Patent ID: 6344598
Filing Date: 2002-02-05
Classification: C07K,C12N,C12Y

Abstract:
A process for producing a seed of a plant, which comprises:I. cross-pollinating: (i) a plant which is a seed-forming plant and male-sterile, comprising cells having a nuclear genome transformed with a foreign DNA sequence; said foreign DNA sequence comprising: a) a male-sterility DNA encoding a first protein or polypeptide which, when produced or overproduced in a stamen cell of said plant, disturbs significantly one or more activities of said stamen cell selected from the group consisting of the metabolism, functioning and development of said stamen cell; and b) a first promoter capable of directing expression of said male-sterility DNA selectively in stamen cells of said plant; said male-sterility DNA being in the same transcriptional unit as, and under the control of, said first promoter; and c) a first marker DNA comprising a gene conferring resistance to an herbicide, and d) a second promoter capable of directing expression of said first marker DNA in cells of said plant; said first marker DNA being in the same transcriptional unit as, and under the control of, said second promoter; wherein said stamen cells of said plant are killed or disabled by expression of said male-sterility DNA selectively in said stamen cells of said plant, so as to render said plant incapable of producing fertile male gametes; and (ii) a male-fertile plant without said first marker DNA or second promoter, II. applying said herbicide to the plants for eliminating male-fertile plants; and III. obtaining seeds of said pollinated male-sterile plants.