| abstract |
The present invention relates to the altering or controlling inhibition of gene expression in a cell using a methodology involving a dsRNA. The use of the method in plants and plant cells has been found to be particularly beneficial. For example the inhibition of a hormone signaling gene in a plant, such as the EIN2 gene, permits the modulating of flower longevity in the selected plant. This is accomplished by using our RNAi technology in inhibiting the expression of an ethylene-modulated gene or an ethylene signaling gene in plants and plant cells. This method provides for the use of RNAi technology in inhibiting the expression of a hormone signaling gene in a plant, particularly in the floral parts of a plant. Thus, one can modulate flower longevity in a plant. |