Calgene Corporation

Belinda M Martineau

Catherine M Houck

Kevin E McBride

David M Stalker

William R Hiatt

Julie R Pear

Ann A Reilley

Novel methods are provided whereby encoding sequences preferentially directing gene expression in ovary tissue, particularly in very early fruit development, are utilized to express genes encoding isopentenyl transferase in cotton ovule tissue. The methods permit the modification of the characteristics of boll set in cotton plants and provide a mechanism for altering fiber quality characteristics including fiber dimension and strength.

Cotton modification using ovary-tissue transcriptional factors

Novel DNA constructs are provided which may be used as molecular probes or inserted into a plant host to provide for modification of transcription of a DNA sequence of interest in ovary tissue, particularly in very early fruit development. The DNA constructs comprise a transcriptional initiation regulatory region associated with gene expression in ovary tissue from immediately prior to anthesis through flower senescence.

Use of ovary-tissue transcriptional factors

Developmentally regulated transcriptional regulatory regions are identified employing cDNA screening. The resulting regulatory regions are manipulated for use with DNA sequences encoding enzymes involved in cytokinin metabolism for introduction into plant cells to provide transformed plants having tissue, particularly fruit, with a modified phenotypic property.

Compositions and methods for modulation of endogenous cytokinin levels

Ovary-tissue transcriptional factors

In accordance with the subject invention, novel DNA sequences, heterologous constructs and plant expression vectors are provided which relate to the metallocarboxypeptidase inhibitor (MCPI) protein. MCPI protein is capable of inactivating metallocarboxypeptidase, exopeptidase-type digestive enzymes. In addition, this application relates to plant cells and plant entities, including whole plants, plant seed, and plant parts, containing such constructs and methods of providing transgenic plants capable of inhibiting metallocarboxypeptidase (MCP) proteinases and methods of using such for the tolerence of MCPI sensitive pests.

Growing community of inventors

Davis, CA, United States of America

Belinda M Martineau