Extending juvenility in grasses

摘要

The present invention relates to compositions and methods for modulating the juvenile to adult developmental growth transition in plants, such as grasses (e.g. maize). In particular, the invention provides methods for enhancing agronomic properties in plants by modulating expression of GRMZM2G362718, GRMZM2G096016, or homologs thereof. Modulation of expression of one or more additional genes which affect juvenile to adult developmental growth transition such as Glossy15 or Cg1, in conjunction with such modulation of expression is also contemplated. Nucleic acid constructs for down-regulation of GRMZM2G362718 and/or GRMZM2G096016 are also contemplated, as are transgenic plants and products produced there from, that demonstrate altered, such as extended juvenile growth, and display associated phenotypes such as enhanced yield, improved digestibility, and increased disease resistance. Plants described herein may be used, for example, as improved forage or feed crops or in biofuel production.

主权项

1. A polynucleotide molecule comprising a sequence selected from the group consisting of:
(a) a sequence encoding a polypeptide at least 95% identical to SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO:7, or SEQ ID NO:9; wherein the polypeptide regulates juvenile to adult phase change in grass plant leaves; (b) a sequence comprising SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:6, or SEQ ID NO:8; (c) a sequence comprising at least 95% sequence identity over its full length to the full length of SEQ ID NO:2, wherein the sequence encodes a protein that regulates juvenile to adult phase change in grass plant leaves; and (d) a sequence complementary to (a), (b), or (c), further wherein the polynucleotide molecule is operably linked to a heterologous promoter functional in plants.