Methods for obtaining a genetically modified plant or microbe and for increasing oil yield

Abstract

Methods are provided for obtaining a genetically modified plant, wherein the plant exhibits an increased oil yield relative to a corresponding control plant that is not so genetically modified. The methods comprise genetically modifying a plant progenitor cell to cause a decrease in triose-phosphate isomerase activity and an increase in glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase activity. The methods also comprise culturing the genetically modified plant progenitor cell to obtain the genetically modified plant. Also provided are methods for increasing oil yield, comprising genetically modifying a plant to cause, in at least one oil-producing organ or tissue of the plant, a decrease in triose-phosphate isomerase activity and an increase in glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase activity. The genetic modification is carried out across more than a single generation. The genetically modified plant exhibits an increased oil yield relative to a corresponding control plant. Also provided are similar methods directed to a microbe.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.