Induction of male sterility in plants by expression of high levels of avidin
AssigneePioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.
InventorsMarc C. Albertsen, John A. Howard, Sheila Maddock
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Abstract
Male-sterile plants can be produced by increasing the endogenous concentration of avidin in the plant tissues. This effect can be achieved by producing transgenic plants containing an expression vector in which a promoter is operably linked to a DNA sequence encoding avidin. Methods for restoring male fertility are disclosed. Additionally, methods for production of seeds with one or more desired grain traits are provided.
Claims42
An isolated DNA molecule comprising an anther-specific promoter operably linked to a nucleotide sequence encoding avidin.
A method of producing a transgenic male-sterile plant comprising introducing into plant cells an expression vector comprising a plant-compatible promoter operably linked to a nucleotide sequence encoding avidin and regenerating a transgenic plant from said transformed cells, wherein said promoter controls the expression of said avidin gene, and whereby said avidin gene expression causes male sterility of said transgenic plant.
A method of using an avidin gene to produce a male-fertile hybrid plant, comprising the steps of:
- (a) producing a first parent male-sterile plant comprising a DNA molecule comprising a plant-compatible promoter operably linked to a nucleotide sequence encoding avidin wherein the expression of said avidin causes male sterility;
- (b) producing a second transgenic parent plant expressing a second foreign gene;
- and
- (c) cross-fertilizing said first parent with said second parent to produce a hybrid plant,
- wherein said hybrid plant expresses said second foreign gene, and wherein the product of said second foreign gene reduces expression of avidin in said hybrid plant, thereby producing a male-fertile hybrid plant.
A method for restoring fertility in a plant rendered male sterile by expression of avidin or streptavidin comprising spraying said plant with a solution of biotin.
A method for producing seeds having a desired grain trait comprising the steps of:
- (a) producing a first parent plant which is male-sterile and comprises a nucleotide sequence encoding avidin operably linked to a plant-compatible promoter sequence;
- (b) producing a second parent plant which is male fertile and carries one or more genes controlling said desired grain trait;
- (c) cross-fertilizing said first parent with said second parent to produce hybrid seeds with said grain trait;
- and
- (d) harvesting said seeds.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.