Elena A Rice

Title: Innovations of Elena A. Rice in Plant Biotechnology

Introduction

Elena A. Rice is a prominent inventor based in Olivette, Missouri, known for her significant contributions to plant biotechnology. With a total of eight patents to her name, she has made remarkable advancements in enhancing plant yield potential and improving agricultural practices.

Latest Patents

One of her latest patents focuses on "Compositions and methods for altering flowering and plant architecture to improve yield potential." This invention provides recombinant DNA constructs and vectors that include a polynucleotide sequence encoding a florigenic FT protein, which is operably linked to a vegetative stage promoter. The transgenic plants developed from this invention are designed to produce more bolls, siliques, fruits, nuts, or pods per node, particularly on the main stem, compared to wild-type plants. Additionally, her work includes methods for introducing a florigenic FT transgene into plants, allowing for higher density planting and greater yield potential.

Another significant patent involves "Interfering with HD-Zip transcription factor repression of gene expression to produce plants with enhanced traits." This invention discloses a recombinant DNA construct that, when expressed in a plant or plant cell, reduces the ability of endogenous HD-Zip class II proteins to repress DNA transcription of the genes they typically regulate. This advancement enables the production of plants with enhanced phenotypes, further contributing to agricultural innovation.

Career Highlights

Elena A. Rice has established herself as a key figure in the field of plant biotechnology through her innovative research and development efforts. Her work at Monsanto Technology LLC has positioned her at the forefront of agricultural advancements, focusing on genetic modifications that enhance plant traits and yield.

Collaborations

Throughout her career, Elena has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Paul J. Loida and Rebecca L. Thompson. These partnerships have fostered a collaborative environment that promotes the exchange of ideas and the advancement of plant biotechnology.

Conclusion

Elena A. Rice's contributions to plant biotechnology through her innovative patents have significantly impacted agricultural practices. Her work continues to pave the way for advancements in crop yield and plant architecture, showcasing the importance of innovation in addressing global food challenges.