-based gene silencing can limit or effectively eliminate transgene expression.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a modified Agrobacterium to deliver proteins directly to plant cells. Proteins of interest are delivered to the plant host in the form of a fusion protein with the Agrobacterium virulence protein VirF. Nucleotide sequences encoding such fusion proteins of VirF and a protein of interest are provided. Also provided are bacteria modified to comprise such fusion proteins of VirF and a protein of interest. Methods of introducing such fusion proteins into a plant host are provided. The invention finds use in facilitating plant transformation and particularly in the bio-engineering of desirable traits into crop plants.

Abstract: The present invention provides transgenic plants which after harvest degrade the lignin and cellulose therein to fermentable sugars which can further be fermented to ethanol or other products. In particular, the transgenic plants comprise ligninase and cellulase genes from microbes operably linked to a DNA encoding a signal peptide which targets the fusion polypeptide produced therefrom to an organelle of the plant, in particular the chloroplasts. When the transgenic plants are harvested, the plants are ground to release the ligninase and cellulase which then degrade the lignin and cellulose of the transgenic plants to produce the fermentable sugars.

Abstract: The present invention provides polynucleotide molecules isolated from Zea mays and Oryza sativa and useful for expressing transgenes in plants. The present invention also provides expression constructs containing the polynucleotide molecules useful for expressing transgenes in plants. The present invention also provides transgenic plants and seeds containing the polynucleotide molecules useful for expressing transgenes in plants.

Abstract: A transgenic plant transformed by a Protein Kinase Stress-Related Protein (PKSRP) coding nucleic acid, wherein expression of the nucleic acid sequence in the plant results in increased tolerance to environmental stress as compared to a wild type variety of the plant. Also provided are agricultural products, including seeds, produced by the transgenic plants. Also provided are isolated PKSRPs, and isolated nucleic acid coding PKSRPs, and vectors and host cells containing the latter.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for regulating expression of nucleotide sequences in a plant. Compositions comprise novel polypeptides involved in modulating gene expression in response to abiotic stress such as cold or drought, and the polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. Methods for expressing the polynucleotides in a plant and improving cold and/or drought tolerance of plants are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides eukaryotic translation initiation factor non-coding regulatory element polynucleotide molecules isolated from Nicotiana tabacum, Arabidopsis thaliana, and Medicago truncatula useful for modulating transgene expression in plants. The present invention also provides expression constructs containing the polynucleotide molecules useful for modulating transgene expression in plants. The present invention also provides transgenic plants and seeds containing the polynucleotide molecules useful for modulating transgene expression in plants.

Abstract: The invention provides nucleic acids, and variants and fragments thereof, obtained from strains of Bacillus thuringiensis encoding polypeptides having pesticidal activity against insect pests, including Coleoptera. Particular embodiments of the invention provide isolated nucleic acids encoding pesticidal proteins, pesticidal compositions, DNA constructs, and transformed microorganisms and plants comprising a nucleic acid of the embodiments. These compositions find use in methods for controlling pests, especially plant pests.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to promoter sequences and promoter control elements, polynucleotide constructs comprising the promoters and control elements, and methods of identifying the promoters, control elements, or fragments thereof. The invention further relates to the use of the present promoters or promoter control elements to modulate transcript levels.

Abstract: The invention provides nucleic acids, and variants and fragments thereof, obtained from strains of Bacillus thuringiensis encoding polypeptides having pesticidal activity against insect pests, including Coleoptera. Particular embodiments of the invention provide isolated nucleic acids encoding pesticidal proteins, pesticidal compositions, DNA constructs, and transformed microorganisms and plants comprising a nucleic acid of the embodiments. These compositions find use in methods for controlling pests, especially plant pests.

Abstract: The invention provides nucleic acids, and variants and fragments thereof, obtained from strains of Bacillus thuringiensis encoding polypeptides having pesticidal activity against insect pests, including Coleoptera. Particular embodiments of the invention provide isolated nucleic acids encoding pesticidal proteins, pesticidal compositions, DNA constructs, and transformed microorganisms and plants comprising a nucleic acid of the embodiments. These compositions find use in methods for controlling pests, especially plant pests.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleic acid molecules isolated from Zea mays and Oryza sativa and useful for expressing transgenes in plants. The present invention also provides expression constructs containing the nucleic acid molecules useful for expressing transgenes in plants. The present invention also provides transgenic plants and seeds containing the nucleic acid molecules useful for expressing transgenes in plants.

Abstract: The invention provides nucleic acids, and variants and fragments thereof, obtained from strains of Bacillus thuringiensis encoding polypeptides having pesticidal activity against insect pests, including Coleoptera. Particular embodiments of the invention provide isolated nucleic acids encoding pesticidal proteins, pesticidal compositions, DNA constructs, and transformed microorganisms and plants comprising a nucleic acid of the embodiments. These compositions find use in methods for controlling pests, especially plant pests.

Abstract: The invention provides nucleic acids, and variants and fragments thereof, obtained from strains of Bacillus thuringiensis encoding polypeptides having pesticidal activity against insect pests, including Coleoptera. Particular embodiments of the invention provide isolated nucleic acids encoding pesticidal proteins, pesticidal compositions, DNA constructs, and transformed microorganisms and plants comprising a nucleic acid of the embodiments. These compositions find use in methods for controlling pests, especially plant pests.

Abstract: This invention relates to an isolated isoflavone synthase 1 (IFS1) promoter nucleic acid fragment. The invention also relates to the construction of chimeric genes comprising all or a portion of the IFS1 promoter directing the expression of transgenes, in sense or antisense orientation.

Abstract: Disclosed are proteins, and nucleic acids encoding such proteins, involved in or associated with cell proliferation, senesence, differentiation, development, and stress response in plants. Also disclosed are uses for such proteins.

Abstract: Disclosed are proteins, and nucleic acids encoding such proteins, involved in or associated with the stress response (both biotic and abiotic stress) in plants. Also disclosed are uses for such proteins.

Abstract: The present invention provides non-coding regulatory element polynucleotide molecules isolated from the lipid transfer protein (LTP) gene of Oryza sativa and useful for expressing transgenes in plants. The invention further discloses compositions, polynucleotide constructs, transformed host cells, transgenic plants and seeds containing the Oryza sativa regulatory polynucleotide sequences, and methods for preparing and using the same.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to polynucleotide molecules for regulating gene expression in plants. In particular, the present invention relates to promoters isolated from Brassica napus that are useful for regulating gene expression of heterologous polynucleotide molecules in plants. The present invention also relates to expression constructs and transgenic plants containing the heterologous polynucleotide molecules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nitrogen-regulated GATA transcription factor gene required for sugar sensing and the modulation of the expression of this gene to modulate a characteristic in a plant. The GATA transcription factor of the present invention is involved in regulating sugar sensing in plants and its expression is influenced by nitrogen status. Increased expression of this or substantially similar genes can produce plants with improved nitrogen utilization and increased yield.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of herbicide treatment of selected female and male parents in a hybrid seed production system. The system results in enhanced trait purity and efficiency in the hybrid seed production system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising acyltransferase nucleic acid molecules for altering lipids on the surface of plants, and related methods. In particular, the present invention provides compositions and methods for increasing the amount of free fatty acids, acylglycerols, and other lipids on the surface of a plant. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to increasing activity of a GPAT acyltransferase for altering lipid on the plant surface, for increasing surface lipids, for enhancing environmental stress tolerance, increasing resistance to biotic stress, and providing novel plant lipids for commercial products. In further embodiments, the present invention relates to using an Arabidopsis thaliana GPAT acyltransferase for altering lipid compounds on the surface of a plant.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel RacB cDNA sequences from barley and to expression cassettes and vectors comprising these promoter sequences. The invention furthermore relates to transgenic plants transformed with these expression cassettes or vectors, to cultures, parts or transgenic propagation material derived from them, and to their use for the production of foodstuffs, feeding stuffs, seed, pharmaceuticals or fine chemicals. The invention furthermore relates to methods of generating or increasing a pathogen resistance in plants by reducing the expression of an RacB protein or of a functional equivalent thereof.

Abstract: A method of reducing the content of nitrite and/or nitrosamine in tobacco leaves, having treating the tobacco leaves with a microorganism belonging to Agrobacterium genus and having the denitrifying ability.

Abstract: The invention relates to enzymes having xylanase, mannanase and/or glucanase activity, e.g., catalyzing hydrolysis of internal ?-1,4-xylosidic linkages or endo-?-1,4-ghicanase linkages; and/or degrading a linear polysaccharide beta-1,4-xylan into xylose. Thus, the invention provides methods and processes for breaking down hemicellulose, which is a major component of the cell wall of plants, including methods and processes for hydrolyzing hemicelluloses in any plant or wood or wood product, wood waste, paper pulp, paper product or paper waste or byproduct. In addition, methods of designing new xylanases, mannanases and/or glucanases and methods of use thereof are also provided. The xylanases, mannanases and/or glucanases have increased activity and stability at increased pH and temperature.

Abstract: A nucleotide sequence comprising a nucleotide sequence having at least about 90% homology to the sequence of SEQ ID NO:9 or SEQ ID NO:10. Nucleotide sequences interest operatively linked to nucleotide sequence having at least about 90% homology to the sequence of SEQ ID NO:9 or SEQ ID NO:10 are disclosed. Vectors, methods of regulating target expression, methods of providing a cells, plants, and seeds comprising the nucleotide sequence are also disclosed.

Abstract: Genetically modified plants able to accumulate heavy metals in shoots and methods of removing and possibly recovering said heavy metals, using said genetically modified plants. Said genetically modified plants include more than one copy of at least a sequence encoding a P1B-type ATPase of the Zn<2+>/Co<2+>/Cd<2+>/Pb<2+> subclass and that they overexpress said P1B-type ATPase.

Abstract: A transgenic plant transformed by a transcription factor stress-related protein (TFSRP) coding nucleic acid, wherein expression of the nucleic acid sequence in the plant results in increased tolerance to environmental stress as compared to a wild type variety of the plant. Also provided are agricultural products, including seeds, produced by the transgenic plants. Also provided are isolated TFSRP, and isolated nucleic acid coding TFSRP, and vectors and host cells containing the latter. Further provided are methods of producing transgenic plants expressing TFSRP, methods of increasing expression of other genes of interest using the TFSRP, methods of identifying novel TFSRP, and methods of modifying the expression of TFSRP in plants.

Abstract: A transgenic plant transformed by a GTP Binding Stress-Related Protein (GBSRP) coding nucleic acid, wherein expression of the nucleic acid sequence in the plant results in increased tolerance to environmental stress as compared to a wild type variety of the plant. Also provided are agricultural products, including seeds, produced by the transgenic plants. Also provided are isolated GBSRPs, and isolated nucleic acid coding GBSRPs, and vectors and host cells containing the latter.

Abstract: The present invention provides non-coding regulatory element polynucleotide molecules isolated from the transcription factor Nuclear Factor B (NFB2) gene of Zea mays and useful for expressing transgenes in plants. The invention further discloses compositions, polynucleotide constructs, transformed host cells, transgenic plants and seeds containing the Zea mays NFB2 regulatory polynucleotide sequences, and methods for preparing and using the same.

Abstract: Isolated nucleic acid molecules that confer resistance to the plant pathogen Xanthomonas campestris are provided. These molecules may be introduced into plants that are otherwise susceptible to infection by this bacterium in order to enhance the resistance of the plant to this plant pathogen. Additionally provided are isolated polypeptides and isolated nucleic acid molecules comprising plant promoters. Methods of using the nucleic acid molecules to increase the resistance of plants to pathogens and to express genes of interest in plants are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and DNA molecules useful for producing transgenic plants with agronomically desired traits based on altered sizes of plant organs and tissues.

Abstract: A method for preparing a transgenic plant for producing polyglutamic acid and a transgenic method prepared by this method are provided. The method of the present invention comprises introducing a nucleic acid encoding the polyglutamic acid synthase A (pgsA), a nucleic acid encoding the polyglutamic acid synthase B (pgsB) and a nucleic acid encoding the polyglutamic acid synthase C (pgsC) into a plant.