Patent ID: 6184439
Filing Date: 2001-02-06
Classification: A01H,C07K,C12N,C12Y,Y10S

Abstract:
A method of producing hybrid seed from plants of a species of pollen-producing plants that is capable of being genetically transformed, comprising the steps of:(a) producing a genetically transformed plant by:(i) inserting into the genome of a plant cell of said species a recombinant DNA molecule comprising(I) an antisense DNA sequence the transcript of which is complimentary to mRNA encoded by a gene that is essential to cellular function or development and(II) a promoter that functions in said plant cell to cause transcription of said antisense DNA sequence into RNA, wherein said promoter preferentially transcribes said antisense DNA in cells critical to pollen development or function,(ii) obtaining a transformed plant cell of said plant and(iii) regenerating from said transformed plant cell a plant that is genetically transformed with said recombinant DNA molecule such that said plant produces said RNA, wherein said plant is male sterile;(b) increasing the number of genetically transformed plants by:(i) fertilizing said genetically transformed plant with pollen produced by a suitable male fertile plant and obtaining seed which, when germinated, yields a plurality of genetically transformed plants, or(ii) clonally propagating said genetically transformed plant to obtain a plurality of genetically transformed plants;(c) effecting a hybrid cross by pollinating said genetically transformed plants with pollen from suitable male fertile plant donors; and(d) recovering hybrid seed.