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<OL> <LI> Discover and develop new molecular tools (promoters, terminators, vectors) for
improvement of potato and other dicotyledonous crop species. Additionally, improved
methods for analysis of gene and chromosome structure will be developed to design
more efficient transgenes for potato and other crops. <LI>Construct transgenic potato
plants containing genes designed to decrease levels of natural glycoalkaloid
toxicants and confer resistance to Potato Virus A, Potato Virus Y, Potato Leaf Roll
Virus and Late Blight
New transgene regulatory sequences, constitutive and regulated, will be isolated from
sources including the potato Steroidal-alkaloid Glycosyltransfease and ubiquitin gene
families and Arabidopsis thaliana. Sequences will be developed by demonstrating
utility in expressing marker genes in transgenic plants. Computational methods will
be applied to the database to identify common features associated with efficient
transcription/translation which can then be incorporated into transgene design
protocols. Sequences encoding Steroidal Glycoalkaloid biosynthetic enzymes have been
identified and inactivated in potato tubers. Transgenes encoding PVY, PVA and PLRV
proteins have been constructed, introduced into potato. A Late Blight-resistance gene
has been isolated from a wild Solanum species and is being evaluated. New transgenes
will be introduced into potato cultivars for the development of improved potatoes for
the marketplace. BSL-1; IBC approved as of 01/19/2003. Field releases reviewed-
Federal/State agencies. Replacing 5325-21420-002-00D (08/2003).