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

Abstract: The invention provides isolated DNA Ligase II nucleic acids and their encoded proteins. The present invention provides methods and compositions relating to altering DNA Ligase II levels in plants. The invention further provides recombinant expression cassettes, host cells, transgenic plants, and antibody compositions.

Abstract: Nucleic acid molecules that encode a plant promoter involved in photoperiodism and circadian rhythms are disclosed. These molecules may be introduced into plants in order to alter the photoperiodic and/or circadian clock-based gene expression of the plants.

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: The present invention relates to a new and distinct inbred tomato line, designated FDR 16-2045. This invention also relates to plants and seeds of inbred tomato line FDR 16-2045 and methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing the inbred line FDR 16-2045 with itself or another tomato plant.

Abstract: A synthetic nucleotide sequence encodes the LexA DNA binding domain, the nucleotide sequence having been modified to bring the codon usage in conformity with the preferred codon usage of Arabidopsis thaliana. The preferred sequence of the gene is provided as SEQ ID NO:1. DNA constructs, transformed host cells and transgenic plants comprising the synthetic nucleotide sequence are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an isolated plant nucleic acid which confers resistance to Tospoviruses as well as expression systems, host cells, and transgenic plants transformed with such a nucleic acid. Other aspects of the present invention relate to a method of imparting to plants, resistance to Tospoviruses by transforming plants with the nucleic acid of the present invention or to a method of eliciting a hypersensitive response in plants.

Abstract: This invention relates to a nucleic acid that contains at least one nucleic acid sequence coding for a polypeptide, polypeptide being capable of reducing the enzymatic activity of an invertase; the polypeptide itself; and transgenic plants that contain this nucleic acid sequence. The invention further relates to methods of preparing such transgenic plants having reduced storage sucrose loss.

Abstract: The present invention provides, inter alia, nucleic acids which encode P450s in corn that, when expressed in the presence of a reductase, metabolize compounds exemplary of several distinct classes of insecticides and herbicides. The invention also includes amino acids encoded by the nucleic acids, as well as vectors, cells and eukaryotes comprising the nucleic or amino acid compounds. Also included are methods using the materials provided.

Abstract: A mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase kinase gene, tMEK2, was isolated from tomato cv. Bonny Best. By mutagenesis, a permanently-active variant, tMEK2MUT, was created. Both wild type tMEK2 and mutant tMEK2MUT were driven by a strong constitutive promoter, tCUP&Dgr;, in a tomato protoplast transient expression system. Pathogenesis-related genes, PR1b1 and PR3, and a wound-inducible gene, ER5, were activated by tMEK2MUT expression revealing the convergence of the signal transduction pathways for pathogen attack and mechanical stress at the level of MAPKK. Activation of biotic and abiotic stress response genes downstream of tMEK2 occurred through divergent pathways involving at least two classes of mitogen-activated protein kinase. This study shows that tMEK2 may play an important role in the interaction of signal transduction pathways that mediate responses to both biotic (eg disease) and abiotic (wound responsiveness) stresses.

Abstract: An integrated system for commercial production of a heterologous protein in transgenic plants under conditions of controlled environment agriculture (CEA) is provided. CEA comprises growth of plants under defined environmental conditions, preferably in a greenhouse, to optimize growth of the transgenic plant as well as expression of the gene encoding the heterologous protein. The transgenic plants used in the present invention are transformed with an expression vector comprising a CEA promoter operably linked to a gene encoding the heterologous protein of interest, wherein the CEA promoter is selected to maximize heterologous protein production under the defined environmental conditions of CEA.

Abstract: CP genes of CMV strains V27, V33, V34, and A35 (CMV-V27, CMV-V33, CMV-V34, and CMV-A35 respectively) are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inbred tomato line, designated FDR 26-682. This invention further relates to plants and seeds of inbred tomato line FDR 26-682 and methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing the inbred line FDR 26-682 with itself or another tomato plant possessing commercially desirable characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention provides a chimeric recombinant DNA molecule comprising: a plurality of DNA sequences, each of which comprises a plant-functional promoter linked to a coding region, which encodes a virus-associated coat protein, wherein said DNA sequences are preferably linked in tandem so that they are expressed in virus-susceptible plant cells transformed with said recombinant DNA molecule to impart resistance to said viruses; as well as methods for transforming plants with the chimeric recombinant DNA molecule and for selecting plants which express at least one of said DNA sequences imparting viral resistance.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to compositions and methods for introducing nucleotide sequences at preferred genomic target sites in a eukaryotic genome. The compositions comprise transfer cassettes which are flanked by nonhomologous recombination sites. The method involves transforming eukaryotic cells containing target sites utilizing non-integrating transformation methods. The method results in efficient integration of nucleotides into predetermined genetic locations and eliminates random DNA integration.

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 provides enhancers for one or more gene promoters, which enhancers are nucleotide sequences rich in A and T bases, the total amount of A and T bases comprising more than 50% of the nucleotide sequence. Particular sequences are identified from the pea plastocyanin promoter which are active as enhancers, as is a solely A/T nucleotide sequence, and methods of carrying out the invention are described.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of inhibiting apopotosis in plants in plants using a baculovirus p35 protease inhibitor gene. This method can impart improved pathogen resistance to pathogens that exploit apoptosis as a part of the infection process.

Abstract: A gene encoding DNA which is selected from a) or b): a) DNA having a nucleotide sequence from the 90th position to the 728th position of a nucleotide sequence represented in SEQ ID NO: 1 of Sequence Listing; or b) DNA which hybridizes to DNA of a) under stringent conditions, and encodes a transcription factor capable of altering characters of a plant.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a nucleic acid and, thus, the transcribed polypeptide, that induces resistance against sedentary nematodes in plants of the Solanaceae, Chenopodiaceae and/or Brassicaceae families. The nucleic acid comprises a translated region that is at least 60% homologous to the sequence of the HS1pro-1 gene from Beta procumbens. Methods of making and using a nucleic sequence of the invention are described, implementing recombinant DNA technology. For instance, vectors and plants can be engineered to contain a nucleic acid according to the invention. Furthermore, test kits containing the nucleic acid and/or a vector are provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to the identification and characterization of the maize HSP22 protein including the corresponding nucleic acid molecules, nucleic acid fragments and protein fragments. Further, this invention relates to both polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies to HSP22 and the production thereof. These antibodies can be used in a method for detecting the presence of HSP22 expression in whole leaf samples. Further, the nucleic acid molecule and fragments thereof can be used in assays to detect the levels of nucleic acid molecules involved in HSP22 expression. The levels of both HSP22 and HSP22 mRNA are then utilized as an indication of a plant's ability to tolerate heat stress. Additionally, plants can be transformed to express increased levels of HSP22.

Abstract: Nucleic acid molecules (cDNAs and genes) that confer resistance to the plant pathogen Xanthomonas campestris are disclosed. These molecules may be introduced into plants that are otherwise susceptible to infection by this bacterium in order to enhance resistance.

Abstract: Matrix attachment regions isolated from a higher plants, and DNA constructs and vectors containing such matrix attachment regions, are described. A method of identifying matrix attachment regions is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of imparting pathogen resistance to plants. This involves applying a hypersensitive response elicitor polypeptide or protein in a non-infectious form to a plant seed under conditions where the polypeptide or protein contacts cells of the plant seed. The present invention is also directed to a pathogen resistance imparting plant seed. Alternatively, transgenic plant seeds containing a DNA molecule encoding a hypersensitive response elicitor polypeptide or protein can be planted in soil and a plant can be propagated from the planted seed under conditions effective to impart pathogen resistance to the plant.

Abstract: A glucan elicitor receptor having an amino acid sequence as substantially shown in SEQ ID NO:1; DNA molecules containing nucleotide sequences coding for a glucan elicitor receptor having an amino acid sequence as substantially shown in SEQ ID NO:1, or fragments thereof; DNA molecules containing nucleotide sequences coding for a glucan elicitor receptor, which are incorporated in plasmid pER23-1, or fragments thereof; vectors containing the DNA molecules or fragments thereof; plant cells transformed with the DNA molecules or fragments thereof; a method for creating a plant having resistance to pathogenic fungi comprising incorporating the DNA sequence coding for a glucan elicitor receptor, or fragment thereof into a chromosome of a plant and expressing the gene in the plant; a plant having resistance to pathogenic fungi, the plant having the DNA molecule containing a nucleotide sequence coding for a glucan elicitor receptor, or its fragment transferred thereinto and expressing the gene; and methods for using t

Abstract: A gene encoding DNA which is selected from a) or b): a) DNA having a nucleotide sequence from the 190th position to the 807th position of a nucleotide sequence represented in SEQ ID NO: 1 of the Sequence Listing; or b) DNA which hybridizes to DNA of a) under stringent conditions, and encodes a transcription factor capable of altering characters of a plant.

Abstract: The current invention provides the maize RS81 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 RS81 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: 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: Methods for the targeted integration of nucleotide sequences into a plant are provided. Transfer cassettes comprising nucleotide sequences of interest flanked by non-identical recombination sites are used to transform a plant comprising a target site. The target site contains at least a set of non-identical recombination sites corresponding to those on the transfer cassette. Exchange of the nucleotide sequences flanked by the recombination sites is effected by a recombinase.

Abstract: A process is described for producing hybrid seed using male-sterile plants created by employing molecular techniques to manipulate antisense DNA and other genes that are capable of controlling the production of fertile pollen in plants. Transformation techniques are used to introduce constructs containing antisense DNA and other genes into plants. Said plants are functionally male-sterile and are useful for the production of hybrid seed by the crossing of said male-sterile plants with pollen from male-fertile plants. Hybrid seed production is simplified and improved by this invention and can be extended to plant crop species for which commercially acceptable hybrid seed production methods are not currently available.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for regulating expression of heterologous nucleotide sequences in a plant. Compositions are novel nucleotide sequences for constitutive promoters isolated from maize genes encoding histone H2B, metallothionein, alpha-tubulin 3, elongation factor efla, ribosomal protein rps8, chlorophyll a/b binding protein, and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase. A method for constitutively expressing a heterologous nucleotide sequence in a plant using the promoter sequences disclosed herein is provided. The method comprises transforming a plant cell to comprise a heterologous nucleotide sequence operably linked to one of the constitutive promoters of the present invention and regenerating a stably transformed plant from the transformed plant cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition and method for regulating expression of heterologous nucleotide sequences in a plant. The composition is a novel nucleic acid sequence for a seed-preferred promoter. A method for expressing a heterologous nucleotide sequence in a plant using the promoter sequence is also provided. The method comprises transforming a plant cell to contain a heterologous nucleotide sequence operably linked to the seed-preferred promoter of the present invention and regenerating a stably transformed plant from the transformed plant cell.

Abstract: A new and distinct plant, Toma-P, fruit of said plant which has a crunchy texture but mild flavor, is described and claimed.

Abstract: Coat protein genes of cucumber mosaic virus strains V27, V33, V34 and A35 (CMV V27, CMV V33, CMV V34, and CMV A35 respectively) are provided.

Abstract: Qualitative transcriptional regulatory sequences functional in plants, plant tissue and in plant cells for inducible gene expression and quantitative transcriptional regulatory sequences for increasing the transcriptional expression of downstream genetic information in plants, plant tissue and plant cells are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods and recombinant DNA molecules for improving the disease resistance of transgenic plants, especially wherein an inducible promoter controls the expression of a protein capable of evoking the hypersensitive response in a plant.

Abstract: The invention concerns the location and characterization of a gene (designated NIM1) that is a key component of the SAR pathway and that in connection with chemical and biological inducers enables induction of SAR gene expression and broad spectrum disease resistance in plants. The invention further concerns transformation vectors and processes for overexpressing the NIM1 gene in plants. The transgenic plants thus created have broad spectrum disease resistance.

Abstract: Plants are provided with improved resistance against pathogenic fungi. They are genetically transformed with one or more polynucleotides which essentially comprise one or more genes encoding plant chitinases and .beta.-1,3-glucanases. Preferred are the intracellular forms of the said hydrolytic enzymes, especially preferred are those forms which are targeted to the apoplastic space of the plant by virtue of the modification of the genes encoding the said enzymes. Particularly preferred are plants exhibiting a relative overexpression of at least one gene encoding a chitinase and one gene encoding a .beta.-1,3-glucanase.

Abstract: Transgenic eggplants (Solanum melongena L.) are provided, along with improved culture media and methods enabling efficient regeneration of shoots from cultured explants. The regeneration media contain a combination of growth factors that significantly increase the efficiency of shoot regeneration. Selection media contain combinations of antibiotics particularly effective in supporting shoot regeneration and eliminating Agrobacterium from explants transformed via tDNA techniques. The invention also provides a transgenic eggplant comprising a Bt gene modified for expression in plants. These transgenic eggplants demonstrate significant resistance to the Colorado potato beetle in the greenhouse and in the field.

Abstract: This invention relates to the modification of plant lipids and seed oils by genetic engineering techniques to produce oilseeds of enhanced commercial value. In one form, the invention relates to a transgenic oilseed plant, or a seed of such plant, having a genome incorporating an expressible yeast SLC1-1 or SLC1 gene. The invention also provides a method of producing a transgenic oilseed plant, which comprises introducing into the genome of the plant an expressible yeast SLC1-1 or SLC1 gene. The invention also relates to various plasmids and vectors used in the method of the invention.

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

Abstract: Sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS), a process for its preparation, its DNA, and utilization of DNA encoding SPS to modify the expression of SPS in the plant cells are provided. Methods and compositions for producing SPS protein and DNA encoding SPS from a number of sources are provided. Also provided are transgenes comprising DNA encoding SPS and methods for the production of transgenic plant cells and plants which have extra SPS activity, and thus an increased capacity to synthesize sucrose. Transgenic plant cells and plants with the additional SPS activity exhibit altered carbon partitioning, growth and development, and yield under a variety of conditions.

Abstract: Qualitative transcriptional regulatory sequences functional in plants, plant tissue and in plant cells for inducible gene expression and quantitative transcriptional regulatory sequences for increasing the transcriptional expression of downstream genetic information in plants, plant tissue and plant cells are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods and recombinant DNA molecules for improving the disease resistance of transgenic plants, especially wherein an inducible promoter controls the expression of a protein capable of evoking the hypersensitive response in a plant.

Abstract: New, distinct and stable cultivars of no-heat Jalapeno peppers are disclosed. No-heat Jalapeno pepper cultivars are disclosed in which substantially all the pepper fruit produced comprise no capsaicin such as, capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, norhydrocapsaicin, homocapsaicin and homodihydrocapsaicin. The no-heat characteristic has been bred into 3 different cultivars of Jalapeno. This no-heat characteristic has been combined with many desirable Jalapeno traits including a lack of pungency, a dark green immature color, a saucer shaped calyx, a pendent fruit position, a rounded base shape, a blunt apex shape, a thick flesh thickness, an oblong shape, a concentrated fruit set, a long pedicel length, a straight pedicel shape, a slender pedicel thickness and a low capsaicinoid content. Methods for the reliable breeding to the no-heat Jalapeno characteristic into diverse Jalapeno peppers, as well as methods for production of food products comprising no-heat Jalapenos are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are trnasgenic plants comprising cells transformed or transfected with a recombinant DNA construct containing a coding sequence which encodes phytochrome A, which when expressed, causes the stimulation of phytochrome A and confers upon said plant the ability to undergo proximity-conctitional dwarfing Also provided are a recombinant DNA construct containing a coding sequence encoding phytochrome A, which when expressed, is effective in conferring the trait of proximity-conditional dwarfing on plants comprising cells transformed ar tansfected with this construct, a method for conferring proximity-conditional dwarfing upon plants, transgenic plants produced by this method, and seeds obtained by growing such plants.

Abstract: The invention provides tissue specific promoters from potato UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (UGPase) genes. The promoters are useful in production of transgenic plants.

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

Abstract: A nucleic acid having (i) a DNA molecule which, when expressed in a plant or plant cell, increases the trehalose content of the plant or plant cell, the DNA molecule encoding an E. coli trehalose phosphate synthase, and (ii) a plant expressible promoter operatively coupled to the DNA molecule. Also, a method for obtaining a plant with increased trehalose production by introducing into a recipient cell of a plant, a plant expressible gene which, when expressed in a plant or plant cell increases the trehalose content of the plant or plant cell. The plant expressible gene is an E. coli trehalose phosphate synthase gene which is operably linked to: a) a transcriptional initiation region that is functional in the plant, and b) a DNA molecule encoding a selectable marker gene that is functional in the plant. The method includes a step of regenerating a plant from the recipient cell under conditions that allow for selection for the presence of the selectable marker gene.

Abstract: Plant growth and plant growth habit can be controlled without the application of exogenous plant hormones or hormone mimetics using the nucleic acid sequences and methods provided. UDP-Glucose: Indol-3-ylacetyl-glucosyl transferase (IAGlu Transferase) amino acid sequence and nucleic acid coding sequences for this enzyme, specifically exemplified for Zea mays, are provided. Nucleic acid constructs directing the expression of IAGlu Transferase and the expression of antisense RNA specific therefor allows the control of growth habit and plant size in transgenic plants containing such nucleic acid constructs.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of an antiviral plant, which comprises transforming a plant with an expression vector containing a lactoferrin (Lf) gene and culturing the transformed plant.