Pioneer Hi-bred International, Inc.

Dorothy A Pierce

Andrew Mark Cigan

Zuo-Yu Zhao

Tishu Cai

John Neill

Weining Gu

William James Gordon-Kamm

Marc C Albertsen

Benjamin A Bowen

Laura Ann Tagliani

Christopher Jay Scelonge

Dennis L Bidney

Michael D Miller

Gary A Sandahl

Steven J Corak

Margit C Ross

Lijuan Wang

David D Songstad

William Gordan-Kamm

Mike Miller

Gary Sandahl

The present invention relates to methods for improving the transformation frequency of -mediated transformation of maize embryos. A preferred method for transforming maize using comprises the steps of: contacting at least one immature embryo from a maize plant with capable of transferring at least one gene to said embryo; co-cultivating the embryos with culturing the embryos in medium comprising N6 salts, an antibiotic capable of inhibiting the growth of and a selective agent to select for embryos expressing the gene; and regenerating plants expressing the gene.

Methods for Agrobacterium-mediated transformation

A method for the production of transgenic plants is provided in which a vector carrying a gene encoding the green fluorescent protein is introduced into cells, the cells are screened for the protein and transformed cells are selected and regenerated. The cellular toxicity of the green fluorescent protein is circumvented by regulating expression of the gene encoding the protein or directing the protein to a subcellular compartment where it is not toxic to the cell. DNA constructs are provided for cell transformation in which the expression of a gene encoding the green fluorescent protein is placed under the control of an inducible promoter. In addition, DNA constructs are provided in which a nucleotide sequence encoding the green fluorescent protein is operably linked to a signal sequence which directs the expressed protein to a subcellular compartment where the protein is not toxic to the cell. Oxidative stress to plant cells transformed with GFP also can be ameliorated by transforming cells with an expression vector comprising genes encoding GFP and an oxygen scavenger enzyme such as superoxide dismutase. The toxicity of GFP in transformed plants can be eliminated by excising the screenable marker gene following detection of transformed cells or sectors. The FLP/FRT system is used in conjunction with GFP as a visible marker for transformation and FRT excision. A nucleotide sequence optimized for expression of the green fluorecent protein in plants is also provided.

Use of the green fluorescent protein as a screenable marker for plant transformation

Methods and compositions for the efficient transformation of sorghum is provided. The method involves infection with Agrobacterium, particularly those comprising a super-binary vector. In this manner, any gene of interest can be introduced into the sorghum plant. The transformed gene will be flanked by at least one T-DNA border and present in the transformed sorghum in low copy number. Transformed sorghum, cells, tissues, plants, and seed are also provided. The invention encompasses regenerated, fertile sorghum plants, transgenic seeds produced therefrom, T1 and subsequent generations.

Agrobacterium mediated transformation of sorghum

The present invention relates to methods for improving the transformation frequency of Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of maize embryos. A preferred method for transforming maize using Agrobacterium comprises the steps of: contacting at least one immature embryo from a maize plant with Agrobacterium capable of transferring at least one gene to said embryo; co-cultivating the embryos with Agrobacterium; culturing the embryos in medium comprising N6 salts, an antibiotic capable of inhibiting the growth of Agrobacterium, and a selective agent to select for embryos expressing the gene; and regenerating plants expressing the gene.

Methods for agrobacterium-mediated transformation

A family of genes has been found in plants, said genes encoding a family of developmental proteins that have homologous structures to the mammalian QM genes. Recombinant molecules which include the QM genes in plants are useful to transform cells and regenerate plants that, as a result, have altered developmental pathways. Methods of producing male sterile plants use recombinant molecules containing either the QM sense genes or antesense genes with appropriate promoters.

Plant QM proteins

Methods and compositions for controlling plant development

A method of maintaining sterility in plants is disclosed. The method comprises genetic transformation of parental plant lines with a sterility gene that is genetically linked to a resistance gene which confers resistance to a selective agent, increasing the transgenic parental line and coating the seed of the increased transgenic parental line with a composition comprising the selective agent to which the resistance gene confers resistance. The resistance gene can be under the control of an inducible gene, or, alternatively, under the control of constitutive or tissue specific, including seed-specific, promoters.

Methods for maintaining sterility in plants

Growing community of inventors

Urbandale, IA, United States of America

Dorothy A Pierce