DNA encoding a plant lipase, transgenic plants and a method for controlling senescence in plants

Abstract

Regulation of expression of senescence in plants is achieved by integration of a gene or gene fragment encoding senescence-induced lipase into the plant genome in antisense orientation. The carnation and Arabidopsis genes encoding senescence-induced lipase are identified and the nucleotide sequences are used to modify senescence in transgenic plants.

1 . An isolated DNA molecule encoding senescence-induced lipase.  
     
     
         2 .- 27 . (canceled)  
     
     
         28 . A method for inhibiting the expression of endogenous senescence-induced lipase in a plant, said method comprising (1) integrating into the genome of the plant a vector comprising (A) antisense nucleotide sequences substantially complementary to (i) a corresponding portion of one strand of a DNA molecule encoding the endogenous senescence-induced lipase, (ii) a corresponding portion of an RNA sequence encoded by the endogenous senescence-induced lipase gene; and (B) regulatory sequences operatively linked to the antisense nucleotide sequences such that the antisense nucleotide sequences are expressed; and (2) growing said plant, whereby said antisense nucleotide sequences are transcribed and bind to said RNA sequence, whereby expression of said senescence-induced lipase gene is inhibited.  
     
     
         29 .- 53 . (canceled)