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BACKGROUND: In many agricultural seed
products such as oilseed crops, grains, and legumes,
as well as seed for planting, premature release of seeds
prior to harvest results in serious losses. Prior
to this invention, visual examination of the crops and
other agricultural techniques such as determination
of moisture content have been the primary means to indicate
timing of the seed harvest. This invention is the first
that uses genetic manipulation to achieve rational control
of the natural regulatory mechanism of seed release.
DESCRIPTION: A scientist at UCSD has
discovered that overexpression of certain floral organ
genes prevents the normal senescence of replum cells
required for pod valve release and seed dispersal. Plants
bearing this transgene construct do not release their
otherwise normal, mature seeds without external applied
mechanical effort. Thus, complete control of shattering
in the field is achieved. Since premature seed dispersal
can lead to serious losses of yield, it would be beneficial
for producers of agricultural seed crops to gain control
of the process using this technology.
ADVANTAGES: Faster, more efficient
seed harvesting will result from controlling seed pod
shattering. The technology has advantage both for direct
seed products such as oilseeds, and for seeds to be
used for propagation.
CASE NUMBER: SD98-043
INQUIRIES TO: invent@ucsd.edu
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