A recombinant molecule containing the DefH9 promoter combined with a DNA sequence useful for producing parthenocarpic transgenic plants and enhancing fruit setting and development

摘要

A recombinant DNA molecule comprises: a) the promoter of the Deficiens 9 (DefH9) or promoter of a homologous gene to DefH9 which encodes a protein structurally and functionally homologous to the DefH9 gene product from Anthirrhinum majus and having a sequence identity to the coding region of the DefH9 gene of Anthirrhinum majus of at least 40%; the promoter is capable of conferring placenta and /or ovule specific expression and b) operatively lined thereto a DNA sequence which upon expression in plant cells leads to either disabling or killing of the plant cells or the increase of intracellular content and/or activity of at least one auxin. The above DNA molecule is used for the establishment of parthenocarpy or for enhancing fruit setting and development.