Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation

Thomas L German

Richard R Burgess

Sandra Austin-Phillips

Thomas Ziegelhoffer

Paul G Ahlquist

Lada Rasochova

Douglas I Rouse

Kening Li

Disclosed herein are novel methods and materials directed to transforming a host cell and expressing exogenous RNA therein. Specifically disclosed are DNA-launching platforms used to introduce a replicating viral segment attached to an exogenous polynucleotide into a cell, whereby the exogenous polynucleotide is expressed in said cell and confers a detectable trait.

Expression cassette for transformation comprising a modified viral sequence driven by a suitable promoter

Transgenic plants which express cellulose-degrading enzymes, methods to make the transgenic plants, and methods to use the cellulose-degrading enzymes produced by the transgenic plants are disclosed.

Transgenic plants as an alternative source of lignocellulosic-degrading enzymes

Transgenic plants as an alternative source of lignocellulosic-degrading

A DNA sequence is described which is diagnostic of Verticillium dahliae, a problematic plant pathogen. The sequence is found only in V. dahliae and not in closely related Verticillium species. The identification of this diagnostic DNA sequence permits a rapid and sensitive PCR assay to be used to test soil samples for the presence of this pathogen. Competitive PCR may be used to quantify the amount of pathogen present.

Assay for verticillium dahliae

Growing community of inventors

Hollandale, WI, United States of America

Thomas L German