Company Filing History:
Years Active: 2004-2009
Title: Innovations of Ernest Hiebert in Plant Resistance
Introduction
Ernest Hiebert is a notable inventor based in Gainesville, FL (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of plant genetics, particularly in developing methods for enhancing resistance to viral infections in plants. With a total of 4 patents, Hiebert's work has implications for agriculture and horticulture.
Latest Patents
One of Hiebert's latest patents focuses on "Materials and methods for producing tomato yellow leaf curl virus resistance in plants." This invention involves genetically-engineered resistance to the tomato yellow leaf curl geminivirus. The method utilizes a truncated version of the replication associated protein (Rep) gene of TYLCV. The resulting virus-resistant plants exhibit horticulturally acceptable phenotypic traits. The methods include transforming a plant with a polynucleotide that, when expressed, provides resistance to viral infections. An embodiment of this invention uses a polynucleotide derived from a Florida isolate of TYLCV-Is, which can be applied to plants such as tomato and tobacco.
Another significant patent by Hiebert is titled "Use of tobacco mild green mosaic virus (TMGMV) mediated lethal hypersensitive response (HR) as a novel method of weed control." This invention explores how TMGMV induces a lethal, systemic hypersensitive response in Tropical Soda Apple (TSA). This response can potentially be harnessed to eliminate TSA, making TMGMV a candidate for development as a bioherbicide. TMGMV is classified as a member of the tobamoviruses, which are strictly plant pathogens.
Career Highlights
Hiebert is affiliated with the University of Florida Research Foundation, Incorporated, where he continues to advance his research in plant genetics and viral resistance. His innovative approaches have garnered attention in the agricultural community.
Collaborations
Hiebert has collaborated with esteemed colleagues such as Jane E Polston and Raghavan Charudattan. Their combined expertise contributes to the advancement of research in plant pathology and genetic engineering.
Conclusion
Ernest Hiebert's contributions to plant resistance through innovative patents highlight the importance of genetic engineering in agriculture. His work not only addresses viral threats to crops but also opens new avenues for sustainable weed control.