WO2003062428A1

WO2003062428A1 - Genetic sequences having methyltransferase activity and uses therefor

Info

Publication number: WO2003062428A1
Application number: PCT/AU2003/000079
Authority: WO
Inventors: Filippa Brugliera; Linda Demelis; Ronald Koes; Yoshikazu Tanaka
Original assignee: International Flower Developments Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2002-01-25
Filing date: 2003-01-24
Publication date: 2003-07-31
Also published as: EP1478753A1; ATE503015T1; EP1478753A4; CA2732012A1; AU2003201527B2; US20110008523A1; CA2472161A1; CA2472161C; DE60336457D1; JP4977835B2; JP2009201512A; AU2003201527C1; EP2096172A2; EP1478753B1; JP4641723B2; ATE552337T1; ES2385533T3; ES2365261T3; EP2096172B1; US7807877B2

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to a genetic sequence encoding a polypeptide having methyltransferase activity and the use of the genetic sequence and/or the polypeptide to modify one or more phenotypic characteristics of a plant. More particularly, the methyltransferase of the present invention acts on flavonoids, preferably wherein the flavonoid is an anthocyanin. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having S-adenosyl-L-methionine: anthocyanin 3' -O-methyltransferase or S-adenosyl-L-methionine: anthocyanin 3', 5'-O-methyltransferase activity. The present invention still further provides a genetic sequence encoding a polypeptide having methyltransferase activity derived from Petunia, Torenia Fuchsia or Plumbago or botanically related plants. The instant invention further relates to antisense and sense molecules corresponding to all or part of the subject genetic sequence as well as genetically modified plants as well as cut flowers, parts, extracts and reproductive tissue from such plants.

Description

GENETIC SEQUENCES HAVING

METHYLTRANSFERASE ACTIVITY AND USES

THEREFOR

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a genetic sequence encoding a polypeptide having methyltransferase activity and the use of the genetic sequence and/or the polypeptide to modify one or more phenotypic characteristics of a plant. More particularly, the methyltransferase of the present invention acts on flavonoids, preferably wherein the flavonoid is an anthocyanin. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having S-adenosyl-L-methionine: anthocyanin 3' -O-methyltransferase or S- adenosyl-L-methionine: anthocyanin 3', 5'-O-mefhyltransferase activity. The present invention still further provides a genetic sequence encoding a polypeptide having methyltransferase activity derived from Petunia, Torenia, Fuchsia or Plumbago or botanically related plants. The instant invention further relates to antisense and sense molecules conesponding to all or part of the subject genetic sequence as well as genetically modified plants as well as cut flowers, parts, extracts and reproductive tissue from such plants.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

Bibliographic details of the publications refened to by author in this specification are collected at the end ofthe description.

Reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that this prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in any country.

The flower or ornamental plant industry strives to develop new and different varieties of flowers and/or plants. An effective way to create such novel varieties is through the manipulation of flower color. Classical breeding techniques have been used with some success to produce a wide range of colors for most of the commercial varieties of flowers and/or plants available today. This approach has been limited, however, by the constraints of a particular species' gene pool and for this reason it is rare for a single species to have the full spectrum of colored varieties. For example, the development of novel colored varieties of plants or plant parts such as flowers, foliage and stems would offer a significant opportunity in both the cut flower and ornamental markets. In the flower or ornamental plant industry, the development of novel colored varieties of major flowering species such as rose, chrysanthemum, tulip, lily, carnation, gerbera, orchid, lisianthus, begonia, torenia, geranium, petunia, nierembergia, pelargonium, impatiens and cyclamen would be of great interest. A more specific example would be the development of a blue rose or gerbera for the cut flower market.

In addition, the development of novel colored varieties of plant parts such as vegetables, fruits and seeds would offer significant opportunities in agriculture. For example, novel colored seeds would be useful as proprietary tags for plants. Furthermore modifications to flavonoids common to berries including grapes and their juices including wine have the potential to impart altered style characteristics of value to such fruit and byproduct industries.

Flower color is predominantly due to three types of pigment: flavonoids, carotenoids and betalains. Of the three, the flavonoids are the most common and contribute a range of colors from yellow to red to blue. The flavonoid molecules that make the major contribution to flower color are the anthocyanins, which are glycosylated derivatives of cyanidin and its methylated derivative peonidin, delphinidin and its methylated derivatives petunidin and malvidin and pelargonidin. Anthocyanins are localised in the vacuole of the epidermal cells of petals or vacuole of sub epidermal cells of leaves.

The flavonoid pigments are secondary metabolites of the phenylpropanoid pathway. The biosynthetic pathway for the flavonoid pigments (flavonoid pathway) is well established,

(Holton and Cornish, Plant Cell 7: 1071-1083, 1995; Mol et al, Trends Plant Sci. 3: 212- 217, 1998; Winkel-Shirley, Plant Physiol 126: 485-493, 2001a and Winkel-Shirley, Plant Physiol 127: 1399-1404, 2001b) and is shown in Figures IA and B. Three reactions and enzymes are involved in the conversion of phenylalanine to ?-coumaroyl-CoA, one of the first key substrates in the flavonoid pathway. The enzymes are phenylalanine ammonia- lyase (PAL), cinnamate 4-hydroxylase (C4H) and 4-coumarate: CoA ligase (4CL). The first committed step in the pathway involves the condensation of three molecules of malonyl-CoA (provided by the action of acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACC) on acetyl CoA and C0₂) with one molecule of />-coumaroyl-CoA. This reaction is catalysed by the enzyme chalcone synthase (CHS). The product of this reaction, 2',4,4',6', tetrahydroxy- chalcone, is normally rapidly isomerized by the enzyme chalcone flavanone isomerase (CHI) to produce naringenin. Naringenin is subsequently hydroxylated at the 3 position of the central ring by flavanone 3-hydroxylase (F3H) to produce dihydrokaempferol (DHK).

The B-ring of DHK can be hydroxylated at either the 3', or both the 3' and 5' positions, to produce dihydroquercetin (DHQ) and dihydromyricetin (DHM), respectively. The pattern of hydroxylation of the B-ring plays a key role in determining petal color, with DHK generally leading to the production of the brick red pelargonidin-based pigments, DHQ generally leading to the red/pink cyanidin-based pigments and DHM generally leading to the blue/violet delphinidin-based pigments.

The dihydroflavonols (DHK, DHQ and DHM) can also be acted upon by flavonol synthase to produce the flavonols kaempferol, quercetin and myricetin. The flavonols are colorless but act as copigments with the anthocyanins to enhance flower color.

The next step in the pathway, leading to the production of the colored anthocyanins from the dihydroflavonols, involves dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (DFR) with the production of the leucoanthocyanidins. These flavonoid molecules are unstable under normal physiological conditions and glycosylation at the 3-position, through the action of glycosyltransferases, stabilizes the anthocyanidin molecule thus allowing accumulation of the anthocyanins. In general, the glycosyltransferases transfer the sugar moieties from UDP sugars and show high specificities for the position of glycosylation and relatively low specificities for the acceptor substrates (Seitz and Hinderer, Anthocyanins. In: Cell Culture and Somatic Cell Genetics of Plants. Constabel, F. and Vasil, LK. (eds.), Academic Press, New York, USA, 5: 49-76, 1988). Anthocyanins can occur as 3-monosides, 3-biosides and 3-triosides as well as 3, 5-diglycosides and 3, 7-diglycosides associated with the sugars glucose, galactose, rhamnose, arabinose and xylose (Strack and Wray, In: The Flavonoids - Advances in Research since 1986. Harbome, LB. (ed), Chapman and Hall, London, UK, 1- 22, 1993).

Glycosyltransferases involved in the stabilization of the anthocyanidin molecule include UDP glucose: flavonoid 3-glucosyltransferase (3GT), which transfers a glucose moiety from UDP glucose to the 3-O-position of the anthocyanidin molecule to produce anthocyanidin 3-O-glucoside.

In petunia and pansy (amongst others), these anthocyanins can then be glycosylated by another glycosyltransferase, UDP rhamnose: anthocyanidin 3-glucoside rhamnosyltransferase (3RT), which adds a rhamnose group to the 3-O-bound glucose of the anthocyanin molecule to produce the anthocyanidin 3-rutinosides, and once acylated, can be further modified by UDP: glucose anthocyanin 5 glucosyltransferase (5GT).

Many anthocyanidin glycosides exist in the form of polyacylated derivatives. Acylation may be important for uptake of anthocyanins into the vacuoles as was demonstrated by Hopp and Seitz (Planta 170: 74-85, 1987). The acyl groups that modify the anthocyanidin glycosides can be divided into two major classes based upon their structure. The aliphatic acyl groups include malonic acid or succinic acid and the aromatic class includes the hydroxy cinnamic acids such as /7-coumaric acid, caffeic acid and ferulic acid and the benzoic acids such as j?-hydroxybenzoic acid.

Acylation of the anthocyanidin 3-rutinosides with either j-coumaric acid or caffeic acid

(Griesbach et al, Phytochemistry 30: 1729-1731, 1991) occurs in Petunia hybrida. In other plant systems, acylation of flavonoids by aliphatic acids, such as malonic acid, succinic acid and acetic acid also occur (Goto, Tetrahedron 27: 2413-2416, 1987; Stafford, Flavonoid Metabolism. CRC Press, Inc. Boca Raton, Florida, USA, 1990).

Methylation at the 3' and 3', 5' positions of the B-ring of anthocyanidin 3-(p-coumaroyl) rutinoside-5-glucosides occurs in petunia. It has been demonstrated in cell-free extract of flower buds of P. hybrida that S-adenosyl-L-methionine is the methyl donor and O- methyltransferase acts on anthocyanidin 3(/?-coumaroyl) rutinoside-5-glucoside. Under the conditions used, no methylating activity was detected when anthocyanidins, anthocyanidin 3-glucosides, anthocyanidin 3-rutinosides, caffeic acid or ?-coumaric acid were used as substrates (Jonsson et al, Phytochemistry 21(10): 2457-2460, 1982).

Methylation of the B ring of anthocyanins is controlled by the Mtl, Mt2, Mfl and Mf2 loci in petunia (Jonsson et al, Theor. Appl. Genet. 68: 459-466, 1984b). The four enzymes thought to be encoded by each gene have been described. They catalyze both 3' and 5' O- methylation of the B ring. The 3'5' methylation activity is more pronounced with the Mfl and Mf2 encoded enzymes (Jonsson et al, 1984b, supra).

The Mt loci were thought to encode S-adenosyl-L-methionine:anthocyanin 3' -O- mefhyltransferase (3 'FMT) and the Mf loci to encode S-adenosyl-L- methionine: anthocyanin 3', 5'-0-methyltransferase activity (3'5'FMT) and that the enzymes only methylate the anthocyanin 3-(p-coumaroyl) rutinoside-5-glucoside. (Jonsson et al, 1982 supra; Jonsson et al, Planta 160: 174-179, 1984a; Jonsson et al, 1984b, supra). It was originally thought that the genes Mfl and Mfl could only express themselves if at least one of the genes Mtl or Mt2 is represented by its dominant allele. However, biochemical studies have since contradicted these findings by showing that both enzymes were capable of methylating delphinidin 3-(p-coumaroyl)-rutinoside-5-glucosides to the conesponding malvidin pigment in in vitro assays (Jonsson et al, Theor. Appl. Genet. 66: 349-355, 1983). Furthermore, the action of Mfl and Mfl was thought to be restricted to the corolla limb (Wiering, Hort. Genen. Phaenen. 17: 117-134, 1974). The presence of methylated anthocyanin pigments have been reported in Petunia sp. (Sink (ed), Petunia, Springer- Verlag, Berlin, 1984; Ando et al, Biochemical systematics and ecology, 27: 623-650, 1999), Plumbago sp. (inter alia, Harborne, Phytochemistry, 6: 1415- 1428, 1967; Harborne, Arch Biochem Biophys, 96: 171-178, 1962), Vitis sp. (Cachio et al, American J of Ecology and Viticulture, 43: 244-248, 1992), Babiana stricta (Toki et al, Phytochemistry, 37: 885-887, 1994), Pinus sp. (Andersen, Biochemical systematics and ecology; 20: 145-148, 1992), Picea sp., Larix sp., Phaseolus sp. (Hungria et al, Plant Physiology, 97: 751-758, 1991; Takeoka et al, Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 45: 3395-3400, 1997), Solanum sp. (Lewis et al, J. ofthe Science of Food and Agriculture, 77: 45-57, 1998), Vaccinium sp. (Ballington et al, Can. J. of Plant Sci., 68: 241-246, 1988; Skrede et al., J of Food Science, 65: 357-364, 2000), Cyclamen sp. (Webby and Boase, Phytochemistry, 52: 939-941, 1999), Iris sp. (Yabuya et al, Euphytica, 98: 163-167, 1997; Yabuya and Noda, Euphytica, 103: 325-328, 1998), Pelargonium sp. (Mitchell et al, Phytochemistry, 47: 355-361, 1998; Kobayashi et al, Breeding Science, 48: 169-176, 1998), Geranium sp. (Andersen et ai, Pytochemistry, 38: 1513-1517, 1995), Pisum sp. (Crowden, Phytochemistry, 21: 2989-2990, 1982), Lathyrus sp. (Rat'kin et al, Zh Obshch Biol, 41: 685-699, 1980), Clitoria sp (Srivastava and Pande, Planta Med, 32: 138-140, 1977)., Catharanthus sp. (Carew and Krueger, Phytochemistry, 15: 442, 1976), Malvia sp. (Takeda et al, Phytochemistry, 28: 499-500, 1989), Mucuna sp. (Ishikura and Shibata, Bot Mag (Tokyo), 86: 1-4, 1973), Vicia sp. (Catalano et al, J. Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 49: 4568-4570, 1998; Nozzolillo et al, Canadian Journal of Botany, 67: 1600-1604, 1989), Saintpaulia sp. (Griesbach, Phytochemistry, 48: 829-830, 1998), Lagerstroemia sp. (Toki and Katsuyama, J. Jap Soc Hortic. Sci., 63: 853-861, 1995), Tibouchina sp. (Francis et al, J Am Soc Hortic Sci, 107: 789-791, 1982, Terahara et al, J. Natural Products, 56: 335-340, 1993), Hypocalyptus ψ.(Nan Wyk et al, Biochemical systematics and ecology, 23: 295-297, 1995), Rhododendron sp., Linum sp., Macroptilium sp. (Imrie and Hutton, J. Hered., 69: 54-56 1978), Hibiscus sp. (Kim et al, Phytochemistry, 28: 1503-1506, 1989; Kim and Fujieda, J. Kor. Soc. Hortic. Sci., 32: 247- 255, 1991), Hydrangea sp. (Takeda et al. , Phytochemistry, 29: 1089-1091, 1990), Ipomoea sp. (Saito et al, Phytochemistry 41: 1607-1611, 1996), Cymbidium sp. (Woltering and Somhorst, J. Plant Physiol, 136: 295-299, 1990), Millettia sp. (Parvez and Ogbeide, Phytochemistry, 29: 2043-2044, 1990), Hedysarum sp. (Chriki and Harborne, Phytochemistry, 22: 2322-2323, 1983; Chriki, Agronomic 10: 553-540, 1990), Lespedeza sp., Antigonon sp. (Tiwari and Minocha, Vijnana Parishad Anusandhan Patrika, 23: 305- 308, 1980) andPisum sp. (Crowden, Phytochemistry, 21: 2989-2990, 1982).

This list describes the species from which methylated anthocyanin pigments have been reported. However, it is expected that these pigments will be present in many other species.

Plant S-adenosyl-L-methionine-dependent O-methyltransferases (SAM-OMTs) are key enzymes in metabolic pathways such as phenylpropanoid and flavonoid synthesis. These enzymes facilitate the transfer of the methyl group of S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) to the hydroxyl group of an acceptor molecule with the formation of its methyl ether derivative and S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine as products. The chemical mechanisms of methyl transfer reactions are identical. However, SAM-OMTs differ in their selectivity with respect to the stereochemistry of the methyl acceptor molecules, as well as the substitution pattern of their phenolic hydroxyl groups. Methylation of different substrates is generally catalysed by distinct SAM-OMTs. However, some enzymes have a broad substrate range although they will usually have a preference for a specific substrate or group of compounds.

Cunently, there are over 87 plant-derived sequences encoding SAM-OMTs in the GenBank database. Practically all of these sequences contain three highly conserved consensus motifs (motifs A, B and C) exhibiting a specific spatial anangement (Joshi and Chiang, Plant Mol. Biol. 37: 663-674, 1998; Ibrahim and Muzac, In Recent advances of phytochemistry. Evolution of metabolic pathways. Elsevier Science Ltd. 34: 349- 385, 2000). Since these motifs are present in most plant SAM-OMTs regardless of substrate specificity, it is thought that they are essential for SAM binding.

By considering the length of the encoded protein and the spatial relationships between motifs A and B and motifs B and C, the plant SAM-OMTs can be grouped into two distinct classes. Group I contains all the CCoAOMTs (caffeoyl-CoA SAM-OMTs) and exhibits a specific spatial anangement of 19 amino acids between motifs A and B, and 24 amino acids between motifs B and C. Group II contains proteins with a distance of 52 residues between motifs A and B and 30 residues between B and C. Group II SAM-OMTs include COMTs (caffeic acid OMTs), F3OMT (flavonoid 3'-OMT) (Gauthier et al, Plant Mol. Biol. 32: 1163-1169, 1996), IOMTs (isoflavone OMTs) (He and Dixon, Plant Mol. Biol. 36: 43-54, 1998), 2'OMTs (isoliquiritigenin 2'-OMT) (Maxwell, Plant J. 4(6): 971- 981, 1993), LMT (inositol OMT) (Rammesmeyer et al, Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 322(1): 183-188, 1995), and F70MT (flavonoid 7-OMT) (Christensen et al, Plant Mol. Biol. 36: 219-227, 1998), among others. It is important to note at this point that those enzymes for which substrate analysis has been undertaken and for which function has been assigned are usually tested with a limited range of substrates. The flavonoid SAM-OMT sequences that have been isolated to date have all been implicated in defense responses with none being shown to have activity on anthocyanins and belong to the Group II SAM-OMTs.

CCoAOMT proteins, or Group I SAM-OMTs, vary in length between 231-248 amino acids and usually require divalent cations, such as Mg²⁺, for catalytic activity. Group II SAM-OMTs are generally around 344-383 amino acids in length and do not require divalent cations. The two groups share approximately 20 - 30 % amino acid identity.

In addition to the above modifications, pH and copigmentation with other flavonoids such as flavonols and flavones can affect petal color. Flavonols and flavones can also be aromatically acylated (Brouillard and Dangles, In: 77*e Flavonoids - Advances in Research since 1986. Harborne, J.B. (ed), Chapman and Hall, London, UK, 1-22, 1993).

The ability to control the activity of flavonoid methyltransferases (herein after refened to as "FMT") specifically anthocyanin methyltransferases would provide a means of manipulating petal color thereby enabling a single species to express a broader spectrum of flower colors. Such control may be by modulating the level of production of an indigenous enzyme or by introducing a non-indigenous enzyme. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element or integer or group of elements or integers but not the exclusion of any other element or integer or group of elements or integers.

Nucleotide and amino acid sequences are refened to by a sequence identifier number (SEQ LD NO:). The SEQ LD NOs: conespond numerically to the sequence identifiers <400>1 (SEQ LD NO:l), <400>2 (SEQ LD NO:2), etc. A summary of the sequence identifiers is provided in Table 1. A sequence listing is provided after the claims.

In accordance with the present invention, it has been determined that malvidin-based pigments appear "bluer" than delphinidin-based pigments in the same petal background. A class of methyltransferases that act on flavonoids and in particular anthocyanins have been isolated and surprisingly found to belong to the Class I SAM-OMT group instead of the Class II SAM-OMT as may have been predicted from the literature. These are refened to herein as flavonoid methyltransferases (FMT or FMTs). Examples of these novel methyltransferases include, but are not limited to, 3' FMT and 3 '5' FMT. These novel FMTs can be derived from many species, for example, Petunia sp., Torenia sp. Plumbago sp. and Fuchsia sp.

The present invention provides, therefore, isolated nucleic acid molecules comprising sequences of nucleotides encoding, or complementary to sequences encoding, an FMT or a mutant, derivative, part, fragment, homolog or analog thereof.

The mutants, derivatives, parts, fragments, homologs and analogs may or may not be functional. Preferably, however, they are functional.

The isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding the FMTs of the present invention are proposed to be useful in manipulating the color of plants or plant parts such as flowers, fruits, nuts, roots, stems, leaves and seeds. Genetic modification of plants with the nucleic acid molecules of the present invention further permit altered plants wherein extracts thereof are useful as flavoring or food additives or health products including beverage or juice products. Such beverages include but are not limited to wines, spirits, teas, coffee, milk and dairy products.

Particularly, exemplified nucleic acid molecules are from Petunia (SEQ LD NO: 1, SEQ LD NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6 and SEQ LD NO: 26), Torenia (SEQ ID NO: 11) and Fuchsia (SEQ LD NO: 21, SEQ LD NO: 41 and SEQ LD NO: 43). The conesponding amino acid sequences are represented by SEQ LD NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 5 and SEQ LD NO: 7 (all Petunia), SEQ LD NO: 12 (Torenia) and SEQ ID NO: 42 and SEQ LD NO: 44 (both Fuchsia).

Accordingly, in a prefened embodiment, the present invention provides nucleic acid molecules comprising nucleotide sequences as defined in SEQ LD NO:l or SEQ LD NO:4 or SEQ LD NO:6 or SEQ ID NO:l 1 or SEQ LD NO:21 or SEQ LD NO:26 SEQ LD NO:41 or SEQ ED NO:43 or a nucleotide sequence having at least about 50% similarity thereto or capable of hybridizing to one or more of these sequences.

The nucleic acid molecules of the present invention preferably encode an amino acid sequence substantially as set forth in SEQ LD NO:2 or SEQ LD NO:5 or SEQ LD NO:7 or SEQ LD NO: 12 or SEQ LD NO:22 or SEQ LD NO:42 or SEQ LD NO:44 or an amino acid sequence having at least about 50% similarity thereto.

The present invention further provides an oligonucleotide of 5-50 nucleotides having substantial similarity or complementarity to a part or region of a molecule with a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ LD NO:l or SEQ LD NO:4 or SEQ LD NO:6 or SEQ LD NO:l 1 or SEQ LD NO:21 or SEQ LD NO:26 or SEQ LD NO:41 or SEQ LD NO:43 or a complementary form thereof.

A summary of sequence identifiers used throughout the specifation is provided in Table 1. A further aspect of the present invention provides a method for producing a transgenic plant capable of synthesizing FMT, said method comprising stably transforming a cell of a suitable plant with a nucleic acid sequence which comprises a sequence of nucleotides encoding said FMT under conditions permitting the eventual expression of said nucleic acid sequence, regenerating a transgenic plant from the cell and growing said transgenic plant for a time and under conditions sufficient to permit the expression of the nucleic acid sequence. The transgenic plant may thereby produce non-indigenous FMT at elevated levels relative to the amount expressed in a comparable non-transgenic plant.

Another aspect of the present invention contemplates a method for producing a transgenic plant with reduced indigenous or existing FMT activity, said method comprising stably transforming a cell of a suitable plant with a nucleic acid molecule which comprises a sequence of nucleotides encoding or complementary to a sequence encoding an FMT activity, regenerating a transgenic plant from the cell and where necessary growing said transgenic plant under conditions sufficient to permit the expression ofthe nucleic acid.

Yet another aspect of the present invention contemplates a method for producing a genetically modified plant with reduced indigenous or existing FMT activity, said method comprising altering the FMT gene through modification of the indigenous sequences via homologous recombination from an appropriately altered FMT gene or derivative or part thereof introduced into the plant cell, and regenerating the genetically modified plant from the cell.

Still another aspect of the present invention contemplates a method for producing a transgenic plant exhibiting altered inflorescence properties, said method comprising stably transforming a cell of a suitable plant with a nucleic acid sequence of the present invention, regenerating a transgenic plant from the cell and growing said transgenic plant for a time and under conditions sufficient to permit the expression of the nucleic acid sequence into an FMT. Still a further aspect of the present invention contemplates a method for producing a plant exhibiting altered inflorescence properties, said method comprising alteration of the FMT gene through modification of the indigenous sequences via homologous recombination from an appropriately altered FMT gene or derivative or part thereof introduced into the plant cell, and regenerating the genetically modified plant from the cell.

Even yet another aspect of the present invention extends to a method for producing a transgenic plant capable of expressing a recombinant gene encoding an FMT or part thereof or which carries a nucleic acid sequence which is substantially complementary to all or a part of a mRNA molecule optionally transcribable where required to effect regulation of an FMT, said method comprising stably transforming a cell of a suitable plant with the isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a sequence of nucleotides encoding, or complementary to a sequence encoding, an FMT, where necessary under conditions permitting the eventual expression of said isolated nucleic acid molecule, and regenerating a transgenic plant from the cell.

Even still another aspect of the present invention extends to all transgenic plants or parts of transgenic plants or progeny of the transgenic plants containing all or part of the nucleic acid sequences of the present invention, or antisense forms thereof and/or any homo logs or related forms thereof and, in particular, those transgenic plants which exhibit altered inflorescence properties.

Even still another aspect ofthe present invention extends to all transgenic plants or parts of transgenic plants or progeny of the transgenic plants containing all or part of the nucleic acid sequences ofthe present invention, or antisense forms thereof and/or any homo logs or related forms thereof and, in particular, those transgenic plants which exhibit altered aerial parts ofthe plant such as sepal, bract, petiole, peduncle, ovaries, anthers or stem properties.

Another aspect of the present invention contemplates the use of the extracts from transgenic plants or plant parts transgenic plants or progeny of the transgenic plants containing all or part of the nucleic acid sequences of the present invention and, in particular, the extracts from those transgenic plants when used as a flavoring or food additive or health product or beverage or juice or coloring.

A further aspect ofthe present invention is directed to recombinant forms of FMT.

Another aspect of the present invention contemplates the use of the genetic sequences described herein in the manufacture of a genetic construct capable of expressing an FMT or down-regulating an indigenous FMT enzyme in a plant.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is directed to a prokaryotic or eukaryotic organism canying a genetic sequence encoding an FMT extrachromasomally in plasmid form.

Still another aspect of the present invention extends to a recombinant polypeptide comprising a sequence of amino acids substantially as set forth in SEQ LD NO:2 or SEQ LD NO:5 or SEQ LD NO:7 or SEQ LD NO:12 or SEQ LD NO:22 or SEQ ID NO:42 or SEQ LD NO:44 or an amino acid sequence having at least about 50% similarity to SEQ LD NO:2 or SEQ ID NO:5 or SEQ ID NO:7 or SEQ LD NO:12 or SEQ LD NO:22 or SEQ ID NO:42 or SEQ LD NO:44 or a derivative of said polypeptide.

TABLE1

Summary of sequence identifiers

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Figures IA and IB are schematic representations of the biosynthesis pathway for the flavonoid pigments in petunia. Enzymes involved in the pathway have been indicated as follows: PAL = Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase; C4H = Cinnamate 4-hydroxylase; 4CL = 4- coumarate: CoA ligase; CHS = Chalcone synthase; CHI = Chalcone flavanone isomerase; F3H = Flavanone 3-hydroxylase; DFR = Dihydroflavonol 4-reductase; ANS = Anthocyanidin synthase, 3GT= UDP-glucose: flavonoid 3-O-glucosyltransferase; 3RT = UDP rhamnose: anthocyanidin 3-glucoside rhamnosyltransferase, AR-AT = Anthocyanidin rutinoside acyltransferase, 5GT = Anthocyanin 5-glucosyltransferase; 3' FMT = Flavonoid 3' O-methyltransferase, 3'5' FMT = Flavonoid 3', 5' O - methyltransferase. Other abbreviations include: DHK = dihydrokaempferol, DHQ = dihydroquercetin, DHM = dihydromyricetin, P 3-G = pelargonidin 3-glucoside. Some of the genetic loci that control these reactions in petunia are shown in italics alongside the enzymes. Myricetin and pelargonidin based pigments occur rarely in petunia.

Figure 2 is a diagrammatic representation of the plasmid pCGP1903 containing the difE cDNA clone from P. hybrida cv. V26. ³²P-labelled fragments of the 0.9 kb Eco TJXhol fragment were used to probe the Old Glory Blue petal cDNA library. Abbreviations are as follows: Amp = the ampicillin resistance gene which confers resistance to the antibiotic ampicillin, fl ori (+) = fl filamentous phage origin of replication, ColElori = plasmid origin of replication, rev = approximate location of the Ml 3 reverse primer site used in sequence analysis, -20 = approximate location of the Ml 3 -20 primer site used in sequence analysis. Selected restriction enzyme sites are also marked.

Figure 3 is a diagrammatic representation of the plasmid pCGP1907 containing the E20 cDNA clone from P. hybrida cv. OGB. Abbreviations are as follows: Amp = the ampicillin resistance gene which confers resistance to the antibiotic ampicillin, fl ori (+) = fl filamentous phage origin of replication, ori = plasmid origin of replication, rev = approximate location of the M13 reverse primer site used in sequence analysis, -20 = approximate location of the Ml 3 -20 primer site used in sequence analysis. Selected restriction enzyme sites are also marked.

Figure 4 is a diagrammatic representation of the plasmid pCGP1908 containing the E33 cDNA clone from P. hybrida cv. OGB. Abbreviations are as follows: Amp = the ampicillin resistance gene which confers resistance to the antibiotic ampicillin, fl ori (+) = fl filamentous phage origin of replication, ori = plasmid origin of replication, rev = approximate location of the Ml 3 reverse primer site used in sequence analysis, -20 = approximate location of the Ml 3 -20 primer site used in sequence analysis. Selected restriction enzyme sites are also marked.

Figure 5 is a diagrammatic representation of the plasmid pCGP3086 (mut E20 in pQE30) containing the mutated E20 cDNA clone from P. hybrida in the bacterial expression vector pQE30. Abbreviations are as follows: Amp = the ampicillin resistance gene which confers resistance to the antibiotic ampicillin, Col El ori = E. coli plasmid origin of replication. Selected restriction enzyme sites are also marked.

Figure 6 is a diagrammatic representation ofthe binary plasmid pCGP1918. The chimaeric antisense E20 gene from pCGP1910 was cloned into the binary vector pWTT2132 (DNAP) in a tandem orientation with the chimaeric SuRB gene. Abbreviations are as follows: TetR = tetracycline resistance gene which confers resistance to the antibiotic tetracycline; LB = left border; RB = right border; SuRB = the coding region and terminator sequence from the acetolactate synthase gene from tobacco; 35S = the promoter region from the cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) 35S gene, Mac = Hybrid promoter consisting of the promoter from the mas gene and a CaMV 35S enhancer region, mas 3' = the terminator region from the mannopine synthase gene of Agrobacterium; pVSl = a broad host range origin of replication from a plasmid from Pseuodomonas aeruginosa, pACYC ori = modified replicon from pACYC184 from E. coli. Selected restriction enzyme sites are also marked. Figure 7 is a diagrammatic representation ofthe binary plasmid pCGP1919. The chimaeric antisense E33 gene from pCGP1911 was cloned into the binary vector pWTT2132 (DNAP) in a tandem orientation with the chimaeric SuRB gene. Abbreviations are as follows: TetR = the tetracycline resistance gene which confers resistance to the antibiotic tetracycline; LB = left border; RB = right border; SuRB = the coding region and terminator sequence from the acetolactate synthase gene from tobacco; 35S = the promoter region from the CaMV 35S gene, Mac = Hybrid promoter consisting of the promoter from the mas gene and a CaMV 35S enhancer region, mas 3' = the terminator region from the mannopine synthase gene of Agrobacterium; pVSl = a broad host range origin of replication from a plasmid from Pseuodomonas aeruginosa, pACYC ori = modified replicon from pACYC184 from E. coli. Selected restriction enzyme sites are also marked.

Figure 8 is a diagrammatic representation of the plasmid pTMT5 containing the TFMT cDNA clone from Torenia. Abbreviations are as follows: Amp = the ampicillin resistance gene which confers resistance to the antibiotic ampicillin, fl ori (+) = fl filamentous phage origin of replication, ori = plasmid origin of replication, rev = approximate location of the Ml 3 reverse primer site used in sequence analysis, -20 = approximate location of the Ml 3 -20 primer site used in sequence analysis. Selected restriction enzyme sites are also marked.

Figure 9 is a diagrammatic representation of the plasmid pCGP3090 (mut TFMT in pQΕ30) containing the mutated TFMT cDNA clone from Torenia in the bacterial expression vector pQE30. Abbreviations are as follows: Amp = the ampicillin resistance gene which confers resistance to the antibiotic ampicillin, Col El ori = E. coli plasmid origin of replication. Selected restriction enzyme sites are also marked.

Figure 10 is a diagrammatic representation of the plasmid pCGP3097. The Torenia FMT clone (TFMT) from pTMT5 was cloned into a CaMV35S expression cassette.

Abbreviations are as follows: Amp = the ampicillin resistance gene which confers resistance to the antibiotic ampicillin, 35S 5' = the promoter region from the CaMV 35S gene, 35S 3' = the terminator region from the CaMV 35S gene. Selected restriction enzyme sites are also marked.

Figure 11 is a diagrammatic representation of the binary plasmid pCGP3099. The chimaeric Torenia FMT gene (TFMT) from pCGP3097 (Figure 10) was cloned into the binary vector pCGP1988 (Figure 12) in a tandem orientation with the chimaeric SuRB gene. Abbreviations are as follows: TetR= the tetracycline resistance gene which confers resistance to the antibiotic tetracycline; LB = left border; RB = right border; SuRB - the coding region and terminator sequence from the acetolactate synthase gene from tobacco; 35S 5¹ = the promoter region from the CaMV 35S gene, 35S 3' = the terminator region from the CaMV 35S gene, pVSl = a broad host range origin of replication from a plasmid from Pseuodomonas aeruginosa, pACYC ori = modified replicon from pACYC184 from E. coli. Selected restriction enzyme sites are also marked.

Figure 12 is a diagrammatic representation of the binary plasmid pCGP1988. The multi- cloning site of the binary vector pWTT2132 (DNAP) was replaced with the multi-cloning site from pNΕB193 (New England Biolabs). Abbreviations are as follows: TetR= the tetracycline resistance gene which confers resistance to the antibiotic tetracycline; LB = left border; RB = right border; SuRB = the coding region and terminator sequence from the acetolactate synthase gene from tobacco; 35S 5' = the promoter region from the CaMV 35S gene, pVSl = a broad host range origin of replication from a plasmid from Pseuodomonas aeruginosa, pACYC ori = modified replicon from pACYC184 from E. coli. Selected restriction enzyme sites are also marked.

Figure 13 is a diagrammatic representation of the binary plasmid pCGP3254. The chimaeric F3'5'H gene from pCGP2092 (Figure 14) was cloned into the binary plasmid pCGP3099 (Figure 11) in a tandem orientation with the chimaeric SuRB gene and the chimaeric TFMT gene. Abbreviations are as follows: F3 '5 'H = flavonoid 3', 5' hydroxylase cDNA clone from Viola, TFMT = Torenia FMT cDNA clone, TetR = the tetracycline resistance gene which confers resistance to the antibiotic tetracycline; LB = left border; RB = right border; SuRB = the coding region and terminator sequence from the acetolactate synthase gene from tobacco; 35S 5' = the promoter region from the CaMV 35S gene, 35S 3' = the terminator region from the CaMV 35S gene, pVSl = a broad host range origin of replication from a plasmid from Pseuodomonas aeruginosa, pACYC ori = modified replicon from pACYC184 from E. coli. Selected restriction enzyme sites are also marked.

Figure 14 is a diagrammatic representation of the plasmid pCGP2092. The Viola F3'5'H clone from pCGP1961 was cloned into a CaMV35S expression cassette. Abbreviations are as follows: F3 '5 'H = flavonoid 3', 5' hydroxylase cDNA clone from Viola, Amp = the ampicillin resistance gene which confers resistance to the antibiotic ampicillin, 35S 5' = the promoter region from the CaMV 35S gene, 35S 3' = the terminator region from the CaMV 35S gene. Selected restriction enzyme sites are also marked.

Figure 15 is a diagrammatic representation of the binary plasmid pSPB1534. The chimaeric Viola F3 '5 'H gene from pSPB580 (Figure 16) was cloned in a tandem orientation with the chimaeric Petunia FMT gene and the selectable marker gene of the Ti binary plasmid pSPB1531 (Figure 17). Abbreviations are as follows: F3 '5 'H = flavonoid

3', 5' hydroxylase cDNA clone from Viola, PFMT = Petunia E TT cDNA clone nptlll = the neomycin phosphotransferase III gene which confers resistance to the antibiotic kanamycin, nptll = the neomycin phosphotransferase II gene which confers resistance to the antibiotic kanamycin, e35S 5' = an enhanced promoter region from the CaMV 35 S gene, petD8 3' = the terminator region from the Petunia PLTP gene, nos 5' = promoter region from the nopaline synthase gene of Agrobacterium, nos 3' = terminator region from the nopaline synthase gene of Agrobacterium, ColΕl = E. coli plasmid ColΕl origin, RK2 = broad host range Gram-negative plasmid RK2 origin, LB = left border, RB = right border. Selected restriction enzyme sites are also marked.

Figure 16 is a diagrammatic representation of the plasmid pSPB580. The Viola F3 '5 'H

( P#40) cDNA clone (from pCGP1961) was cloned between an enhanced CaMV 35S promoter fragment (from pBΕ2113-GUS) and a Petunia PLTP (D8) terminator fragment

(from pCGP13ΔBam). Abbreviations are as follows: F3 '5 'H - flavonoid 3', 5' hydroxylase cDNA clone from Viola, Amp = the ampicillin resistance gene which confers resistance to the antibiotic ampicillin, e35S 5' = an enhanced promoter region from the CaMV 35S gene, ColEl = E. coli plasmid ColEl origin, petD8 3' = the terminator region from the Petunia PLTP gene.

Figure 17 is a diagrammatic representation of the binary plasmid pSPB1531. The chimaeric Petunia FMT (PFMT) cDNA clone was amplified by PCR (from pCGP1907) (Figure 3) and replaced the GUS coding region of the binary plasmid pSPB176 (Figure 20). Abbreviations are as follows: nptlll = the neomycin phosphotransferase III gene which confers resistance to the antibiotic kanamycin, nptll = the neomycin phosphotransferase II gene which confers resistance to the antibiotic kanamycin, e35S 5' = an enhanced promoter region from the CaMV 35S gene, nos 5' = promoter region from the nopaline synthase gene of Agrobacterium, nos 3' = terminator region from the nopaline synthase gene of Agrobacterium, ColEl = E. coli plasmid ColEl origin, RK2 - broad host range Gram-negative plasmid RK2 origin, LB = left border, RB = right border. Selected restriction enzyme sites are also marked.

Figure 18 is a diagrammatic representation of the binary plasmid pSPB1532. The chimaeric Viola F3 '5 'H gene from pSPB580 (Figure 16) was cloned in a tandem orientation with the chimaeric Petunia FMT gene and the selectable marker gene of the Ti binary plasmid pSPB1531 (Figure 17). Abbreviations are as follows: F3 '5 'H = flavonoid 3', 5' hydroxylase cDNA clone from Viola, TFMT = Torenia FMT cDNA clone nptlll = the neomycin phosphotransferase III gene which confers resistance to the antibiotic kanamycin, nptll = the neomycin phosphotransferase II gene which confers resistance to the antibiotic kanamycin, e35S 5' = an enhanced promoter region from the CaMV 35S gene, petD8 3' = the terminator region from the Petunia PLTP gene, nos 5' = promoter region from the nopaline synthase gene of Agrobacterium, nos 3' = terminator region from the nopaline synthase gene of Agrobacterium, ColEl = E. coli plasmid ColEl origin, RK2 = broad host range Gram-negative plasmid RK2 origin, LB = left border, RB = right border. Selected restriction enzyme sites are also marked. Figure 19 is a diagrammatic representation of the binary plasmid pSPB1530. The chimaeric Torenia FMT (TFMT) cDNA clone was amplified by PCR (from pTMT5) (Figure 8) and replaced the GUS coding region of the binary plasmid pSPB176 (Figure 20). Abbreviations are as follows: nptlll = the neomycin phosphotransferase III gene which confers resistance to the antibiotic kanamycin, nptll = the neomycin phosphotransferase II gene which confers resistance to the antibiotic kanamycin, e35S 5' = an enhanced promoter region from the CaMV 35S gene, nos 5 ' = promoter region from the nopaline synthase gene of Agrobacterium, nos 3' = terminator region from the nopaline synthase gene of Agrobacterium, ColEl = E. coli plasmid ColEl origin, RK2 = broad host range Gram-negative plasmid RK2 origin, LB = left border, RB = right border. Selected restriction enzyme sites are also marked.

Figure 20 is a diagrammatic representation of the binary plasmid pSPB176. A chimaeric GUS gene (from pBE2113-GUS) was cloned in a tandem orientation to the nptll selectable marker gene of the Ti binary vector pBINPlus. Abbreviations are as follows: nptlll = the neomycin phosphotransferase III gene which confers resistance to the antibiotic kanamycin, nptll = the neomycin phosphotransferase II gene which confers resistance to the antibiotic kanamycin, e35S 5' = an enhanced promoter region from the CaMV 35S gene, petD8 3' = the terminator region from the Petunia PLTP gene, nos 5' = promoter region from the nopaline synthase gene of Agrobacterium, nos 3' = terminator region from the nopaline synthase gene of Agrobacterium, ColEl = E. coli plasmid ColEl origin, RK2 = broad host range Gram-negative plasmid RK2 origin, LB = left border, RB = right border. Selected restriction enzyme sites are also marked.

Figure 21 is a diagrammatic representation of the plasmid pCGP3267. A partial clone of Fuchsia FMT was amplified using PCR and single stranded cDNA (prepared from total RNA isolated from Fuchsia petals) as template and cloned into the plasmid pCR2.1. Abbreviations are as follows: Amp = the ampicillin resistance gene which confers resistance to the antibiotic tetracycline, Kan = the kanamycin resistance gene which confers resistance to the antibiotic kanamycin, fl ori (+) = fl filamentous phage origin of replication, ColEl ori = plasmid origin of replication, rev = approximate location of the Ml 3 reverse primer site used in sequence analysis, -21 = approximate location of the Ml 3 -21 primer site used in sequence analysis. Selected restriction enzyme sites are also marked.

Figure 22 is a diagrammatic representation of the plasmid pCGP3289. A full-length version of Fuchsia FMT (Fuchsia FMT full) was cloned into the plasmid pCR2.1. Abbreviations are as follows: Amp = the ampicillin resistance gene which confers resistance to the antibiotic ampicillin, Kan = the kanamycin resistance gene which confers resistance to the antibiotic kanamycin, fl ori (+) = fl filamentous phage origin of replication, ColEl ori = plasmid origin of replication, rev = approximate location of the Ml 3 reverse primer site used in sequence analysis, -21 = approximate location of the Ml 3 -21 primer site used in sequence analysis. Selected restriction enzyme sites are also marked.

Figure 23 is a diagrammatic representation of the plasmid pCGP3290. The Fuchsia FMT cDNA clone (FFMT) from pCGP3289 (Figure 22) was cloned into a CaMV 35S expression cassette. Abbreviations are as follows: Amp = Amp = the ampicillin resistance gene which confers resistance to the antibiotic ampicillin, 35S 5' = the promoter region from the CaMV 35S gene, 35S 3' = the terminator region from the CaMV 35S gene. Selected restriction enzyme sites are also marked.

Figure 24 is a diagrammatic representation of the binary plasmid pCGP2788. The 35S 5 ': Torenia FMT: 35S 3 ' expression cassette was removed from the binary plasmid pCGP3254 (Figure 13) to leave a binary vector with the 35S 5 ': Viola F3 '5 'H: 35S 3 ' expression cassette in tandem with the 35S 5 ': SuRB selectable marker gene. Abbreviations are as follows: F3 '5 'H = flavonoid 3', 5' hydroxylase cDNA clone from Viola, TetR = the tetracycline resistance gene which confers resistance to the antibiotic tetracycline; LB = left border; RB = right border; SuRB = the coding region and terminator sequence from the acetolactate synthase gene from tobacco; 35S 5' = the promoter region from the CaMV 35S gene, 35S 3' = the terminator region from the CaMV 35S gene, pVSl = a broad host range origin of replication from a plasmid from Pseuodomonas aeruginosa, pACYC ori = modified replicon from pACYC184 from E. coli. Selected restriction enzyme sites are also marked.

Figure 25 is a diagrammatic representation of the binary plasmid pCGP3292. The 35S 5 ': FFMT: 35S 3 ' expression cassette from pCGP3290 (Figure 23) was cloned in a tandem orientation to the 35S 5 ': SuRB and 35S 5 ': F3 '5 'H: 35S 3 ' expression cassettes of the Ti binary plasmid pCGP2788 (Figure 24). Abbreviations are as follows: F3 '5 'H = flavonoid 3', 5' hydroxylase cDNA clone from Viola, FFMT = Fuchsia FMT cDNA clone, TetR = the tetracycline resistance gene which confers resistance to the antibiotic tetracycline; LB = left border; RB = right border; SuRB = the coding region and. terminator sequence from the acetolactate synthase gene from tobacco; 35S 5' = the promoter region from the CaMV 35S gene, 35S 3' = the terminator region from the CaMV 35S gene, pVSl = a broad host range origin of replication from a plasmid from Pseuodomonas aeruginosa, pACYC ori = modified replicon from pACYC184 from E. coli. Selected restriction enzyme sites are also marked.

Figure 26 shows a dendogram that illustrates the clustering relationship between deduced amino acid sequences of petunia (pCGP1907.aa), Torenia (pTMT5.aa) and Fuchsia (pCGP3267.aa) FMTs with other full length plant O-methyltransferases (ΟMT) of both Class I and Class II found in the GenBank database. The Genbank accession numbers of each SAM-OMT in the database are shown in brackets.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In accordance with the present invention, a genetic sequence encoding a methyltransferase and, more particularly, a flavonoid methyltransferase (hereinafter refened to as "FMT") has been identified and cloned. The recombinant sequence permits the modulation of methyltransferase when it is attached to a flavonoid molecule. Substrates include anthocyanins with a hydroxyl group attached to the molecule such as anthocyanins based on the anthocyanidins delphinidin, cyanidin and petunidin including but not limited to delphinidin 3-glucoside, cyanidin 3-glucoside, petunidin 3-glucoside, delphinidin 3, 5- diglucoside, cyanidin 3, 5-diglucoside, petunidin 3, 5-diglucoside thereby providing a means to manipulate petal color. Accordingly, the present invention relates to the altering of FMT activity in plants, which encompasses elevating or reducing (i.e. modulating) levels of existing FMT activity by introducing a sequence of the present invention. Reduction in levels of FMT activity may also be refened to as down-regulation. Moreover, the present invention extends to plants and reproductive or vegetative parts thereof including flowers, seeds, vegetables, leaves, stems, etc., and more particularly, genetically modified or ornamental transgenic plants.

A "transgenic plant" includes any genetically modified plant and the terms "transgenic" and "genetically modified" may be used interchangeably through the subject specification.

Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention provides an isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a sequence of nucleotides encoding, or complementary to a sequence encoding FMT or a functional derivative ofthe enzyme.

The present invention is described and exemplified herein by reference to the identification, cloning and manipulation of genetic sequences encoding FMT which, up to the present time, is a particularly convenient and useful flavonoid methyltransferase enzyme for the practice of the invention herein disclosed. This is done, however, with the understanding that the present invention extends to all novel FMT enzymes and their functional derivatives. For convenience and by way of short hand notation only, reference herein to a flavonoid methylating enzyme includes FMTs acting on flavonoids such as anthocyanins, flavonols and/or flavones. Preferably, the flavonoid methylating enzyme is FMT. The FMT enzyme may also be considered to include a polypeptide or protein having FMT activity or FMT- like activity. The latter encompasses derivatives having altered FMT activities.

A prefened aspect ofthe present invention, therefore, is directed to an isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a sequence of nucleotides encoding, or complementary to a sequence encoding FMT or a functional mutant, derivative, part, fragment, homolog or analog of FMT.

By the term "nucleic acid molecule" is meant a genetic sequence in a non-naturally occurring condition. Generally, this means isolated away from its natural state or synthesized or derived in a non-naturally-occurring environment. More specifically, it includes nucleic acid molecules formed or maintained in vitro, including genomic DNA fragments recombinant or synthetic molecules and nucleic acids in combination with heterologous nucleic acids. It also extends to the genomic DNA or cDNA or part thereof encoding FMT or a part thereof in reverse orientation relative to its own or another promoter. It further extends to naturally occurring sequences following at least a partial purification relative to other nucleic acid sequences.

The term "genetic sequences" is used herein in its most general sense and encompasses any contiguous series of nucleotide bases specifying directly, or via a complementary series of bases, a sequence of amino acids in an FMT enzyme. Such a sequence of amino acids may constitute a partial FMT such as set forth in SEQ LD NO:22 or SEQ LD NO:42 or a full-length FMT such as is set forth in SEQ ID NO:2 or SEQ ID NO:5 or SEQ LD NO:7 or SEQ LD NO: 12 or SEQ LD NO:44 or an active truncated form thereof or may conespond to a particular region such as an N-terminal, C-terminal or internal portion of the enzyme. A genetic sequence may also be refened to as a sequence of nucleotides or a nucleotide sequence and include a recombinant fusion of two or more sequences. The genetic sequence of the present invention may also be subject to modified codon useage to improve or otherwise facilitate expression in a particular host cell.

In accordance with the above aspects of the present invention there is provided a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence or complementary nucleotide sequence substantially as set forth in SEQ LD NO:l or SEQ LD NO:4 or SEQ LD NO:6 or SEQ LD NO:l 1 or SEQ LD NO:21 or SEQ LD NO:26 SEQ LD NO:41 or SEQ LD NO:43 or having at least about 50% similarity thereto or capable of hybridizing to the sequence set forth in SEQ LD NO:l under low stringency conditions.

Alternative percentage similarity encompassed by the present invention include at least about 60%) or at least about 70% or at least about 80% or at least about 90% or above, such as about 95% or about 96% or about 97% or about 98% or about 99%.

In a particularly prefened embodiment, there is provided an isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence or complementary nucleotide sequence substantially as set forth in SEQ ID NO:l or SEQ LD NO:4 or SEQ ID NO:6 or SEQ LD NO:l l or SEQ LD NO:21 or SEQ LD NO:26 or SEQ LD NO:41 or SEQ LD NO:43 having at least about 50% similarity thereto or capable of hybridising to the sequence set forth in SEQ LD NO:l or SEQ LD NO:4 or SEQ LD NO:6 or SEQ ID NO: 11 or SEQ ID NO:21 or SEQ ID NO:26 or SEQ LD NO:41 or SEQ LD NO:43 or complementary strands of either under low stringency conditions, wherein said nucleotide sequence encodes a polypeptide having FMT activity.

For the purposes of determining the level of stringency to define nucleic acid molecules capable of hybridizing to SEQ LD NO:l or SEQ LD NO: 4 or SEQ LD NO: 6 or SEQ LD NO: 11 or SEQ LD NO: 21 or SEQ LD NO: 26 or SEQ LD NO:41 or SEQ LD NO:43 reference herein to a low stringency includes and encompasses from at least about 0% to at least about 15% v/v formamide and from at least about 1 M to at least about 2 M salt for hybridization, and at least about 1 M to at least about 2 M salt for washing conditions. Generally, low stringency is from about 25-30°C to about 42°C. The temperature may be altered and higher temperatures used to replace formamide and/or to give alternative stringency conditions. Alternative stringency conditions may be applied where necessary, such as medium stringency, which includes and encompasses from at least about 16% v/v to at least about 30% v/v formamide and from at least about 0.5 M to at least about 0.9 M salt for hybridization, and at least about 0.5 M to at least about 0.9 M salt for washing conditions, or high stringency, which includes and encompasses from at least about 31% v/v to at least about 50% v/v formamide and from at least about 0.01 M to at least about 0.15 M salt for hybridization, and at least about 0.01 M to at least about 0.15 M salt for washing conditions. In general, washing is carried out T_m = 69.3 + 0.41 (G+C)% (Marmur and Doty, J. Mol. Biol. 5:109, 1962). However, the T_m of a duplex DNA decreases by 1°C with every increase of 1% in the number of mismatch base pairs (Bonner and Laskey, Ewr. J. Biochem. 46: 83, 1974). Formamide is optional in these hybridization conditions. Accordingly, particularly prefened levels of stringency are defined as follows: low stringency is 6 x SSC buffer, 1.0% w/v SDS at 25-42°C; a moderate stringency is 2 x SSC buffer, 1.0% w/v SDS at a temperature in the range 20°C to 65°C; high stringency is 0.1 x SSC buffer, 0.1% w/v SDS at a temperature of at least 65°C.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a nucleic acid molecule comprising a sequence of nucleotides encoding or complementary to a sequence encoding an amino acid sequence substantially as set forth in SΕQ LD NO:2 or SΕQ LD NO:5 or SΕQ LD NO:7 or SΕQ LD NO: 12 or SΕQ LD NO:22 or SΕQ ID NO:42 or SΕQ LD NO:44 or an amino acid sequence having at least about 50% similarity thereto.

The term similarity as used herein includes exact identity between compared sequences at the nucleotide or amino acid level. Where there is non-identity at the nucleotide level, similarity includes differences between sequences which result in different amino acids that are nevertheless related to each other at the structural, functional, biochemical and/or conformational levels. Where there is non-identity at the amino acid level, similarity includes amino acids that are nevertheless related to each other at the structural, functional, biochemical and/or conformational levels. In a particularly prefened embodiment, nucleotide and sequence comparisons are made at the level of identity rather than similarity.

Terms used to describe sequence relationships between two or more polynucleotides or polypeptides include "reference sequence", "comparison window", "sequence similarity", "sequence identity", "percentage of sequence similarity", "percentage of sequence identity", "substantially similar" and "substantial identity". A "reference sequence" is at least 12 but frequently 15 to 18 and often at least 25 or above, such as 30 monomer units, inclusive of nucleotides and amino acid residues, in length. Because two polynucleotides may each comprise (1) a sequence (i.e. only a portion of the complete polynucleotide sequence) that is similar between the two polynucleotides, and (2) a sequence that is divergent between the two polynucleotides, sequence comparisons between two (or more) polynucleotides are typically performed by comparing sequences of the two polynucleotides over a "comparison window" to identify and compare local regions of sequence similarity. A "comparison window" refers to a conceptual segment of typically 12 contiguous residues that is compared to a reference sequence. The comparison window may comprise additions or deletions (i.e. gaps) of about 20% or less as compared to the reference sequence (which does not comprise additions or deletions) for optimal alignment of the two sequences. Optimal alignment of sequences for aligning a comparison window may be conducted by computerized implementations of algorithms (GAP, BESTFIT, FASTA, and TFASTA in the Wisconsin Genetics Software Package Release 7.0, Genetics Computer Group, 575 Science Drive Madison, WI, USA) or by inspection and the best alignment (i.e. resulting in the highest percentage homology over the comparison window) generated by any of the various methods selected. Reference also may be made to the BLAST family of programs as, for example, disclosed by Altschul et al. (Nucl Acids Res. 25: 3389, 1997). A detailed discussion of sequence analysis can be found in Unit 19.3 of Ausubel et al. (Cunent Protocols in Molecular Biology, John Wiley & Sons Inc, 1994- 1998, Chapter 15, 1998).

The terms "sequence similarity" and "sequence identity" as used herein refers to the extent that sequences are identical or functionally or structurally similar on a nucleotide-by- nucleotide basis or an amino acid-by-amino acid basis over a window of comparison. Thus, a "percentage of sequence identity", for example, is calculated by comparing two optimally aligned sequences over the window of comparison, determining the number of positions at which the identical nucleic acid base (e.g. A, T, C, G, I) or the identical amino acid residue (e.g. Ala, Pro, Ser, Thr, Gly, Val, Leu, lie, Phe, Tyr, Trp, Lys, Arg, His, Asp, Glu, Asn, Gin, Cys and Met) occurs in both sequences to yield the number of matched positions, dividing the number of matched positions by the total number of positions in the window of comparison (i.e., the window size), and multiplying the result by 100 to yield the percentage of sequence identity. For the purposes of the present invention, "sequence identity" will be understood to mean the "match percentage" calculated by the DNASIS computer program (Version 2.5 for windows; available from Hitachi Software engineering Co., Ltd., South San Francisco, California, USA) using standard defaults as used in the reference manual accompanying the software. Similar comments apply in relation to sequence similarity.

The nucleic acid sequences contemplated herein also encompass oligonucleotides useful as genetic probes for amplification reactions or as antisense or sense molecules capable of regulating expression of the conesponding gene in a plant. An antisense molecule as used herein may also encompass a genetic construct comprising the structural genomic or cDNA gene or part thereof in reverse orientation relative to its or another promoter. It may also encompass a homologous genetic sequence. An antisense or sense molecule may also be directed to terminal or internal portions ofthe gene encoding a polypeptide having FMT activity or to combinations of the above such that the expression of the gene is reduced or eliminated.

With respect to this aspect of the invention, there is provided an oligonucleotide of 5-50 nucleotides having substantial similarity or complementarity to a part or region of a molecule with a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ LD NO:l or SEQ ID NO:4 or SEQ LD NO:6 or SEQ LD NO:l l or SEQ LD NO:21 or SEQ LD NO:26 or SEQ LD NO:41 or SEQ LD NO:43 or a complementary form thereof. By substantial similarity or complementarity in this context is meant a hybridizable similarity under low, alternatively and preferably medium and alternatively and most preferably high stringency conditions specific for oligonucleotide hybridization (Sambrook et al, Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual. (2nd edition), Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, USA, 1989). Such an oligonucleotide is useful, for example, in screening FMT genetic sequences from various sources or for monitoring an introduced genetic sequence in a transgenic plant. The prefened oligonucleotide is directed to a conserved FMT genetic sequence or a sequence conserved within a plant genus, plant species and/or plant variety.

In one aspect of the present invention, the oligonucleotide conesponds to the 5' or the 3' end of the FMT genetic sequence. For convenience, the 5' end is considered herein to define a region substantially between the start codon of the structural gene to a centre portion of the gene, and the 3' end is considered herein to define a region substantially between the centre portion of the gene and the terminating codon of the structural gene. It is clear, therefore, that oligonucleotides or probes may hybridize to the 5' end or the 3' end or to a region common to both the 5' and the 3' ends. The present invention extends to all such probes.

In one embodiment, the nucleic acid sequence encoding an FMT or various functional derivatives thereof is used to reduce the level of an endogenous FMT (e.g. via co- suppression) or other post transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS) processes including RNAi or alternatively the nucleic acid sequence encoding this enzyme or various derivatives or parts thereof is used in the antisense orientation to reduce the level of FMT. The use of sense strands, double or partially single stranded such as constructs with hairpin loops is particularly useful in inducing a PTGS response. In a further alternative, ribozymes could be used to inactivate target nucleic acid sequences.

Still a further embodiment encompasses post-transcriptional inhibition to reduce translation into polypeptide material.

Reference herein to the altering of FMT activity relates to an elevation or reduction in activity of up to 30% or more preferably of 30-50%, or even more preferably 50-75% or still more preferably 75 % or greater above or below the normal endogenous or existing levels of activity. Such elevation or reduction may be referred to as modulation of FMT enzyme activity. Generally, modulation is at the level of transcription or translation of FMT genetic sequences.

The nucleic acids of the present invention may be a ribonucleic acid or deoxyribonucleic acids, single or double stranded and linear or covalently closed circular molecules. Preferably, the nucleic acid molecule is cDNA. The present invention also extends to other nucleic acid molecules which hybridize under low, preferably under medium and most preferably under high stringency conditions with the nucleic acid molecules of the present invention and in particular to the sequence of nucleotides set forth in SEQ LD NO:l or SEQ LD NO:4 or SEQ LD NO:6 or SEQ ID NO: 11 or SEQ LD NO:21 or SEQ LD NO:26 or SEQ LD NO:41 or SEQ LD NO:43 or a part or region thereof. In its most prefened embodiment, the present invention extends to a nucleic acid molecule having a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ LD NO:l or SEQ LD NO:4 or SEQ ID NO:6 or SEQ LD NO:l 1 or SEQ LD NO:21 or SEQ ID NO:26 or SEQ LD NO:41 or SEQ LD NO:43 or to a molecule having at least 40%, more preferably at least 45%, even more preferably at least 55%, still more preferably at least 65%-70%, and yet even more preferably greater than 85% similarity at the level of nucleotide or amino acid sequence to at least one or more regions of the sequence set forth in SEQ LD NO:l or SEQ ID NO:4 or SEQ LD NO:6 or SEQ LD NO: 11 or SEQ LD NO:21 or SEQ LD NO:26 or SEQ LD NO:41 or SEQ LD NO:43 and wherein the nucleic acid encodes or is complementary to a sequence which encodes an enzyme having FMT activity. It should be noted, however, that nucleotide or amino acid sequences may have similarities below the above given percentages and yet still encode FMT activity and such molecules may still be considered in the scope of the present invention where they have regions of sequence conservation. The present invention further extends to nucleic acid molecules in the form of oligonucleotide primers or probes capable of hybridizing to a portion of the nucleic acid molecules contemplated above, and in particular those set forth in SEQ LD NO:l and or SEQ LD NO:4 and/or SEQ LD NO:6 and/or SEQ ID NO: 11 and/or SEQ LD NO:21 and/or SEQ LD NO:26 and/or SEQ ID NO:41 and/or SEQ LD NO:43, under low, preferably under medium and most preferably under high stringency conditions. Preferably the portion conesponds to the 5' or the 3' end ofthe gene. For convenience the 5' end is considered herein to define a region substantially between the start codon of the structural genetic sequence to a centre portion of the gene, and the 3' end is considered herein to define a region substantially between the centre portion ofthe gene and the terminating codon ofthe structural genetic sequence. It is clear, therefore, that oligonucleotides or probes may hybridize to the 5' end or the 3' end or to a region common to both the 5' and the 3' ends. The present invention extends to all such probes.

The term gene is used in its broadest sense and includes cDNA conesponding to the exons of a gene. Accordingly, reference herein to a gene is to be taken to include:-

(i) a classical genomic gene consisting of transcriptional and/or translational regulatory sequences and/or a coding region and/or non-translated sequences (i.e. introns, 5'- and 3'- untranslated sequences); or

(ii) mRNA or cDNA conesponding to the coding regions (i.e. exons) and 5'- and 3'- untranslated sequences ofthe gene.

The term "gene" is also used to describe synthetic or fusion molecules encoding all or part of an expression product. In particular embodiments, the term "nucleic acid molecule" and "gene" may be used interchangeably.

The nucleic acid or its complementary form may encode the full-length enzyme or a part or derivative thereof. By "derivative" is meant any single or multiple amino acid substitutions, deletions, and/or additions relative to the naturally occurring enzyme and which retains FMT activity. In this regard, the nucleic acid includes the naturally occurring nucleotide sequence encoding FMT or may contain single or multiple nucleotide substitutions, deletions and/or additions to said naturally occurring sequence. The nucleic acid of the present invention or its complementary form may also encode a "part" of the FMT, whether active or inactive, and such a nucleic acid molecule may be useful as an oligonucleotide probe, primer for polymerase chain reactions or in various mutagenic techniques, or for the generation of antisense molecules.

Reference herein to a "part" of a nucleic acid molecule, nucleotide sequence or amino acid sequence, preferably relates to a molecule which contains at least about 10 contiguous nucleotides or five contiguous amino acids, as appropriate.

Amino acid insertional derivatives of the FMT of the present invention include amino and/or carboxyl terminal fusions as well as infra-sequence insertions of single or multiple amino acids. Insertional amino acid sequence variants are those in which one or more amino acid residues are introduced into a predetermined site in the protein although random insertion is also possible with suitable screening of the resulting product. Deletional variants are characterized by the removal of one or more amino acids from the sequence. Substitutional amino acid variants are those in which at least one residue in the sequence has been removed and a different residue inserted in its place. Typical substitutions are those made in accordance with Table 2.

TABLE 2

Suitable residues for amino acid substitutions

Where the FMT is derivatized by amino acid substitution, the amino acids are generally replaced by other amino acids having like properties, such as hydrophobicity, hydrophilicity, electronegativity, bulky side chains and the like. Amino acid substitutions are typically of single residues. Amino acid insertions will usually be in the order of about 1-10 amino acid residues and deletions will range from about 1-20 residues. Preferably, deletions or insertions are made in adjacent pairs, i.e. a deletion of two residues or insertion of two residues.

The amino acid variants refened to above may readily be made using peptide synthetic techniques well known in the art, such as solid phase peptide synthesis (Merrifield, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 85: 2149, 1964) and the like, or by recombinant DNA manipulations. Techniques for making substitution mutations at predetermined sites in DNA having known or partially known sequence are well known and include, for example, Ml 3 mutagenesis. The manipulation of DNA sequence to produce variant proteins which manifest as substitutional, insertional or deletional variants are conveniently described, for example, in Sambrook et al, (1989), supra. Other examples of recombinant or synthetic mutants and derivatives of the FMT enzyme of the present invention include single or multiple substitutions, deletions and/or additions of any molecule associated with the enzyme such as carbohydrates, lipids and/or proteins or polypeptides.

The terms "analogs" and "derivatives" also extend to any functional chemical equivalent of FMT and also to any amino acid derivative described above. For convenience, reference to FMT herein includes reference to any functional mutant, derivative, part, fragment, homolog or analog thereof.

The present invention is exemplified using nucleic acid sequences derived from Petunia, Torenia or Fuchsia since this represents the most convenient and prefened source of material to date. However, one skilled in the art will immediately appreciate that similar sequences can be isolated from any number of sources such as other plants or certain microorganisms. All such nucleic acid sequences encoding directly or indirectly an FMT are encompassed by the present invention regardless of their source. Examples of other suitable sources of genes encoding FMTs include, but are not limited to Petunia sp., Plumbago sp., Vitis sp., Babiana stricta, Pinus sp., Picea sp., Larix sp., Phaseolus sp., Solanum sp., Vaccinium sp., Cyclamen sp., Iris sp., Pelargonium sp., Geranium sp., Pisum sp., Lathyrus sp., Clitoria sp., Catharanthus sp., Malvia sp., Mucuna sp., Vicia sp., Saintpaulia sp., Lagerstroemia sp., Tibouchina sp., Hypocalyptus sp., Rhododendron sp., Linum sp., Macroptilium sp., Hibiscus sp., Hydrangea sp., Ipomoea sp., Cymbidium sp., Millettia sp., Hedysarum sp., Lespedeza sp., Antigonon sp., Pisum sp., etc. In accordance with the present invention, a nucleic acid sequence encoding FMT may be introduced into and expressed in a transgenic plant in either orientation thereby providing a means either to convert suitable substrates, if synthesized in the plant cell, ultimately into peonidin, petunidin or malvidin derivatives or other methyl-flavonoids, or alternatively to inhibit such conversion of metabolites by reducing or eliminating endogenous or existing FMT activity. The production of these anthocyanins or other flavonoids will modify petal color and may contribute to the production of a bluer color. Expression of the nucleic acid sequence in the plant may be constitutive, inducible or developmental and may also be tissue-specific. The word "expression" is used in its broadest sense to include production of RNA or of both RNA and protein. It also extends to partial expression of a nucleic acid molecule.

The terms "genetically modified plant" and "transgenic plant" refer to any plant or progeny or subsequent offspring therefrom or vegetatively propagated new plant that has become transformed after the introduction of novel nucleic acid sequence using appropriate molecular biology techniques. The two terms are used interchangeably through out the specification. The nucleic acid sequence may be derived from the same or a different species of plant to that which is being transformed. It is contemplated that the nucleic acid could encode a polypeptide or be complementary to a sequence encoding a polypeptide or a mutant, derivative, part, fragment or portion thereof. Alternatively the nucleic acid sequence may be from the non-coding region of a genome.

The genetically modified or transgenic plants of the present invention include horticultural and agricultural species.

The term "horticultural plant species" includes but is not limited to floricultural plants (for example, cut- flowers, potted flowering plants), ornamental plants (for example, ornamental foliage plants) and all other forms of horticulture (such as, bedding plants, pot-plants, garden-plants).

The term "agricultural plant species" includes but is not limited to broad acre food and non-food crops (for example, wheat, com, cotton, maize, pasture), fruit, nut and vegetable crops (for example apples, oranges, bananas, almonds, walnuts, macadamias, canots, peas, potatoes, eggplants, grapes, tomatoes) and viticulture.

According to cunent understanding there will be some overlap between horticultural and agricultural plant species. According to this aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for producing a transgenic plant, such as but not limited to a transgenic flowering plant, capable of synthesizing FMT, said method comprising stably transforming a cell of a suitable plant with a nucleic acid sequence which comprises a sequence of nucleotides encoding said FMT under conditions permitting the eventual expression of said nucleic acid sequence, regenerating a transgenic plant from the cell and growing said transgenic plant for a time and under conditions sufficient to permit the expression of the nucleic acid sequence. The transgenic plant may thereby produce non-indigenous FMT at elevated levels relative to the amount expressed in a comparable non-transgenic plant.

As used herein an "indigenous" enzyme is one, which is native to or naturally expressed in a particular cell. A "non-indigenous" enzyme is an enzyme not native to the cell but expressed through the introduction of genetic material into a plant cell; for example, through a transgene. An "endogenous" enzyme is an enzyme produced by a cell but which may or may not be indigenous to that cell. In a prefened embodiment, the present invention contemplates a method for producing a transgenic plant, such as but not limited to a transgenic flowering plant, exhibiting altered inflorescence properties, said method comprising stably transforming a cell of a suitable plant with a nucleic acid sequence of the present invention, regenerating a transgenic plant from the cell and growing said transgenic plant for a time and under conditions sufficient to permit the expression of the nucleic acid sequence into an FMT. Alternatively, said method may comprise stably transforming a cell of a suitable plant with a nucleic acid sequence of the present invention or its complementary sequence, regenerating a transgenic plant from the cell and growing said transgenic plant for a time and under conditions sufficient to alter the level of activity of the indigenous or existing FMT. Preferably the altered level would be less than the indigenous or existing level of FMT activity in a comparable non-transgenic plant. Without wishing to limit the present invention, one theory of mode of action is that reduction of the indigenous FMT activity requires the expression of the introduced nucleic acid sequence or its complementary sequence. However, expression of the introduced genetic sequence or its complement may not be required to achieve the desired effect: namely, a flowering plant exhibiting altered inflorescence properties.

The term "inflorescence" as used herein refers to the flowering part of a plant. As indicated above, reference to a "transgenic plant" may also be read as a "genetically modified plant".

In a related embodiment, the present invention contemplates a method for producing a plant such as but not limited to a transgenic flowering plant exhibiting altered inflorescence properties, said method comprising alteration of the FMT gene through modification of the indigenous sequences via homologous recombination from an appropriately altered FMT gene or derivative or part thereof introduced into the plant cell, and regenerating the genetically modified plant from the cell. Preferably, the altered inflorescence includes the production of different shades of blue or red flowers or other colors, depending on the genotype and physiological conditions ofthe recipient plant.

Accordingly, the present invention extends to a method for producing a transgenic plant capable of expressing a recombinant gene encoding an FMT or part thereof or which carries a nucleic acid sequence which is substantially complementary to all or a part of a mRNA molecule optionally transcribable where required to effect regulation of an FMT, said method comprising stably transforming a cell of a suitable plant with the isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a sequence of nucleotides encoding, or complementary to a sequence encoding, an FMT, where necessary under conditions permitting the eventual expression of said isolated nucleic acid molecule, and regenerating a transgenic plant from the cell. By "suitable plant" is meant a plant capable of producing anthocyanidin 3-glucosides and possessing the appropriate physiological properties required for the development of the color desired. Examples of suitable plants include but are not limited to Torenia, Begonia, Cyclamen, Nierembergia, Catharanthus, Pelogonium, Orchid, grape, Euphorbia or Fuchsia

One skilled in the art will immediately recognize the variations applicable to the methods of the present invention, such as increasing or decreasing the expression of the enzyme naturally present in a target plant leading to differing shades of colors such as different shades of blue, purple or red.

The present invention, therefore, extends to all transgenic plants or parts of transgenic plants or progeny of the transgenic plants containing all or part of the nucleic acid sequences of the present invention, or antisense forms thereof and/or any homologs or related forms thereof and, in particular, those transgenic plants which exhibit altered inflorescence properties. The transgenic plants may contain an introduced nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding or complementary to a sequence encoding an FMT. Generally, the nucleic acid would be stably introduced into the plant genome, although the present invention also extends to the introduction of an FMT nucleotide sequence within an autonomously-replicating nucleic acid sequence such as a DNA or RNA virus capable of replicating within the plant cell. The invention also extends to seeds from such transgenic plants. Such seeds, especially if colored, are useful as proprietary tags for plants. Any and all methods for introducing genetic material into plant cells are encompassed by the present invention.

Another aspect of the present invention contemplates the use of the extracts from transgenic plants or plant parts of transgenic plants or progeny of the transgenic plants containing all or part of the nucleic acid sequences of the present invention and, in particular, the extracts from those transgenic plants when used as a flavoring or food additive or health product or beverage or juice or coloring.

Plant parts contemplated by the present invention includes, but is not limited to flowers, fruits, nuts, roots, stems, leaves or seeds.

The extracts of the present invention may be derived from the plants or plant part in a number of different ways including chemical extraction or heat extraction or filtration or squeezing or pulverization.

The plant, plant part or extract can be utilized in any number of different ways such as for the production of a flavoring (e.g. a food essence), a food additive (e.g. a stabilizer, a colorant) a health product (e.g. an antioxidant, a tablet) a beverage (e.g. wine, spirit, tea) or a juice (e.g. fruit juice) or coloring (e.g. food coloring, fabric coloring, dye, paint).

A further aspect of the present invention is directed to recombinant forms of FMT. The recombinant forms of the enzyme will provide a source of material for research to develop, for example, more active enzymes and may be useful in developing in vitro systems for production of colored compounds. Still a further aspect ofthe present invention contemplates the use ofthe genetic sequences described herein in the manufacture of a genetic construct capable of expressing an FMT or down-regulating an indigenous FMT enzyme in a plant.

Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a prokaryotic or eukaryotic organism canying a genetic sequence encoding an FMT extrachromasomally in plasmid form.

The present invention further extends to a recombinant polypeptide comprising a sequence of amino acids substantially as set forth in SEQ ID NO:2 or SEQ LD NO:5 or SEQ LD NO:7 or SEQ LD NO: 12 or SEQ LD NO:22 or SEQ LD NO:42 or SEQ LD NO:43 or an amino acid sequence having at least about 50% similarity to SEQ LD NO:2 or SEQ LD NO:5 or SEQ ID NO:7 or SEQ LD NO: 12 or SEQ LD NO:22 or SEQ LD NO:42 or SEQ ID NO:43 or a derivative of said polypeptide.

A "recombinant polypeptide" means a polypeptide encoded by a nucleotide sequence introduced into a cell directly or indirectly by human intervention or into a parent or other relative or precursor of the cell. A recombinant polypeptide may also be made using cell- free, in vitro transcription systems. The term "recombinant polypeptide" includes an isolated polypeptide or when present is a cell or cell preparation. It may also be in a plant or parts of a plant regenerated from a cell which produces said polypeptide.

A "polypeptide" includes a peptide or protein and is encompassed by the term "enzyme".

The recombinant polypeptide may also be a fusion molecule comprising two or more heterologous amino acid sequences.

The present invention is further described by the following non-limiting Examples. EXAMPLE 1 Plant material

The Petunia hybrida cultivars used are presented in Table 3.

TABLE 3

Genotypes of Petunia hybrida cultivars

INRA = Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Cedex, France OGB petunia plants were grown in specialized growth rooms with a 14 hr day length at a light intensity of 10,000 lux and a temperature of 22 to 26°C. OGB flowers were harvested at developmental stages defined as follows :-

Stage 1 Unpigmented, closed bud (< 25 mm in length). Stage 2 Pigmented, closed bud (25-35 mm in length). Stage 3 Dark purple bud with emerging corolla (> 35 mm in length). Stage 4 Dark purple opened flower pre-anther dehiscence (> 50 mm in length). Stage 5 Fully opened flower with all anthers dehisced.

EXAMPLE 2 General Methods

In general, the methods followed were as described in Sambrook et al. (1989), supra.

E. coli transformation

The Escherichia coli strains used were:-

DH5α supE44, Δ(lacZYA-ArgF)U169, (ø801acZΔMl 5), hsdR17(r_k ^", m_k ⁺), recAl, endAl, gyrA96, thi-1, relAl, deoR. (Hanahan, J. Mol. Biol. 166: 557, 1983 and. Bethesda Res. Lab. Focus. 8(2): 9, 1986).

XLl-Blue supE44, hsdR17(r_k ^", m_k ⁺), recAl, endAl, gyrA96, thi-1, relAl, lac\[F'proAB, lacl^q, lacZΔMl 5, Tnl 0(tet^R)] (Bullock et al. , Biotechniques 5: 376, 1987).

PLK-F' recA, hsdR17(r_k ^", m_k ⁺), mcrA^", mcrB^"' lac^", supE44, galK2, galT22, metBl, [F proAB, lacl^q, lacZΔMl 5, Tnl0(tet^R)] (Stratagene).

Ml 5 E. coli is derived from E. coli K12 and has the phenotype Nal^s, Str^s, Rif, Thi^", Ara⁺, Gaf, Mtl^", F^", RecA⁺, Uvr⁺, Lon⁺ The cloning vectors pBluescript, pBluescribe and PCRscript were obtained from Stratagene. pCR 2.1 was obtained from Invitrogen.

The bacterial expression vectors pQE-30 and pREP4 were obtained from QIAGEN.

Transformation of the E. coli strains was performed according to the method of Inoue et al, (Gene 96: 23-28, 1990).

DNA lisations

DNA ligations were carried out using the Amersham Ligation Kit according to procedures recommended by the manufacturer.

Isolation and purification offraεments

Fragments were generally isolated on a 1% w/v agarose gel and purified using the QIAEX II Gel Extraction kit (QIAGEN).

Reparation of overhanεinε ends after restriction digestion

Overhanging 5' ends were repaired using DNA polymerase (Klenow fragment) according to standard protocols (Sambrook et al, 1989, supra). Overhanging 3' ends were repaired using T4 DNA polymerase according to standard protocols (Sambrook et al, 1989, supra).

Removal of phosphoryl groups from nucleic acids

Shrimp alkaline phosphatase (SAP) (USB) was typically used to remove phosphoryl groups from cloning vectors to prevent re-circularization according to the manufacturer's recommendations. ³²P-Labellinε of DNA Probes

DNA fragments (50 to 100 ng) were radioactively labelled with 50 μCi of [α-³²P]-dCTP using a Gigaprime kit (Geneworks). Unincorporated [α- P]-dCTP was removed by chromatography on a Sephadex G-50 (Fine) column.

Plasmid Isolation

Helper phage R408 (Stratagene) was used to excise pBluescript phagemids containing petunia cDNA inserts from the amplified λZAP cDNA libraries using methods described by the manufacturer. E. coli XL 1 -Blue were transfected with the phagemid mixture and the colonies were plated out on LB plates (Sambrook et al, 1989, supra) containing 100 μg/mL ampicillin. Single colonies were analyzed for cDNA inserts by growing in LB broth (Sambrook et al, 1989, supra) with ampicillin (100 μg/mL) (or other appropriate antibiotic) and isolating the plasmid using the alkali-lysis procedure (Sambrook et al, 1989, supra) or using the WizardPlus SV minipreps DNA purification system (PROMEGA). Once the presence of a cDNA insert had been determined, larger amounts of plasmid DNA were prepared from 50 mL overnight cultures using a QIAfilter Plasmid midi kit (QIAGEN).

DNA Sequence Analysis

DNA sequencing was performed using the ABI PRISM (registered trademark) BigDye (trademark) Primer Cycle Sequencing Kits from Applied Biosystems. The protocols supplied by the manufacturer were followed. The cycle sequencing reactions were performed using a Perkin Elmer PCR machine (GeneAmp PCR System 9600). Sequencing runs were performed by AGRF (Australian Genome Research Facility) at WEHI (The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research) in Melbourne, Australia. Homology searches against Genbank, SWISS-PROT and EMBL databases were performed using the FASTA and TFASTA programs (Pearson and Lipman, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 85: 2444-2448, 1988) or BLAST programs (Altschul et al, J. Mol. Biol. 215: 403-410, 1990). Percentage sequence similarities were obtained using the LFASTA program (Pearson and Lipman, 1988, supra). In all cases, ktup values of 6 for nucleotide sequence comparisons and two for amino acid sequence comparisons were used, unless otherwise specified.

Multiple sequence alignments and dendogram plots were produced using ClustalW (Thompson et al, Nucl Acids Res. 2: 4673-4680, 1994).

EXAMPLE 3 Plant transformations

Aεrobacterium tumefaciens transformations

The disarmed Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain used was AGLO (Lazo et al, Bio/technology 9: 963-961, 1991).

Plasmid DNA was introduced into the Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain AGLO by adding 5 μg of plasmid DNA to 100 μL of competent AGLO cells prepared by inoculating a 50 mL LB culture (Sambrook et al, 1989, supra) and incubation for 16 hours with shaking at 28°C. The cells were then pelleted and resuspended in 0.5mL of 85% v/v lOOmM CaCl₂/15% v/v glycerol. The K- Agrobacterium mixture was frozen by incubation in liquid N₂ for 2 minutes and then allowed to thaw by incubation at 37°C for 5 minutes. The DNA/bacterial mix was then placed on ice for a further 10 minutes. The cells were then mixed with 1 mL of LB (Sambrook et al, 1989 supra) media and incubated with shaking for 16 hours at 28°C. Cells of A. tumefaciens canying the plasmid were selected on LB agar plates containing appropriate antibiotics such as 50 μg/mL tetracycline or 100 μg/mL gentamycin or 30 μg/mL kanamycin. The confirmation of the plasmid in A. tumefaciens was done by restriction endonuclease mapping of DNA isolated from the antibiotic-resistant transformants.

Petunia hybrida transformations

As described in Holton et al. (Nature, 366: 276-279, 1993) or Brugliera et al, (Plant J. 5, 81-92, 1994) by any other method well known in the art.

(a) Plant Material

Leaf tissue from mature plants of . hybrida cv VR was treated with 1.25% w/v sodium hypochlorite for 2 minutes and then rinsed three times in sterile water. The leaf tissue was then cut into 25 mm² squares and precultured on MS media (Murashige and Skoog, Physiol. Plant 15: 73-97, 1962) supplemented with 0.05 mg/L kinetin and 1.0 mg/L 2,4- dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) for 24 hours.

(b) Co-cultivation of Agrobacterium and Petunia Tissue

A. tumefaciens strain AGLO (Lazo et al, 1991, supra) containing the binary vector were maintained at 4°C on MG/L (Garfinkel and Nester, J. Bacteriol. 144:132-143, 1980) or LB agar (Sambrook et al, 1989, supra) plates containing the appropriate antibiotic. A single colony used to inoculate an overnight liquid culture containing 1% w/v Bacto-peptone,

0.5% w/v Bacto-yeast extract and 1% w/v NaCl. A final concentration of 5 x 10 cells/mL was prepared the next day by dilution in liquid MS medium containing B5 vitamins (Gamborg et al, Exp. Cell Res. 50: 151-158, 1968) and 3% w/v sucrose (BPM). The leaf discs were dipped for 2 minutes into BPM containing the transformed AGLO as described above. The leaf discs were then blotted dry and placed on co-cultivation media for 4 days.

The co-cultivation medium consisted of SH medium (Schem and Hildebrandt, Can. J. Bot.

50: 199-204, 1972) supplemented with 0.05 mg/L kinetin and 1.0 mg/L 2,4-D and included a feeder layer of tobacco cell suspension spread over the co-cultivation medium with a filter paper placed on top ofthe tobacco cell suspension. (c) Recovery of transgenic petunia plants

After co-cultivation, the leaf discs were transfened to MS medium supplemented with 3% w/v sucrose, 1 mg/L α-benzylaminopurine (BAP), 0.1 mg/L α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), 2 μg/L Chlorsulfuron (Chem Service), 350 mg/L cefotaxime and 0.3% w/v Gelrite Gellan Gum (Schweizerhall) (selection medium). Regenerating explants were transfened to fresh selection medium after 4 weeks. Adventitious shoots which survived the Chlorsulfuron selection were isolated and transfened to BPM containing 2 μg/L Chlorsulfuron (Chem Service) and 200 mg/L cefotaxime for root induction. All cultures were maintained under a 16 hr photoperiod (60 μmol. m^"2, s^"1 cool white fluorescent light) at 23 ± 2°C. When roots reached 2-3 cm in length the transgenic petunia plantlets were transfened to autoclaved Debco 51410/2 potting mix in 8 cm tubes. After 4 weeks plants were transfened into 15 cm pots using the same potting mix and maintained at 23°C under a 14 hour photoperiod (300 μmol m^"2, s^"1 mercury halide light).

Rosa hybrida transformations

As described in U.S. Patent No. 542,841 (PCT/US91/04412) or Robinson and Firoozabady (Scientia Horticulturae, 55: 83-99, 1993), Rout et al. (Scientia Horticulturae, 81: 201-238, 1999) or Marchant et al. (Molecular Breeding 4: 187-194, 1998) or by any other method well known in the art.

Cuttings of Rosa hybrida were generally obtained from Van Wyk and Son Flower Supply, Victoria, Australia or Keisei Roses, Japan Color codinε

The Royal Horticultural Society's Color Chart (Kew, UK) was used to provide a description of color observed. They provide an alternative means by which to describe the color phenotypes observed. The designated numbers, however, should be taken only as a guide to the perceived colors and should not be regarded as limiting the possible colors, which may be obtained.

Construct Preparations

TABLE 4

Abbreviations used in construct preparations

EXAMPLE 4 Incubation of excised petals with precursors or end products

Reports in the literature suggest that of the six principally occurring anthocyanidins found in nature (Table 5), the degree of "blueness" of an individual anthocyanidin is influenced by the hydroxylation and/or methylation pattern in the anthocyanin "B" ring. However, in 0.01% HCl/MeOH (v/v) solutions delphinidin has a higher λ_maχ value than peonidin or malvidin and so appears the bluest ofthe six anthocyanidins.

TABLE 5 λ_max values (in nm) of major anthocyanidins

λ_max nm* wavelength of maximum absorption in 0.01%HCl MeOH (v/v)

Data reviewed by Haslam (Practical Phenolics. From structure to molecular recognition and physiological action. Cambridge University Press, UK, 1998).

Experiments were set up to determine whether the production of delphinidin or its methylated derivative, malvidin would lead to novel colors in rose petals. To determine whether rose petals contained the enzymes necessary for conversion of dihydromyricetin to delphinidin, precursor- feeding experiments with dihydromyricetin were initiated.

Petal segments of a selection of commercial cultivars of roses (Toplesse, Lambada, Medeo, Pamela, Sonia, Oceana, Mystique) were placed in solutions of 1-2 mg/mL dihydromyrectin or water only and incubated for around 16 hours in a growth room at a temperature of around 23°C. Pink/purple colors were observed near the cut edges of the petals (Table 6). TLC analysis ofthe anthocyanidins in the pink/purple segments revealed the production of delphinidin. These results confirmed that the anthocyanin pathway enzymes of roses were able to convert dihydromyricetin to delphinidin.

TABLE 6

Colors produced in rose petals after incubation in dihydromyricetin

(the precursor of delphinidin-based pigments)

DHM = dihydromyricetin

Rose petals from Toplesse and Lambada were subsequently incubated with malvidin 3, 5- diglucoside to determine the color that may be obtained if this novel anthocyanin were to be produced in rose via introduction of a flavonoid 3' 5' hydroxylase gene for production of delphinidin-based pigments and an flavonoid 3' 5' methyltransferase gene (or flavonoid 3' methyltransferase and flavonoid 5' methyltransferase genes) for the subsequent conversion to malvidin-based pigments.

Petal segments of roses were placed in solutions of 1-2 mg/mL malvidin 3, 5-diglucoside, 1-2 mg/mL dihydromyrectin or water only and incubated for around 16 hours in a growth room at a temperature of around 23°C. The production of colors in the purple range were observed near the cut edges of the petals upon incubation with dihydromyrectin or malvidin 3, 5-diglucoside (Table 7). However a direct comparison of the colors observed with the production of delphinidin in the rose petals to the accumulation of malvidin in the same rose background surprisingly revealed that malvidin pigments resulted in bluer colors.

TABLE 7

Colors observed in rose petals after incubation in dihydromyricetin (the precursor of delphinidin-based pigments) or in malvidin 3, 5-diglucoside

Reconstruction experiments

Reconstruction experiments with rose petal extracts and various anthocyanins were performed to predict the color that would be produced in roses upon production of delphinidin or malvidin-based pigments.

The rose cultivar Medeo generally produces cream-colored to pale apricot flowers (RHSCC 158C to 159A). HPLC analysis ofthe anthocyanidins and flavonols accumulating in Medeo rose petals revealed that the petals accumulate high levels of flavonols (2.32 mg/g kaempferol, 0.03 mg/g quercetin) and very low levels of anthocyanins (0.004 mg/g cyanidin, 0.004 mg/g pelargonidin). The estimated vacuolar pH of Medeo petals is around 4.6. The petal juice of Medeo roses was extracted by grinding one petal with 50 μL of water using a mortar and pestle. The petal juice was collected and mixed with 10-20 μL of 1-2 mg/g delphinidin 3-glucoside, delphinidin 3,5-diglucoside and malvidin 3, 5- diglucoside. The colors observed were described according to the Royal Horticultural Society Color Charts (RHSCC) (The Royal Horticultural Society, London) (Table 8).

TABLE 8 Colors observed upon addition of delphinidin 3-glucoside, delphinidin 3,

5-diglucoside or malvidin 3, 5-diglucoside to petal juice extracted from Medeo rose petals

D3G = delphinidin 3-glucoside, D35G = delphinidin 3, 5-diglucoside M35G = malvidin 3, 5-diglucoside

Based on the λ_max value (Table 5), it was assumed that the production of delphinidin pigments in rose petals would result in a bluer color than the production of malvidin pigments. However, from the feeding and reconstruction experiments detailed above it is clear that the production of malvidin-based pigments in rose petals will lead to bluer colors than that of delphinidin-based pigments.

EXAMPLE 5

Isolation of a partial S-adenosyl-L-methionine: flavonoid methyltransferase (FMT) cDNA clone from Petunia hybrida

Construction and screeninε of a P. hybrida cv. V26 petal cDNA library

A cDNA library was constructed based on mRNA from corolla limb tissue of the line V26 (Anl⁺) (Kroon et al, Plant J 5: 69-80, 1994). Around 30,000 pfu of the V26 floral cDNA library were plated at a density of 800 pfu per 90 mm plate. Duplicate lifts of these were taken onto Hybond-N membranes (Amersham) and treated as recommended by the manufacturer. The filters were hybridized with first strand cDNA from an Anl⁺ (V26) and an anl^' line (W162). Hybridization conditions included a prehybridization step in 50% v/v formamide, 5 x SSPE, 5 x Denhardt's, 0.1% w/v SDS, 100 μg/mL herring sperm DNA at 42°C for 3 hours. For hybridization 1.0 x 10⁸ cpm ³²P-labeled first strand cDNA and 100 μg of poly (A) were added and incubation was continued for 16-48 hours at 42°C. The filters were washed in 1 x SSC/0.1% w/v SDS at 60°C for 30 minutes and then exposed to Kodak XAR film for 3 to 4 days. Two hundred and seventy plaque forming units (pfu) out of 30,000 showed substantially stronger hybridization to the Anl⁺ cDNA probe than to the anl^' cDNA probe. Of these, 35 which did not hybridize to previously cloned pigmentation genes (chs, chi and dfr) were purified to homogeneity. Pairwise cross-hybridizations demonstrated that these 35 clones represented 7 distinct classes of genes-difA, difC, difE, difF, difG, difH and difl. The difG gene has subsequently been shown to represent the Rt gene of Petunia hybrida (Kroon et al, 1994, supra). The expression profiles of the remaining 6 classes were shown to display a spatial, temporal and genetic control similar to that of difG (Kroon et al, 1994, supra).

The difC clone was subsequently shown to represent the anthocyanidin 3-rutinoside acyltransferase (AR-AT) gene of Petunia hybrida (International Application No. PCT/AU01/00358; International Publication No. WO 01/72984).

The difE clone was shown to be around lkb and the plasmid was assigned the designation pCGP1903 (Figure 2). The complete sequence of the diβ cDNA clone (SEQ LD NO:l) (contained in pCGP1903) was determined by compilation of sequence from different pUC18 subclones obtained using standard procedures for the generation of randomly- overlapping clones (Sambrook et al, 1989, supra). Blast searches against sequences in the GenBank database revealed similarities to caffeoyl-CoA O-methyltransferase mRNAs. (e.g. 84% identity over a 92 bp span of Mesembryanthemum crystallinum caffeoyl-CoA O- methyltransferase (AF053553)).

RFLP analysis indicated that the diβ, clone was linked to the Hfl and Po loci (5 cross overs out of 33 plants with the Po locus and 8 cross overs with Hfl out of 34 plants) on chromosome V and so was a candidate for the Mt2 or Mfl gene. RNA gel blots were subsequently performed on various Mfsnd Mt mutants and it was shown that four-double mutants (mfl-, mfl-, mtl-, mt2-) lacked transcripts hybridising to diβ, while lines dominant for one or more of these loci did contain diβ transcripts. This suggested that the diβ clone encoded a flavonoid methyltransferase and that the different FMT transcripts cross-hybridise. The diβ clone was selected for further analysis. EXAMPLE 6 Isolation of a full-length FMT cDNA clone from Petunia hybrida cv

Old Glory Blue (OGB)

Construction of OGB petal cDNA library

Total RNA was isolated from the petal tissue of P. hybrida cv Old Glory Blue (OGB) stage 3 to 4 flowers using the method of Turpen and Griffith (BioTechniques 4: 11-15, 1986). Poly(A)⁺ RNA was selected from the total RNA by three cycles of oligo-dT cellulose chromatography (Aviv and Leder, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 69: 1408, 1972).

Two micrograms of poly(A)⁺ RNA were reverse transcribed in a 20 μL reaction volume containing 1 x Superscript (trademark) reaction buffer, 10 mM dithiothreitol, 500 μM dATP, 500 μM dGTP, 500 μM dTTP, 500 μM 5-methyl-dCTP, 0.75 μg oligonucleotide (5' GAGAGAGAGAGAGAGAGAGATCTCGAGTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT) [SEQ LD NO:3] and 2 μL Superscript (trademark) reverse transcriptase (BRL). The reaction mix was incubated at 37°C for 50 minutes, 44°C for 10 minutes and then placed on ice.

A second strand reaction mix (140 μL) was added to the first strand reaction mix. The second strand reaction mix consisted of 21 mM Tris-HCl, 104 mM KC1, 5.3 mM MgCl₂, 171 μM β-NAD, 11.4 mM (NH₄)₂S0₄, 214 μM dATP, 642 μM dCTP, 214 μM dGTP, 214 μM dTTP, 4 mM DTT, 10 μCi ³²P-dCTP (3000 Ci/mMole), 15 units E. coli DNA ligase, 40 units E. coli DNA polymerase I (Boehringer) and 0.8 units RNAse H. The final mixture was incubated for 150 minutes at 16°C. To make the double-stranded cDNA blunt-ended, 10 units T4 DNA polymerase was added, and the reaction continued for a further 15 minutes at 16°C. The reaction was stopped and the cDNA purified by phenol/chloroform extraction, followed by chloroform extraction and ethanol precipitation.

EcoRI adaptors (Promega) were ligated with the cDNA and then kinased using conditions recommended by the manufacturer. The enzymes were denatured by heat (70°C, 20 minutes) and the DNA was purified by phenol/chloroform extraction and ethanol precipitation. The cDNA was digested with 50 units of Xhol restriction endonuclease (Boehringer Mannheim) in a reaction volume of 100 μL, using conditions recommended by the manufacturer. The enzyme was heat killed (70°C, 20 minutes) and the mixture passed through an S400 spin column (Pharmacia) which had been equilibrated in STE buffer (Sambrook et al, 1989, supra). The eluate was phenol/chloroform extracted and ethanol precipitated. After microcentrifugation at 4°C for 30 minutes the resulting cDNA pellet was rinsed with 70% v/v ethanol, air dried and resuspended in 10 μL of TE buffer (1 mM Tris-HCl (pH 7.5), 1 mM EDTA).

A 2.5 μL aliquot of the resuspended cDNA mixture was ligated with 1 μg λZAPII EcoRIΛYfcoI CIAP (calf intestinal alkaline phosphatase) treated vector (Stratagene) in 5 μL of reaction buffer consisting of 50 mM Tris-HCl (pH 7.0), 10 mM MgCl₂, 10 mM dithiothreitol, 1 mM ATP and 2 units of T4 DNA ligase. The reaction was carried out at 4°C for 4 days.

After a subsequent incubation at room temperature for two hours, the ligation reaction mixture was packaged using the Packagene system (Promega). The total number of recombinants was 1 x 10 pfu.

After transfecting PLK-F' cells, the packaged λZAPII/cDNA was plated at 50,000 pfu per 15 cm diameter petri plate. The plates were incubated at 37°C for eight hours, and the phage were eluted in 100 mM NaCl, 8 mM MgS0₄, 50 mM Tris-HCl pH 8.0, 0.01% gelatin (Phage Storage Buffer (PSB)). Chloroform was added and the phage stored at 4°C as an amplified library.

40,000 pfu of the amplified library were plated onto NZY plates (Sambrook et al, 1989, supra) at a density of 20,000 pfu per 15 cm plate after transfecting XLl-Blue MRF' cells, and incubated at 37°C for 8 hours. After a subsequent incubation at 4°C overnight, duplicate lifts were taken onto Colony/Plaque Screen (trademark) filters (DuPont) which were then treated as recommended by the manufacturer. Screeninε of OGB Library

Prior to hybridization, the duplicate plaque lifts were washed in pre-washing solution (50 mM Tris-HCl pH 7.5, 1 M NaCl, 1 mM EDTA, 0.1% w/v sarcosine) at 65°C for 30 minutes; stripped in 0.4 M sodium hydroxide at 65°C for 30 minutes; then washed in a solution of 0.2 M Tris-HCl pH 8.0, 0.1 x SSC, 0.1% w/v SDS at 65°C for 30 minutes and finally rinsed in 2 x SSC, 1.0% w/v SDS.

The duplicate lifts from the OGB petal cDNA library were screened with P-labelled fragments of an EcoRT XhoI diβ fragment from pCGP1903 (Figure 2).

Hybridization conditions included a prehybridization step in 50% v/v formamide, 1 M NaCl, 10% w/v dextran sulphate, 1% w/v SDS at 42°C for at least 1 hour. The ³²P-labeled fragments (at 1 x 10⁶ cpm/mL) were then added to the hybridization solution and hybridization was continued at 42°C for a further 16 hours. The filters were then washed in 2 x SSC, 1% w/v SDS at 42°C for 2 x 30 minutes followed by a wash in 0.2 x SSC, 1% w/v SDS at 65°C for 30 minutes and exposed to Kodak XAR film with an intensifying screen at -70°C for 4 hours.

Forty-five hybridizing plaques (designated as El to E45) were picked into PSB. These were rescreened to isolate pure clones, using the hybridization conditions as described for the initial screening of the cDNA library. The plasmids contained in the λZAP bacteriophage vector were rescued and sequence data was generated from the 3' and 5' ends of the cDNA inserts. Of these E20 and E33 represented the longest cDNA clones (-l.Okb and 0.9kb, respectively) and the plasmids were designated pCGP1907 and pCGP1908 (Figures 3 and 4, respectively).

The complete nucleotide sequence of the E20 and E33 cDNA clones (SEQ ID NOs:4 and

6) (contained in pCGP1907 and pCGP1908, respectively) was determined by compilation of sequence generated using commercially available Ml 3 reverse and Ml 3 -21 primers along with a specific Petunia MT primer 1903F (5' CTT GCT TTG CCA GAA GAT GG 3') [SEQ LD NO:8]. The E20 cDNA clone was 888 bp in length and contained a putative open reading frame of 789 bases which encoded a putative polypeptide of 263 amino acids (SEQ ID NO:5). The E20 sequence was identical to the diβ sequence over 822 bp with the E20 cDNA clone having an extra 27bp of 5' untranslated sequence and a reduction of 96 bp of 3' untranslated sequence as compared to the diβ sequence.

The E33 sequence was 1076 bp in length and contained an in-frame stop codon at position 469 (SEQ ID NO:6). The E20 sequence shared 82% identity over 797 bp with the E33 sequence at the nucleotide level. An alignment ofthe E33 nucleotide sequence with that of the E20 sequence revealed an apparent 2 nucleotide ("CT") deletion in the E33 sequence resulting in an in-frame stop codon. It may be that the E33 clone in the OGB cultivar was derived from a mutated gene. In order to examine the presumed deduced amino acid sequence of the non-mutated gene represented by the E33 clone, 2 nucleotides ("CT") were added to the E33 sequence to produce the EJ_?-conected nucleotide sequence (SΕQ ID NO:26). The deduced amino acid sequence is represented by SΕQ LD NO:7. The Ε33- conected amino acid sequence shared an 82% identity with the E20 sequence over a 243 amino acid overlap.

A comparison of the translated nucleotide sequence of E20 to sequences in the GenBank database revealed similarity to various caffeoyl-CoA 3-O-methyltransferases. For example, 60%) identity over 227 amino acids with Caffeoyl-CoA 3-O-mefhyltransferase from Populus kitakamiensis (Genbank accession number AB000408) and 53% identity over 238 amino acids of a trans-caffeoyl-CoA 3-O-methylransferase (CCΟFMT) (CCOAOMT) from Petroselinum crispum (Genbank accession number A40975). EXAMPLE 7 Methyltransferase activity ofthe Petunia FMT (E20) cDNA clone expressed in E. coli

To confirm whether the Petunia E20 cDNA clone encoded a functional FMT it was expressed in an E. coli expression system and assayed for FMT activity.

Cloninε ofE20 into pQE30 E. coli expression vector (Construction of CGP3086)

In order to clone the Petunia E20 clone (PFMT) into an E. coli expression vector, pQE30 (QIAGEN), a BamHI restriction endonuclease site was required at the translation initiating ATG and a Pstl restriction endonuclease site was required immediately 3' to the putative stop codon.

The oligonucleotides 1901Bam l F [SEQ LD NO:9] and 1907RstI R (SEQ LD NO: 10) (Table 9) were used as primers with pCGP1907 as template to amplify the Petunia FMT clone (E20) with a Bamϊϊl restriction endonuclease recognition site in place of the initiating AUG and a Pstl restriction endonuclease recognition site just after the putative stop codon. PCR conditions included 5 μL 10 x PfuTurbo DNA Polymerase buffer (Stratagene), 2 μL 10 mM dNTPs, 2 μL 20μ/μL 1907_?αmHI F [SEQ LD NO:9], 2 μL 20 μ/μL 1907PstI R [SEQ LD NO: 10], 1 μL 1 μg/μL pCGP1907 template, 37 μL pure water and 1 μL PfuTurbo DNA Polymerase (Stratagene). The PCR was incubated at 95°C for 5 minutes, followed by 30 cycles of 94°C for 30 seconds, 60°C for 30 seconds and 72°C for 1 minute and then a final incubation at 72°C for 10 minutes with subsequent storage at 4°C.

TABLE 9

Oligonucleotides used in the cloning ofthe E20 cDNA clone intopQE30 bacterial expression vector

The resulting PCR products were electrophoresed through a 1% w/v agarose gel and a 0.72 kb band was isolated and purified using a QIAEX II Gel Extraction kit (QIAGEN) according to manufacturer's recommendation. The isolated products were then digested the restriction endonuclease Pstl. The digestion product was purified using a QIAquick PCR purification kit (QIAGEN) and then digested with the restriction endonuclease Bam I. The BamHUPstl digested products were finally purified using a QIAquick PCR purification kit (QIAGEN) and subsequently ligated with the BamHUPstl ends of the pQE30 vector (QIAGEN) using a DNA Ligation Kit (Amersham) according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Transformants were analyzed for the presence of the specific 0.72 kb insert using BamHUPstl restriction endonuclease digests. The sequence of the insert was confirmed by sequence analysis using a pQE Sequencing-Primer Set (QIAGEN). The resulting plasmid was designated pCGP3086 (mut-E20 in pQΕ30) (Figure 5).

As a consequence of using the 1907_tømHI F [SEQ ID NO: 9] and 1907PstR [SEQ ID NO: 10] oligonucleotides as primers in the PCR and of the subsequent cloning of the product into pQE30, the sequence of the Petunia E20 clone was altered around the putative initiating methionine of the encoded polypeptide. As a consequence the expected amino acids around the putative initiating methionine were changed from "M T G K T A H P" to "M R G S H H H H H H G S T G K T A H P".

According to the manufacturer, "the 6 x His-tag is much smaller than most other affinity tags and is uncharged at physiological pH. It rarely alters or contributes to protein immunogenicity, rarely interferes with protein structure or function, does not interfere with secretion, does not require removal by protease cleavage, and is compatible with denaturing buffer systems". (QIAGEN website, http://www.qiagen.com). For analysis of methyltransferase activity of the E20 clone, pCGP3086 was subsequently introduced into E. coli Ml 5 (pRΕP₄) (QIAGEN) cells according to the method of Inoue et al, 1990, supra

10 mL of LB containing ampicillin at 100 μg/mL (LB/AmplOO) was inoculated with a single colony of pCGP3086 in M15/ρREP₄cells and incubated at 37°C with shaking for 16 hours. One millilitre of this culture was then used to inoculate 25 mL LB/AmplOO. The culture was incubated at 37°C with shaking for around 2 hours until the Absorbance at 600 nm (A₆₀₀) was between 0.5 to 0.7. LPTG (iso-propyl-β-D-thiogalactoside) was then added to a final concentration of 1 mM and the culture was further incubated at 37°C with shaking with 1.5 mL aliquots being removed at 0, 1, 2 and 5 hours after addition of LPTG.

The cells contained in each aliquot were subsequently pelleted by centrifugation and then resuspended in 50 μL 8 M urea denaturing buffer (8 M urea, 0.1 M NaH₂P0₄, 0.01M Tris- HCl, pH8). The lysates were centrifuged at 14,000 rpm for 10 minutes at room temperature to pellet cell debris. The crude protein extracts were denatured by boiling in 10% glycerol, 3% w/v sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), 3% β-mercaptoethanol (BME) and 0.025% bromophenol blue and then electrophoresed through precast SDS PAGE gels (12% resolving, 4% stacking gel) (Ready Gels, BIORAD) in a running buffer made up of 25 mM Tris-HCl, pH 8.3, 192 mM glycine, 0.1% w/v SDS at 120V for 80 min. Standards included prestained Low Range markers (BIORAD) which contained standard protein samples of 116 kDa, 80 kDa, 51.8 kDa and 34.7 kDa.

Proteins were visualized by staining with Coomassie Brilliant Blue (CBB) (0.25% w/v CBB, 45%) v/v methanol. 10%) v/v acetic acid). A strongly staining band of the size expected for a His-Tag fusion of Petunia FMT (E20) protein was detected at 27.5 kDa. Proteins on a duplicate SDS-PAGE gel to that described above were also electro- transfened to Immun-blot PVDF membrane (BIORAD) at 4°C in a buffer of 25 mM Tris- HCl pH 8.3, 20% methanol and 192 mM glycine at 100V for 60 min. The presence of the His-tag fused to the specific protein encoded by the E20 cDNA clone in pCGP3086 was confirmed by detection with a Ni-NTA-AP conjugate (QIAGEN) according to the manufacturer's instmctions. A strongly staining protein band estimated to be 27.5 kDa was detected confirming the presence and high level expression of the recombinant E20 protein. No bands were visible in a pQE30 control under these detection conditions.

Preparation of crude protein extracts

10 mLs of LB containing ampicillin at 100 μg/mL and kanamycin at 25 μg/mL (LB/AmplOO + Kan25) were inoculated with a single colony of pCGP3086 or pQE30 in Ml 5 (pREP ) cells. The culture was incubated at 30°C with shaking for 16 hours. 2.5 mL of this culture was then added to 25 mL fresh LB/Ampl00+Kan25 and the freshly inoculated culture was incubated at 30°C with shaking until an A₆₀₀ of 0.5 to 0.7 was reached. LPTG was then added to a final concentration of lmM and the culture was further incubated at 30°C with shaking for 8 hours. The cells were pelleted by centrifugation at 3500 rpm for 10 minutes at 4°C. The pellet was resuspended in 1 mL of 0.1 M NaPi, pH 7.5, 4 mM MgCl₂. Freshly prepared lysozyme was then added to a final concentration of lmg/mL and the mixture was incubated on ice for 30 minutes. The mixture was then sonicated for two bursts of 10 seconds at output 2-3 and then incubated on ice for 30 minutes. The cell debris was pelleted by centrifugation at 14,000 rpm for 20 minutes at 4°C. The supernatant was passed through a NAP- 10 column (Pharmacia) and 1.5 mL ofthe sample collected in 0.1 M NaPi, pH 7.5, 4 mM MgCl₂.

Methyltransferase activity

The enzyme activity of the Petunia E20 clone contained in pCGP3086 was initially assessed using the substrates delphinidin 3-glucoside and delphinidin 3-rutinoside under assay conditions as described in Jonsson et al. (1983), supra.

Methyltransferase assays were set up according to Table 10 in a total reaction volume of 50 μL. TABLE 10: Composition of methyltransferase assays using crude homogenates from bacterial cultures containing the plasmids pCGP3086 (E20) or pQE30 (control).

# tube number,

D3G delphinidin 3-glucoside,

D3R delphinidin 3-rutinoside,

¹⁴C-SAM = 0.6 M ¹⁴C-SAM (13 μCi/μmol) (Amersham Pharmacia), Buffer = 0.1 M NaPi, pH 7.5, 4 mM MgCl₂

The assay reactions were incubated at 30°C for 30 minutes. Fifty microlitres of a chloroform mix (CHCi₃:mefhanol/l% HCl, 2:1) was added and the mixture was then vortexed to stop the reactions. The phases were separated by centrifugation at 13,000 rpm for 5 minutes and 50 μL of the upper phase was transfened into a clean tube and the contents subsequently hydrolysed by the addition of 12.5 μL of 10M HCl. The tube was then placed in a boiling waterbath for 30 minutes and the contents subsequently desiccated under vacuum. The residue was resuspended in 2-3 μL of methanol/1% HCl and spotted onto a TLC plate alongside standard samples of petunidin, malvidin and delphinidin. The anthocyanidins were separated in a Forestal system (HO Ac: water: HCl; 30: 10: 3) (Markham, Techniques of flavonoid identification., Academic Press, London, 1982) and the TLC was exposed to an autoradiographic film (Kodak) for 16 hours at -70°C.

TABLE 11

Results of methyltransferase assays of extracts ofE. coli containing pCGP3086 o pQE30 control vector using delphinidin 3-glucoside or delphinidin 3-rutinoside as substrate and , 14 C-SAM as methyl donor

# tube number,

D3G delphinidin 3-glucoside, D3R delphinidin 3-rutinoside,

¹⁴C-SAM ¹⁴C-labelled S-adenosyl-L-methionine (Amersham Biosciences), + present in reaction mix absent from reaction mix yes detection of product on TLC, no no reaction observed as determined by absence of product. Petunidin and malvidin, the methylated derivatives of delphinidin, were detected in assay reactions using crude homogenates from pCGP3086 cells along with the substrates D3R or D3G (Tubes 8 and 9, Table 11). There was no detectable production of petunidin and malvidin in assay reactions using crude homogenates from pQE30 cells (Tubes 1 to 5, Table 11) or having no crude homogenates added (Tubes 6 and 7, Table 11) or in assay reactions without the addition of ¹⁴C-SAM (Tubes 10 and 11, Table 11). The results obtained with expression of the E20 cDNA clone in an E. coli expression system provide further evidence to suggest that the E20 cDNA clone from Petunia codes for an FMT that is able to methylate delphinidin 3-glucoside and delphinidin 3-rutinoside using SAM as a methyl donor to produce the 3 '-methylated derivative, petunidin and the 3' 5 '-methylated derivative, malvidin.

EXAMPLE 8 Antisense expression of FMT in plants

The Petunia FMT clones (E20 and E33) were each cloned in an antisense orientation behind a Mac promoter (Comai et al, 1990, supra) and introduced into purple flowered VR petunia hybrid line. Construction ofpCGP40

Plasmid pCGP40 was constructed by removing the GUS gene (Jefferson et al. , EMBO J. 6(13): 3901-3907, 1987) as a BamHl-Sacl restriction endonuclease fragment from pCGN7334 and replacing it with the BamHl-Sacl restriction endonuclease fragment from pBluescribe Ml 3^" that includes the multi-cloning site. Plasmid pCGN7334, obtained from Calgene Inc. (CA, USA), was constructed by inserting the fragment containing the Mac: GUS: mas 3 ' gene fusion into the Xhol restriction endonuclease site of pCGN7329 (Comai et al, Plant Molecular Biology 15: 373-381, 1990). Construction ofpCGP1910 andpCGP1911

Plasmids pCGP1910 and pCGP1911 were constructed by cloning the respective cDNA inserts from pCGP1907 and pCGP1908 (Figure 3 and 4) in an antisense orientation behind the Mac promoter (Comai et al, 1990, supra) of pCGP40. The GUS coding region in pCGP40 was removed by digestion with SacUAspl 18 restriction endonucleases. The vector containing the Mac promoter and mas terminator was purified using GeneClean Kit (Bresatec) and ligated with Sαcl/Asp718 restriction endonuclease ends of the Petunia E20 and E33 cDNA fragments released from pCGP1907 and pCGP1908 respectively. Conect insertion of the E20 and E33 inserts in pCGP1910 and pCGP1911 was established by SacUAspl 18 restriction endonuclease analysis of DNA isolated from chloramphenicol- resistant transformants.

Plasmids pCGP1918 (Figure 6) and pCGP1919 (Figure 7) were constructed by cloning the respective Mac: Petunia E20: mas 3 ' and the Mac: Petunia E33: mas 3 ' expression cassettes from the plasmids pCGP1910 and pCGP1911 into the Ti binary vector pWTT2132 (DNAP). The Petunia E20 and E33 chimaeric genes were isolated from pCGP1910 and pCGP1911 upon restriction endonuclease digestion of the plasmid with

BglTT and the resulting 5' overhang was repaired using the Klenow fragment of DNA polymerase I. The Petunia E20 and E33 chimaeric genes were purified using a Bresaclean

Kit (Bresatec) and then ligated with dephosphorylated Smal ends of the binary vector pWTT2132. Conect ligation of the fragments was established by restriction endonuclease digestion of plasmid DNA isolated from tetracycline resistant E. coli transformants. The resulting plasmids were designated pCGP1918 (Figure 6) and pCGP1919 (Figure 7), respectively.

Antisense suppression of FMT activity in P. hybrida

The plasmids pCGP1918 (Figure 6) and pCGP1919 (Figure 7) were each introduced into the Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain AGLO separately. The T-DNA contained in the plasmids pCGP1918 (Figure 6) and in pCGP1919 (Figure 7) were introduced in separate experiments into P. hybrida cv. VR via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation.

Trαnsεenic analysis ofaCGP1918/VR and pCGP1919/VR petunia plants

Independent transgenic plants were produced and grown to flowering. A selection of plants produced flowers with dark pink colors, which differed to the purple colored VR control. A selection of flower colors observed is shown in Table 12. The pigments accumulating in the flowers ofthe transgenic plants were analyzed by HPLC (Table 13).

TABLE 12 Petal colors of VR, 1918/VR and 1919/VR transgenic flowers

RHSCC Royal Horticultural Society Color Chart (Kew, UK). Extraction of anthocyanidins

Prior to HPLC analysis, the anthocyanin and flavonol molecules present in petal and stamen extracts were acid hydrolyzed to remove glycosyl moieties from the anthocyanidin or flavonol core. Anthocyanidin and flavonol standards were used to help identify the compounds present in the floral extracts.

Anthocyanidins in the reaction mixture were analysed by HPLC via gradient elution using gradient conditions of 50%B to 60%>B over 10 minutes, then 60% B for 10 minutes and finally 60% B to 100% B over 5 minutes where solvent A consisted of TFA: H₂O (5:995) and solvent B consisted of acetonitrile: TFA: H₂O (500:5:495). An Asahi Pac ODP-50 cartridge column (250 mm x 4.6 mm HD) was used for the reversed phase chromatographic separations. The flow rate was 1 mL/min and the temperature was 40°C. The detection of the anthocyanidin compounds was carried out using a Shimadzu SPD-M6A three dimensional detector at 400-650 nm.

The anthocyanidin peaks were identified by reference to known standards, viz delphinidin, petunidin, malvidin, cyanidin and peonidin

TABLE 13

Percentage levels of anthocyanidins detected in the petals of VR/1918 and

VR/1919 transgenics by HPLC analysis

Acc# Accession number of plant, pCGP# Plasmid number,

Del Delphinidin, expressed as a percentage of total anthocyanidins detected,

Cya Cyanidin, expressed as a percentage of total anthocyanidins detected,

Pet Petunidin, expressed as a percentage of total anthocyanidins detected,

Peo Peonidin, expressed as a percentage of total anthocyanidins detected,

Mai Malvidin, expressed as a percentage of total anthocyanidins detected

Antisense expression of Petunia E20 (in pCGP1918) and E33 (in pCGP1919) led to a change in flower color from purple to dark pink or red-purple with a concomitant change in the anthocyanin composition. In general, VR control petunia flowers predominantly accumulate malvidin (the 3', 5' methylated derivative of delphinidin) (around 80% of total anthocyanidin) (Table 13). The transgenic line 9724 containing the antisense Petunia E20 gene produced flowers with a dark pink color with the predominant anthocyanin being delphinidin suggesting that the expression of the antisense E20 gene has impacted upon a 3' 5' methyltransferase activity. The transgenic line 10177 containing the antisense Petunia E33 gene produced flowers with a red-purple color with the predominant anthocyanins being delphinidin and petunidin suggesting that the expression of the antisense E33 gene has also impacted upon a 3' 5' methyltransferase activity. EXAMPLE 9 Isolation of FMT cDNA clone from Torenia

Preparation of a Torenia petal cDNA library

A λZAPII (EcoRT/Xhol directional) kit (Stratagene) was used to prepare a cDNA library from RNA isolated from petals of opening buds of Torenia hybrida. cv. Summerwave (Suntory Ltd.) according to the conditions recommended by the manufacturer.

About 200,000 pfus were screened with DIG-labelled Petunia FMT (E20) cDNA clone from pCGP1907 (Figure 3) using low stringency conditions as described by Tanaka et al, (Plant Cell Physiol 37: 111-116, 1996). Twenty hybridizing plaques were picked into PSB. They were rescreened to isolate purified plaques, using the hybridization conditions as described for the initial screening of the cDNA library. The plasmids contained in the λZAPII bacteriophage vector were rescued and sequence data was generated from the 3' and 5' ends of the cDNA inserts. Of these TE P represented the longest cDNA clone (~1 kb) and the plasmid was designated as pTMT5 (Figure 8).

The complete sequence of the Torenia E J cDNA clone (TFMT) [SΕQ LD NO: 11] was determined by compilation of sequence from different pUC18 subclones obtained using standard procedures for the generation of randomly-overlapping clones (Sambrook et al,

1989, supra). The sequence was determined to be 1012 bases in length and contains an open reading frame that encodes a putative polypeptide of 240 amino acids [SΕQ LD

NO: 12]. The TFMT clone shared 50% identity with the Petunia E20 sequence [SΕQ LD NO:4] at the nucleotide level and 51%> identity with the Petunia E33 sequence [SΕQ LD

NO:6 and SΕQ LD NO:26]. The deduced amino acid sequence of the Torenia FMT clone

(TFMT) shared 56% identity and 70%> similarity at the amino acid level with that of the

Petunia FMT (Ε20) clone [SEQ ID NO: 5]. The deduced amino acid sequence of the

Torenia FMT clone (TFMT) shared 69% identity and 82%> similarity at the amino acid level with that ofthe Petunia FMT (E33-conected) clone [SEQ LD NO: 7]. Methyltransferase activity ofthe Torenia FMT cDNA clone expressed in E. coli

The Torenia FMT cDNA clone (TFMT) was also expressed in an E. coli expression system (analogous to that used in Example 7) and assayed for FMT activity.

Cloninε of Torenia FMT into pQE30 E. coli expression vector (Construction of PCGP3090)

In order to clone the Torenia FMT cDNA clone into an E. coli expression vector, pQE30 (QIAGEN), a BamHI restriction endonuclease site was required at the translation initiating ATG and a Pstl restriction endonuclease site was required immediately 3' to the putative stop codon.

The oligonucleotides TMT5._?„wHI.F [SEQ ID NO: 13] and TMT5.PstI.R [SEQ ID NO: 14] (Table 14) were used as primers with pTMT5 as template to amplify the Torenia FMT cDNA clone with a BamHI restriction endonuclease recognition site in place of the initiating AUG and a Pstl restriction endonuclease recognition site immediately 3' to the putative stop codon.

PCR conditions included 5 μL 10 x PfuTurbo DNA Polymerase buffer (Stratagene), 2 μL 10 mM dNTPs, 2 μL 20 μ/μL TMT5_?_wHI.F [SEQ LD NO: 13], 2 μL 20 μ/μL TMT5.PstI.R [SEQ ID NO: 14], 1 μL 1 μg/μL pTMT5 template, 37 μL pure water and 1 μL PfuTurbo DNA Polymerase (Stratagene). The PCR was incubated at 95°C for 5 minutes, followed by 30 cycles of 94°C for 30 seconds, 60°C for 30 seconds and 72°C for 1 minute and then a final incubation at 72°C for 10 minutes with subsequent storage at 4°C. TABLE 14

Oligonucleotides used in the cloning ofthe TFMT cDNA clone into pQE30 bacterial expression vector

The resulting PCR products were electrophoresed through a 1% w/v agarose gel and a 0.72 kb band was isolated and purified using a QIAEX II Gel Extraction kit (QIAGEN) according to manufacturer's recommendation. The isolated products were then digested with the restriction endonuclease Pstl. The digestion product was purified using a QIAquick PCR purification kit (QIAGEN) and then digested with the restriction endonuclease BamHI. The BamHUPstl digested products were finally purified using a QIAquick PCR purification kit (QIAGEN) and subsequently ligated with the BamHUPstl ends of the pQE30 vector (QIAGEN) using DNA Ligation Kit (Amersham) according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Transformants were analyzed for the presence of the specific 0.72 kb insert using BamHUPstl restriction endonuclease digests. The sequence of the insert was confirmed by sequence analysis using pQE Sequencing-Primer Set (QIAGEN). The resulting plasmid was designated pCGP3090 (mut-TFMT in pQE30) (Figure 9).

As a consequence of using the TMT5.PαrøHI.F [SEQ LD NO:13] and TMT5.PstI.R [SEQ LD NO: 14] oligonucleotides as primers in the PCR and of the subsequent cloning of the product into pQE30, the sequence of the Torenia FMT clone was altered around the putative initiating methionine of the encoded polypeptide. As a consequence the expected amino acids around the putative initiating methionine were changed from "M K D K F Y G T" to "M R G S H H H H H H G S K D K F Y G T". For analysis of methyltransferase activity ofthe Torenia FMT, the plasmid pCGP3090 was subsequently introduced into E. coli Ml 5 (pRΕP₄) (QIAGEN) cells according to the method of Inoue et al, 1990, supra.

The confirmation of recombinant protein expression and preparation of crude protein extracts and subsequent determination of methyltransferase activity were as described for the analysis ofthe Petunia E20 cDNA clone (PFMT) (described above in Example 7).

The enzyme activities of the protein encoded by the Torenia FMT cDNA clone in pCGP3090 along with that of the Petunia FMT (E20) clone in pCGP3086 were assessed using the substrates delphinidin 3-glucoside and delphinidin 3-rutinoside under assay conditions as described in Jonsson et al. (1983), supra and in Example 7 of this specification.

Methyltransferase assays were set up according to Table 15 in a total reaction volume of 50 μL.

TABLE 15 Composition of methyltransferase assays using crude homogenates from bacterial cultures containing the plasmids pCGP3086 (PFMT) orpCGP3090 (TFMT) orpQE30 (control)

# tube number,

D3G delphinidin 3-glucoside, D3R delphinidin 3-rutinoside, ¹⁴C-SAM = 0.6mM ¹⁴C-SAM (13 μCi/μmol) (Amersham Pharmacia), Buffer 0.1 M NaPi, pH7.5, 4 mM MgCl₂

Reaction conditions were as described previously (Example 7).

TABLE 16

Results of methyltransferase assays of extracts ofE. coli containing pCGP3086, pCGP3090 orpQE30 control vector using delphinidin 3-glucoside or delphinidin 3- rutinoside as substrate and 14 C, -SAM as methyl donor

# Tube number,

D3G delphinidin 3-glucoside, D3R delphinidin 3-rutinoside,

¹⁴C-SAM ¹⁴C-labelled S-adenosyl-L-methionine (Amersham Biosciences), + present in reaction mix absent from reaction mix yes detection of product on TLC, no no reaction observed as determined by absence of product.

Petunidin and malvidin, the methylated derivatives of delphinidin, were detected in assay reactions using crude homogenates from pCGP3090 (containing TFMT) and D3G (Tube 12, Table 15). There was no detectable production of petunidin and malvidin in assay reactions using crude homogenates from pQE30 cells (Tubes 1 to 5, Table 15) or having no crude homogenates added (Tubes 6 and 7, Table 15) or in assay reactions without the addition of ^,4C-SAM (Tubes 10, 11 and 13, Table 15). The crude homogenates from pCGP3086 (containing PFMT) were used as positive controls (Tubes 8 and 9, Table 16).

The results obtained with expression of the Torenia FMT cDNA clone (TFMT) in an E. coli expression system provide further evidence to suggest that the TFMT cDNA clone codes for an FMT that is able to methylate delphinidin 3-glucoside using SAM as a methyl donor to produce the 3'-mefhylated derivative, petunidin and the 3' 5' methylated derivative, malvidin. EXAMPLE 10 HPLC assay of methyltransferase activity of Petunia and Torenia FMT clones

The enzyme activities of the peptides encoded by Petunia and Torenia FMT cDNA clones in pCGP3086 and pCGP3090, respectively were further assessed using the substrates delphinidin 3-glucoside and delphinidin 3-rutinoside and delphinidin 3, 5-diglucoside under assay conditions as previously described (Table 15, Example 9) except that the ¹⁴C- labelled SAM was replaced with non radioactive SAM at 2 mg/mL and the substrates (delphinidin 3-glucoside and delphinidin 3-rutinoside and delphinidin 3, 5-diglucoside) at 2 mg/mL.

TABLE 17 Identification of products (in mg/g) by HPLC from methyltransferase assays of extracts ofE. coli containing pCGP3086, pCGP3090 or pQE30 control vector using delphinidin 3-glucoside, delphinidin 3-rutinoside and delphinidin 3, 5-diglucoside as substrate and SAM as methyl donor

Tube No. Tube numbers ("a" and "b" refer to duplicate product measurements)

3'FMT = flavonoid 3' methyltransferase,

3'5'FMT = flavonoid 3' 5' methyltransferase,

Del = delphinidin,

Cya = cyanidin,

Pet = petunidin,

Peo = peonidin,

Mai = malvidin. TABLE 18

Products (expressed as percentage of total anthocyanidin) ofthe methyltransferase assays of extracts ofE. coli containing pCGP3086, pCGP3090 orpQE30 control vector using delphinidin 3-glucoside, delphinidin 3-rutinoside and delphinidin

3,5-diglucoside as substrate and SAM as methyl donor

Tube No. = Tube numbers ("a" and "b" refer to duplicate product measurements) del = delphinidin, expressed as a percentage of total anthocyanidins detected, cya = cyanidin, expressed as a percentage of total anthocyanidins detected, pet = petunidin, expressed as a percentage of total anthocyanidins detected, peo = peonidin, expressed as a percentage of total anthocyanidins detected, mal = malvidin, expressed as a percentage of total anthocyanidins detected.

Under the conditions of the assay, the Petunia FMT (E20) cDNA clone contained in pCGP3086 led to a flavonoid methyltransferase activity that utilized delphinidin 3- glucoside, delphinidin 3-rutinoside or delphinidin 3, 5-diglucoside as substrate to produce predominantly petunidin and to a lesser degree, malvidin.

Previously published data on methyltransferase activities in crude protein extracts of petunia flowers suggest that the Petunia methyltransferases cannot utilize anthocyanidin 3- glucoside or anthocyanidin 3-rutinosides as substrates (Jonsson et al, 1982, supra). Under our assay conditions, however, the Petunia methyltransferase activity produced by the

Petunia E20 clone in pCGP3086 was able to methylate each of delphinidin 3-glucoside, delphinidin 3-rutinoside and delphinidin 3,5-diglucoside.

The Torenia FMT cDNA clone contained in pCGP3090 also resulted in a flavonoid methyltransferase activity that utilized delphinidin 3-glucoside, delphinidin 3-rutinoside and delphinidin 3, 5-diglucoside as substrate to produce predominantly malvidin and to a lesser degree, petunidin. EXAMPLE 11

Transformation of rose to produce malvidin-based pigments.

The predominant anthocyanins in commercially grown roses tend to be 3-glucosides or 3, 5-diglucosides of cyanidin or pelargonidin (Mikanagi et al, Biochem. System and Ecol 23: 183-200, 1995, Mikanagi et al, Biochem. System and Ecol. 28: 887-902, 2000). In order to produce malvidin-based pigments in these roses, a F3'5'H gene would need to be introduced to initially produce the precursors of malvidin pigments, delphinidin 3- glucosides or delphinidin 3, 5 diglucosides. To then allow for conversion to malvidin pigments, a flavonoid methyltransferase with 3' and 5' activity and the ability to utilize 3- glucosides or 3, 5-diglucosides of delphinidin would be required.

The binary vector plasmids pCGP3254 (Figure 13), pSPB1534 (Figure 15) and pSPB1532 (Figure 18) containing a F3 '5 'H chimaeric gene along with a Petunia or Torenia FMT genes were, therefore, constructed to be introduced into rose to allow for the production of petunidin and/or malvidin-based pigments and thereby modify flower color. These binary plasmids are also introduced into a species that does not normally produce delphinidin- based pigments and does not contain a flavonoid methyltransferase capable of methylating anthocyanidins, specifically delphinidin. Such plants may include but are not limited to carnation, chrysanthemum, gerbera, orchids, Euphorbia, Begonia.

Construction ofthe binary vector pCGP3254 (35S 5': TFMT: 35S 3 '; 35S 5': Viola F3 '5'H: 35S 3 ': 35S 5': SuRB)

The plasmid pCGP3254 contains a 35S 5 ': Viola F3'5'H: 35S 3 ' expression cassette (from pCGP2092) (Figure 14) and a 35 S 5 ': Torenia FMT: 35S 3 ' expression cassette (from pCGP3099) (Figure 11) in tandem orientation with the selectable marker gene of the Ti binary vector pCGP 1988 (Figure 12). (1) Construction of intermediate plasmids to pCGP3254

(i) Construction ofpCGP3097 (35S 5 ': TFMT: 35S 3 ' expression cassette)

Plasmid pCGP3097 (Figure 10) was constructed by cloning the Torenia FMT cDNA clone from pTMT5 into a CaMV 35S expression cassette.

The plasmid pRTppoptcAFP was used as a source of a CaMV 35S promoter and terminator fragment. It was initially digested with Xbal, the overhanging 5' ends were repaired and then the plasmid was restricted with EcoRI to release the 3.3kb vector containing the CaMV 35S expression cassette. The 3.3 kb vector was isolated and purified.

pTMT5 was digested initially with the restriction endonuclease Aspl 18 and the resulting 5' overhang ends were repaired. The linearized plasmid was then restricted with the restriction endonuclease EcoRI to release the l.Okb Torenia FMT cDNA fragment which was isolated, purified and then ligated with the Xbal (blunt)/ EcoRI ends of the pRTppoptc vector (described above). Conect ligation of the fragments was established by restriction endonuclease analysis (H DIII, Clάl, Xhol, Pstl, and Sphl) of plasmid DNA isolated from ampicillin-resistant transformants. The resulting plasmid was designated pCGP3097 (Figure 10).

(ii) Construction of pCGP3099 (35S 5 ': TFMT: 35S 3 '; 35S 5 ': SuRB expression binary)

Plasmid pCGP3099 (Figure 11) was constructed by cloning the chimaeric Torenia FMT gene from pCGP3097 (Figure 10) into the Ti binary vector pCGP1988. The binary vector pCGP1988 (Figure 12) is based on the binary vector pWTT2132 (DNAP) but contains the multi-cloning site from pNΕB193 (New England Biolabs).

The 35S 5 ': Torenia FMT: 35S 3 ' expression cassette from pCGP3097 (Figure 10) was released by digestion with the restriction endonuclease Pstl. A 1.66 kb fragment containing the chimaeric Torenia FMT gene was subsequently isolated and ligated with Pstl ends of pCGP1988. Conect ligation of the chimaeric gene in tandem with the 35S 5 ': SuRB gene of pCGP3099 was established by restriction endonuclease analysis (HtwDIII, Xhol, Pstl, Aspl 18, EcoRI, and EcoRV) of plasmid DNA isolated from tetracycline-resistant transformants. The resulting plasmid was designated pCGP3099 (Figure 11).

(iii) Construction of pCGP2092 (35S 5 ': Viola F3 '5 'H (BP#40): 35S 3 ' expression cassette)

The plasmid pCGP2092 (Figure 14) was constructed by cloning the F3'5'H cDNA clone isolated from Viola sp. as a XbaUEcoRI 1.6 kb fragment from pCGP1961 behind the CaMV 35S promoter contained in pRTppoptc.

The plasmid pCGP1961 (Australian Provisional Patent Applications No. 2002951088 and 2002952835, 2002, supra) was initially digested with the restriction endonuclease Aspll8 and after repair of the overhanging 5' ends was digested with the restriction endonuclease EcoRI to release a 1.6 kb fragment containing the F3'5'H chimaeric gene. The fragment was isolated and ligated with Xbal (blunt)/EcoRI ends of the 3.3kb pRTppoptc vector (described above). Conect ligation of the Viola F3'5'H cDNA clone (BP#40) into the CaMV 35S expression cassette was established by restriction endonuclease analysis (HmDIII, Xhol, Pstl) of plasmid DNA isolated from ampicillin-resistant transformants. The resulting plasmid was designated as pCGP2092 (Figure 14).

Construction ofpCGP3254

The chimaeric F3'5'H gene was subsequently released from pCGP2092 by restriction with the restriction endonuclease Pstl followed by treatment with T4 DNA polymerase to repair the overhanging 3' ends. The fragment was isolated and ligated with the Smal ends of pCGP3099 (described above). Conect insertion of the F3'5'H chimaeric gene in tandem with the 35S 5 ': SuRB gene and 35S 5 ': Torenia FMT: 35S 3 ' expression cassette gene was established by restriction endonuclease analysis (HmDIII, Xhol, Ncol, Sail, EcoRI, EcoRV) of plasmid DNA isolated from tetracycline-resistant transformants. The resulting plasmid was designated pCGP3254 (Figure 13).

Plant transformation with pCGP3254

The binary vector pCGP3254 (Figure 13) was introduced into A. tumefaciens strain AGLO and the T-DNA contained in pCGP3254 was subsequently introduced into rose cultivars Medeo and Sonia via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation.

(2) Construction ofthe binary vectors

(a) PSPB1534 (e35S 5': BP#40: pet D83 ': e35S 5': PFMT: nos 3 ') and (b) PSPB1532 (e35S 5': BP#40: pet D8 3': e35S 5': TFMT: nos 3')

(a) The binary vector plasmid pSPB1534 (Figure 15) contains an e35S 5 ': Viola F3 '5 'H (BPMO): pet D8 3 ' expression cassette (from pSPB580 (Figure 16)) in tandem orientation with an e35S: PFMT: nos 3 ' expression cassette (from pSPB1531 (Figure 17)). Both chimaeric genes are in a tandem orientation with the nos 5 ': nptll: nos 3 ' selectable marker gene cassette of the Ti binary vector pBINPlus (van Engelen et al, Transgenic Research, 4: 288-290, 1995).

(b) The binary vector plasmid pSPB1532 (Figure 18) contains an e35S 5 ': Viola F3 '5 'H (BP#40): pet D8 3 ' expression cassette (from pSPB580 (Figure 16)) in tandem orientation with an e35S 5 ': TFMT: nos 3 ' expression cassette (from pSPB1530 (Figure 19)). Both chimaeric genes are in a tandem orientation with the nos 5 ': nptll: nos 3 ' selectable marker gene cassette of the Ti binary vector pBINPlus (van Engelen et al, 1995, supra). TABLE 19

Oligonucleotides used as primers in the construction ofthe binary vectors

PSPB1534 andpSPB1532

Construction of intermediate plasmids to pSPB1534 and pSPB1532

(i) Construction ofpSPB580 (e35S 5 ': BP#40: pet D83 ')

The plasmid pSPB580 (Figure 16) contains the Viola F3 '5 'H cDNA clone in between an enhanced CaMV 35S promoter fragment (e35S 5 ') and a Petunia PLTP terminator (petD8 3¹) fragment.

(1) Isolation ofthe F3 '5 'H clone from Viola sp.

The isolation of a F3 '5 'H cDNA clone from Viola sp. cultivar black pansy has been described in Australian Provisional Patent Application Nos. 2002951088 and 2002952835, supra). The plasmid pCGP1961 (Australian Provisional Patent Application Nos. 2002951088 and 2002952835, supra) was linearized upon digestion with the restriction endonuclease BamHI. An -1.7 kb DNA fragment containing a F3 '5 'H cDNA clone (BP#40) from Viola sp. cv. black pansy was recovered upon partial digestion with the restriction endonuclease, Xhol.

(2) Isolation of an enhanced CaMV 35S promoter fragment The binary vector, pBE2113-GUS contains a GUS gene under the control of an enhanced CaMV 35S promoter (e35S 5 ") with a terminator region from the nopaline synthase gene of Agrobacterium (nos 3 ") (Mitsuhashi et al, Plant Cell Physiol. 37: 49-59, 1996). The plasmid pBE2113-GUS was digested with the restriction endonuclease SwαBI and a BamHI linker (5'-GGGATCCC-3') [SEQ ID NO:45] was then ligated with the overhanging ends to yield pBE2113-ΔGUS. A -0.7 kb fragment containing the enhanced CaMV 35S promoter (e35S 5 ') was then released upon digestion of pBE2113-ΔGUS with the restriction endonucleases H dIII and BamHI.

(3) Isolation of a terminator fragment from the Petunia PLTP (D8) gene (petD8 3 ')

A terminator fragment from the Petunia phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) gene (petD8 3") (Ηolton, 1992, supra) was amplified by PCR. The primers pet D8 #1 [SEQ ID NO: 28] (Table 19) and pet D8 #2 [SEQ TD NO: 29] (Table 19) along with the plasmid template pCGP13ΔBam (Ηolton, 1992, supra) were used to amplify the Petunia PLTP terminator fragment (petD8 3 '). The amplified fragment of about 0.8 kb was then digested with the restriction endonucleases EcoRI and Xhol.

(4) Construction ofpUCAPAsc- (a shuttle cloning vector)

The plasmid pUCAP is based on the cloning vector pUC19 (NΕB) but contains an extended multiple cloning site (VanΕngelen et al, Transgenic Res.4: 288-290, 1995). pUCAP was digested with the restriction endonuclease Pad. The overhanging ends were repaired and then ligated with Ascl linker (5'-GGCGCGCC-3') [SΕQ ID NO:46] to yield pUCAPAsc (similar to pUCAP without a Pad recognition site and with 2 Ascl recognition sequences at either ends ofthe multiple cloning site). (5) Construction ofpSPB580 (e35S: BP#40: pet D8 3 ')

The 1.7 kb BamHUXhol fragment containing the Viola F3 '5 'H (BPMO) cDNA clone (isolation described above) was ligated with the PαmHI/EcoRI 2.7 kb vector fragment obtained from pUCAPAsc (described above) and the EcoRI/ATzoI fragment containing the a Petunia PLTP terminator (petD8 3^ (described above). Conect insertion ofthe fragments was established by restriction endonuclease analysis of plasmid DNA isolated from ampicillin-resistant transformants. The resulting plasmid was designated pSPB51

The 0.7 kb HindUUBamHl fragment containing the enhanced CaMV 35S promoter region (described above) was ligated with the HindUUBamHl ends of the plasmid pSPB51. Conect insertion of the fragment was established by restriction endonuclease analysis of plasmid DNA isolated from ampicillin-resistant transformants. The resulting plasmid was designated ρSPB580 (Figure 16).

(ii) Construction ofthe binary vector pSPB176 (e35S 5': GUS: nos 3'; nos 5': nptll: nos 5*)

The binary vector pSPB176 (Figure 20) contains an e35S 5 ': GUS: nos 3 ' expression cassette in a tandem orientation to the selectable marker gene cassette of the Ti binary vector pBINPlus (van Engelen et al., 1995, supra).

The plasmid pBE2113-ΔGUS (described above) was digested with Sαcl. The overhanging 3' ends were repaired and then ligated with a Sail linker (5'-GGTCGACC-3') [SEQ LD NO:47]to yield pBE2113-ΔGUSs. A fragment containing the e35S 5 ': GUS: nos 3 ' expression cassette was released from pBE2113-ΔGUSs upon digestion with the restriction endonucleases H dIII and EcoRI. The H dIII/EcoRI fragment was then ligated with H diπ/EcoRI ends of the Ti binary vector pBinPLUS (VanΕngelen et al, 1995, supra). Conect insertion of the fragment was established by restriction endonuclease analysis of plasmid DNA isolated from kanamycin-resistant transformants. The resulting plasmid was designated pSPB176 (Figure 20). (iii) Construction ofthe intermediate binary vector pSPB 1531 (e35S 5': PFMT: nos 3'; nos 5': nptll: nos 5*)

The binary vector plasmid pSPB1531 (Figure 17) contains the Petunia FMT cDNA clone (with a shortened 5' non-coding region as compared to the E20 clone) between an enhanced CaMV 35S promoter fragment (e35S 5 ') and a nos terminator fragment (nos 3 ^*) in tandem with the nos 5 ': nptll: nos 3 ' selectable marker gene cassette of the Ti binary vector pBINPlus (van Engelen et al, 1995, supra).

The 5' region of the Petunia FMT cDNA clone contained in pCGP1907 (Figure 3) was amplified by PCR using the primers PMT-F [SEQ ID NO: 30] and PMT-R [SEQ TD NO: 31] and 10 ng ofthe plasmid pCGP1907 as template. The oligonucleotide PMT-F [SEQ TD NO:30] was designed to amplify from position 43-66) of SEQ LD NO:4 and incoφorated a BamHI recognition sequence for ease of cloning. The PMT-R [SEQ LD NO: 31] primer was designed to amplify from position 192-173 of SEQ LD NO:4 and incorporated a H dIII recognition sequence for ease of cloning. The amplified Petunia FMT 5' partial fragment was then digested with the restriction endonucleases BamHI and H dUI and ligated with the 0.7 kb H dIII/.λ7?oI Petunia FMT 3' partial fragment isolated from the plasmid pCGP1907 (Figure 3) and BamHUSall ends of the Ti binary vector pSPB176 (Figure 20). Conect insertion of the fragments was established by restriction endonuclease analysis of plasmid DNA isolated from kanamycin-resistant transformants. The resulting plasmid was designated pSPB1531 (Figure 17).

(iv) Construction ofthe intermediate binary vector pSPBl 530 (e35S 5': TFMT: nos 3'; nos 5': nptll: nos 3')

The binary vector plasmid pSPB1530 (Figure 19) contains the Torenia FMT cDNA clone

(with a shortened 5' non-coding region as compared to the TFMT clone) between an enhanced CaMV 35S promoter fragment (e35S 5') and a nos terminator fragment (nos 3 ') in tandem with the nos 5 ': nptll: nos 3 ' selectable marker gene cassette of the Ti binary vector pBINPlus.

The 5' region of the Torenia FMT cDNA clone contained in pTMT5 was amplified by PCR using the primers TMT-F [SEQ TD NO:32] and TMT-R [SEQ ID NO:33] (Table 19) and 10 ng of pTMT5 as the template. The oligonucleotide TMT-F [SEQ TD NO:32] (Table 19) was designed to amplify from position 34-53 of SEQ HD NO: 11 and incorporated a BamHI recognition sequence for ease of cloning. The TMT-R [SEQ HD NO: 33] (Table 19) primer was designed to amplify from position 214-190 of SEQ ID NO:l l and incorporated a H dIII recognition sequence for ease of cloning. The amplified Torenia FMT 5' partial fragment was then digested with the restriction endonucleases BamHI and H dIII and ligated with a -0.6 kb HindTTUXhol Torenia FMT 3' partial fragment isolated from pTMT5 and BamHUSa ends of the Ti binary vector pSPB176 (Figure 20). Conect insertion of the fragments was established by restriction endonuclease analysis of plasmid DNA isolated from kanamycin-resistant transformants. The resulting plasmid was designated pSPB1530 (Figure 19).

(v) Construction of the binary vector pSPBl 534 (e35S 5': BP#40: pet D8 3'; e35S 5': PFMT: nos 3'; nos 5': nptll: nos3')

An ~3.1kb DNA fragment containing the e35S 5 ': Viola F3 '5 'H (BP40): pet D8 3 ' expression cassette was isolated from the plasmid pSPB580 (Figure 16) upon digestion with the restriction endonuclease Ascl. The purified fragment was ligated with the Ascl ends ofthe Ti binary plasmid pSPB1531 (Figure 17). Conect insertion ofthe fragment in a tandem orientation with the Petunia FMT cassette and the selectable marker cassette was established by restriction endonuclease analysis of plasmid DNA isolated from kanamycin- resistant transformants. The resulting plasmid was designated pSPB1534 (Figure 15). Plant transformation with pSPB1534

The binary vector plasmid pSPB1534 (Figure 15) was introduced into A. tumefaciens strain AGLO and the T-DNA contained in pSPB1534 was introduced into the Rosa hybrida cultivar WKS 124 via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation.

Construction of the binary vector pSPB1532 (e35S 5': BP#40: pet D8 3': e35S 5': TFMT: nos 3'; nos 5': nptll: nos 3')

An -3.1 kb DNA fragment containing e35S: Viola F3 '5 H (BP#40) : pet D8 3 ' cassette was isolated from the plasmid pSPB580 (Figure 16) upon digestion with the restriction endonuclease Ascl. The purified fragment was ligated with the Ascl ends of the Ti binary plasmid pSPB1530 (Figure 19). Conect insertion of the fragment in a tandem orientation with the Torenia FMT cassette and the selectable marker cassette was established by restriction endonuclease analysis of plasmid DNA isolated from kanamycin-resistant transformants. The resulting plasmid was designated pSPB1532 (Figure 18).

Plant transformation with pSPB1532

The binary vector plasmid pSPB1532 (Figure 18) was introduced into A. tumefaciens strain AGLO and the T-DNA contained in pSPB1532 was introduced into Rosa hybrida cultivars Lavande and WKS 124 via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation.

Trαnsεenic Analysis of rose petals

Independent transgenic plants were produced and grown to flowering (Table 20). Petal flower color was measured with the spectrophotometer CM-2002 (Minolta, Japan) installed with the software SpectraMagic (Minolta, Japan) in order to obtain its hue and reflectance (Tables 21, 22 and 23). Hue (0-360°) is the basic color of an object such as red, green, pvuple, etc., and is defined by its angular position in a cylindrical color space, or on a Color Wheel. Pure red and blue are 0 and 270 degrees, respectively. The closer the hue is to 270°, the bluer the color. Reflectance (%) is the percentage of light that is reflected from an object. Spectrophotometers measure an object's reflectance at various intervals along the visible spectrum to determine the object color's spectral curve. A lower reflectance value suggests a darker color. Royal Horticultural Society Colour Charts (RHSCC) were also used to define the color of the petals (Tables 21, 22 and 23). RNA blot analysis was performed on a selection of flowers to confirm the presence of the transgenic transcripts. HPLC analysis of the anthocyanidins accumulating in the petals of the transgenic roses was used to detect the production of the novel anthocyanins, petunidin and malvidin in rose flowers (Tables 21, 22 and 23).

TABLE 20 Number of independent transgenic rose events produced from transformation with T-DNAs contained in the plasmids pCGP3254, pSPBl 532 andpSPB1534'

# refers to the number of independent transgenic events produced

#flowered refers to the number of independent events that have flowered to date #mod col refers to the number of independent transgenic events producing flowers with a modified petal color compared to the control

Anthocyanins of the flowers of the transgenic roses were extracted and the anthocyanidins derived from the anthocyanins were analyzed by HPLC system as described in Fukui et al,

(Phytochemistry, 47: 1409-1416, 1998). The methylated derivatives of delphinidin, malvidin and petunidin were detected in a number of flowers of transgenic roses with modified flower color (Tables 21, 22 and 23). Peonidin, the methylated derivative of cyanidin was also detected in the flowers of transgenic roses (Tables 21, 22 and 23).

TABLE 21

Levels ofthe anthocyanidins detected in a selection of flowers from independent transgenic events ofR. hybrida cv. WKS124 transformed with the

T-DNA in pSPB1532 containing Viola F3'5'H and Torenia FMT chimaeric genes

Code = the accession number ofthe transgenic plant,

Del, Cya, Pet, Pel, Peo, Mal (mg/g) refer to the amount of the specific anthocyanidin detected in mg/g where Del = delphinidin, Cya = cyanidin, Pet

= petunidin, Pel = pelargonidin, Peo = peonidin, Mal = malvidin

DPM (%) = delphinidin or its methylated derivatives, petunidin and malvidin expressed as a percentage of total anthocyanidins detected

Mal (%) = malvidin expressed as a percentage of total anthocyanidins detected

Methyl (%) = methylated anthocyanidins (petunidin, peonidin, malvidin) expressed as a percentage of total anthocyanidins detected

Total = the total amounts of anthocyanidins detected (delphinidin, petunidin, malvidin, cyanidin, peonidin, pelargonidin) in mg/g

RHSCC = colors observed described according to the Royal Horticultural Society Color Charts hue = describes the basic color in degrees as measured by a spectrophotometer with SpectraMagic software (Minolta, Japan)

Ref (%) = describes the percentage of light reflected as measured by a spectrophotometer with SpectraMagic software (Minolta, Japan)

TABLE 22

Levels ofthe anthocyanidins detected in a selection of flowers from independent transgenic events ofR. hybrida cv.

Lavande transformed with the T-DNA inpSPB1532 containing Viola F3'5'H and Torenia FMT chimaeric genes

Code = the accession number ofthe transgenic plant,

Del, Cya, Pet, Pel, Peo, Mal (mg/g) refer to the amount of the specific anthocyanidin detected in mg g where Del = delphinidin, Cya = cyanidin, Pet

= petunidin, Pel = pelargonidin, Peo = peonidin, Mal = malvidin

Mal (%) = malvidin expressed as a percentage of total anthocyanidins detected

TABLE 23

WKS124 transformed with the T-DNA in pSPB1534 containing Viola F 3' 5' H and Petunia FMT chimaeric genes

Code = the accession number of the transgenic plant,

= petunidin, Pel = pelargonidin, Peo = peonidin, Mal = malvidin

Mal (%) = malvidin expressed as a percentage of total anthocyanidins detected

RNA Blot analysis

Flowers of 7 transgenic WKS124/pSPB1532 plants (lines 5-1, 5-2, 7-1, 7-4, 12-1, 12-3) and 7 transgenic Lavande/1532 plants (lines 13-2, 13-3, 13-5, 17-1, 24-2, 34-1) along with flowers from non transgenic WKS 124 and Lavande controls were analysed for the presence of transcripts ofthe introduced Viola F3 '5 Η and Torenia E Jtransgenes.

Total RNA was isolated from transgenic rose petals with using RNAeasy (Qiagen) following the manufacturer's protocol. Twenty μg of RNA was separated through 1.2 %> agarose gel and blotted to Hybond-N (Amersham) following the Instruction Manual of DIG Northern Starter Kit (Roche). RNA probes that hybridized with mRNA of Viola F3 '5 'H (BP#40) and Torenia FMT were prepared using the plasmids, pCGP1961 (containing the Viola F3 '5 'H (BP#40) cDNA clone) (Australian Provisional Patent Applications No. 2002951088 and 2002952835, 2002, supra) and pTMT5 (Figure 8) that had each been digested with the restriction endonuclease BamHI, as the transcription template and the T7 oligonucleotide as the transcription primer following the Instruction Manual of DIG Northern Starter Kit (Roche). Further hybridization and detection were also carried out following the instruction Manual of DIG Northern Starter Kit (Roche).

Under the conditions used, ~1.7kb trancnpts were detected with the Viola F3 '5 H probe in most of the lines analysed except for line 34-1 (Lavande/pSPB1532). A -l.Okb transcript was detected with the TFMT probe in all 14 transgenic lines analysed. Under the conditions used, no hybridising transcripts were detected in the control petals of WKS 124 and Lavande with the Viola F3 '5 H and TFMT probes.

WKS124 transgenic roses

The rose cultivar WKS 124 generally produces apricot flowers (RHSCC 38b). HPLC analysis of the anthocyanidins reveal that pelargonidin (0.07mg/g pelargonidin) is the predominant anthocyanidin accumulating with low levels of cyanidin present also (0.01 mg/g cyanidin) (Table 21). Introduction of the Viola F3 '5 H chimaeric gene along with the Torenia FMT had a dramatic impact on the color of the flowers produced and on the anthocyanidin composition in the petals. In a selection of petals with the most dramatic color change, the 3 '5' hydroxylated pigments (delphinidin, petunidin and malvidin) predominated, with malvidin being the most predominant anthocyanin (Table 21).

Introduction of the Viola F3 '5 H chimaeric gene along with the Petunia FMT led to the production of the 3 '5' hydroxylated anthocyanidin, delphinidin in a selection of rose petals. The activity of the introduced Viola F3'5'H led to the production of relatively high levels of delphinidin (Table 23). However the resulting activity of the introduced Petunia FMT in the WKS 124 rose petals was low and only a small amount of the methylated anthocyanidin, petunidin accumulated (Table 23). It may be that the physiological conditions within the WKS 124 rose petal are not ideal for the Petunia FMT to work efficiently.

Production of predominantly delphinidin pigments in a petal background of WKS 124 (WKS 124/pSPB 1534) led to an increase in the total anthocyanidins produced (from 0.08mg/g in the control flowers to 0.5-1.9 mg/g in the transgenic flowers). This production of predominantly delphinidin pigments in WKS 124 petals resulted in a change of color from apricot (control flower) to colors in the dark pink to red-purple ranges (Table 23). A similar increase in total anthocyanidins was observed in the transgenic WKS 124/pSPB 1532 petals (Table 21). However, the delphinidin produced was converted to the methylated petunidin and malvidin-based pigments and this led to a further bluing of flower color into the purple range of colors, resulting in novel colored rose flowers.

The hue values of WKS 124/1532 petals are generally closer than those of WKS/1534 petals to 270°, which indicate that malvidin production or methylation of anthocyanins contributes to bluing of flower color. In other words, FMT genes are useful to modify flower colors, especially, but not limited, toward blue.

The reflectance values of WKS124/1532 petals are generally lower than those of WKS/1534 petals, which indicate that malvidin production or methylation of anthocyanins contributes to darkening of flower color. In other words, FMT genes are useful to modify flower colors, especially, but not limited, toward darker color. Besides with these flower color changes, WKS 124/1532 lines accumulating large amounts of malvidin were more vivid and brilliant in appearance. Such flower color modification is also exhibited by changes of RHSCC. These results clearly demonstrate that FMT genes are useful to modify flower color.

Lavande transgenic roses

The rose cultivar Lavande generally produces pink flowers (RHSCC 186c). HPLC analysis of the anthocyanidins reveal that cyanidin (0.08 mg/g cyanidin) is the predominant anthocyanidin accumulating (Table 22).

Introduction of the Viola F3 '5 'H chimaeric gene along with the Torenia FMT had a dramatic impact on the color of the transgenic Lavande flowers produced and on the anthocyanidin composition in the petals. In a selection of petals with the most dramatic color change, the 3 '5' hydroxylated pigments (delphinidin, petunidin and malvidin) predominated, with malvidin being the most predominant anthocyanin (Table 22).

Introduction of the Viola F3 '5 H and Torenia FMT genes in Lavande led to an increase in the total level of anthocyanidins accumulating in rose petals (from 0.08 mg/g in the control flowers to 0.11-0.36 mg/g in the transgenics) (Table 22).

In this petal background the most dramatic color change and shift to blue (to purple colour 77b) was observed in a flower containing a high proportion (90%> of its total anthocyanidins) of delphinidin-based pigments (delphinidin, petunidin and malvidin ) with 52% of the total anthocyanidins accumulating being malvidin.

In line 34-1 (Table 22), delphinidin was not produced indicating lack of activity of the introduced F3 '5 H gene. RNA blot analysis revealed no hybridising Viola F3 '5 H transcript in this line.. However, a strongly hybridising Torenia FMT transcript was detected and the Torenia FMT activity was confirmed by the production of peonidin (the methylated derivative of cyanidin). This result highlighted that the Torenia FMT was also able to methylate cyanidin-based pigments.

EXAMPLE 12 Isolation ofFMTcDNA clones from Fuchsia spp

PCR of FMT sequences from Fuchsia

CODEHOP design of primers for PCR of FMT sequences from Fuchsia

In order to isolate FMT sequences from Fuchsia, oligonucleotide primers were designed to areas of amino acid sequence similarity between the Petunia FMT (this specification) and published (GenBank database) caffeoyl CoA OMTs (V. vinifera (Z54233), S. longipes (L22203), P. tremuloides (U27116), P. kitakamiensis (AB00048), P. crispum (Z54183), E. gunnii (Y12228), N. tabacum (U38612), M. crystallinum (AF053553), A. thaliana (L40031)).

The CODEHOP (COnsensus-DEgenerate Hybrid Oligonucleotide Primers) strategy (Rose et al, Nucl Acids Res, 26: 1628-1635, 1998) (outlined at http://blocks.fhcrc.org/codehop.html) was used. The CODEHOP program designs a pool of primers containing all possible 11- or 12-mers for a 3' degenerate "core" region and having the most probable nucleotide predicted for each position in a 5' non-degenerate "clamp" region (Table 24). TABLE 24

Oligonucleotides designed to areas of sequence similarity between methyltransferase sequences identified by the CODEHOP program

where R = A or G, Y = C or T, M =A or C, K - G or T, S = G or C, W = A or T, H = A or C or T, B = G or C or T, V = A or G or C, D = A or G or T, N = A or G or C or T, I = deoxyinosine.

TABLE 25 Other oligonucleotides designed for use in PCR of FMT sequences

I = deoxyinosine

Total RNA was isolated from Fuchsia petal buds using the Plant RNAeasy kit (QIAGEN). One microgram of RNA was used as a template to synthesize cDNA using Superscript II (Stratagene) and the dT(17)Ad2Adl [SEQ LD NO: 19] (Table 25) oligonucleotide under conditions as recommended by the manufacturer. The cDNA was purified by passing it through a PCR purification column (QIAGEN) and eluting in 50 μL 10 Mm Tris-HCl, pH 8.5. The cDNA was subsequently C-tailed using Calf Thymus terminal transferase (Boehringer Mannheim) using conditions recommended by the manufacturer. The C-tailed cDNA was then purified through a PCR purification column (QIAGEN) and eluted in 50 μL 10 mM Tris-HCl, pH8.5.

The C-tailed cDNA (1 μL) was subsequently used as template in a PCR with 2.5 μL 10 x HotSTAR (trademark) Taq QIAGEN buffer, 4 μL 1.25 mM dNTP, 5 μL 50 ng/μL primer OMTII2 [SEQ LD NO: 15], 5 μL 50 ng/μL Adl primer [SEQ LD NO: 27] (Table 25), 2 μL pure water and 0.5 μL HotSTAR (trademark) Taq DNA polymerase (QIAGEN). The reaction was heated to 95°C for 15 minutes then run through 35 cycles of 94°C for 30 seconds, 50°C for 30 seconds, 72°C for 90 seconds, followed by 72°C for 10 minutes.

The PCR products were electrophoresed through a 1%> w/v agarose gel and expected products of around 0.8 kb in length were excised, purified and ligated with pCR 2.1 (Invitrogen). A random selection of transformants was analysed for the presence of inserts by digesting with the restriction endonuclease EcoRI. Transformants containing inserts of 0.8 kb were sequenced using the Ml 3 Reverse and Ml 3 Forward -21 primers. An example of resulting Fuchsia sequences showing similarity to FMTs is found in the plasmid designated pCGP3267 (Figure 21).

The Fuchsia FMT (SΕQ LD NO: 21) contained in pCGP3267 showed 66% and 64% identity at the nucleotide level with the Petunia [SΕQ LD NO:4] and Torenia FMT ]SΕQ LD NO:l 1] when comparing the coding sequence conesponding only with the length ofthe partial Fuchsia FMT clone. The deduced amino acid sequence of encoded by the Fuchsia FMT clone in pCGP3267 showed 81% similarity with both the Petunia [SEQ ID NO:5] and Torenia FMT [SEQ LD NO: 12] again considering only the region comparable to the length ofthe partial Fuchsia clone.

Generation of full-length Fuchsia FMT clone

A genomic strategy was employed to generate sequence upstream of the Fuchsia FMT cDNA clone [SEQ LD NO: 21] contained in the plasmid pCGP3267 (Figure 21). Isolation of enomic DNA from Fuchsia

Plasmid genomic library construction

Genomic DNA (gDNA) was extracted from 1 g of fresh, young leaf material of Fuchsia hybrida cultivar Derby Imp using the Qiagen DNeasy maxi kit and following the manufacturers instructions. Approximately 1.2 μg of gDNA was then digested with the restriction endonuclease, Taql. The digested genomic DNA fragments were then ligated (using Amersham ligation kit) with dephosphorylated EcoRV ends of the vector pBluescript II (Stratagene). The ligation mix was then used as a template in PCR.

The primer OMTIΩ [SΕQ LD NO: 23] along with the primer FucRl [SΕQ LD NO: 34] (Table 26) that was designed to the Fuchsia FMT cDNA clone contained in pCGP3267 were used in a PCR using Fuchsia genomic DNA as template. The amplified products were purified and ligated into the vector pCR2.1. Sequence analysis of a 274 bp fragment (designated as the "OMTIfl/FucRl amplified fragment") revealed that this fragment included 51 bp of overlapping sequence with the Fuchsia PMPcDNA clone in the plasmid pCGP3267, a further 74 bp of new coding sequence upstream of this point, an intron that was 88 bp in length and a further 61 bp of new coding sequence upstream from the intron.

Further to this a nested primer pair combination (FucR5 [SΕQ LD NO:36] and FucR6 [SΕQ LD NO:37] was then designed to the sequence that was upstream from the intron. The primers FucR5 [SΕQ LD NO:36] and FucR6 [SΕQ LD NO:37] were used on Fuchsia gDNA that had been digested with the restriction endonuclease, Taql. The products that were amplified were ligated with the Accl ends of the vector pBluescript KS (Stratagene). A first round of amplification by PCR was performed using the primersFucR5 [SΕQ LD NO:36] and M13rev (NΕB) and Fuchsia gDNA as template. The products were purified using a Qiaquick column (QIAGEN) and then added as template to the second round of PCR amplification with the primers FucR6 [SEQ LD NO:36] and T3 (Stratagene). The amplified products were purified and ligated into the vector pCR2.1. Sequence analysis of a 247 bp fragment (designated "FucR6/T3 amplified fragment") revealed a further 24 bp of new coding sequence upstream of that obtained with the "OMTIfl/FucRl amplified fragment". The remainder of the sequence consisted of another intron that was 223 bp in length and no further coding sequence could be identified upstream of this. A further 51 to 54 bp of sequence (i.e. 17 or 18 amino acids) were required to reach the presumed methionine start as determined by comparison with the Torenia and Petunia FMT sequences. Therefore, a strategy was developed to utilize the 5' sequence of the Torenia FMT cDNA clone and ligate this with the longest Fuchsia FMT PCR product to generate a full-length and functional Fuchsia FMT cDNA clone.

A primer (FucFl) [SEQ LD NO:38] was designed to the 5 'end of the coding sequence found in the FucR6/T3 amplified fragment (described above). The FucFl primer [SEQ ID NO:38] and the Adl primer [SEQ ID NO:27] were used in a PCR with Fuchsia cDNA as template (synthesis of Fuchsia cDNA described above). The amplified product was cloned into pCR2.1 and the resulting plasmid was designated pCGP3282. The plasmid pCGP3282 was used as template in a PCR with the Adl [SEQ LD NO:27] and Tor-5'pos [SEQ LD NO: 39] primers and Taq DNA polymerase HotSTAR taq (QIAGEN). The use of the Taq DNA polymerase, HotSTAR taq (QIAGEN) leaves a 3'-A overhang on the amplified product. The resulting amplified product (defined as "Tor-5' pos/Adl amplified fragment") was then digested with the restriction endonuclease, Spel. (an Spel recogintion sequence is located within the Adl primer at the 3' end ofthe cDNA clone).

The primers Tor-5 'pos [SEQ LD NO:39] and Tor-5 'neg [SEQ LD NO:40] were annealed together upon incubation at 75 °C for 5 minutes, followed by a slow cooling down to 37°C over 30 minutes . These primers were designed so that once annealed there would be a "T" overhang at the 3' end of the sequence, and sequence overhang compatible with an EcoRI recogntion sequence at the 5 '-end. The annealed oligonucleotide were ligated with the Spel ends of the "Tor-5' pos/Adl amplified fragment" . This ligated products were then used as template in a PCR using the oligonucleotides Tor-5 'pos [SEQ TD NO:39] and Adl [SEQ HD NO:27] as primers. The PCR product was then ligated with the cloning vector pCR2.1. The resulting plasmid was designated pCGP3289 (Figure 22).

The Fuchsia FMT [SEQ ID NO: 43] contained in pCGP3289 showed 51%, 48% and 56% identity at the nucleotide level with the Petunia E20 [SEQ ED NO:4], Petunia E33 [SEQ LD NO:26] and Torenia FMT [SEQ LD NO:ll], respectively. The deduced amino acid sequence encoded by the Fuchsia FMT clone in pCGP3289 [SEQ LD NO:44] showed 67%, 80% and 82% similarity with the Petunia E20 [SEQ TD NO:5], Petunia E33 [SEQ LD NO:7] and Torenia FMT [SEQ LD NO: 12], respectively.

TABLE 26 Primers

Construction of CGP3292 (35S 5': FFMT: 35S 3'; 35S 5': Viola F3'5'H: 35S 3'; 35S 5': SuRB binary vector)

The binary plasmid pCGP3292 (Figure 25) was constmcted to allow the production of methylated delphinidin derivatives such as petunidin and malvidin in a line that does not normally produce delphinidin-based pigments and does not contain a flavonoid methyltransferase capable of methylating delphinidin-based anthocyanins. The binary plasmid pCGP3292 (Figure 25) contains a 35S 5 ': FFMT: 35S 3 ' expression cassette (from the plasmid pCGP3290 (Figure 23)) and a 35S 5 ': Viola F3 '5 'H: 35 3 ' expression cassette, both in tandem with the 35S 5 ': SuRB selectable marker cassette ofthe Ti binary vector of pCGP1988 (Figure 12).

Construction of intermediate plasmids

(i) Construction ofpCGP3290 (35S 5 ': FFMT: 35S 3 ' expression cassette)

The plasmid pCGP3290 (Figure 23) was constructed by cloning the Fuchsia FMT (FFMT) cDNA clone from pCGP3289 (Figure 22) into a CaMV 35S expression cassette.

The plasmid pRTppoptcAFP was used as a source of a CaMV 35S promoter and terminator fragments. It was initially digested with the restriction endonuclease Xbal, the overhanging 5' ends were repaired and then the plasmid was digested with the restriction endonuclease EcoRI to release the 3.3kb vector containing the CaMV 35S expression cassette. The 3.3 kb fragment was isolated and purified.

The plasmid pCGP3289 (Figure 22) was digested initially with the restriction endonuclease Spel and the resulting 5' overhang ends were repaired. The linearized plasmid was then restricted with the restriction endonuclease EcoRI to release a 1.0 kb Fuchsia FMT cDNA fragment which was isolated, purified and then ligated with the Xbal (blunt)/EcoRI ends of the pRTppoptc vector (described above). Conect ligation of the fragments was established by restriction endonuclease analysis (HmDIII, Xhol, and Pstl,) of plasmid DNA isolated from ampicillin-resistant transformants. The resulting plasmid was designated pCGP3290 (Figure 23).

(ii) Construction of pCGP2788 (35S 5 ': Viola F3'5'H: 35S 3 '; 35S 5 ': SuRB binary vector) The binary plasmid pCGP2788 (Figure 24) contains the 35S 5': Viola F3'5'H: 35S 3' expression cassette (from pCGP3254 (Figure 13) in tandem with the 35S 5 ': SuRB selectable marker cassette ofthe Ti binary plasmid pCGP1988 (Figure 12).

The binary plasmid pCGP3254 (Figure 13) was digested with the restriction endonuclease Pstl to release the 35S 5 ': Torenia FMT: 35S 3 ' expression cassette and the expression binary vector backbone. The resulting fragments were ethanol precipitated (Sambrook et al, 1989, supra) and the mixture of fragments was religated. Conect ligation of the vector backbone containing the 35 S 5 ': SuRB gene and the chimaeric Viola F3'5'H gene without the 35S 5 ': Torenia FMT: 35S 3 ' cassette was established by restriction endonuclease analysis (HmDIII, EcoRV, Pstl, EcoRI, and Ncol) of plasmid DNA isolated from tetracycline-resistant transformants. The resulting plasmid was designated pCGP2788 (Figure 24).

Construction ofpCGP3292 (35S 5': FFMT: 35S 3': 35S 5': Viola F3'5'H: 35S 3': 35S 5': SuRB expression binary)

Plasmid pCGP3292 (Figure 25) was constructed by cloning the chimaeric Fuchsia FMT gene from pCGP3290 (Figure 23) into the Ti binary vector pCGP2788 (Figure 24).

The 35S 5 ': FFMT: 35S 3 ' expression cassette from pCGP3290 (Figure 23) was released upon digestion with the restriction endonuclease Pstl. A 1.66 kb fragment containing the chimaeric Fuchsia FMT gene was subsequently isolated and ligated with Pstl ends of the binary vector, pCGP2788 (Figure 24). Conect ligation ofthe chimaeric gene in tandem with the 35S 5 ': SuRB gene and the chimaeric F3'5'H gene of pCGP2788 was established by restriction endonuclease analysis (HmDIII, Xhol, Pstl, EcoRI, and Ncol) of plasmid DNA isolated from tetracycline-resistant transformants. The resulting plasmid was designated pCGP3292 (Figure 25). Plant transformation with pCGP3292

The binary vector plasmid pCGP3292 was introduced into A. tumefaciens strain AGLO and the T-DNA contained in pCGP3292 is introduced into Rosa hybrida via Agrobacterium- mediated transformation to produce petunidin and malvidin based pigments and lead to modifications flower colour (as detailed in Example 11)

EXAMPLE 13 Dendogrαm of plant methyltransferases

A dendogram was constructed using the software package ClustalW (Thompson et al, 1994, supra) (Figure 26). Deduced amino acid sequences of Petunia (pCGP1907.aa), Torenia (pTMT5.aa) and Fuchsia (pCGP3267.aa) FMTs were aligned with other full length plant O-methyltransferases of both Class I and Class II found in the GenBank database. The dendogram (Figure 26) shows the clustering relationship between these sequences. All Class I SAM-OMT sequences are grouped together due to their overall level of sequence similarity. The Petunia, Torenia and Fuchsia FMT sequences are grouped with Class I SAM-OMTs. However, they are set apart from the main cluster. This indicates that these sequences are related to each other but share a lower level of sequence identity and similarity with other SAM-OMTs within this class. All other Class I SAM- OMTs have been identified as CCoAOMTs either by testing for conesponding enzyme activity with CoA-activated phenylpropanoid substrates derived from caffeic acid, or by sequence similarity with database entries. The sequences of an A. thaliana CCoAOMT (GenBank L40031) and a Populus kitakamiensis CCoAOMT (GenBank AB000408) are found in an adjacent cluster to that of the FMTs described here. These sequences are more similar to the FMTs than other CCoAOMTs. However, no experimental evidence exists for these clones regarding enzyme activity or substrates that are methylated. The remaining branches of the dendogram are formed by groupings of Class II SAM-OMTs. These include COMTs (caffeic acid OMTs), F3OMT (flavonoid 3'-OMT; Gauthier et al, 1996, supra), IOMTs (isoflavone OMTs; He and Dixon, 1998, supra), 2'OMTs (isoliquiritigenin 2'-OMT; Maxwell et al, 1993, supra), LMT (inositol OMT; Rammes eyer et al, 1995, supra), and F70MT (flavonoid 7-OMT; Christensen et al, 1998, supra), among others. Given the variety of substrates utilized by the members of Class II SAM-OMTs, and the ability of some of these proteins to act on flavonoid compounds which are structurally related to the anthocyanins, it was unexpected that the FMTs isolated from Petunia, Torenia and Fuchsia do not fall into this category of SAM-OMTs. Reviews in the literature (Ibrahim and Muzac, 2000, supra; Schroder et al, Phtochemistry, 59: 1-8, 2002) have suggested that methyltransferases acting on flavonoids and specifically on anthocyanins would fall into the Class II SAM-OMTs. Surprisingly the FMT sequences disclosed in this specification resemble the CCoAOMTs in Class I more closely than members of the Class II SAM-OMTs. CCoAOMTs are known to efficiently utilize only a pair of CoA-activated substrates, caffeoyl-CoA (CCoA) and 5-hydroxyferuloyl-CoA (HFCoA). These phenylpropanoid compounds are directly derived from caffeic acid (CA) and 5-hydroxyferulic acid (HFA) which are efficiently utilized by COMT proteins of Class II SAM-OMTs. The basic ring structure of these flavonoids and anthocyanins is similar, the main difference with the anthocyanins being the presence of sugar and acyl side groups which form bulky additions to the molecule. It is thought that these groups may impose different steric requirements upon enzymes involved in modification of anthocyanins compared with, for example, flavanone and isoflavonoid molecules. Thus, in regard to anthocyanin compounds, the sugar and acyl side groups may mimic the large CoA group attached to these molecules imposing a similar steric requirement on SAM-OMT proteins that act on them.

EXAMPLE 14 Isolation of FMT cDNAsfrom other species

Methylated anthocyanins such as but not limited to peonidin, petunidin and malvidin are produced in Petunia sp., Plumbago sp., Vitis sp., Babiana stricta, Pinus sp., Picea sp., Larix sp., Phaseolus sp., Solanum sp., Vaccinium sp., Cyclamen sp., Iris sp., Pelargonium sp., Geranium sp., Pisum sp., Lathyrus sp., Clitoria sp., Catharanthus sp., Malvia sp., Mucuna sp., Vicia sp., Saintpaulia sp., Lagerstroemia sp., Tibouchina sp., Hypocalyptus sp., Rhododendron sp., Linum sp., Macroptilium sp., Hibiscus sp., Hydrangea sp., Ipomoea sp., Cymbidium sp., Millettia sp., Hedysarum sp., Lespedeza sp., Antigonon sp., Pisum sp., etc..

It is expected that a number of these plants contain flavonoid methyltransferases (FMT).

Rare methylated anthocyanins (such as 5-methyl delphinidin, 5-mefhyl petunidin and 5- methyl malvidin) have been isolated from flowers of plants in the Plumbaginaceae family Harborne, 1967, supra). Plumbago flowers have been reported to contain a rare anthocyanin that is methylated at the 5-O position of malvidin. This molecule was described as capensinin (5-O-methyl malvidin) (Harborne, 1962, 1967, supra). The flavonol copigment present was described as azalein (quercetin 5-methyl ether 3-O- rhamnoside) (Harborne, 1962, 1967, supra). Further analysis of the common garden Plumbago capsensis (also known as Plumbago auriculata) has revealed that the methylated anthocyanin was 5, 7-di-O-mefhyl malvidin (S. Bloor, unpublished results). It is expected that flowers from plants in the Plumbaginaceae family such as Plumbago are a suitable source for FMT sequences that encode FMTs that would methylate anthocyanins at positions 3', 5', 3' and 5' as well as the 5-O and 1-0 positions.

The isolation of FMT cDNAs from the plants listed above and others is accomplished by the screening of respective cDNA libraries with SEQ LD NΟ:l and/or4 and/or 6 and/or 11 and/or 21 and/or 26 and/or 41, and/or 43 using low stringency hybridisation conditions such as those described Example 9 or in the introduction ofthe instant specification.

Alternatively, the isolation of FMT cDNA fragments are accomplished using the polymerase chain reaction using CODEHOP primers as listed in Table 24 (Example 11) or degenerate primers as listed in Table 27, below. An example of the primer pair combinations that can be used is shown in Table 28, below. The amplification products are cloned into bacterial plasmid vectors and DNA fragments used as probes to screen respective cDNA libraries to isolate longer and full-length FMT cDNA clones. The functionality and specificity of the cDNA clones are ascertained using methods described in Examples 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11.

TABLE 27

More degenerate primers designed to areas of amino acid sequence similarity between methyltransferases that act on anthocyanins

where R = A or G, Y = C or T, M =A or C, K = G or T, S = G or C, W = A or T, H = A or C or T, B = G or C or T, V = A or G or C, D = A or G or T, N = A or G or C or T, I = deoxyinosine.

TABLE 28 Primer pairs that are used in the isolation of other FMT cDNA fragments from different plants

+ 3'UTR = plus the 3' untranslated sequence, + 5'UTR = plus the 5' untranslated sequence

Estimations of the expected size of fragment are based on the Petunia FMT (E20) sequence [SEQ LD NO:4]. The sizes obtained using cDNA as template from different species would be expected to vary.

EXAMPLE 15 Use of FMTs

In order to produce methylated dephinidin pigments in plants that do not normally produce delphinidin-based pigments and does not contain a flavonoid methyltransferase capable of methylating anthocyanidins, specifically delphinidin, constructs containing the combination of a F3 '5 H gene (such as but not limited to the chimaeric Viola F3 '5 H gene) and a FMT gene (such as but not limited to those isolated from Petunia, Fuchsia, Torenia, Plumbago) are introduced into a species that does not normally produce delphinidin-based pigments. Such plants may include but are not limited to carnation, chrysanthemum, gerbera, orchids, Euphorbia, Begonia and apple.

In order to produce methylated pigments in species or cultivars of species that produce delphinidin or cyanidin but do not have a flavonoid methyltransferase capable of methylating these anthocyanins, FMT genes are introduced into plant species or specific cultivars of species that do not produce methylated anthocyanin pigments. Such plants include but are not limited to pansy, Nierembergia, lisianthus, cultivars of grapevine and lily.

In order to reduce or block the production of indigenous methylated pigments a variety of strategies can be employed including but not limited to PTGS, RNAi, antisense, co- suppression technologies. Strategies include the introduction of FMT sequences into plant species or cultivars of species thar produce methylated anthocyanin pigments such as petunidin, malvidin, peonidin, capsenidin or other methylated anthocyanin. Such species include those described in Example 14, such as Impatiens, Catharanthus, cyclamen, Torenia, Petunia, Fuchsia, Plumbago, Pelargonium and certain cultivars of grapevine.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is to be understood that the invention includes all such variations and modifications. The invention also includes all of the steps, features, compositions and compounds refened to or indicated in this specification, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of any two or more of said steps or features.

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Claims

1. An isolated nucleic acid comprising a sequence of nucleotides encoding or complementary to a sequence encoding a flavonoid methyltransferase (FMT) or a mutant, part, fragment or portion thereof or a functional and or structural equivalent, homolog, analogue or derivative thereof.

2. The isolated nucleic acid molecule of claim 1 wherein the FMT modulates or otherwise facilitates the methylation of an anthocyanin.

3. The isolated nucleic acid molecule of any one of claim 1 or 2 wherein the FMT is a Class I S-adenosyl-L-methionine O-methyltransferase (SAM-OMTs).

4. The isolated nucleic acid molecule of claim 3 wherein the FMT is 3'FMT or 3'5'FMT.

5. The isolated nucleic acid molecule of claim 2 wherein the anthocyanin molecule is derivative of delphinidin.

6. The isolated nucleic acid molecule of claim 2 wherein the anthocyanin molecule is a derivative of petunidin or cyanidin.

7. The isolated nucleic acid molecule of claim 2 wherein the anthocyanin molecule is delphinidin 3-glucoside, delphinidin 3, 5-diglucoside or delphinidin 3- rutinoside.

8. The isolated nucleic acid molecule of claim 2 wherein methylation of an anthocyanin molecule results in the production of a petunidin, malvidin or peonidin derivative.

9. The isolated nucleic acid molecule of claim 1 wherein the molecule is of Petunia, Torenia, Fuchsia, Plumbago or botanically related plant origin.

10. An isolated nucleic acid molecule according to any one of claims 1 to 3 having the nucleotide sequence comprising:

(i) a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ LD NO: 1 ;

(ii) a nucleotide sequence having at least about 50 %> similarity after optimal alignment to SEQ LD NO: 1 ;

(iii) a nucleotide sequence capable of hybridizing under low stringency conditions to SEQ LD NO: 1 or its complementary form;

(iv) a nucleotide sequence capable of encoding the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:2;

(v) a nucleotide sequence capable of encoding an amino acid sequence having at least about 50% similarity after optimal alignment to SEQ TD NO:2;

(vi) a nucleotide sequence capable of hybridizing under low stringency conditions to the nucleotide sequence in (iv) or (v) or its complementary form;

wherein said nucleotide sequence encodes a FMT molecule or a mutant, part, fragment or portion thereof or a functional and/or structural equivalent or homolog thereof.

11. The isolated nucleic acid molecule of any one of claims 1 to 3 having the nucleotide sequence comprising:- (i) a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:4;

(ii) a nucleotide sequence having at least about 50 % similarity after optimal alignment to SEQ ID NO:4;

(iii) a nucleotide sequence capable of hybridizing under low stringency conditions to SEQ LD NO: 4 or its complementary form;

(iv) a nucleotide sequence capable of encoding the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ LD NO:5;

(v) a nucleotide sequence capable of encoding an amino acid sequence having at least about 50% similarity after optimal alignment to SEQ LD NO:5;

wherein said nucleotide sequence encodes a FMT molecule or a mutant, part, fragment or portion thereof or a functional and/or structural equivalent, homolog, analogue or derivative thereof.

12. The isolated nucleic acid molecule of any one of claims 1 to 3 having the nucleotide sequence comprising:

(i) a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ LD NO:6;

(ii) a nucleotide sequence having at least about 50 % similarity after optimal alignment to SEQ LD NO:6; (iii) a nucleotide sequence capable of hybridizing under low stringency conditions to SEQ LD NO: 6 or its complementary form;

13. An isolated nucleic acid molecule of any one of claims 1 to 3 having the nucleotide sequence comprising:

(i) a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ LD NO:26;

(ii) a nucleotide sequence having at least about 50 % similarity after optimal alignment to SEQ LD NO:26;

(iii) a nucleotide sequence capable of hybridizing under low stringency conditions to SEQ LD NO: 26 or its complementary form;

(iv) a nucleotide sequence capable of encoding the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ LD NO:7;

(v) a nucleotide sequence capable of encoding an amino acid sequence having at least about 50%> similarity after optimal alignment to SEQ LD

NO:7;

(vi) a nucleotide sequence capable of hybridizing under low stringency conditions to the nucleotide sequence in (iv) or (v) or its complementary form; wherein said nucleotide sequence encodes a FMT molecule or a mutant, part, fragment or portion thereof or a functional and/or structural equivalent, homolog, analogue or derivative thereof.

14. An isolated nucleic acid molecule of any one of claims 1 to 3 having the nucleotide sequence comprising:

(i) a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ LD NO: 11 ;

(ii) a nucleotide sequence having at least about 50 % similarity after optimal alignment to SEQ LD NO: 11 ;

(iii) a nucleotide sequence capable of hybridizing under low stringency conditions to SEQ LD NO: 11 or its complementary form;

(iv) a nucleotide sequence capable of encoding the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 12;

(v) a nucleotide sequence capable of encoding an amino acid sequence having at least about 50% similarity after optimal alignment to SEQ LD NO: 12;

wherein said nucleotide sequence encodes a FMT molecule or a mutant, part, fragment or portion thereof or a functional and or structural equivalent, homolog, analogue or derivative thereof.

15. An isolated nucleic acid molecule of any one of claims 1 to 3 having the nucleotide sequence comprising:-

(i) a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ LD NO:21 ;

(ii) a nucleotide sequence having at least about 50 % similarity after optimal alignment to SEQ LD NO:21;

(iii) a nucleotide sequence capable of hybridizing under low stringency conditions to SEQ LD NO: 21 or its complementary form;

(iv) a nucleotide sequence capable of encoding the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ LD NO:22;

(v) a nucleotide sequence capable of encoding an amino acid sequence having at least about 50% similarity after optimal alignment to SEQ LD

NO:22;

wherein said nucleotide sequence encodes a FMT molecule or a mutant, part, fragment or portion thereof or a functional and/or stmctural equivalent, homolog, analogue or derivative thereof.

16. An isolated nucleic acid molecule of any one of claims 1 to 3 having the nucleotide sequence comprising:

(i) a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ LD NO:41 ; (ii) a nucleotide sequence having at least about 50 %> similarity after optimal alignment to SEQ LD NO:41 ;

(iii) a nucleotide sequence capable of hybridizing under low stringency conditions to SEQ LD NO: 41 or its complementary form;

(iv) a nucleotide sequence capable of encoding the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ LD NO:42;

(v) a nucleotide sequence capable of encoding an amino acid sequence having at least about 50% similarity after optimal alignment to SEQ ID NO:42;

17. An isolated nucleic acid molecule according to any one of claims 1 to 3 having the nucleotide sequence comprising:

(i) a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ HD NO:43;

(ii) a nucleotide sequence having at least about 50 % similarity after optimal alignment to SEQ LD NO:43;

(iii) a nucleotide sequence capable of hybridizing under low stringency conditions to SEQ LD NO: 43 or its complementary form; (iv) a nucleotide sequence capable of encoding the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:44;

(v) a nucleotide sequence capable of encoding an amino acid sequence having at least about 50% similarity after optimal alignment to SEQ ID NO:44;

18. A genetic constmct comprising a nucleic acid molecule encoding or complementary to a sequence encoding an FMT of any one of claims 1 to 3 or 9 or a mutant, part, fragment or portion thereof or a functional and/or structural equivalent or homolog thereof.

19. The genetic constmct according to claim 18 having the nucleotide sequence comprising:

(i) a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ LD NO: 1 ;

(ii) a nucleotide sequence having at least about 50 % similarity after optimal alignment to SEQ LD NO: 1 ;

(iii) a nucleotide sequence capable of hybridizing under low stringency conditions to SEQ LD NO: 1 or its complementary form; (iv) a nucleotide sequence capable of encoding the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ LD NO:2;

(v) a nucleotide sequence capable of encoding an amino acid sequence having at least about 50% similarity after optimal alignment to SEQ LD NO:2;

20. The genetic constmct of claim 18 having the nucleotide sequence comprising:

(i) a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ LD NO:4;

(ii) a nucleotide sequence having at least about 50 % similarity after optimal alignment to SEQ LD NO:4;

(iv) a nucleotide sequence capable of encoding the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ LD NO:5; (v) a nucleotide sequence capable of encoding an amino acid sequence having at least about 50% similarity after optimal alignment to SEQ LD NO:5;

21. The genetic constmct of claim 18 having the nucleotide sequence comprising:

(i) a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ LD NO:6;

(ii) a nucleotide sequence having at least about 50 % similarity after optimal alignment to SEQ LD NO:6;

(iii) a nucleotide sequence capable of hybridizing under low stringency conditions to SEQ LD NO: 6 or its complementary form;

22. The genetic constmct of claim 18 having the nucleotide sequence comprising:

(i) a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ LD NO:26; (ii) a nucleotide sequence having at least about 50 % similarity after optimal alignment to SEQ LD NO:26;

(iv) a nucleotide sequence capable of encoding the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:7;

(v) a nucleotide sequence capable of encoding an amino acid sequence having at least about 50%o similarity after optimal alignment to SEQ LD

NO:7;

23. The genetic constmct of claim 18 having the nucleotide sequence comprising:

(i) a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ LD NO: 11 ;

(iii) a nucleotide sequence capable of hybridizing under low stringency conditions to SEQ LD NO: 11 or its complementary form; (iv) a nucleotide sequence capable of encoding the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 12;

(v) a nucleotide sequence capable of encoding an amino acid sequence having at least about 50%> similarity after optimal alignment to SEQ LD NO:12;

24. The genetic constmct of claim 18 having the nucleotide sequence comprising:

(i) a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ LD NO:21 ;

(ii) a nucleotide sequence having at least about 50 %> similarity after optimal alignment to SEQ LD NO:21;

(v) a nucleotide sequence capable of encoding an amino acid sequence having at least about 50%> similarity after optimal alignment to SEQ LD NO:22; (vi) a nucleotide sequence capable of hybridizing under low stringency conditions to the nucleotide sequence in (iv) or (v) or its complementary form;

25. The genetic constmct of claim 18 having the nucleotide sequence comprising:

(i) a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:41 ;

(ii) a nucleotide sequence having at least about 50 %> similarity after optimal alignment to SEQ TD NO:41;

(iii) a nucleotide sequence capable of hybridizing under low stringency conditions to SEQ TD NO: 41 or its complementary form;

(iv) a nucleotide sequence capable of encoding the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:42;

(v) a nucleotide sequence capable of encoding an amino acid sequence having at least about 50%) similarity after optimal alignment to SEQ ID

NO:42;

(vi) a nucleotide sequence capable of hybridizing under low stringency conditions to the nucleotide sequence in (iv) or (v) or its complementary form; wherein said nucleotide sequence encodes a FMT molecule or a mutant, part, fragment or portion thereof or a functional and/or stmctural equivalent, homolog, analogue or derivative thereof.

26. The genetic constmct of claim 18 having the nucleotide sequence comprising:

(i) a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ LD NO:43;

(iii) a nucleotide sequence capable of hybridizing under low stringency conditions to SEQ LD NO: 43 or its complementary form;

(iv) a nucleotide sequence capable of encoding the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:44;

27. A genetically modified plant or part thereof or cells therefrom comprising genetic material encoding or complementary to a sequence encoding an FMT of any one or claims 1 to 3 or 9 or a mutant, part, derivative, fragment or portion thereof or a functional and/or stmctural equivalent or homolog or analogue.

28. The genetically modified plant or part thereof or cells therefrom of claim 27 having the nucleotide sequence comprising:

(i) a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 ;

(ii) a nucleotide sequence having at least about 50 % similarity after optimal alignment to SEQ TD NO:l;

(iv) a nucleotide sequence capable of encoding the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ LD NO:2;

29. The genetically modified plant or part thereof or cells therefrom of claim 27 having the nucleotide sequence comprising: (i) a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ TD NO:4;

(ii) a nucleotide sequence having at least about 50 %> similarity after optimal alignment to SEQ LD NO:4;

(v) a nucleotide sequence capable of encoding an amino acid sequence having at least about 50% similarity after optimal alignment to SEQ ID NO:5;

wherein said nucleotide sequence encodes a FMT molecule or a mutant, part, fragment or portion thereof or a functional and/or stmcmral equivalent, homolog, analogue or derivative thereof.

30. The genetically modified plant or part thereof or cells therefrom of claim 27 having the nucleotide sequence comprising:

(i) a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ HD NO:6;

(ii) a nucleotide sequence having at least about 50 % similarity after optimal alignment to SEQ HD NO:6; (iii) a nucleotide sequence capable of hybridizing under low stringency conditions to SEQ HD NO: 6 or its complementary form;

31. The genetically modified plant or part thereof or cells therefrom of claim 27 having the nucleotide sequence comprising:

(i) a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:26;

(ii) a nucleotide sequence having at least about 50 %> similarity after optimal alignment to SEQ LD NO:26;

(v) a nucleotide sequence capable of encoding an amino acid sequence having at least about 50%_> similarity after optimal alignment to SEQ LD

NO:7;

32. The genetically modified plant or part thereof or cells therefrom of claim 27 having the nucleotide sequence comprising:

(i) a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ LD NO: 11 ;

(ii) a nucleotide sequence having at least about 50 %> similarity after optimal alignment to SEQ LD NO: 11 ;

33. The genetically modified plant or part thereof or cells therefrom of claim 27 having the nucleotide sequence comprising:

(i) a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ LD NO:21 ;

(ii) a nucleotide sequence having at least about 50 % similarity after optimal alignment to SEQ LD NO:21 ;

(iv) a nucleotide sequence capable of encoding the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:22;

(v) a nucleotide sequence capable of encoding an amino acid sequence having at least about 50% similarity after optimal alignment to SEQ HD NO:22;

34. The genetically modified plant or part thereof or cells therefrom of claim 27 having the nucleotide sequence comprising:

(i) a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ TD NO:41 ; (ii) a nucleotide sequence having at least about 50 %> similarity after optimal alignment to SEQ TD NO:41;

(v) a nucleotide sequence capable of encoding an amino acid sequence having at least about 50%> similarity after optimal alignment to SEQ HD NO:42;

35. The genetically modified plant or part thereof or cells therefrom of claim 27 having the nucleotide sequence comprising:

(i) a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ LD NO:43;

(ii) a nucleotide sequence having at least about 50 %> similarity after optimal alignment to SEQ LD NO:43;

36. The genetically modified plant or part thereof or cells therefrom of claim 27 wherein said plant or part thereof or cells therefrom is from a cut-flower species.

37. The genetically modified plant or part thereof or cells therefrom of claim 27 wherein said plant or part thereof or cells therefrom is a horticultural plant species.

38. The genetically modified plant or part thereof or cells therefrom of claim 27 wherein said plant or part thereof or cells therefrom is an agricultural plant species.

39. The genetically modified plant or part thereof or cells thereof of claims 37 or 38 wherein the plant exhibits altered flowers or inflorescence.

40. The genetically modified plant or part thereof or cells therefrom of claim 36 or 37 or 38 or 39 wherein said altered part is a sepal, bract, petiole, peduncle, ovary or anther stem.

41. The genetically modified plant or part thereof or cells therefrom of claim 36 or 37 or 38 or 39 wherein said altered part is a leaf, root, flower, seed, fruit, nut, beny or vegetable.

42. The genetically modified plant or part thereof or cells therefrom of claim 36 wherein the plant is selected from a rose, carnation, lisianthus, petunia, lily, pansy, gerbera, chrysanthemum, Torenia, Begonia, Cyclamen, Nierembergia, Catharanthus, Pelargonium, Orchid, grape, Euphorbia or Fuchsia.

43. Flowers cut or severed from a plant of claim 27.

44. Progeny, offspring of progeny or vegetation propagates lines of the genetically modified plant of any one of claims 27 to 42.

45. An extract from a plant or plant part of claim 27.

46. The extract of claim 45 wherein the extract is a flavoring or food additive or health product or beverage or juice or coloring.

47. A method for producing a genetically modified plant capable of synthesizing FMT, said method comprising stably transforming a cell of a suitable plant with a nucleic acid molecule which comprises a sequence of nucleotides encoding or complementary to a sequence encoding an FMT of any one of claims 1 to 3 or 9 or a mutant, part, fragment or portion thereof or a functional and/or stmctural equivalent, homolog, analogue or derivative thereof under conditions permitting the eventual expression of said nucleic acid sequence, regenerating a transgenic plant from the cell and growing said transgenic plant for a time and under conditions sufficient to permit the expression of the nucleic acid sequence.

48. A method for producing a genetically modified plant with reduced indigenous or existing FMT activity, said method comprising stably transforming a cell of a suitable plant with a nucleic acid molecule which comprises a sequence of nucleotides encoding or complementary to a sequence encoding an FMT of any one of claims 1 to 3 or 9 or a •mutant, part, fragment or portion thereof or a functional and/or stmctural equivalent, homolog, analogue or derivative thereof, regenerating a transgenic plant from the cell and where necessary growing said transgenic plant under conditions sufficient to permit the expression ofthe nucleic acid.

49. A method for producing a genetically modified plant with reduced indigenous or existing FMT activity, said method comprising altering an FMT encoding gene through modification of the indigenous sequences via homologous recombination from an appropriately altered nucleic acid comprising a sequence of nucleotides encoding or complementary to a sequence encoding a FMT of any one of claims 1 to 3 or 9 or a mutant, part, fragment or portion thereof or a functional and/or structural equivalent or homolog analogue or derivative thereof introduced into the plant cell, and regenerating the genetically modified plant from the cell.

50. A method for producing a genetically modified plant with altered levels of FMT encoded in a nucleic acid molecule of any one of claims 1 to 3 or 9, said method comprising introducing into a cell or cells of said plant a genetic sequence selected from:

(i) an antisense sequence to FMT mRNA;

(ii) a sense sequence to FMT DNA; and/or

(iii) an RNAi-inducing sequence specific for FMT mRNA;

and regenerating a genetically modified plant from said cell.

51. A method for producing a transgenic plant capable of expressing a recombinant gene encoding an FMT or part thereof or which carries a nucleic acid sequence which is substantially complementary to all or a part of a mRNA molecule optionally transcribable where required to effect regulation of an FMT, said method comprising stably transforming a cell of a suitable plant with the isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a sequence of nucleotides encoding, or complementary to a sequence encoding, an FMT of any one or claims 1 to 3 or 9 or a mutant, part, fragment or portion thereof or a functional and/or stmctural equivalent, homolog, analogue or derivative thereof, where necessary under conditions permitting the eventual expression of said isolated nucleic acid molecule, and regenerating a transgenic plant from the cell.

52. A method for producing a transgenic plant of any one of claims 47 to 51 having the nucleotide sequence comprising:

(i) a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 ;

(ii) a nucleotide sequence having at least about 50 %> similarity after optimal alignment to SEQ ID NO: 1 ;

(iii) a nucleotide sequence capable of hybridizing under low stringency conditions to SEQ ID NO: 1 or its complementary form;

(iv) a nucleotide sequence capable of encoding the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ HD NO:2;

(v) a nucleotide sequence capable of encoding an amino acid sequence having at least about 50% similarity after optimal alignment to SEQ ID NO:2; (vi) a nucleotide sequence capable of hybridizing under low stringency conditions to the nucleotide sequence in (iv) or (v) or its complementary form;

53. A method for producing a transgenic plant of any one of claims 47 to 51 having the nucleotide sequence comprising:

(i) a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ HD NO:4;

(iii) a nucleotide sequence capable of hybridizing under low stringency conditions to SEQ TD NO: 4 or its complementary form;

54. A method for producing a transgenic plant of any one of claims 47 to 51 having the nucleotide sequence comprising:

(i) a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:6;

(ii) a nucleotide sequence having at least about 50 %> similarity after optimal alignment to SEQ LD NO:6;

55. A method for producing a transgenic plant of any one of claims 47 to 51 having the nucleotide sequence comprising:

(i) a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ LD NO:26;

(iii) a nucleotide sequence capable of hybridizing under low stringency conditions to SEQ LD NO: 26 or its complementary form; (iv) a nucleotide sequence capable of encoding the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ LD NO:7;

NO:7;

56. A method for producing a transgenic plant of any one of claims 47 to 51 having the nucleotide sequence comprising:

(i) a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ TD NO: 11 ;

(iii) a nucleotide sequence capable of hybridizing under low stringency conditions to SEQ TD NO: 11 or its complementary form;

(iv) a nucleotide sequence capable of encoding the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 12; (v) a nucleotide sequence capable of encoding an amino acid sequence having at least about 50% similarity after optimal alignment to SEQ ED NO:12;

57. A method for producing a transgenic plant of any one of claims 47 to 51 having the nucleotide sequence comprising:

(i) a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO :21 ;

(ii) a nucleotide sequence having at least about 50 %> similarity after optimal alignment to SEQ TD NO:21;

(iii) a nucleotide sequence capable of hybridizing under low stringency conditions to SEQ ID NO: 21 or its complementary form;

(iv) a nucleotide sequence capable of encoding the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ HD NO:22;

(v) a nucleotide sequence capable of encoding an amino acid sequence having at least about 50% similarity after optimal alignment to SEQ ID NO:22; (vi) a nucleotide sequence capable of hybridizing under low stringency conditions to the nucleotide sequence in (iv) or (v) or its complementary form;

58. A method for producing a transgenic plant of any one of claims 47 to 51 having the nucleotide sequence comprising:

(i) a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ HD NO:41 ;

(ii) a nucleotide sequence having at least about 50 % similarity after optimal alignment to SEQ TD NO:41 ;

(iii) a nucleotide sequence capable of hybridizing under low stringency conditions to SEQ ID NO: 41 or its complementary form;

(iv) a nucleotide sequence capable of encoding the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ HD NO:42;

(v) a nucleotide sequence capable of encoding an amino acid sequence having at least about 50% similarity after optimal alignment to SEQ HD

NO:42;

59. A method for producing a transgenic plant of any one of claims 47 to 51 having the nucleotide sequence comprising:

(i) a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ LD NO:43;

(iii) a nucleotide sequence capable of hybridizing under low stringency conditions to SEQ ED NO: 43 or its complementary form;

(v) a nucleotide sequence capable of encoding an amino acid sequence having at least about 50%> similarity after optimal alignment to SEQ ID

NO:44;

wherein said nucleotide sequence encodes a FMT molecule or a mutant, part, fragment or portion thereof or a functional and or stmctural equivalent, homolog, analogue or derivative thereof.

60. The method of any one of claims 47 to 59 wherein the plant exhibits altered inflorescence.

61. An isolated oligonucleotide of at least 5 nucleotides having substantial similarity or complementarily to a part or region of a molecules with a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ HD NO:l or SEQ HD NO:4 or SEQ ID NO:6 or SEQ HD NO:l 1 or SEQ ID NO:21 or SEQ ID NO:26 or SEQ HD NO:41 or SEQ HD NO:43 or having at least about 50% similarity thereto or capable of hybridising to the sequence set forth in SEQ HD NO:l or SEQ ID NO:4 or SEQ ID NO:6 or SEQ ID NO: 11 or SEQ ID NO:21 or SEQ ID NO:26 or SEQ HD NO:41 or SEQ ED NO:43 under low stringency conditions, wherein said nucleotide sequence encodes a polypeptide having FMT activity.

62. An isolated oligonucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ED NO:3 or SEQ ED NO:8 or SEQ ID NO:9 or SEQ ID NO:10 or SEQ ID NO:13 or SEQ ID NO:14 or SEQ ID NO:15 or SEQ ID NO:16 or SEQ ID NO:17 or SEQ ID NO:18 or SEQ LD NO:19 or SEQ LD NO:20 or SEQ LD NO:23 or SEQ LD NO:24 or SEQ LD NO:25 or SEQ LD NO:27 or SEQ ED NO:28 or SEQ ED NO:29 or SEQ HD NO:30 or SEQ ED NO:31 or SEQ ED NO:32 or SEQ HD NO:33 or SEQ ID NO:34 or SEQ HD NO:35 or SEQ LD NO:36 or SEQ ED NO:37 or SEQ ED NO:38 or SEQ ED NO:39 or SEQ TD NO:40.

63. An isolated recombinant FMT encoded in a nucleic acid molecule of any one of claims 1 to 17.

64. The recombinant FMT of claim 63 wherein the recombinant FMT is a fusion molecule comprising two or more heterologous amino acid sequences.

65. An isolated recombinant FMT nucleic acid molecule of any one of claims 1 to 17 comprising a fusion of two or more heterologous nucleotide sequences.

66. A prokaryotic organism canying a genetic sequence encoding an FMT molecule according to any one of claims 1 to 17 extrachromasomally in plasmid form.

67. A eukaryotic organism canying a genetic sequence encoding an FMT molecule according to any one of claims 1 to 17 extrachromasomally in plasmid form.

68. Use of a nucleic acid molecule of any one of claims 1 to 17 in the manufacture of a genetically modified plant.

69. Use of claim 68 wherein the genetically modified plant exhibits altered flowers or inflorescence.