DE19821613A1 - Transgenic sulfonylurea-tolerant sugar beet useful in crop protection - Google Patents

Abstract

Transgenic sugar beet (including seeds, propagative material and cells) which is tolerant to sulfonylurea herbicides is new. The sugar beet is tolerant to sulfonylureas A1)-A18: A1) compounds (I) or their salts; A2) compounds (II) or their salts; A3) compounds (III), their N-oxides or salts; A4) amidosulfuron; A5) ethoxysulfuron; A6) triasulfuron; A7) metsulfuron; A8) tribenuron; A9) flupyrsulfuron; A10) nicosulfuron; A11) rimsulfuron; A12) primisulfuron; A13) prosulfuron; A14) sulfosulfuron; A15) oxasulfuron; A16) ethametsulfuron; A17) imazosulfuron; A18) compounds (IV). Q = O; S; or NR<4>; Y = CH or N; R = H; alkyl optionally substituted with halo, alkoxy, thioalkyl, CN, alkoxycarbonyl or alkenyl; alkenyl; alkynyl; cycloalkyl optionally substituted with alkyl, alkoxy, alkylthio or halo; cycloalkenyl; phenyl-alkyl optionally ring-substituted with 12 groups; or a group of formula (a)-(j): X = O; S; SO; or SO2; R<1> = H or alkyl; R<2> = H; halo; or alkyl or alkoxy optionally substituted with halo or alkoxy; R<3> = H; halo; alkyl, alkoxy or alkylthio optionally substitut ed with halo, alkoxy or alkylthio; NR<5>R<6>; cycloalkyl; alkenyl; alkynyl; alkenyloxy; or alkynyloxy; R<4> = H; alkyl; or alkoxy; R<5> and R<6> = H; alkyl; alkenyl; haloalkyl; or alkoxy; R<1>a = CO-Qa-R8; R<2>a and R3a = H or alkyl; R<4>a = H; alkyl; OH; or alkoxy; R<5>a = alkylsulfonyl; CHO; alkyl-CO optionally substituted with halo; alkoxy-oxalyl; cycloalkyl-CO; -C(W)-T-R<9>; -C(W)-NR<10>R<11>; or -C(W)-N(R<12>)2; W and T = O or S; R<9> = H or alkyl optionally substituted with halo, alkoxy, alkylthio, alkoxy-CO or alkyl-CO; R<10> and R<11> = H; alkyl optionally substituted with halo; alkenyl; or alkynyl (at least 1 of R<10> and R<11> is H); N(R<12>)2 forms a 5-6 membered heterocycle optionally containing a further N or O, S, SO or SO2 and optionally substituted with alkyl or oxo; Qa = O; S; or NR13; R6a = H; alkyl; alkoxy; or halo; R8 = alkyl optionally substituted with halo; alkenyl; or alkynyl; A = group of formula (k): Xa = halo; Me; Et; OMe; OEt; OCF2H; CF3; or OCH2CF3; and Ya = Me; Et; or OMe or OEt optionally substituted with halo; or Xa = Me; Et; or OMe or OEt optionally substituted with halo; and Ya = halo; Me; Et; OMe; OEt; OCF2H; CF3; or OCH2CF3; Z = CH or N; R7 = H or Me; R13 = H; alkyl optionally substituted with halo; alkenyl; or alkynyl; R1 = H; halo; alkyl optionally substituted with halo; alkoxy; or alkylthio; R2 = H or Me; R3 = Me or OMe; A1 = -NR4R5; R4 = H; alkyl optionally substituted with halo, alkoxy, alkenyloxy, alkynyloxy or alkylthio; R5 = H; alkyl optionally substituted with halo, alkoxy, alkenyloxy, alkynyloxy or alkylthio; or C(O)R6; R6 = H; alkyl or cycloalkyl optionally substituted with halo or alkoxy; alkenyl optionally substituted with halo; phenyl, benzyl or naphthyl optionally substituted with 15 groups; or OR7; R7 = alkyl optionally substituted with halo, alkoxy, cycloalkyl, CN, COOR19 or CONR26R27; alkenyl or alkynyl (each optionally substituted with halo); oxetan-3-yl; cycloalkyl optionally substituted with halo, alkyl or alkoxy; or phenyl, benzyl or naphthyl optionally substituted with 14 groups; R8 = H; alkyl; alkenyl; alkynyl; or oxetan-3-yl; R9-R12, R16, R17, R20, R21 and R23-R27 = H; alkyl; alkenyl; or alkynyl; or R10 and R20 = -C(O)-X5-alkyl or -C(O)-alkyl (each optionally substituted with halo); or R10 and R11 or R12 and R13 or R16 and R17 or R20 and R21 or R23 and R24 or R25 and R9 or R26 and R27 together form alkylene optionally partly interrupted with O or NR14; R14 = H; alkyl; alkenyl; or alkynyl; R15 and R29 = alkyl or haloalkyl; R18 and R30 = alkyl substituted with COOR28; R19, R22 and R28 = H or alkyl; X1 and X3 = S; SO; or SO2; X2 and X4 = O or S; X5 = O or NR14. The full definitions are given in the DEFINITIONS (Full Definitions) Field. Independent claims are also included for: a) the preparation of the transgenic sulfonylurea-tolerant sugar beet; and b) the control of undesired plant growth in transgenic sulfonylurea-tolerant sugar beet crops by applying to the beet (including seeds and propagative material) or to their cultivation area a sulfonylurea A1)-A18) alone or as a herbicide.

Description

The present invention relates to transgenic sulfonylurea tolerant Sugar beets and methods for combating unwanted Plant growth in cultures of transgenic sulfonylurea tolerants Sugar beets.

The use of herbicidal active ingredients, for. As sulfonylureas, for Control of undesired plant growth in crops is in agriculture widely. This often causes the problem that The control of harmful plants by the herbicides not is satisfactory. Are highly effective herbicides applied to the Often, the growth of harmful plants is also the growth of Crop crops affected. For this reason, herbicidal tolerant agricultural crops of particular interest.

Thus, sugar beets have been described several times, the tolerance towards herbicidal active substances, for example sulfonylureas, Imidazolinones or inhibitors of the enzyme acetohydroxy acid synthase (AHAS), comprising:

EP 0360750 A2 describes z. For example, the production of AHAS inhibitor tolerants Plants by selection or genetic engineering methods. The herbicide Tolerance of plants to certain ortho-substituted N-aryl sulfonyl-N'-pyrimidinyl ureas (chlorsulfuron, sulfometuronmethyl, Triasulfuron u. a.) Is in this case by an increased AHAS content in the  Generated plants.

EP-0154204 B1 describes transgenic plants which are resistant to a 2- (2-imidazoline-2-one) yl) pyridine, a 2- (2-imidazolin-2-yl) quinoline, or a sulfonamide herbicide due to the expression of a modified AHAS gene are resistant.

US 5,198,599 describes sulfonylurea and imidazolinone tolerant Plants obtained by selection methods and u. a. a Tolerance to chlorosulfuron, bensulfuron, chlorimuron, thifensulfuron and sulfometuron.

Furthermore, the patents US 5,013,659; US 5,141,870 and US 5,378,824 the introduction of a modified acetolactate synthase (ALS) gene from sugar beet in genetically engineered manner as well as the Production of herbicide-tolerant plant mutants on herbicide-containing Culture media. In addition, Saunders et al. (Crop Science, 1992, 32, 1317-1320) the preparation of sulfonylurea-resistant Sugar beet described by somatic cell selection.

In addition, WO 98/02527 mentions sugar beets which are resistant to certain sulfonylureas and imidazolinone-type herbicides. The resistance principle described in WO 98/02527 is based on two point mutations within the ALS gene in positions 337 and 562, which lead to the amino acid substitutions Ala ₁₁₃ → Thr and Pro ₁₈₈ → Ser in the enzyme.

However, the transgenic sugar beets described so far in the prior art do not always allow a sufficient control of all harmful plants or do not always show a satisfactory tolerance to one or more of the group A sulfonylurea herbicides consisting of

• 1. compounds of the formula (I) and their salts,
  wherein
  Q oxygen, sulfur or -N (R ⁴ ) -,
  Y is CH or N,
  R is hydrogen, (C ₁ -C ₁₂ ) -alkyl; (C ₂ -C ₁₀ ) alkenyl; (C ₂ -C ₁₀ ) alkynyl; (C ₁ -C ₆ ) -alkyl which is one to four times by radicals from the group consisting of halogen, (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -alkoxy, (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -thioalkyl, CN, (C ₂ -C ₅ ) Alkoxycarbonyl and (C ₂ -C ₆ ) alkenyl; or (C ₃ -C ₈ ) -cycloalkyl which is unsubstituted or represented by radicals from the group consisting of (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -alkyl, (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -alkoxy, (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -alkylthio and halogen is substituted; (C ₅ -C ₈ ) cycloalkenyl; Phenyl (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -alkyl which is unsubstituted in the phenyl radical or by one or more radicals from the group consisting of halogen, (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -alkyl, (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -alkoxy, (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -haloalkyl, (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -thioalkyl, (C ₂ -C ₅ ) -alkoxycarbonyl, (C ₂ -C ₅ ) -alkylcarbonyloxy, carbonamide, (C ₂ -C ₅ ) -alkylcarbonylamino, ( C ₂ -C ₅ ) alkylaminocarbonyl, di - [(C ₁ -C ₄ ) alkyl] carbonyl and nitro; or a group of the formulas A-1 to A-10
  wherein
  XO, S, S (O) or SO ₂ ;
  R ^{1 is} hydrogen or (C ₁ -C ₃ ) -alkyl;
  R ^{2 is} hydrogen, halogen, (C ₁ -C ₃ ) -alkyl or (C ₁ -C ₃ ) -alkoxy, where the latter two radicals are unsubstituted or mono- or polysubstituted by halogen or (C ₁ -C ₃ ) -alkoxy substituted;
  R ^{3 is} hydrogen, halogen, (C ₁ -C ₃ ) -alkyl, (C ₁ -C ₃ ) -alkoxy or (C ₁ -C ₃ ) -alkylthio, where the abovementioned alkyl-containing radicals are unsubstituted or mono- or polysubstituted by halogen or mono- or di-substituted by (C ₁ -C ₃ ) alkoxy or (C ₁ -C ₃ ) alkylthio; or a radical of the formula NR ⁵ R ⁶ , (C ₃ -C ₆ ) -cycloalkyl, (C ₂ -C ₄ ) -alkenyl, (C ₂ -C ₄ ) -alkynyl, (C ₃ -C ₄ ) -alkenyloxy or (C ₃ -C ₄ ) alkynyloxy;
  R ^{4 is} hydrogen, (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -alkyl or (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -alkoxy and
  R ⁵ and R ⁶ independently of one another are hydrogen, (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -alkyl, (C ₃ -C ₄ ) -alkenyl, (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -haloalkyl or (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -alkoxy;
• 2. compounds of general formula II or their salts,
  wherein
  R ¹ CO-QR ⁸ ,
  R ² , R ³ independently of one another are H or (C ₁ -C ₄ ) alkyl,
  R ^{4 is} H, (C ₁ -C ₄ ) alkyl, hydroxy or (C ₁ -C ₄ ) alkoxy,
  R ⁵ is (C ₁ -C ₄₎ alkylsulfonyl, CHO, [(C ₁ -C ₄₎ alkyl] carbonyl, unsubstituted or substituted by one or more halogen atoms, [(C ₁ - C ₄₎ alkoxy] -oxalyl, [(C ₃ -C ₆ ) cycloalkyl] carbonyl or a group of the formula
  mean, where
  W is an oxygen or sulfur atom (ie O or S),
  TO or S.
  R ^{9 is} H, (C ₁ -C ₄ ) alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by one or more halogen atoms or by (C ₁ -C ₄ ) alkoxy, (C ₁ -C ₄ ) alkylthio, [(C ₁ -C ₄ ) alkoxy ] carbonyl and [(C ₁ -C ₄ ) alkyl] carbonyl,
  R ¹⁰ , R ¹¹ are each independently H, (C ₁ -C ₄ ) alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by one or more halogen atoms, or (C ₃ -C ₄ ) alkenyl or (C ₃ -C ₄ ) alkynyl, wherein at least one of the radicals R ¹⁰ and R ^{11 is} different from hydrogen,
  the radicals R ¹² together with the N atom of a heterocyclic ring with 5 or 6 ring members, which may contain a further heteroatom from the group N, O and S in the various oxidation states and unsubstituted or by (C ₁ -C ₄ ) alkyl or the oxo group is substituted, and
  QO, S or -NR ¹³ -,
  R ⁶ H, (C ₁ -C ₃ ) alkyl, (C ₁ -C ₃ ) alkoxy, halogen,
  R ^{8 is} independently (C ₁ -C ₄ ) alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by one or more halogen atoms, or (C ₃ -C ₄ ) alkenyl or (C ₃ -C ₄ ) alkynyl,
  A is a radical of the formula
  wherein
  Z CH or N and
  one of the radicals X and Y is halogen, (C ₁ -C ₂ ) alkyl, (C ₁ -C ₂ ) alkoxy, OCF ₂ H, CF ₃ or OCH ₂ CF ₃ and the other of the radicals X and Y (C ₁ -C ₂ ) alkyl, (C ₁ -C ₂ ) alkoxy or (C ₁ -C ₂ ) haloalkoxy,
  R ^{7 is} H or CH ₃ ,
  R ^{13 is} H, (C ₁ -C ₄ ) alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by one or more halogen atoms, or (C ₃ -C ₄ ) alkenyl or (C ₃ -C ₄ ) alkynyl;
• 3. Compounds of the general formula III, their N-oxides or inorganic or organic salts,
  wherein
  R _{1 is} H, halogen, (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -alkyl which is unsubstituted or mono- or polysubstituted by halogen, (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -alkoxy, (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -alkylthio;
  R _{2 is} H or methyl;
  R _{3 is} methyl or methoxy;
  A is -N- (R ₄ ) R ₅ ;
  R _{4 is} H, (C ₁ -C ₆ ) -alkyl which is unsubstituted or mono- or polysubstituted by halogen, (C ₁ -C ₆ ) -alkoxy, (C ₃ -C ₆ ) -alkenyloxy, (C ₃ -C ₆ ) alkynyloxy or (C ₁ -C ₆ ) alkylthio is substituted;
  R _{5 is} H, (C ₁ -C ₆ ) -alkyl which is unsubstituted or mono- or polysubstituted by halogen, (C ₁ -C ₆ ) -alkoxy, (C ₃ -C ₆ ) -alkenyloxy, (C ₃ -C ₆ ) Alkynyloxy or (C ₁ -C ₆ ) -alkyl, or C (O) R ₆ ;
  R _{6 is} H, (C ₁ -C ₆ ) -alkyl or (C ₃ -C ₆ ) -cycloalkyl which are unsubstituted or mono- or polysubstituted by halogen or (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -alkoxy, (C ₂ - C ₆ ) - alkenyl which is unsubstituted or mono- or polysubstituted by halogen, (C ₂ -C ₆ ) -alkynyl, phenyl, benzyl or naphthyl which is unsubstituted or mono- or polysubstituted by halogen, (C ₁ -C ₄ Alkyl, (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -haloalkyl, (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -alkoxy, (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -haloalkoxy, (C ₃ -C ₆ ) -alkenyloxy, (C ₃ -C ₆ ) Alkynyloxy, nitro, cyano, COOR ₈ , NR ₁₀ R ₁₁ , C (O) NR ₁₂ R ₁₃ , X ₁ R ₁₅ , SO ₂ NR ₁₆ R ₁₇ or substituted by X ₂ R ₁₈ or OR ₇ ;
  R _{7 is} (C ₁ -C ₆ ) -alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -alkoxy, (C ₃ -C ₆ ) -cycloalkyl, cyano, COOR ₁₉ , or CONR ₂₆ R ₂₇ , C ₁ -C ₆ ) - haloalkyl, (C ₃ -C ₆ ) -alkenyl, (C ₃ -C ₆ ) -haloalkenyl, (C ₃ -C ₆ ) -alkynyl, (C ₃ -C ₆ ) -haloalkynyl, oxetane 3-yl, or (C ₄ -C ₆ ) -cycloalkyl which is unsubstituted or partially substituted by halogen, (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -alkyl or (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -alkoxy or phenyl, benzyl or naphthyl which is unsubstituted or in each case by (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -alkyl, (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -haloalkyl, (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -alkoxy, (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -haloalkoxy, (C ₁ -) C ₄ ) - alkylthio, (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -haloalkylthio, (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -alkylsulfonyl, (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -alkylsulfinyl, nitro, cyano, COOR ₂₂ , NR ₂₀ R ₂₁ , CONR ₂₃ R ₂₄ or substituted by SO ₂ NR ₂₅ R ₉ ;
  or (C ₁ -C ₆ ) alkyl, X ₃ R ₂₉ or X ₄ R ₃₀ ;
  R _{8 is} H, (C ₁ -C ₆ ) -alkyl, (C ₃ -C ₆ ) -alkenyl, (C ₃ -C ₆ ) -alkynyl or oxetan-3-yl;
  R ₉ , R ₁₀ , R ₁₁ , R ₁₂ , R ₁₆ , R ₁₇ , R ₂₀ , R ₂₁ , R ₂₃ , R ₂₄ , R ₂₅ , R ₂₆ and R _{27 are} each independently H, (C ₁ -C ₄ ) Alkyl, (C ₃ -C ₆ ) alkenyl or (C ₃ -C ₆ ) alkynyl; or
  R ₁₀ and R _{20 are} each independently of one another the groups -C (O) -X ₅ - (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -alkyl or -C (O) - (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -alkyl which is partially substituted by halogen could be; or
  R ₁₀ and R ₁₁ or R ₁₂ and R ₁₃ or R ₁₆ and R ₁₇ or R ₂₀ and R ₂₁ or R ₂₃ and R ₂₄ or R ₂₅ and R ₉ or R ₂₆ and R ₂₇ together form a (C ₄ -C ₅ ) Alkylene chain which may be partially interrupted by oxygen or NR ₁₄ , wherein
  R _{14 is} H, (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -alkyl, (C ₃ -C ₆ ) -alkenyl or (C ₃ -C ₆ ) -alkynyl;
  R ₁₅ and R _{29 are} each independently (C ₁ -C ₄ ) alkyl or (C ₁ -C ₄ ) haloalkyl;
  R ₁₈ and R _{30 are} each independently COOR ₂₈ substituted (C ₁ -C ₄ ) alkyl;
  R ₁₉ , R ₂₂ and R _{28 are} each independently H or (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -alkyl,
  X ₁ and X _{3 are} each independently S, SO or SO ₂ ;
  X ₂ and X _{4 are} each independently O or S;
  X _{5 is} O or NR ₁₄ ;
• 4. A4) Amidosulfuron (21, p. 37)
• 5. A5) Ethoxysulfuron (287, p. 488);
• 6. A6) triasulfuron (723, p. 1222);
• 7. A7) Metsulfuron (498, p. 842);
• 8. A8) tribenuron (728, p. 1230);
• 9. A9) flupyrsulfuron (348, p. 586);
• 10. A10) Nicosulfuron (519, p. 877);
• 11. A11) Rimsulfuron (644, p. 1095);
• 12. A12) primisulfuron (589, p. 997);
• 13. A13) Prosulfuron (613, p. 1041);
• 14. A14) sulfosulfuron (668, p. 1130);
• 15. A15) oxasulfuron (542, p. 911);
• 16. A16) Ethametsulfuron (280, p. 475);
• 17. A17) imazosulfuron (416, p. 703) and
• 18. A18) Compounds of the formula V as disclosed in EP-0496701 A1:
  

The suboptimal tolerance of transgenic sugarbeets available so far compared to the sulfonylureas mentioned leads at the application rates, as they are z. B. hard-to-control harmful plants (eg Anthemis arvensis) often to insufficiently combat all Harmful plants. This often results in damage to crops, which is associated with a reduction in yield and thus a considerable represents economic disadvantage.

The object of the present invention is to overcome this Disadvantage. The object is achieved by the present invention by Beet will be made available to one or more Sulfonylureas of the abovementioned (above) general formulas I to III, Amidosulfuron, ethoxysulfuron triasulfuron, metsulfuron, tribenuron, Flupyrsulfuron, nicosulfuron, rimsulfuron, prosulfuron, sulfosulfuron, Oxasulfuron, etametsulfuron, imazosulfuron and / or compounds of o. G. Formula V is a very good compatibility, d. H. have a high tolerance.

Another object of the present invention is also in the Improvement of methods of combating undesirable Plant growth in sugar beet crops according to the invention.

There were now by selection on sulphonylurea-containing nutrient media Sugar beets found, surprisingly, the desired resistance towards sulfonylurea herbicides of the general formulas I to III, Amidosulfuron, ethoxysulfuron triasulfuron, metsulfuron, tribenuron, Flupyrsulfuron, nicosulfuron, rimsulfuron, prosulfuron, sulfosulfuron, Oxasulfuron, etametsulfuron, imazosulfuron and / or compounds of o. G. Formula V have.

In addition, the sugar beets according to the invention have further surprising Benefits, by z. B. by the said sulfonylureas in their Growth be promoted or altered carbohydrate content  or nitrogen-containing compounds (eg amino acid content, proteins) respectively.

In addition, the present invention also has other advantages because it makes it possible to combat a broader spectrum of Harmful plants in the sugar beet crops according to the invention, so that a faster and safer activity against harmful plants, one significantly simplified control of harmful plants by B. a single or only a few applications are required. In addition to the application in Pre-emergence is especially the postemergence application preferred, whole especially in a period between the cotyledon and the 12-leaf Stage of harmful plants or the piercing of sugar beets and their 12-leaf stage.

The present invention therefore relates to transgenic sulfonylurea tolerant sugar beets, their seed or propagation material as well as their cells to one or more sulfonylureas selected from group A consisting of
A1) compounds of the abovementioned general formula I,
A2) compounds of the abovementioned general formula II,
A3) compounds of the abovementioned general formula III,
A4) amidosulfuron (21, p. 37),
A5) Ethoxysulfuron (287, p. 488),
A6) triasulfuron (723, p. 1222),
A7) Metsulfuron (498, p. 842),
A8) tribenurone (728, p. 1230),
A9) flupyrsulfuron (348, p. 586),
A10) nicosulfuron (519, p. 877),
A11) Rimsulfuron (644, p. 1095)
A12) Primisulfuron (589, p. 997)
A13) Prosulfuron (613, p. 1041)
A14) sulfosulfuron (668, p. 1130)
A15) oxasulfuron (542, p. 911);
A16) Ethametsulfuron (280, p. 475);
A17) imazosulfuron (416, p. 703) and
A18) compounds of the formula V as disclosed in EP 0496701 A1,
Formula V:

are tolerant and preferably by one or more sulfonylureas selected from the group A consisting of A1 to A18 in their growth be encouraged.

It is expressly noted that the A4 to A17 and B1 to B9 (below) in detail listed herbicides in the "The Pesticide Manual", 10th edition, The British Crop Protection Council, 1997, Bracknell, England, and the literature cited therein. The individual connections are usually using the "common name" according to the International Organization designated for standardization (ISO); the numbers in brackets indicate the number of the entry as well as the page number.

The transgenic sulfonylurea tolerant sugar beets according to the invention, their seed or propagation material or their cells can z. B. by conventional crossing methods in addition to the inventive feature sulfonylurea resistance also has further herbicide resistance (eg against glufosinate or glyphosate) or another contain genetic modification, for. B. by introducing an insect, Fungal or viral resistance (eg, by expression of a Bt toxin, a  Chitinase, glucanase) or in their metabolic properties be modified so that a qualitative and / or quantitative change of Ingredients (such as the energy carbohydrate, fatty acid or Nitrogen metabolism or with the metabolic processes in Related metabolite fluxes).

Another object of the present invention is a method for producing sugar beets according to the invention by culturing on a sulphonylurea-containing nutrient medium, by

• a) callus or cell suspension cultures while retaining their embryogenic and morphogenic competence selected,
• b) the cultures obtained under a) on a sulfonylurea-containing Culture medium cultured and selected and
• c) intact plants are regenerated from the cultures obtained under b).

In addition, an object of the invention is the use of Sugar beets according to the invention, which according to a Processes are available in agriculture, as feed or for the Food industry, especially for sugar production.

Yet another object of the present invention is also a method for controlling unwanted plant growth in crops of sugar beets according to the invention, characterized in that one or more sulfonylureas selected from the group A consisting of A1, to the plants, their seed or propagation material or their acreage to A18, optionally in combination with one or more herbicides selected from group B consisting of

• 1. herbicides from the class of imidazolinones, preferably imazethapyr (415, p. 701), imazamethapyr (2, p. 5, AC 263, 222), imazapyr (413, p. 697), Imazaquin (414, p. 699), Imazamox (412, p. 696);
• 2. Herbicides from the class of inhibitors of photosynthetic Electron transport, preferably the biscarbamate, particularly preferred  Phenmedipham (563, p. 948), Desmedipham (206, p. 349);
• 3. a herbicide from the class of PPO inhibitors, z. For example, the diphenyl ether or the azoles, preferably Azifluorfen (7, p. 12), oxyfluorfen (547, p. 919), pyraflufen (617, p. 1048), carfentrazone (112, p. 191), lactofen (442, p 747), nitrofen (S1193, p. 1343), oxadiargyl (538, p. 904), fluoroglycofen (344, p. 580), sulfentrazone (665, p. 1126) or also a CF ₃ -uracile of the formula IV as described in US Patent 5,183,492:
  
• 4. a herbicide from the class of hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPDO) inhibitors, e.g. The triketones, preferably isoxaflutole (436, P. 737), isoxachlorotol (RPA-201735) or sulcotrione (664, p. 1124);
• 5. a herbicide from the class of herbicidally active, optionally synthetic auxins or their transport inhibitors, preferably quinmerac (636, p. 1080), clopyralid (153, p. 260), diflufenzopyr (50, p. 81, BAS 65400H);
• 6. a herbicide belonging to the class of lipid or fatty acid synthesis Inhibitors, preferably the aryloxyphenoxycarboxylic acids or the Cyclohexanedione oximes, more preferably fenoxaprop (309, p. 519), Haloxyfop (390, p. 659), Fluazifop (327-328, pp. 553-557), Quizalofop (640- 641, pp. 1087-1092), clodinafop (147, p. 251), propaquizafop (602, p. 1021), Clethodim (146, p. 250), sethoxidim (648, p. 1101), tepraloxydim (49, p. 80, BAS 620H, caloxydim), butroxideim (98, p. 167) and cycloxidim (174, p. 290) or prosulfocarb (612, p. 1040);
• 7. a herbicide from the class of glutamine synthetase inhibitors, preferably phosphino amino acid derivatives, particularly preferably glufosinates  (382, p. 6431;
• 8. a herbicide from the class 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate Synthase inhibitors, preferably glyphosate (383, p. 646);
• 9. a herbicide from the class of benzofuranylalkanesulfonates, preferably ethofumesate (285, p. 484) or these group A drugs or B containing herbicidal agents are applied.

And finally, a subject of the invention is also the use of one or more sulfonylureas selected from the group A (A1 to A18) as defined, optionally in combination with one or more herbicides selected from group B, consisting of B1 to B9, or these containing herbicidal agents on cultivated areas of inventive Sugar beet crops.

If they are chiral compounds are from the A1 to A18 and B1 to B9 mentioned drugs both their racemic Mixtures and their active enantiomers. In addition, also the Salts of the mentioned under A1 to A18 and B1 to B9 agents with organic or inorganic acids or bases, as far as they are concerned Salzbildner acts. Likewise, if appropriate, the esters of A1 to A18 and B1 to B9 mentioned active ingredients, if herbicidally effective.

The inventive method for controlling harmful plants in the sugarbeet cultures according to the invention with the sulfonylureas of Group A (A1 to A18) open up an economically and ecologically advantageous Control of harmful plants. The advantages are u. a. in a positive growth regulatory effect, a reduced number of Applications or a reduction in the application rates (in comparison to conventional application of herbicidal agents), a generally good biological soil degradation, a low burden in the post-cultivation and / or a good beneficial.  

In particular, the possible combinations of herbicidal active ingredients of Group A (i.e., sulfonylureas A1 to A18) with Group B herbicides (i.e., herbicides B1 to B9) are found in the methods of the invention to control harmful plants as particularly advantageous.

For the purposes of the present application, the term "herbicide tolerant" is used to understand that the herbicide-tolerant sugar beets in the presence of one or several sulfonylureas of group A, possibly in combination with herbicides Group B no apparent impairment of their physiological Show functions where the same sulfonylureas in non-tolerant Plants, a growth-impairing or phytotoxic effect demonstrate. The type and extent of herbicide tolerance depend on the respective herbicide Herbicide, the respective dosage and general growth conditions from.

The sugar beets according to the invention, whose Seeds or reproductive material or their cells to tolerance Compounds of general formula I in a concentration range of 0.5-40, especially 1-20 and especially 3-10 g a.i./ha, opposite Compounds of general formula II in a concentration range of 1- 40, especially 2-20 and especially 6-10 g a.i./ha, opposite Compounds of general formula III in a concentration range of 0.5-50, especially 1-25 and most especially 3-12.5 g a.i./ha Amidosulfuron in a concentration range of 1-60, especially 2-30 and especially 6-15 g a.i./ha, compared to ethoxysulfuron in one Concentration range of 5-120, especially 10-60 and especially 20-30 g a.i./ha, compared to triasulfuron in a concentration range of 1- 80, especially 2-40 and especially 6-20 g a.i./ha, opposite Metsulfuron in a concentration range of 0.1-50, especially 1-25 and especially 3-12.5 g a.i./ha, opposite tribenurone in one Concentration range of 3-100, especially 6-50 and especially 10- 25 g a.i./ha, compared with flupyrsulfuron in a concentration range of 1-  80, especially 2-40 and especially 6-20 g a.i./ha, opposite Nicosulfuron in a concentration range of 1-120, especially 2-60 and especially 6-30 g a.i./ha, opposite Rimsulfuron in one Concentration range of 0.1-60, especially 0.2-30 and especially 0.6-15 g a.i./ha, compared to primisulfuron in a concentration range of 1-100, especially 2-50 and especially 6-25 g a.i./ha Prosulfuron in a concentration range of 1-90, in particular 2-45 and especially 6-25 g a.i./ha, compared to sulfosulfuron in one Concentration range of 1-90, especially 2-45 and especially 6-25 g a.i./ha, over oxasulfuron in a concentration range of 5-250, especially 10-125 and especially 30-65 g a.i./ha, opposite Etametsulfuron in a concentration range of 0.1-50, especially 0.2- 25 and more particularly 0.6-12.5 g a.i./ha, compared with imazosulfuron in one Concentration range of 10-250, especially 20-125 and especially 30-65 g a.i./ha, and / or compounds of the formula V in one Concentration range of 0.5-120, in particular 1-60 and especially 3- 30 g a.i./ha.

The term "seed or propagation material" includes both vegetative and also sexual propagation material such as fruits, seeds, tubers, Rhizomes, seedlings, cuttings, calli, protoplasts, cell cultures etc.

The term "sugar beet" does not just mean whole plants, which can be obtained or generated by selection, but possibly also their parts like roots, leaves, stem tubers and other cell aggregates as well as generations derived from these plants.

The term "sugar beet crop according to the invention" generally includes Cultures of the transgenic sugar beets according to the invention and their seed or Propagation material and possibly also the acreage of such plants.

For the expert, there are various possibilities, herbicide-tolerant  to select plant mutants such. In US 5,162,602 or US 4,761,373.

In addition, plant mutants or cell lines can also be selected by z. As seed or cell cultures (callus or Suspension cultures) in a suitable medium in the presence of increasing Herbicides concentrations is attracted. In addition, this can be Selection Method The addition of a suitable mutagen (cf., for example, US Pat 4,443,971) significantly increase the incidence of mutations.

The characteristics according to the invention of the transgenic sulfonylurea resistant sugar beet can also be used in z. B. transgenic sugar beet conventional breeding method known in the art crossed become.

From the sugar beet mutants obtained can be by means of the Known genetic engineering methods, the mutated genes identify and isolate that cause the resistance phenomenon. With help The isolated genes are then followed by selected sugar beets in turn transform the method known in the art, so that transgenic plants can be obtained. These can be through more characterize advantageous properties, for example by a increased yield, resistance to certain pesticides, especially against certain herbicides or noxious insects, resistance to Plant diseases or pathogens of plant diseases such as certain Insects or mites or microorganisms such as fungi, bacteria or viruses. Other properties relate to z. B. also the crop in terms of quantity, Quality, shelf life, composition or special ingredients.

Ways of producing transgenic plants compared to natural existing plants have modified properties exist For example, in the application of genetic engineering methods (see, for example,  Willmitzer L., 1993, Transgenic plants. In: Biotechnology, A Multivolume Comprehensive Treatise, Rehm et al. (eds.) Vol.2, 627-659, VCH Weinheim, Germany; D'Halluin et al., 1992, McCormick et al. Plant Cell Reports, 1986, 5, 81-84, EP-A-0221044, EP-A-0131624).

For example, the production of genetic engineering was described modified plants with respect to modifications of the plant Carbohydrate metabolism (eg WO 94/28146, WO 92/11376, WO 92/14827, WO 91/19806), resistance to certain herbicides, eg. From the Glufosinate type (cf., for example, EP-A-0242236, EP-A-242246) or glyphosate (eg, WO 92/00377), resistance to certain pests, e.g. B. due the ability of certain Bacillus thuringiensis toxins (Bt toxins) or amino acids or metalloprotease inhibitors (e.g., EP-A-0142924, EP-A-0193259, WO 95/35031).

In particular, methods for producing transgenic sugar beets with modified sucrose content by modifications of gene expression of Enzymes ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase, sucrose phosphate synthase and Sucrose synthase in WO 94/28146. Therefore, be on expressly referred to WO 94/28146, the content of which Reference is integrated into the present application.

Numerous molecular biology techniques involving new transgenic plants can be made with altered properties are those skilled in the art known; see, for. Sambrook et al., 1989, Molecular Cloning, A Laboratory Manual, 2nd ed., Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, NY; or Winnacker "Genes and Clones", VCH Weinheim 2nd edition 1996 or Christou, "Trends in Plant Science" 1 (1996) 423-431).

For such genetic manipulation suitable Nucleic acid molecules e.g. B. by means of suitable vectors, a mutagenesis or a sequence change by recombination of DNA sequences  allow to be introduced into plants or plant cells. With the help of The above standard methods can also z. B. Base exchanges made, partial sequences removed or natural or synthetic Sequences are added. It can also z. Like the course occurring genes completely by heterologous or synthetic genes preferably under the control of a promoter active in plant cells be replaced ("gene replacement"). For the connection of the DNA fragments between them adapters or linkers can be attached to the fragments become.

The production of plant cells with a reduced activity of a Gene product can be achieved, for example, by expression at least one corresponding antisense RNA, a sense RNA for Achieving a Cosuppressionseffektes or the expression of at least one correspondingly constructed ribozyme, which specifically transcripts the splits the above gene product.

For this purpose, on the one hand DNA molecules can be used, which cover the entire coding sequence of a gene product including any present flanking sequences, as well as DNA molecules that are only parts of the coding sequence, which parts must be long enough to cause an antisense effect in the cells. It is also possible Use of DNA sequences that have a high degree of homology to the but not completely are identical.

In the expression of nucleic acid molecules in plants, the synthesized protein in any compartment of the plant cell be localized. But localization in a particular compartment to reach, z. For example, the coding region is linked to DNA sequences be that localization in a particular compartment or too a certain time (at a certain stage or chemically  or biologically induced) (eg, transit or signal peptides, timed or site-specific promoters). Such sequences are those skilled in the art see, for example, Braun et al., EMBO J. 11 (1992), 3219-3227; Wolter et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 85 (19881, 846-850, Sonnewald et al., Plant J. 1 (1991), 95-106).

The transgenic plant cells can be whole by known techniques Plants are regenerated.

In this way, transgenic sugar beets are available that changed Characteristics by overexpression, suppression or inhibition homologous (i.e., endogenous) genes or gene sequences or expression of heterologous (i.e. exogenous) genes or gene sequences.

With the method according to the invention can a wide range economically important monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous harmful plants be fought. Also difficult to combat perennial weeds that from rhizomes, rhizomes or other permanent organs detected by the method excellent. It does not matter if the Substances or preparations in pre-sowing, pre-emergence or post-emergence procedures be applied. Specifically, for example, some representatives of mono- and dicotyledonous weed flora called by the invention Can be controlled without the naming a Limitation to certain species.

On the side of monocotyledonous weed species, for. Avena, Lolium, Alopecurus, Apera, Poa, Phalaris, Echinochloa, Digitaria, Setaria as well Cyperus species from the annuelle group and on the part of the perennial Species Agropyron, Cynodon, Sorghum, Perennial Cyperus species and also Dropping crops such as wheat, barley, etc. are well recorded.

In dicotyledonous weed species, the spectrum of activity extends to species such as  z. Galium, Viola, Veronica, Lamium, Stellaria, Amaranthus, Sinapis, Matricaria, Abutilon, Polygonum, Galinsoga, Mercurialis, Solanum, Chinopodium, Kochia, Anthemis and Sonchus on the ann side as well Convolvulus, Cirsium and Rumexbei the perennial weeds and also Failure cultures such as potatoes, rape, etc.

Are in the inventive method, the compounds or agents before When germinating is applied to the surface of the earth, it is either agitated the weed seedlings are completely prevented or the weeds grow up to the cotyledon stage, but then adjust their growth and Finally, after three to four weeks have passed completely.

When applying the active ingredients or agents to the green parts of plants in Postemergence also occurs very quickly after treatment drastic growth stop and the weed plants remain in the Application stage of existing growth stage or die after a certain time completely off, so that in this way one for the Crops harmful weed competition very early and sustainable is eliminated.

In the sugar beet crops according to the invention are by suitable Application of herbicidal active ingredients or their combinations the following, so far particularly difficult to combat harmful plants such Anthemis, Agropyron, Chinopodium, Cirsium, Kochia, Polygonum, Matriciaria, as well as volunteers / failed crops and in general also weeds in later stages of growth are good, d. H. preferably <80% and in particular to <90% control.

Although with the inventive method an excellent herbicides Effect against mono- and dicotyledonous weeds is achieved, the Crop plants according to the invention only insignificantly or not at all damaged. The present methods are very suitable for these reasons  good for selective control of undesired plant growth in agricultural crops of the sugar beets according to the invention.

In addition, excellent with the inventive method achieved additional effects in the sugar beet invention. They are attacking regulate in the plant - own metabolism and can thus to Targeted promotion of phytonutrients and crop yield be used.

The compounds or agents used in the process according to the invention can be applied in the form of wettable powders, emulsifiable concentrates, sprayable solutions, dusts or granules in the customary formulations and can be formulated in various ways, depending on which biological and / or chemical-physical parameters are given are. Possible formulation options are, for example: wettable powder (WP), water-soluble powders (SP), water-soluble concentrates, emulsifiable concentrates (EC), emulsions (EW), such as oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions, sprayable solutions , Suspension concentrates (SC), oil- or water-based dispersions, oil-miscible solutions, capsule suspensions (C ₅ ), dusts (DP), mordants, granules for litter and soil application, granules (GR) in the form of microspray, spray, Elevator and adsorption granules, water-dispersible granules (WG), water-soluble granules (SG), ULV formulations, microcapsules and waxes.

These individual formulation types are known and will be known in principle for example, described in: Winnacker-Kuchler, "Chemical Technology", Volume 7, C. Hauser Verlag Munich, 4th ed. 1986, Wade von Valkenburg, "Pesticide Formulations", Marcel Dekker, N.Y., 1973, K. Martens, "Spray Drying "Handbook, 3rd ed., 1979, G. Goodwin Ltd. London.

On the basis of these formulations can also be combined with  other pesticidal substances such. As insecticides, acaricides, Fungicides, safeners, fertilizers and / or growth regulators apply, for. B. in the form of a finished formulation or as a tank mix.

The agrochemical preparations usually contain from 0.1 to 99 Wt .-%, in particular 1 to 95 wt .-%, active substances or their Salts.

In wettable powders, the active ingredient concentration z. B. about 10 to 90 wt .-%, the remainder to 100% by weight consists of conventional formulation ingredients. For emulsifiable concentrates, the drug concentration can be about 1 to 90, preferably 5 to 80 wt .-% amount. Dust-like formulations contain 1 to 30, preferably usually 5 to 20 wt .-% of active ingredient, sprayable solutions about 0.05 to 80, preferably 2 to 50 wt .-% Active ingredient. In the case of water-dispersible granules, the active ingredient content depends in part depending on whether the active compound is liquid or solid, and which granulating aids, fillers, etc. are used. At the in Water-dispersible granules is the content of active ingredient, for example between 1 and 95% by weight, preferably between 10 and 80% by weight.

In addition, the active substance formulations mentioned optionally contain the customary adhesion, wetting, dispersing, emulsifying, penetrating, Preservatives, antifreeze and solvents, fillers, carriers and dyes, Defoamer, evaporation inhibitor and pH and viscosity influencing means.

In the process according to the invention, the herbicidal combination partners of group B (B1 to B9) with the sulfonylureas of group A (A1 to A18) can be used in mixture formulations or in tank mix, for example known agents, as they are for. In Weed Research 26, 441-445 (1986), or "The Pesticide Manual", 10th edition, The British Crop Protection Council, 1997, Bracknell, England, and the literature cited therein  are. The individual listed under A4 to A17 and B1 to B9 Connections are usually named after the "common name" International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

For use, the present in commercial form Optionally diluted in a customary manner, e.g. B. at Wettable powders, emulsifiable concentrates, dispersions and water-dispersible granules by means of water, and then to the Plants, parts of plants or the agricultural soil on which the plants stand or in which they grow or are present as seed, applied. Dust-like preparations, ground or granulated granules and Sprayable solutions are usually no longer available before use diluted with other inert substances.

With the external conditions such as temperature, humidity, the nature of the used herbicides, u. a. varies the required application rate of herbicidal compounds within wide limits, eg. B. between 0.001 and 10.0 kg / ha or more of active substance, but is preferably between 0.005 and 5 kg / ha.

The following examples are intended to illustrate the present invention and do not constitute a restriction.

example 1 Establishment of morphogenic sugar beet cell cultures amino acid-free nutrient medium

Ripe sugar beet seeds were after disinfection of the Seed surface on hormone-free medium under aseptic conditions germinating.

The modified medium according to Murashige-Skoog (medium), which was used for the  Experiments is reproduced in Table 1. Before the Autoclaving, the pH of the medium was adjusted to 5.8. The vitame were added to the medium before autoclaving (120 ° C, 15 min). The Phytohormone concentrations were used for callus initiation, callus subculture and plant regeneration as described in the text varies.

Table 1 modified MS medium

mg / L MgSO ₄ .7H ₂ O 370 CaCl ₂ .2H ₂ O 440 KNO ₃ 1900 (NH ₄ ) ₂ SO ₄ - NH ₄ NO ₃ 1650 KH ₂ PO ₄ 170 MnSO ₄ 22.3 KJ 0.86 CoCl ₂ .6H ₂ O 0,025 ZnSO ₄ .7H _s O 8.6 CuSO ₄ .5H ₂ O 0,025 H ₃ BO ₃ 6.2 Na ₂ MoO ₄ .2H ₂ O 0.25 EDTA 37.3 FeSO ₄ .7H ₂ O 27.3 Thiamin.Hcl 0.5 nicotinic acid 0.2 cyanocobalamin 0.1 pyridoxine 0.2 p-aminobenzoic acid 0.05 Ca-pantothenate 0.1 biotin 0.1 folic acid 0.05 nicotinic acid 0.2 Choline HCl 0.1 riboflavin 0.05 inositol 100 sucrose 30,000 agar 7000 naphthylacetic acid 0.1 benzylaminopurine 1.0

Once the cotyledons were unfolded, they were separated and in 4-6 mm cut long pieces. The hypocotyl sections were also in 4-6 mm pieces broken down. The explants were tested on MS medium with a Content of 0.05-0.5 mg naphthylacetic acid per liter of medium at 25 ± 2 ° C im 12 h light / dark rhythm cultivated at approx. 500-2000 lux. Explants of some Seedlings formed under these conditions within 2-3 weeks morphogenic callus, which is retained on the respective medium his ability to regenerate subculture for months.

Cell lines were established which were based on the medium described in Table 1 grow for more than a year while maintaining regenerative capacity can.

Example 2 In vitro mutagenesis

Morphogenic sugarbeet callus pieces are in medium with 0.1 to 1% Ethyl methanesulfonate 10 to 120 min. incubated, washed 3 × and in the Medium cultivated. The surviving morphogenic callus segments become after 2 to 4 weeks subcultured on fresh medium. After another 2 to 4 Weeks calli can be used for selection experiments.

Example 3 Selection of herbicide-resistant callus cultures

It is first determined at which herbicide concentration in the medium 95  to 99% of calli die.

In each case 1000 calli are transferred to the herbicide-containing (LD ₉₈ ) agar media (0.8% agar) and evaluated after 6 to 8 weeks. The Petri dishes are incubated at 12 h lighting per day with 1000 to 2000 lux and 25 ° C. In the media with the herbicides, calli form, which grow to form shoot primordia.

By repeated subculture of the resistant morphogenic calli can Cell lines are established that have relatively high herbicide concentrations tolerate and are still capable of plant regeneration.

Example 4 Regeneration of sugar beet mutants, isolation of mutant Genes and production of transgenic sugar beet

Differentiate on regeneration medium (medium without naphthylacetic acid) from the obtained embryogenic herbicidally acceptable calli within 1-2 subculture periods (1-2 months) sprouts on hormone-free Medium (i.e., without naphthylacetic acid and benzylaminopurine) during the rooted the following 1-3 subcultures. Once enough roots are formed the plants are transformed into an inorganic substrate (eg vermiculite, Perlite), after the Agarreste as completely as possible from the Roots were removed. During the first 3-6 days the plants become cultured at 90 to 100% relative humidity. After that, the plants can either cultivated further in the climatic chamber or in the greenhouse become. Until the formation of another 2 to 4 leaves, the Regenerates kept in hydroponic culture. After that, the sugar beets can be in soil be transplanted.

From the regenerated sugar beet, the acetolactate synthase (ALS) - Gene isolated by literature ALS gene probes and analogous to the Dideoxy method (Sanger et al., 1977, Proc. Natl. Acad Sci., USA, 74,  5463-5467). The isolated genes are determined by means of Agrobacterium transformation and appropriate vector systems in Sugar beet cells transformed, positive clones by means of a Selection marker selected and from the positive cells whole plants regenerated.

Biological examples Example 5 herbicide application

At the 4th and 5th leaf stage, the plants are treated with herbicide solutions sprayed customary application rates. The herbicides are called 0.1 to 1% aqueous solutions applied. The treated plants are after Visually scored 14 to 28 days. The test for herbicide resistance is under Conditions that are common in commercial (control) plants severe damage (degree of injury <80%).

The transgenic sugar beets show a well-developed tolerance the applied sulfonylureas, d. H. a comparatively small one Damage.

Example 6 Herbicidal action on harmful plants in cultures of transgenic sugar beets

Various clones of the transgenic sugar beet are in pots in the Greenhouse or field seeded in small plots and up to the stage tightened by 2-4 leaves. At the same time some weeds or Weed grasses are seeded respectively by natural germination and emergence the field plots different Wekrautsituationen (with respect to weeds and Leaf stages).  

After treatment with sulfonylureas of group A and, if necessary, in Combination with Group B herbicides will be made later in the course of Growth at intervals of 3-6 weeks. Assessments of herbicides Effectiveness made to the selectivity of the different active ingredients and to assess their herbicidal activity.

The results of these experiments show that the herbicides or Herbicide combinations on the sugar beets according to the invention are particularly good are compatible, but at the same time excellent herbicidal activity against have unwanted broadleaf and grassy weeds and thus a selective weed control in the inventive Sugar beet crops is made possible.

Claims (8)

1. Transgenic sulfonylurea tolerant sugar beets, their seed or propagation material or their cells, characterized in that they are tolerant to one or more sulfonylureas selected from the group A consisting of

• 1. compounds of the formula (I) or salts thereof,
  wherein
  Q oxygen, sulfur or -N (R ⁴ ) -,
  Y is CH or N,
  R is hydrogen, (C ₁ -C ₁₂ ) -alkyl; (C ₂ -C ₁₀ ) alkenyl; (C ₂ -C ₁₀ ) alkynyl; (C ₁ -C ₆ ) -alkyl which is one to four times by radicals from the group consisting of halogen, (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -alkoxy, (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -thioalkyl, CN, (C ₂ -C ₅ ) Alkoxycarbonyl and (C ₂ -C ₆ ) alkenyl; or (C ₃ -C ₈ ) -cycloalkyl which is unsubstituted or represented by radicals from the group consisting of (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -alkyl, (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -alkoxy, (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -alkylthio and halogen is substituted; (C ₅ -C ₈ ) cycloalkenyl; Phenyl (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -alkyl which is unsubstituted in the phenyl radical or by one or more radicals from the group consisting of halogen, (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -alkyl, (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -alkoxy, (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -haloalkyl, (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -thioalkyl, (C ₂ -C ₅ ) -alkoxycarbonyl, (C ₂ -C ₅ ) -alkylcarbonyloxy, carbonamide, (C ₂ -C ₅ ) -alkylcarbonylamino, ( C ₂ -C ₅ ) alkylaminocarbonyl, di - [(C ₁ -C ₄ ) alkyl] carbonyl and nitro; or a group of the formulas A-1 to A-10
  wherein
  XO, S, S (O) or SO ₂ ;
  R ^{1 is} hydrogen or (C ₁ -C ₃ ) -alkyl;
  R ^{2 is} hydrogen, halogen, (C ₁ -C ₃ ) -alkyl or (C ₁ -C ₃ ) -alkoxy, where the latter two radicals are unsubstituted or mono- or polysubstituted by halogen or (C ₁ -C ₃ ) -alkoxy substituted;
  R ^{3 is} hydrogen, halogen, (C ₁ -C ₃ ) -alkyl, (C ₁ -C ₃ ) -alkoxy or (C ₁ -C ₃ ) -alkylthio, where the abovementioned alkyl-containing radicals are unsubstituted or mono- or polysubstituted by halogen or mono- or di-substituted by (C ₁ -C ₃ ) alkoxy or (C ₁ -C ₃ ) alkylthio; or a radical of the formula NR ⁵ R ⁶ , (C ₃ -C ₆ ) -cycloalkyl, (C ₂ -C ₄ ) -alkenyl, (C ₂ -C ₄ ) -alkynyl, (C ₃ -C ₄ ) -alkenyloxy or (C ₃ -C ₄ ) alkynyloxy;
  R ^{4 is} hydrogen, (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -alkyl or (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -alkoxy and
  R ⁵ and R ⁶ independently of one another are hydrogen, (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -alkyl, (C ₃ -C ₄ ) -alkenyl, (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -haloalkyl or (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -alkoxy;
• 2. compounds of the formula II or salts thereof,
  wherein
  R ¹ CO-QR ⁸ ,
  R ² , R ³ independently of one another are H or (C ₁ -C ₄ ) alkyl,
  R ^{4 is} H, (C ₁ -C ₄ ) alkyl, hydroxy or (C ₁ -C ₄ ) alkoxy,
  R ⁵ is (C ₁ -C ₄₎ alkylsulfonyl, CHO, [(C ₁ -C ₄₎ alkyl] carbonyl, unsubstituted or substituted by one or more halogen atoms, [(C ₁ - C ₄₎ alkoxy] -oxalyl, [(C ₃ -C ₆ ) cycloalkyl] carbonyl or a group of the formula
  mean, where
  W is an oxygen or sulfur atom (ie O or S),
  TO or S,
  R ^{9 is} H, (C ₁ -C ₄ ) alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by one or more halogen atoms or by (C ₁ -C ₄ ) alkoxy, (C ₁ -C ₄ ) alkylthio, [(C ₁ -C ₄ ) alkoxy ] carbonyl and [(C ₁ -C ₄ ) alkyl] carbonyl,
  R ¹⁰ , R ¹¹ are each independently H, (C ₁ -C ₄ ) alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by one or more halogen atoms, or (C ₃ -C ₄ ) alkenyl or (C ₃ -C ₄ ) alkynyl, wherein at least one of the radicals R ¹⁰ and R ^{11 is} different from hydrogen,
  the radicals R ¹² together with the N atom of a heterocyclic ring with 5 or 6 ring members, which may contain a further heteroatom from the group N, O and S in the various oxidation states and unsubstituted or by (C ₁ -C ₄ ) alkyl or the oxo group is substituted, and
  QO, S or -NR ¹³ -,
  R ⁶ H, (C ₁ -C ₃ ) alkyl, (C ₁ -C ₃ ) alkoxy, halogen,
  R ^{8 is} independently (C ₁ -C ₄ ) alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by one or more halogen atoms, or (C ₃ -C ₄ ) alkenyl or (C ₃ -C ₄ ) alkynyl,
  A is a radical of the formula
  wherein
  Z CH or N and
  one of the radicals X and Y is halogen, (C ₁ -C ₂ ) alkyl, (C ₁ -C ₂ ) alkoxy, OCF ₂ H, CF ₃ or OCH ₂ CF ₃ and the other of the radicals X and Y (C ₁ -C ₂ ) alkyl, (C ₁ -C ₂ ) alkoxy or (C ₁ -C ₂ ) haloalkoxy,
  R ^{7 is} H or CH ₃ ,
  R ^{13 is} H, (C ₁ -C ₄ ) alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by one or more halogen atoms, or (C ₃ -C ₄ ) alkenyl or (C ₃ -C ₄ ) alkynyl;
• 3. Compounds of formula III, their N-oxides or inorganic or organic salts,
  wherein
  R _{1 is} H, halogen, (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -alkyl which is unsubstituted or mono- or polysubstituted by halogen, (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -alkoxy, (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -alkylthio;
  R _{2 is} H or methyl;
  R _{3 is} methyl or methoxy;
  A is -N- (R ₄ ) R ₅ ;
  R _{4 is} H, (C ₁ -C ₆ ) -alkyl which is unsubstituted or mono- or polysubstituted by halogen, (C ₁ -C ₆ ) -alkoxy, (C ₃ -C ₆ ) -alkenyloxy, (C ₃ -C ₆ ) alkynyloxy or (C ₁ -C ₆ ) alkylthio is substituted;
  R _{5 is} H, (C ₁ -C ₆ ) -alkyl which is unsubstituted or mono- or polysubstituted by halogen, (C ₁ -C ₆ ) -alkoxy, (C ₃ -C ₆ ) -alkenyloxy, (C ₃ -C ₆ ) Alkynyloxy or (C ₁ -C ₆ ) -alkyl, or C (O) R ₆ ;
  R _{6 is} H, (C ₁ -C ₆ ) -alkyl or (C ₃ -C ₆ ) -cycloalkyl which are unsubstituted or mono- or polysubstituted by halogen or (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -alkoxy, (C ₂ - C ₆ ) - alkenyl which is unsubstituted or mono- or polysubstituted by halogen, (C ₂ -C ₆ ) -alkynyl, phenyl, benzyl or naphthyl which is unsubstituted or mono- or polysubstituted by halogen, (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -Alkyl, (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -haloalkyl, (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -alkoxy, (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -haloalkoxy, (C ₃ -C ₆ ) -alkenyloxy, (C ₃ -C ₆ ) Alkynyloxy, nitro, cyano, COOR ₈ , NR ₁₀ R ₁₁ , C (O) NR ₁₂ R ₁₃ , X ₁ R ₁₅ , SO ₂ NR ₁₆ R ₁₇ or substituted by X ₂ R ₁₈ or OR ₇ ;
  R _{7 is} (C ₁ -C ₆ ) -alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -alkoxy, (C ₃ -C ₆ ) -cycloalkyl, cyano, COOR ₁₉ , or CONR ₂₆ R ₂₇ , C ₁ -C ₆ ) - haloalkyl, (C ₃ -C ₆ ) -alkenyl, (C ₃ -C ₆ ) -haloalkenyl, (C ₃ -C ₆ ) -alkynyl, (C ₃ -C ₆ ) -haloalkynyl, oxetane 3-yl, or (C ₄ -C ₆ ) -cycloalkyl which is unsubstituted or partially substituted by halogen, (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -alkyl or (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -alkoxy or phenyl, benzyl or naphthyl which is unsubstituted or in each case by (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -alkyl, (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -haloalkyl, (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -alkoxy, (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -haloalkoxy, (C ₁ -) C ₄ ) - alkylthio, (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -haloalkylthio, (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -alkylsulfonyl, (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -alkylsulfinyl, nitro, cyano, COOR ₂₂ , NR ₂₀ R ₂₁ , CONR ₂₃ R ₂₄ or substituted by SO ₂ NR ₂₅ R ₉ ;
  or (C ₁ -C ₆ ) alkyl, X ₃ R ₂₉ or X ₄ R ₃₀ ;
  R _{8 is} H, (C ₁ -C ₆ ) -alkyl, (C ₃ -C ₆ ) -alkenyl, (C ₃ -C ₆ ) -alkynyl or oxetan-3-yl;
  R ₉ , R ₁₀ , R ₁₁ , R ₁₂ , R ₁₆ , R ₁₇ , R ₂₀ , R ₂₁ , R ₂₃ , R ₂₄ , R ₂₅ , R ₂₆ and R _{27 are} each independently H, (C ₁ -C ₄ ) Alkyl, (C ₃ -C ₆ ) alkenyl or (C ₃ -C ₆ ) alkynyl; or
  R ₁₀ and R _{20 are} each independently of one another the groups -C (O) -X ₅ - (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -alkyl or -C (O) - (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -alkyl which is partially substituted by halogen could be; or
  R ₁₀ and R ₁₁ or R ₁₂ and R ₁₃ or R ₁₆ and R ₁₇ or R ₂₀ and R ₂₁ or R ₂₃ and R ₂₄ or R ₂₅ and R ₉ or R ₂₆ and R ₂₇ together form a (C ₄ -C ₅ ) Alkylene chain which may be partially interrupted by oxygen or NR ₁₄ , wherein
  R _{14 is} H, (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -alkyl, (C ₃ -C ₆ ) -alkenyl or (C ₃ -C ₆ ) -alkynyl;
  R ₁₅ and R _{29 are} each independently (C ₁ -C ₄ ) alkyl or (C ₁ -C ₄ ) haloalkyl;
  R ₁₈ and R _{30 are} each independently COOR ₂₈ substituted (C ₁ -C ₄ ) alkyl;
  R ₁₉ , R ₂₂ and R _{28 are} each independently H or (C ₁ -C ₄ ) -alkyl,
  X ₁ and X _{3 are} each independently S, SO or SO ₂ ;
  X ₂ and X _{4 are} each independently O or S;
  X _{5 is} O or NR ₁₄ ;
• 4. A4) amidosulfuron;
• 5. A5) ethoxysulfuron;
• 6. A6) triasulfuron;
• 7. A7) metsulfuron;
• 8. A8) tribenuron;
• 9. A9) flupyrsulfuron;
• 10. A10) Nicosulfuron;
• 11. A11) rimsulfuron;
• 12. A12) primisulfuron;
• 13. A13) prosulfuron;
• 14. A14) sulfosulfuron;
• 15. A15) oxasulfuron;
• 16. A16) ethametsulfuron;
• 17. A17) imazosulfuron and
• 18. A18) compounds of the formula V
  Formula V:
  

2. Transgenic sulfonylurea-tolerant sugar beets whose seed or Propagating material or its cells according to claim 1, characterized in that it is selected by one or more sulfonylureas from the group A as defined in claim 1 promoted in their growth become. 3. A process for the preparation of transgenic sulfonylurea-tolerant sugar beet according to claim 1 or 2 by culturing on a sulphonylurea-containing nutrient medium, characterized in that

• a) callus or cell suspension cultures are selected while maintaining their embryogenic and morphogenic competence,
• b) cultivating and selecting the cultures obtained under a) on a sulphonylurea-containing nutrient medium, and
• c) intact plants are regenerated from the cultures obtained under b).

4. Use of sugar beets obtainable by a process according to Claim 3 in agriculture, as feed or for Food industry, especially for sugar production. 5. Method for controlling undesired plant growth in crops of transgenic sulphonylurea tolerant sugarbeets according to one or more of several of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that on the Plants, their seed or propagation material or their acreage one or a plurality of sulfonylureas selected from the group A as in claim 1  defined or containing herbicidal agents. 6. A method for controlling undesired plant growth according to claim 5, characterized in that at the same time or subsequently one or more herbicides selected from group B consisting of the plants, their seed or propagation material or their acreage

• 1. herbicides from the class of imidazolinones, preferably imazethapyr, imazamethapyr, imazapyr, imazaquin, imazamox;
• 2. herbicides from the class of photosynthetic electron transport inhibitors, preferably biscarbamates, more preferably Phenmedipham, Desmedipham;
• 3. a herbicide from the class of PPO inhibitors, z. As the diphenyls or azoles, Azifluorfen, Oxyfluorfen, Pyraflufen, Carfentrazone, lactofen, nitrofen, Oxadiargyl, Fluoroglycofen, Sulfentrazone or a CF ₃ -Uracil of formula IV:
  
• 4. a herbicide from the class of hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPDO) inhibitors, eg. B. the triketones, preferably isoxaflutole, isoxachlorol or sulcotrione;
• 5. a herbicide from the class of herbicidally active, optionally synthetic auxins or their transport inhibitors, preferably quinmerac, clopyralid, diflufenzopyr;
• 6. a herbicide from the class of the lipid or fatty acid synthesis inhibitors, preferably the aryloxyphenoxycarboxylic acids or the cyclohexanedione oximes, more preferably fenoxaprop, haloxyfop, fluazifop, quizalofop, clodinafop, propaquizafop, clethodim, ethethoxime, tepraloxydim, butroxideim, cycloxidim or prosulfocarb ;
• 7. a herbicide from the class of glutamine synthetase inhibitors, preferably phosphinoamino acids, more preferably glufosinate;
• 8. a herbicide from the class of 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase inhibitors, preferably glyphosate;
• 9. a herbicide from the class of Benzofuranylalkansulfonate, preferably ethofumesates or these compounds containing herbicidal agents are applied.

7. Use of one or more sulfonylureas from the group A as defined in claim 1 or herbicides containing them Means on cultivated areas of transgenic sugar beet crops according to claim 1 or 2 for harmful plant control. 8. Use according to claim 7 of one or more Sulfonylureas selected from the group A as defined in claim 1 in combination with one or more herbicides selected from the Group B as defined in claim 6 or herbicidal compositions containing the same.