Transgenic plant with tissue-selectively reduced cytokinin receptor activity

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This patent describes genetically modified (transgenic) plants in which the activity of specific cytokinin receptors (e.g., AHK2 and AHK3) is selectively reduced in target tissues such as root or seed-related tissues. By suppressing cytokinin receptor activity in only certain parts of the plant (rather than the whole plant), these plants can have larger seeds or more highly branched root systems without suffering negative side effects on plant development. The invention includes methods to create such plants using tissue-specific expression of RNAi or antisense sequences and covers the resulting seeds and materials.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Improving crop varieties with larger seeds for higher yield (e.g., in grains, peas, beans, oilseeds).
• Enhancing root branching to improve nutrient and water uptake, especially in poor soils or drought-prone regions.
• Developing crops with enhanced root systems for improved stress resistance.
• Phytoremediation—using plants with enhanced roots to absorb and remove contaminants from soil.
• Vegetable and medicinal root crops (e.g., carrots, ginseng) with more substantial or branched roots.
• Ornamental plants with altered root or seed characteristics.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Selective suppression avoids negative side effects on non-target tissues, preserving normal plant growth.
• Larger seed size leads to higher crop yields per plant, benefiting food production.
• Enhanced root branching improves plant vigor, drought resistance, and nutrient uptake.
• Flexible application to a wide range of plant species, including monocots and dicots.
• Does not require generalized hormone manipulation, reducing unpredictable whole-plant effects.
• Facilitates targeted agronomic trait improvement, supporting sustainable and resilient agriculture.

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Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a transgenic plant, wherein the activity of AHK2- and/or AHK3- DNA, RNA and/or protein is selectively suppressed or reduced in a specific target tissue of the plant, and wherein the activity of AHK2- and AHK3-DNA, RNA and protein is essentially unaltered in at least one tissue not being target tissue, to methods of making such plants, to methods of making seeds of enhanced size and/or plants with enhanced root branching, and uses of such plants.