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 Lepidoptera. 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 Lepidoptera. 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 relates to transformed plant cells and plants having a novel nucleic acid and protein sequences from the mung bean Vigna radiata. The nucleic acid sequence, isolated from a bruchid resistant mung bean line, encodes a thionin-like protein with biocidal properties.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel plant phenotype, designated Anthocyanin 1 (ANT1), a nucleic acid sequence expressed in plants demonstrating the ANT1 phenotype and the corresponding amino acid sequence. Also provided are plant cells and plants that exhibit modified ANT1 expression.

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 disclosure relates to transgenic plants over-expressing a unique light-regulated transcription factor, Z-box binding factor involving in plant growth and development, found in plant. Overexpression of the Z-box binding factor in plant results in early flowering, lateral root development and increased tolerance to environmental and abiotic stresses compared to wild type and mutant plants. The disclosure further provides identification and functional characterization of Z-box binding factor. The disclosure also provides a method for modifying a plant's traits, such as enhanced productivity and increased tolerance to environmental and abiotic stresses.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to materials and methods for producing plants that are resistant to infection by geminiviruses and other related viruses. Methods of the invention comprise transforming a plant with a polynucleotide wherein when the polynucleotide is expressed in the plant, the transformed plant exhibits resistance to plant viral infections. Exemplified herein is the use of a polynucleotide encoding a Rep protein derived from tomato mottle geminivirus. The methods of the invention can be used to provide resistance to viral infection in plants such as tomato and tobacco. The present invention also concerns transformed and transgenic plants in plant tissue that express a polynucleotide encoding a plant virus Rep protein, or a fragment or variant thereof.

Abstract: A method of concurrently introducing multiple genes to plants and trees is provided. The method includes an Agrobacterium-mediated gene delivery system by which multiple genes together with a single selectable marker gene are simultaneously transferred and inserted into the genome of plants, including trees.

Abstract: A purified nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence coding for allergen Dac g5 having amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 2, a derivative or a fragment thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and compositions for obtaining Arabidopsis and Brassica plants. Specifically, the method provides culturing protocols and compositions that facilitate the regeneration of transformed plants following delivery of beneficial DNA molecules.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a gene from Helianthus annuus encoding a transcription factor that comprises a homeodomain associated with a leucine zipper. This gene is named Hahb-10. The transcription factor Hahb-10 can be used in DNA constructs to transform host cells and plants. Transgenic plants that overexpress this transcription factor are more tolerant to herbicides, and have a shorter life cycle.

Abstract: A synthetic polynucleotide encoding human lactoferrin, modified with respect to the natural gene so as to maximize its expression in vegetals, on the basis of the preferential use of the codons is described. Moreover, the vectors containing such sequence, that having regulation elements activated in a controlled way determine its tissue- and stage-specific expression are further described. The vegetal cells and the plants transformed with the afore mentioned vectors, as well as the production processes of functional foods, vegetal milks, and human lactoferrin, utilizing them are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed are plants that have been genetically modified to express a PKS-like system for the production of PUFAs (a PUFA PKS system), wherein oils produced by the plant contain at least one PUFA produced by the PUFA PKS system and are free of the mixed shorter-chain and less unsaturated PUFAs that are fatty acid products produced by the modification of products of the FAS system in standard fatty acid pathways. Also disclosed are the oil seeds, oils, and products comprising such oils produced by this system, as well as methods for producing such plants.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided to screen, identify, select, isolate, and/or regenerate targeted integration events using seed priming. Seed priming provides the identification of a seed having stably incorporated into its genome a site-specific recombinase mediated integration of a selectable marker at a target locus operably linked to a promoter active in the seed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of making transgenic plants. Heterologous DNA is first introduced into a donor plant, plant cell or protoplast, and then moved from the donor to a recipient plant, plant cell or protoplast unaccompanied by any native genomic DNA of the donor. The donor and recipient are chosen that produce unstable progeny or demonstrate preferential segregation or sorting out. The DNA may be inserted randomly or at specific locations in the genome of the recipient plant. Also disclosed are transgenic plants produced by the methods, and plant progeny, plant parts and seeds and seed parts from the plants.

Abstract: A method for obtaining a transgenic plant that over-expresses a soluble isoform AGPPase enzyme. The method includes a step of transforming a plant with a vector comprising a polynucleotide of SEQ ID NO: 7 linked to a promoter that promotes expression of the polynucleotide in the plant whereby to form the transgenic plant. The transgenic plant has a reduced starch content and a higher resistance to salinity than the plant before the transforming step.

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: The present invention provides a method for producing plants with a desired phenotypic trait which comprises subjecting plants to mutagenesis, screening chimeric progeny for plants having the desired phenotypic trait, and propagating the survivors. In an embodiment, the phenotypic trait comprises an altered amino acid content. Preferably, the technique is used to generate Nicotiana tobacum plant lines having an increase in at least one amino acid. In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides improved Nicotiana tobacum plant lines producing at least 1.35 nmole of threonine per milligram of dry plant weight. These plants are useful for improving the flavor and aroma of the tobacco.

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 method for conferring resistance to a plant virus to plants by introducing into the plant a polynucleotide encoding a protein capable of binding to a movement protein of the plant virus is provided. Also provided are transgenic plants having resistance to a plant virus.

Abstract: The invention provides universal chloroplast integration and expression vectors which are competent to stably transform and integrate genes of interest into chloroplast genome of multiple species of plants. Transformed plants and their progeny are provided. Monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants are transformed which have never been transformed heretofore. Plants transformed with a synthetic gene express valuable biodegradable protein-based polymers (PBPs). Transformed plants produce high value molecules. Resistance is provided to agricultural crops against the major classes of chemical herbicides. Herbicide resistance is used as a lethal selectable marker for chloroplast transformation. The transformed plants are capable of expressing in addition to the targeted trait, a desirable, secondary non-targeted trait. Insect resistance is provided to transformed plants, both against insects that are susceptible to Bt toxins and against insects that have developed resistance to Bt toxins.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for producing a transgenic plant that exhibits altered characteristics resulting from over expression or under expression of a novel polypeptide PtM3 or its homolog PtM4. The altered characteristics resulting from over-expression include at least one of the ability to convert axillary meristem to floral meristem; to accelerate flowering i.e., early flowering; to increase fruit production; to increase nut production; to increase seed output; to increase branching; to increase flower production; to increase fruit yield; to increase flower yield and a combination thereof. The altered characteristics resulting from suppressed expression include at least one of complete sterility; partial sterility (sterility of only one sex of a bisexual plant); reduced pollen production; decreased flowering; increased biomass and combinations thereof.

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

Abstract: 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 relates to a chimeric gene that includes a first DNA molecule encoding a hypersensitive response elicitor protein or polypeptide, a promoter operably linked 5? to the first DNA molecule to induce transcription of the first DNA molecule in response to activation of the promoter by an oomycete, and a 3? regulatory region operably linked to the first DNA molecule. Also disclosed are an expression system and a host cell containing the chimeric gene. The present invention also relates to a transgenic plant resistant to disease resulting from oomycete infection, the transgenic plant including the chimeric gene, wherein the promoter induces transcription of the first DNA molecule in response to infection of the plant by an oomycete. Transgenic seeds and transgenic cultivars obtained from the transgenic plant are also disclosed. Additional aspects of the present invention include methods of making a recombinant plant cell and a transgenic plant.

Abstract: The invention features sporamin promoters, including the promoter of the Ipomoea batatas sporamin A gene. The promoter directs gene expression in tubers and responds in aerial structures to wounding, pathogens, and other environmental insults.

Abstract: The present invention relates to expression and assembly of foreign multimeric proteins—e.g., antibodies—in plants, as well as to transgenic plants that express such proteins. In one of several preferred embodiments, the generation and assembly of functional secretory antibodies in plants is disclosed. The invention also discloses compositions produced by the transgenic plants of the present invention and methods of using same.

Abstract: Disclosed are recombinant plant cells, plant cell parts, plant parts and transgenic plants containing a DNA molecule comprising a sequence encoding a Pokeweed Antiviral Protein (PAP) II protein. PAP II proteins include full length, wild-type PAP II and substantially nontoxic mutants or analogs including fragments thereof truncated at the C-terminus and other PAP II proteins having an intact catalytic active site amino acid residue E172 but that also have at least one amino acid substitution or deletion, and possess anti-viral and/or anti-fungal activity. DNA molecules comprising sequences encoding the mutants or analogs, as well as the isolated and purified PAP II proteins per se, are also disclosed. Methods of identifying nontoxic PAP II mutants are further disclosed. Transgenic plants that produce a PAP II protein exhibit anti-viral and/or anti-fungal activity. Virtually all flowering plants are included. Seed derived from the transgenic plants are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to DNA molecules which code for the allergen Art v 1 or isoforms thereof, the sequence of the allergen, a method for the production of an Art v 1 molecule, a vector and a transformed host cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel tobacco cultivar designated NC 2000, which is resistant to blue mold caused by the fungus Peronospora tabacina Adam. The invention provides seeds of the cultivar NC 2000, plants and parts thereof of the cultivar NC 2000, a tissue culture derived from the cultivar NC 2000, hybrids produced from cultivar NC 2000 and lines derived from cultivar NC 2000, as well as genetically modified forms of the foregoing plants and tissue culture. Also provided are methods of producing cultivar NC 2000 plants, cultivar NC 2000 hybrid plants, and tobacco lines derived from cultivar NC 2000.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for producing trehalose in plant cells capable of producing trehalase by growing plant cells having the genetic information required for the production of trehalose and trehalase, or cultivating a plant or a part thereof comprising such plant cells, characterized in that said plant cells are grown, or said plant or a part thereof, is cultivated in the presence of a trehalase inhibitor.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns materials and methods for enhancing starch production in plants. Starch production is enhanced, relative to levels observed in wildtype or control plants, by reduction of the plant 14-3-3 protein(s) which subsequently results in increased accumulation of starch in the plant. In one embodiment, the 14-3-3 protein expression is reduced using polynucleotides that are antisense to the 14-3-3 gene sequences expressed in the plant. In another embodiment, the 14-3-3 protein expression is reduced by “knockout” of a 14-3-3 gene or gene sequences. The subject invention also pertains to transformed and transgenic plants that have polynucleotides that are antisense to the 14-3-3 gene sequences expressed in the plant, wherein the transformed and transgenic plants exhibit enhanced starch production. The subject invention also pertains to “knockout” plants in which the normal functional 14-3-3 gene in the plant is deleted or replaced with a non-functional form of the gene.

Abstract: Novel compositions and methods useful for genetic engineering of plant cells are provided. In particular, plastid constructs comprising recombining sites are provided. Such constructs find use in methods for site specific recombination in plant cell plastids. Plant cells and plants comprising the constructs described herein, as well as plant cells and plants produced by the methods of the present invention are of interest.

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: According to the present invention, plant choline monooxygenase and the gene thereof are provided. The present invention discloses the following recombinant proteins (a) and (b) as well as genes encoding the proteins: (a) comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2, 4 or 6; (b) comprises the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2, 4 or 6 having deletion, substitution or additon of one or several amino acids, and which has choline monooxygenase activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing transformed plant cells which are resistant to infection by a Geminivirus, comprising transforming said plant cells with a DNA construct comprising a polynucleotide that encodes a plant or yeast SNF-1 protein kinase and is operably linked to a promoter, and expressing said SNF-1 protein kinase in said plant cells. Also disclosed is a method for conferring viral resistance to plants, comprising regenerating the transformed plant cells to produce transgenic plants that express the SNF-1 kinase and are resistant to infection by Geminivirus.

Abstract: Novel constructs are provided for expression of physiologically active mammalian proteins in plant cells, either in culture or under cultivation. The constructs provide a promoter functional in a plant host, a structural gene coding for mammalian protein and a terminator functional in a plant host. The construct is introduced into a plant cell to become integrated into the plant genome for expression in the plant cells or plants. The plant cells may be harvested and the mammalian protein isolated in physiologically active form.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an isolated nucleic acid molecule for expression of a gene in seeds, having promoter activity, comprising a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:1, a first sequence at least 70% homologous to SEQ ID NO:1, with the functionality of SEQ ID NO:1, a second sequence at least 70% homologous to the sequence complementary to SEQ ID NO:1, with the functionality of SEQ ID NO:1, and fragments thereof, with the functionality of SEQ ID NO:1; to chimeric genes, constructs, vectors, expression cassettes, host cells and transgenic plants comprising said sequences; as well as to a method for expression of a gene specifically in seeds or seed parts using one of the mentioned sequences or chimeric genes comprising said sequence s and to a method for obtaining substances through the transferring of the mentioned chimeric genes to a plant and expressing said chimeric gene.

Abstract: The current invention provides the Zea mays GRP (ZMGRP) promoter. Compositions comprising this sequence are described, as are plants transformed with such compositions. Further provided are methods for the expression of transgenes in plants comprising the use of these sequences. The methods of the invention include the direct creation of transgenic plants with the ZMGRP promoter by genetic transformation, as well as by plant breeding methods. The sequences of the invention represent a valuable new tool for the creation of transgenic plants, preferably having one or more added beneficial characteristics.

Abstract: Nucleotide sequences for seven genes, tccC4, tcdA3, tcdA2, tcdB2, tccC3, tcdA4, tccC5, from the tcd genomic region of Photorhabdus luminescens W-14, are useful in heterologous expression of orally active insect toxins.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing plants with a desired phenotypic trait which comprises subjecting plants to mutagenesis, screening chimeric progeny for plants having the desired phenotypic trait, and propagating the survivors. In an embodiment, the phenotypic trait comprises an altered amino acid content. Preferably, the technique is used to generate Nicotiana tobacum plant lines having an increase in at least one amino acid. In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides improved Nicotiana tobacum plant lines producing at least 1.35 nmole of threonine per milligram of dry plant weight. These plants are useful for improving the flavor and aroma of the tobacco.

Abstract: The present invention provides plant retroelements useful as molecular tools. In one embodiment, the present invention provides nucleic acids encoding gag, pol and/or env genes of plant retroelements. The elements can be used, among other uses, as building blocks of other constructs, tools to find other nucleic acid sequences and tools to transfer nucleic acid into cells.

Abstract: Novel polynucleotide sequences that encode insect toxins TcdA and TcbA have base compositions that differ substantially from the native genes, making them more similar to plant genes. The new sequences are suitable for use for high expression in both monocots and dicots. Transgenic plants with a genome comprising the nucleic acid of SEQ ID NO:4 are insect resistant.

Abstract: The invention relates to the production of enzymatically active recombinant human and animal lysosomal enzymes involving construction and expression of recombinant expression constructs comprising coding sequences of human or animal lysosomal enzymes in a plant expression system. The plant expression system provides for post-translational modification and processing to produce a recombinant gene product exhibiting enzymatic activity. The invention is demonstrated by working examples in which transgenic tobacco plants express recombinant expression constructs comprising human glucocerebrosidase nucleotide sequences. The invention is also demonstrated by working examples in which transfected tobacco plants express recombinant viral expression constructs comprising human &agr; galactosidase nucleotide sequences.

Abstract: Transgenic plants that express antimicrobial CEMA and/or CEMA-related peptides are disclosed. In certain embodiments, these plants have enhanced, broad-spectrum pathogen resistance and are useful as agricultural or horticultural crops. In other embodiments, the plants are used to produce large quantities of the CEMA and/or CEMA-related peptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel interspecific Nicotiana excelsior×N. benthamiana hybrid seeds and plants and to a method of producing interspecific Nicotiana hybrids having enhanced properties for biomass and the production of recombinant proteins using a viral vector system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel interspecific Nicotiana excelsior×N. benthamiana hybrid seeds and plants and to a method of producing interspecific Nicotiana hybrids having enhanced properties for biomass and the production of recombinant proteins using a viral vector system.

Abstract: The invention provides insect viral vectors useful to transfer genes to plants, insects and other hosts.

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 TFSRPs, and isolated nucleic acid coding TFSRPs, and vectors and host cells containing the latter.