The invention provides methods of producing “empty” RNA virus capsids (e.g. from Cowpea mosaic virus) by assembly of viral small (S) and large (L) coat proteins in such a way that encapsidation of native viral RNA is avoided. Aspects of the invention employ in planta expression of capsid components from DNA vectors...

This invention relates to the expression a DA1 protein with a mutation that disrupts or inactivates the LIM domain or the LIM like domain within cells of a plant. This may increase the yield or enhance a yield related trait of the plant. Methods plants and plant cells are provided.

This invention relates to the identification of a regulator protein (termed DA) which controls the size of plant seeds and organs in Arabidopsis and other plants. Manipulation of DA protein expression may useful, for example, in improving crop yield and increasing plant biomass.

The invention relates to transgenic plants with improved growth and nitrogen use efficiency expressing nitrate transporter gene methods of making such plants and methods for improving growth and nitrogen use efficiency.

H2A.Z containing nucleosomes mediate the thermosensory response in plants and other eukaryotes and modifications to H2A.Z alter such responses.

The inventions is based on an expression enhancer sequence derived from the RNA-2 genome segment of a bipartite RNA virus, in which a target initiation site in the RNA-2 genome segment has been mutated. Deletion of appropriate start codons upstream of the main RNA2 translation initiation can greatly increase in fore...

The invention provides an apparatus for simulating digestion of a foodstuff, which apparatus comprises : (a) an outer containment vessel into which fluid can be introduced and removed via at least one orifice, and (b) an inner digestion chamber comprising a rigid portion (240) through which he foodstuff can be intr...

The invention relates to methods for increasing stress tolerance in plants by expressing a nucleic acid encoding a FId polypeptide and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a FNR polypeptide in a plant.

This invention relates to isolated polynucleotides encoding enzymes consisting of a carboxypeptidase-like protein, a methyltransferase and a glucosyltransferase, involved in the biosynthesis of ß-amyrin-derived triterpenes in plants and seeds. The invention also relates to the construction of recombinant DNA constru...

This invention relates to the modulation of root hair development in plants by altering the expression of RHD6-related genes, for example to increase the number, length and/or longevity of root hairs in the plant. This may be useful, for example, in improving the ability of plants to extract nutrients from the s...

Transcriptome-based prediction of heterosis or hybrid vigour and other complex phenotypic traits. Analysis of transcript abundance in predictive gene sets, for predicting magnitude of heterosis or other complex traits in plants and animals. Transcriptome-based screening and selection of individuals with desired ...

The invention relates generally to materials and methods for biosynthesising quillaic acid in a host by expressing heterologous nucleotide sequences in the host each of which encodes a polypeptide which in combination have said QA biosynthesis activity. Example polypeptides include (i) a Beta-amyrin synthase; (ii) a...

The present invention relates generally to genes and polypeptides which have utility in glycosylating quillaic acid in host cells, including enzymes capable of successive glycosylation at the C-3 position of quillaic acid. The invention further relates to systems, methods and products employing the same. ...

A solid-state soil nutrient sensor comprising a sensor blade for inserting into the soil, the sensor blade comprising an electrically insulating substrate. The sensor further comprises first and second electrodes disposed on the substrate, each electrode comprising: a sensing region located towards an end of the sen...

The present invention relates to a biosynthetic route to intermediates of the QS-21 molecule which are triterpenes from a saponin extract of the tree Quillaja saponaria comprising a quillaic acid backbone, as well as routes to make the QS-21 molecule, enzymes involved, the products produced and uses of the product. ...

The present invention relates to a biosynthetic route to precursors of the QS-7 molecule, as well as routes to make the QS-7 molecule, enzymes involved, the products produced and uses of the product.

This invention relates to methods of producing triterpenoids using one or more of (i) Saponaria officinalis ß-amyrin synthase (SobAS) (ii) S. officinalis C28 oxidase (SoC28) (iii) S. officinalis C28C16 oxidase (SoC28C16) (iv) S. officinalis C23 oxidase (SoC23); (v) S. officinalis QA 3-O glucuronosyl transferase SoCS...