AU2015230753B2 - Polynucleotides, Polypeptides Encoded Thereby, and Methods of Using Same for Increasing Abiotic Stress Tolerance and/or Biomass and/or Yield in Plants Expressing Same - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided are methods of increasing tolerance of a plant to abiotic stress, and/or increasing biomass, growth rate, vigor and/or yield of a plant. The methods are effected by expressing within the plant an exogenous polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence at least 90 % homologous to the amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:201, 207, 212, 202-206, 208-211, 213-391, 1655, 961-1529, and 1660-1663. Also provided are polynucleotides, nucleic acid constructs, polypeptides and transgenic plants expressing same which can be used to increase tolerance of a plant to abiotic stress, and/or increase biomass, growth rate, vigor and/or yield of a plant.

Description

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POLYNUCLEOTIDES, POLYPEPTIDES ENCODED THEREBY, AND METHODS OF USING SAME FOR INCREASING ABIOTIC STRESS TOLERANCE AND/OR BIOMASS AND/OR

YIELD IN PLANTS EXPRESSING SAME

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This application is a divisional of Australian Patent Application No. 2014215945 filed 19 August 2014, which itself was a divisional of Australian Patent Application No. 2008278654 filed 24 July 2008, the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by cross-reference. The subject matter of this application is related to the applicant’s International Patent Application No. PCT/IL2008/001024 filed 24 July 2008 and claims the benefit of US Provisional Patent Application No. 60/935,046 filed 24 July 2007, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to isolated polypeptides and polynucleotides and more particularly, but not exclusively, to methods of using same for increasing tolerance of a plant to abiotic stress, growth, biomass, vigor and/or yield of a plant.

Abiotic stress (ABS; also referred to as “environmental stress”) conditions such as salinity, drought, flood, suboptimal temperature and toxic chemical pollution, cause substantial damage to agricultural plants. Most plants have evolved strategies to protect themselves against these conditions. However, if the severity and duration of the stress conditions are too great, the effects on plant development, growth and yield are profound. Furthermore, most of the crop plants are highly susceptible to ABS and thus necessitate optimal growth conditions for commercial crop yields. Continuous exposure to stress causes major alterations in plant’s metabolism which ultimately leads to cell death and consequently yield loss. Thus, despite extensive research and intensive crop-protection measures, losses due to abiotic stress conditions remain in the billions of dollars annually.

Drought is a gradual phenomenon, which involves periods of abnormally dry weather that persists long enough to produce serious hydrologic imbalances such as crop damage and water supply shortage. In severe cases, drought can last many years and result in devastating effects on agriculture and water supplies. With burgeoning population and chronic shortage of available fresh water, drought is not only the number one weather-related problem in agriculture, but it also ranks as one of the major natural disasters of all time, causing not only economic damage (e.g., losses from the US drought of 1988 exceeded $40 billion), but also loss of human lives, as in the 1984-1985 drought in the Horn of Africa which led to a famine that killed 750,000 people. Furthermore, drought is associated with increase susceptibility to various diseases.

For most crop plants, the land regions of the world are too arid. In addition, overuse of available water results in increased loss of agriculturally-usable land (desertification), and increase of salt accumulation in soils adds to the loss of available water in soils. ΙΟ Ο (Ν Λ (D GO m (Ν ο ο m (Ν ΙΟ ο (Ν

Salinity, high salt levels, affects one in five hectares of irrigated land. This condition is only expected to worsen, further reducing the availability of arable land and crop production, since none of the top five food crops, i.e., wheat, corn, rice, potatoes, and soybean, can tolerate excessive salt. Detrimental effects of salt on plants result from 5 both water deficit which leads to osmotic stress (similar to drought stress) and the effect of excess sodium ions on critical biochemical processes. As with freezing and drought, high salt causes water deficit; and the presence of high salt makes it difficult for plant roots to extract water from their environment. Soil salinity is thus one of the more important variables that determine whether a plant may thrive. In many parts of the 10 world, sizable land areas are uncultivable due to naturally high soil salinity. Thus, salination of soils that are used for agricultural production is a significant and increasing problem in regions that rely heavily on agriculture, and is worsen by over-utilization, over-fertilization and water shortage, typically caused by climatic change and the demands of increasing population. Salt tolerance is of particular importance early in a 15 plant's lifecycle, since evaporation from the soil surface causes upward water movement, and salt accumulates in the upper soil layer where the seeds are placed. On the other hand, germination normally takes place at a salt concentration which is higher than the mean salt level in the whole soil profile.

Germination of many crops is sensitive to temperature. A gene that would 20 enhance germination in hot conditions would be useful for crops that are planted late in the season or in hot climates. In addition, seedhngs and mature plants that are exposed to excess heat may experience heat shock, which may arise in various organs, including leaves and particularly fruit, when transpiration is insufficient to overcome heat stress. Heat also damages cellular structures, including organelles and cytoskeleton, and 25 impairs membrane function. Heat shock may produce a decrease in overall protein synthesis, accompanied by expression of heat shock proteins, e.g., chaperones, which are involved in refolding proteins denatured by heat.

Heat stress often accompanies conditions of low water availability. Heat itself is seen as an interacting stress and adds to the detrimental effects caused by water deficit 30 conditions. Water Evaporative demand exhibits near exponential increases with increases in daytime temperatures and can result in high transpiration rates and low plant water potentials. High-temperature damage to pollen almost always occurs in conjunction with drought stress, and rarely occurs under well-watered conditions.

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Combined stress can alter plant metabolism in novel ways; therefore understanding the interaction between different stresses may be important for the development of strategies to enhance stress tolerance by genetic manipulation.

Excessive chilling conditions, e.g., low, but above freezing, temperatures affect 5 crops of tropical origins, such as soybean, rice, maize, and cotton. Typical chilling damage includes wilting, necrosis, chlorosis or leakage of ions from cell membranes. The underlying mechanisms of chilling sensitivity are not completely understood yet, but probably involve the level of membrane saturation and other physiological deficiencies. For example, photoinhibition of photosynthesis (disruption of 10 photosynthesis due to high light intensities) often occurs under clear atmospheric conditions subsequent to cold late summer/autumn nights. In addition, chilling may lead to yield losses and lower product quality through the delayed ripening of maize.

Water deficit is a common component of many plant stresses. Water deficit occurs in plant cells when the whole plant transpiration rate exceeds the water uptake. In 15 addition to drought, other stresses, such as salinity and low temperature, produce cellular dehydration.

Salt and drought stress signal transduction consist of ionic and osmotic homeostasis signaling pathways. The ionic aspect of salt stress is signaled via the SOS pathway where a calcium-responsive SOS3-SOS2 protein kinase complex controls the 20 expression and activity of ion transporters such as SOSl. The osmotic component of salt stress involves complex plant reactions that overlap with drought and/or cold stress responses.

Common aspects of drought, cold and salt stress response [Reviewed in Xiong and Zhu (2002) Plant Cell Environ. 25: 131-139] include: (a) transient changes in the 25 cytoplasmic calcium levels early in the signaling event [Knight, (2000) Int. Rev. Cytol. 195: 269-324; Sanders et al. (1999) Plant Cell 11: 691-706]; (b) signal transduction via mitogen-activated and/or calcium dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) and protein phosphatases [Merlot et al. (2001) Plant J. 25: 295-303; Tahtiharju and Palva (2001) Plant J. 26: 461-470]; (c) increases in abscisic acid levels in response to stress triggering 30 a subset of responses; (d) inositol phosphates as signal molecules (at least for a subset of the stress responsive transcriptional changes [Xiong et al. (2001) Genes Dev. 15: 1971-1984]; (e) activation of phospholipases which in turn generates a diverse array of second messenger molecules, some of which might regulate the activity of stress responsive

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m r- o m (N o (N kinases [e.g., phospholipase D; Frank et al. (2000) Plant Cell 12: 111-124]; (f) induction of late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) type genes including the CRT/DRE responsive COR/RD genes; (g) increased levels of antioxidants and compatible osmolytes such as proline and soluble sugars [Hasegawa et al. (2000) Annu. Rev. Plant Mol. Plant Physiol. 5 51: 463-499)]; and (h) accumulation of reactive oxygen species such as superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, and hydroxyl radicals.

Abscisic acid biosynthesis is regulated by osmotic stress at multiple steps. Both ABA-dependent and -independent osmotic stress signaling first modify constitutively expressed transcription factors, leading to the expression of early response 10 transcriptional activators, which then activate downstream stress tolerance effector genes.

Several genes which increase tolerance to cold or salt stress can also improve drought stress protection, these include for example, the transcription factor AtCBF/DREBl, OsCDPK? (Saijo et al. 2000, Plant J. 23: 319-327) or AVPl (a vacuolar 15 pyrophosphatase-proton pump, Gaxiola et al. 2001, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 98: 11444-11449).

Developing stress-tolerant plants is a strategy that has the potential to solve or mediate at least some of these problems. However, traditional plant breeding strategies used to develop new lines of plants that exhibit tolerance to ABS are relatively 20 inefficient since they are tedious, time consuming and of unpredictable outcome. Furthermore, limited germplasm resources for stress tolerance and incompatibility in crosses between distantly related plant species represent significant problems encountered in conventional breeding. Additionally, the cellular processes leading to ABS tolerance are complex in nature and involve multiple mechanisms of cellular 25 adaptation and numerous metabolic pathways.

Genetic engineering efforts, aimed at conferring abiotic stress tolerance to transgenic crops, have been described in the art. Studies by Apse and Blumwald (Curr Opin Biotechnol. 13:146-150, 2002), Quesada et al. (Plant Physiol. 130:951-963, 2002), Holm Strom et al. (Nature 379: 683-684, 1996), Xu et al. (Plant Physiol 110: 249-257, 30 1996), Pilon-Smits and Ebskamp (Plant Physiol 107: 125-130, 1995) and Tarczynski et al. (Science 259: 508-510, 1993) have all attempted at generating stress tolerant plants.

In addition, several U.S. patents and patent applications also describe polynucleotides associated with stress tolerance and their use in generating stress

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m o m (N O (N tolerant plants. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,296,462 and 5,356,816 describe transforming plants with polynucleotides encoding proteins involved in cold adaptation in Arabidopsis thaliana for promoting cold tolerance. U.S. Pat. No. 6,670,528 describes transforming plants with polynucleotides 5 encoding polypeptides binding to stress responsive elements for promoting tolerance to abiotic stress. U.S. Pat. No. 6,720,477 describes transforming plants with a polynucleotide encoding a signal transduction stress-related protein, capable of increasing tolerance of the transformed plants to abiotic stress. 10 U.S. Application Ser. Nos. 09/938842 and 10/342224 describe abiotic stress- related genes and their use to confer upon plants tolerance to abiotic stress. U.S. Application Ser. No. 10/231035 describes overexpressing a molybdenum cofactor sulfurase in plants for increasing tolerance to abiotic stress. W02004/104162 to Evogene Ltd. teaches polynucleotide sequences and methods 15 of utilizing same for increasing the tolerance of a plant to abiotic stresses and/or increasing the biomass of a plant. W02007/020638 to Evogene Ltd. teaches polynucleotide sequences and methods of utilizing same for increasing the tolerance of a plant to abiotic stresses and/or increasing the biomass, vigor and/or yield of a plant. 20 W02007/049275 to Evogene Ltd. teaches isolated polypeptides, polynucleotides encoding same for increasing tolerance of a plant to abiotic stress, and/or for increasing biomass, vigor and/or yield of a plant.

Additional background art includes U.S. Patent Appl. Nos. 20060183137A1 A1 and 20030056249A1. 25

SUMMARY QE THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a method of increasing tolerance of a plant to abiotic stress, the method comprising expressing within the plant an exogenous polynucleotide encoding a 30 polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence at least 90 % homologous to the amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:201, 207, 212, 202-206, 208-211, 213-391, 1655, 961-1529, and 1660-1663, thereby increasing the tolerance of the plant to abiotic stress.

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According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a method of increasing tolerance of a plant to abiotic stress, the method comprising expressing within the plant an exogenous polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of 5 SEQ ID NOs:201, 207, 212, 202-206, 208-211, 213-391, 1655, 961-1529, and 1660-1663, thereby increasing the tolerance of the plant to abiotic stress.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a method of increasing biomass, growth rate, vigor and/or yield of a plant, the method comprising expressing within the plant an exogenous polynucleotide encoding a 10 polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence at least 90 % homologous to the amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:201, 207, 212, 202-206, 208-211, 213-391, 1655, 961-1529, and 1660-1663, thereby increasing the biomass, growth rate, vigor and/or yield of the plant.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is 15 provided a method of increasing biomass, growth rate, vigor and/or yield of a plant, the method comprising expressing within the plant an exogenous polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:201, 207, 212, 202-206, 208-211, 213-391, 1655, 961-1529, and 1660-1663, thereby increasing the biomass, growth rate, vigor and/or yield of the plant. 20 According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided an isolated polynucleotide comprising a nucleic acid sequence at least 90 % identical to the nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1530, 1561, 1532, 1531, 1562, 1533, 1538, 1549, 1665, 1566, 1554, 1563, 1557, 1564, 1534, 1536, 1552, 1553, 1666, 1547, 1548, 1556, 1559, 1560, 1654, 1555, 1540, 25 1543, 1668, 1539, 1550, 1558, 1565, 1541, 1667, 1542, 1544, 1537, 1551, 1545, 1-200, 1653, 392-960, and 1656-1659.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided an isolated polynucleotide comprising a nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1530, 1561, 1532, 1531, 1562, 1533, 1538, 1549, 30 1665, 1566, 1554, 1563, 1557, 1564, 1534, 1536, 1552, 1553, 1666, 1547, 1548, 1556, 1559, 1560, 1654, 1555, 1540, 1543, 1668, 1539, 1550, 1558, 1565, 1541, 1667, 1542, 1544, 1537, 1551, 1545, 1-200, 1653, 392-960, and 1656-1659.

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According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a nucleic acid construct comprising the isolated polynucleotide and a promoter for directing transcription of the nucleic acid sequence.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is 5 provided an isolated polypeptide, comprising an amino acid sequence at least 90 % homologous to the amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:201, 207, 212, 202-206, 208-211, 213-391, 1655, 961-1529, and 1660-1663.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided an isolated polypeptide, comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the 10 group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:201, 207, 212, 202-206, 208-211, 213-391, 1655, 961-1529, and 1660-1663.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a plant cell comprising an exogenous polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence at least 90 % homologous to the amino acid sequence selected from the group 15 consisting of SEQ ID NOs:201, 207, 212, 202-206, 208-211, 213-391, 1655, 961-1529, and 1660-1663.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a plant cell comprising an exogenous polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:20I, 207, 212, 202-206, 20 208-211, 213-391, 1655, 961-1529, and 1660-1663.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a plant cell comprising an exogenous polynucleotide comprising a nucleic acid sequence at least 90 % homologous to the nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1530, 1561, 1532, 1531, 1562, 1533, 1538, 1549, 1665, 25 1 566, 1554, 1563, 1557, 1564, 1534, 1536, 1552, 1553, 1666, 1547, 1548, 1556, 1559, 1560, 1654, 1555, 1540, 1543, 1668, 1539, 1550, 1558, 1565, 1541, 1667, 1542, 1544, 1537, 1551, 1545, 1-200, 1653, 392-960, and 1656-1659.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a plant cell comprising an exogenous polynucleotide comprising a nucleic acid 30 sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1530, 1561, 1532, 1531, 1562, 1533, 1538, 1549, 1665, 1566, 1554, 1563, 1557, 1564, 1534, 1536, 1552, 1553, 1666, 1547, 1548, 1556, 1559, 1560, 1654, 1555, 1540, 1543, 1668, 1539, 1550, 1558, 1565, 1541, 1667, 1542, 1544, 1537, 1551, 1545, 1-200, 1653, 392-960, and 1656-1659.

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According to some embodiments of the invention, the nucleic acid sequence is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1530, 1561, 1532, 1531, 1562, 1533, 1538, 1549, 1665, 1566, 1554, 1563, 1557, 1564, 1534, 1536, 1552, 1553, 1666, 1547, 1548, 1556, 1559, 1560, 1654, 1555, 1540, 1543, 1668, 1539, 1550, 1558, 1565, 1541, 5 1667, 1542, 1544, 1537, 1551, 1545, 1-200, 1653, 392-960, and 1656-1659.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the polynucleotide is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1530, 1561, 1532, 1531, 1562, 1533, 1538, 1549, 1665, 1566, 1554, 1563, 1557, 1564, 1534, 1536, 1552, 1553, 1666, 1547, 1548, 1556, 1559, 1560, 1654, 1555, 1540, 1543, 1668, 1539, 1550, 1558, 1565, 1541, 1667, 10 1542, 1544, 1537, 1551, 1545, 1-200, 1653, 392-960, and 1656-1659.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the amino acid sequence is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:201, 207, 212, 202-206, 208-211, 213-391, 1655, 961-1529, and 1660-1663.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the polypeptide is selected 15 from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:201, 207, 212, 202-206, 208-211, 213-391, 1655, 961-1529, and 1660-1663.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the plant cell forms a part of a plant.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the abiotic stress is selected 20 from the group consisting of salinity, drought, water deprivation, low temperature, high temperature, heavy metal toxicity, anaerobiosis, nutrient deficiency, nutrient excess, atmospheric pollution and UV irradiation.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the method further comprising growing the plant expressing the exogenous polynucleotide under the 25 abiotic stress.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and/or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the invention, 30 exemplary methods and/or materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be necessarily limiting. r-· ο (N οΰ m

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Definitions of the specific embodiments of the invention as claimed herein follow. According to a first embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method of increasing biomass, growth rate, vigor, yield and/or abiotic stress tolerance of a plant, the method comprising over-expressing within the plant a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80 % identical to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:224, as compared to a native plant of the same species which is grown under the same growth conditions, thereby increasing the biomass, growth rate, vigor, yield and/or abiotic stress tolerance of the plant.

According to a second embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method of growing a crop comprising growing a crop plant over-expressing a polypeptide at least 80 % identical to the polypeptide set forth in SEQ ID NO:224, wherein said crop plant is derived from parent plants over-expressing said polypeptide as compared to a native plant of the same species which is grown under the same growth conditions, and which have been selected for increased biomass, growth rate, vigor, yield and/or abiotic stress tolerance of a plant, and said .5 crop plant over-expressing said polypeptide having said increased biomass, growth rate, vigor, yield and/or abiotic stress tolerance, thereby growing the crop.

According to a third embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method of selecting a plant having increased biomass, growth rate, vigor, yield and/or abiotic stress tolerance, the method comprising: >0 (a) providing plants over-expressing a polypeptide at least 80 % identical to the polypeptide set forth in SEQ ID NO:224, as compared to a native plant of the same species which is grown under the same growth conditions, (b) selecting said plants of step (a) for increased biomass, growth rate, vigor, yield and/or abiotic stress tolerance, and 25 (c) growing a crop of said plant selected in step (b), thereby selecting the plant having the increased biomass, growth rate, vigor, yield and/or abiotic stress tolerance.

According to a fourth embodiment of the invention, there is provided a transgenic plant transformed with a nucleic acid construct comprising an isolated polynucleotide comprising a 30 nucleic acid sequence encoding a polypeptide at least 80 % identical to the pol5φeptide set forth in SEQ ID NO:224, and a promoter for directing transcription of said nucleic acid sequence in a host cell, wherein said promoter is heterologous to said isolated polynucleotide.

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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments of the invention are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for 5 purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the invention. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the invention may be practiced.

In the drawings: FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of the pGI binary plasmid used for expressing 10 the isolated polynucleotide sequences of the invention. RB - T-DNA right border; LB -T-DNA left border; H- Hindlll restriction enzyme; X - Xbal restriction enzyme; B -BamHI restriction enzyme; S - Sail restriction enzyme; Sm - Smal restriction enzyme; R-I - EcoRI restriction enzyme; Sc - SacI/SstI/Ecll36II; (numbers) - Length in base-pairs; NOS pro = nopaline synthase promoter; NPT-II = neomycin phosphotransferase 15 gene; NOS ter = nopaline synthase terminator; Poly-A signal (polyadenylation signal); GUSintron - the GUS reporter gene (coding sequence and intron) The isolated polynucleotide sequences of the invention were cloned into the vector while replacing the GUSintron reporter gene. FIGs. 2a-b are images depicting visualization of root development of plants 20 grown in transparent agar plates. The different transgenes were grown in transparent agar plates for 17 days and the plates were photographed every 2 days starting at day 7. Figure 2a - An image of a photograph of plants taken following 12 days on agar plates. Figure 2b - An image of root analysis in which the length of the root measured is represented by a red arrow. 25

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to isolated polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding same, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to methods of using same for increasing tolerance to abiotic stress, growth 30 rate, yield, biomass and/or vigor of a plant.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited in its application to the details set ΙΟ ο (Ν <D ΟΟ m (Ν ΙΟ ο (Ο (Ν ΙΟ ο (Ν 10 forth in the following description or exemplified by the Examples. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

While reducing the invention to practice, the present inventors have identified novel polypeptides and polynucleotides which can be used to increase tolerance to 5 abiotic stress, and improve growth rate, biomass, yield and/or vigor of a plant.

Thus, as shown in the Examples section which follows, the present inventors have employed a bioinformatics approach which combines clustering and assembly of sequences from databases of the Arabidopsis, rice and other publicly available plant genomes, expressed sequence tags (ESTs), protein and pathway databases and QTL 10 information with a digital expression profde (“electronic Northern Blot”) and identified polynucleotides and polypeptides which can increase tolerance to abiotic stress, and improve growth, biomass, yield and vigor (SEQ ID NOs: 1-200 and 1653 for polynucleotides; SEQ ID NOs:201-391 and 1655 for polypeptides; Table 1, Example 1). Putative ABST orthologs from monocot species were identified by alignments of 15 ortholog sequences and digital expression profiles (SEQ ID NOs:392-960, 1656-1659 for polynucleotides; SEQ ID NOs:961-1529, 1660-1663 for polypeptides; Table 2, Example 1). As is further described in Tables 3 and 4 of the Examples section which follows, representative polynucleotides were cloned (polynucleotide SEQ ID NOs: 1530, 1538, 1532, 1549, 1665, 1566, 1554, 1563, 1557, 1561, 1564, 1534, 1536, 1552, 1553, 20 1666, 1547, 1548, 1556, 1559, 1560, 1654, 1555, 1540, 1543 and 1668). Additional polynucleotides having optimized nucleic acid sequences were prepared (polynucleotide SEQ ID NOs: 1531, 1539, 1533, 1550, 1558, 1562, 1565, 1541, 1667, 1542, 1544, 1537, 1551 and 1545). As is further described in the Examples section which follows, transgenic plants exogenously expressing the cloned and/or optimized polynucleotides 25 of the invention were generated. As shown in Tables 5-76, these plants exhibit increased seedling weight, root coverage, root length, and relative growth rate when grown under osmotic stress (in the presence of 25 % PEG), nitrogen deficiency (in the presence of 0.75 mM Nitrogen) or regular conditions. In addition, as shown in Tables 77-188, plants exogenously expressing the polynucleotides of the invention exhibit increased rosette 30 area, rosette diameter, leaf average area, relative growth rate of the above, plants biomass, plant seed yield, 1000 seed weight, and harvest index when grown under salinity stress or normal conditions. Altogether, these results suggest the use of the 11 Η Ο (Ν Λ (D GO m (Ν ro ΙΟ Ο ro (Ν ΙΟ Ο (Ν novel polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention for increasing abiotic stress tolerance, and improving growth rate biomass, vigor and/or yield of a plant.

Thus, according to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of increasing abiotic stress tolerance, growth rate, biomass, yield and/or vigor of a plant. 5 The method is effected by expressing within the plant an exogenous polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence at least 60 % homologous to the amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:201, 207, 212, 202-206, 208-211, 213-391, 1655, 961-1529, and 1660-1663.

The phrase "abiotic stress" as used herein refers to any adverse effect on 10 metabolism, growth, reproduction and/or viability of a plant. Accordingly, abiotic stress can be induced by suboptimal environmental growth conditions such as, for example, salinity, water deprivation, water deficit, drought, flooding, freezing, low or high temperature (e.g., chilling or excessive heat), toxic chemical pollution, heavy metal toxicity, anaerobiosis, nutrient deficiency, nutrient excess, atmospheric pollution or UV 15 irradiation. The implications of abiotic stress are discussed in the Background section.

The phrase “abiotic stress tolerance” as used herein refers to the ability of a plant to endure an abiotic stress without suffering a substantial alteration in metabolism, growth, productivity and/or viability.

As used herein the phrase "plant biomass" refers to the amount (measured in 20 grams of air-dry or dry tissue) of a tissue produced from the plant in a growing season, which could also determine or affect the plant yield or the yield per growing area.

As used herein the phrase "plant yield" refers to the amount (as determined by weight, volume or size) or quantity (numbers) of tissue produced or harvested per plant or per growing season. Hence increased yield could affect the economic benefit one can 25 obtain from the plant in a certain growing area and/or growing time.

As used herein the phrase "plant vigor" refers to the amount (measured by weight) of tissue produced by the plant in a given time. Hence increase vigor could determine or affect the plant yield or the yield per growing time or growing area.

As used herein the term "increasing" refers to at least about 2 %, at least about 3 30 %, at least about 4 %, at least about 5 %, at least about 10 %, at least about 15 %, at least about 20 %, at least about 30 %, at least about 40 %, at least about 50 %, at least about 60 %, at least about 70 %, at least about 80 % or greater increase in plant abiotic stress tolerance, growth, biomass, yield and/or vigor as compared to a native plant [i.e., a plant 12

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m r- o m (N O (N not modified with the biomolecules (polynucleotide or polypeptides) of the invention, e.g., a non-transformed plant of the same species which is grown under the same growth conditions).

As used herein, the phrase "exogenous polynucleotide" refers to a heterologous 5 nucleic acid sequence which may not be naturally expressed within the plant or which overexpression in the plant is desired. The exogenous polynucleotide may be introduced into the plant in a stable or transient manner, so as to produce a ribonucleic acid (RNA) molecule and/or a polypeptide molecule. It should be noted that the exogenous polynucleotide may comprise a nucleic acid sequence which is identical or partially 10 homologous to an endogenous nucleic acid sequence of the plant.

As mentioned, the exogenous polynucleotide of the invention encodes a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence at least about 60 %, at least about 65 %, at least about 70 %, at least about 75 %, at least about 80 %, at least about 81 %, at least about 82 %, at least about 83 %, at least about 84 %, at least about 85 %, at least about 15 86 %, at least about 87 %, at least about 88 %, at least about 89 %, at least about 90 %, at least about 91 %, at least about 92 %, at least about 93 %, at least about 94 %, at least about 95 %, at least about 96 %, at least about 97 %, at least about 98 %, at least about 99 %, or more say 100 % homologous to the amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:201, 207, 212, 202-206, 208-211, 213-391, 1655, 961-20 1529, and 1660-1663.

Homology (e.g., percent homology) can be determined using any homology comparison software, including for example, the BlastP or TBLASTN software of the National Center of Biotechnology Information (NCBI) such as by using default parameters, when starting from a polypeptide sequence; or the tBLASTX algorithm 25 (available via the NCBI) such as by using default parameters, which compares the six-frame conceptual translation products of a nucleotide query sequence (both strands) against a protein sequence database.

Homologous sequences include both orthologous and paralogous sequences. The term “paralogous” relates to gene-duplications within the genome of a species 30 leading to paralogous genes. The term “orthologous” relates to homologous genes in different organisms due to ancestral relationship.

One option to identify orthologues in monocot plant species is by performing a reciprocal blast search. This may be done by a first blast involving blasting the ο (Ν Ρη Ό ΟΟ m (Ν m ΙΟ Ο m (Ν ΙΟ Ο (Ν 13 sequence-of-interest against any sequence database, such as the publicly available NCBI database which may be found at: Hypertext Transfer Protocol://World Wide Web (dot) ncbi (dot) nlm (dot) nih (dot) gov. If orthologues in rice were sought, the sequence-of-interest would be blasted against, for example, the 28,469 full-length cDNA clones from 5 Oryza sativa Nipponbare available at NCBI. The blast results may be filtered. The full-length sequences of either the filtered results or the non-filtered results are then blasted back (second blast) against the sequences of the organism from which the sequence-of-interest is derived. The results of the first and second blasts are then compared. An orthologue is identified when the sequence resulting in the highest score (best hit) in the 10 first blast identifies in the second blast the query sequence (the original sequence-of-interest) as the best hit. Using the same rational a paralogue (homolog to a gene in the same organism) is found. In case of large sequence families, the ClustalW program may be used [Hypertext Transfer Protocok/AVorld Wide Web (dot) ebi (dot) ac (dot) uk/Tools/clustalw2/index (dot) html], followed by a neighbor-joining tree (Hypertext 15 Transfer Protocol://en (dot) wikipedia (dot) org/wiki/Neighbor-joining) which helps visualizing the clustering.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the exogenous polynucleotide encodes a polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence set forth by SEQ ID NO:20I, 207, 212, 202-206, 208-211, 213-391, 1655, 961-1529, 1660-1662 or 1663. 20 According to some embodiments of the invention the exogenous polynucleotide comprises a nucleic acid sequence which is at least about 60 %, at least about 65 %, at least about 70 %, at least about 75 %, at least about 80 %, at least about 81 %, at least about 82 %, at least about 83 %, at least about 84 %, at least about 85 %, at least about 86 %, at least about 87 %, at least about 88 %, at least about 89 %, at least about 90 %, 25 at least about 91 %, at least about 92 %, at least about 93 %, at least about 93 %, at least about 94 %, at least about 95 %, at least about 96 %, at least about 97 %, at least about 98 %, at least about 99 %, e.g., 100 % identical to the nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1530, 1561, 1532, 1531, 1562, 1533, 1538, 1549, 1665, 1566, 1554, 1563, 1557, 1564, 1534, 1536, 1552, 1553, 1666, 1547, 1548, 30 1556, 1559, 1560, 1654, 1555, 1540, 1543, 1668, 1539, 1550, 1558, 1565, 1541, 1667, 1542, 1544, 1537, 1551, 1545, 1-200, 1653, 392-960, and 1656-1659. 14

Ο (N <D OO m (N

m in o o m (N in o (N

Identity (e.g., percent homology) can be determined using any homology comparison software, including for example, the BlastN software of the National Center of Biotechnology Information (NCBI) such as by using default parameters.

According to some embodiments of the invention the exogenous polynucleotide 5 is at least about 60 %, at least about 65 %, at least about 70 %, at least about 75 %, at least about 80 %, at least about 81 %, at least about 82 %, at least about 83 %, at least about 84 %, at least about 85 %, at least about 86 %, at least about 87 %, at least about 88 %, at least about 89 %, at least about 90 %, at least about 91 %, at least about 92 %, at least about 93 %, at least about 93 %, at least about 94 %, at least about 95 %, at least 10 about 96 %, at least about 97 %, at least about 98 %, at least about 99 %, e.g., 100 % identical to the polynucleotide selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1530, 1561, 1532, 1531, 1562, 1533, 1538, 1549, 1665, 1566, 1554, 1563, 1557, 1564, 1534, 1536, 1552, 1553, 1666, 1547, 1548, 1556, 1559, 1560, 1654, 1555, 1540, 1543, 1668, 1539, 1550, 1558, 1565, 1541, 1667, 1542, 1544, 1537, 1551, 1545, 1-200, 1653, 392- 15 960, and 1656-1659.

According to some embodiments of the invention the exogenous polynucleotide is set forth by SEQ ID NO: 1530, 1561, 1532, 1531, 1562, 1533, 1538, 1549,1665, 1566, 1554, 1563, 1557, 1564, 1534, 1536, 1552, 1553, 1666, 1547, 1548, 1556, 1559, 1560, 1654, 1555, 1540, 1543, 1668, 1539, 1550, 1558, 1565, 1541, 1667, 1542, 1544, 1537, 20 1551, 1545, 1-200, 1653, 392-960, and 1656-1658 or 1659.

As used herein the term “polynucleotide” refers to a single or double stranded nucleic acid sequence which is isolated and provided in the form of an RNA sequence, a complementary polynucleotide sequence (cDNA), a genomic polynucleotide sequence and/or a composite polynucleotide sequences (e.g., a combination of the above). 25 As used herein the phrase "complementary polynucleotide sequence" refers to a sequence, which results from reverse transcription of messenger RNA using a reverse transcriptase or any other RNA dependent DNA polymerase. Such a sequence can be subsequently amplified in vivo or in vitro using a DNA dependent DNA polymerase.

As used herein the phrase "genomic polynucleotide sequence" refers to a 30 sequence derived (identified or isolated) from a chromosome and thus it represents a contiguous portion of a chromosome.

As used herein the phrase "composite polynucleotide sequence" refers to a sequence, which is at least partially complementary and at least partially genomic. A 15

Ο (N α ω m m (N

m r- o m (N O (N composite sequence can include some exonal sequences required to encode the polypeptide of the present invention, as well as some intronic sequences interposing therebetween. The intronic sequences can be of any source, including of other genes, and typically will include conserved splicing signal sequences. Such intronic sequences 5 may further include cis acting expression regulatory elements.

Nucleic acid sequences encoding the polypeptides of the present invention may be optimized for expression. A non-limiting example of an optimized nucleic acid sequence is provided in SEQ ID NO: 1531, which encodes the polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence set forth by SEQ ID NO:20I. Examples of such sequence 10 modifications include, but are not limited to, an altered G/C content to more closely approach that typically found in the plant species of interest, and the removal of codons atypically found in the plant species commonly referred to as codon optimization.

The phrase "codon optimization" refers to the selection of appropriate DNA nucleotides for use within a structural gene or fragment thereof that approaches codon 15 usage within the plant of interest. Therefore, an optimized gene or nucleic acid sequence refers to a gene in which the nucleotide sequence of a native or naturally occurring gene has been modified in order to utilize statistically-preferred or statistically-favored codons within the plant. The nucleotide sequence typically is examined at the DNA level and the coding region optimized for expression in the plant species determined using any 20 suitable procedure, for example as described in Sardana et al. (1996, Plant Cell Reports 15:677-681). In this method, the standard deviation of codon usage, a measure of codon usage bias, may be calculated by first finding the squared proportional deviation of usage of each codon of the native gene relative to that of highly expressed plant genes, followed by a calculation of the average squared deviation. The formula used is: 1 25 SDCU = n = 1 N [ ( Xn - Yn)/Yn]2/N, where Xn refers to the frequency of usage of codon n in highly expressed plant genes, where Yn to the frequency of usage of codon n in the gene of interest and N refers to the total number of codons in the gene of interest. A Table of codon usage from highly expressed genes of dicotyledonous plants is compiled using the data of Murray et al. (1989, Nuc Acids Res. 17:477-498). 30 One method of optimizing the nucleic acid sequence in accordance with the preferred codon usage for a particular plant cell type is based on the direct use, without performing any extra statistical calculations, of codon optimization Tables such as those provided on-line at the Codon Usage Database through the NIAS (National Institute of

Ο (N α (D GO m (N

m r- o m (N O (N 16

Agrobiological Sciences) DNA bank in Japan (Hypertext Transfer Protocok/AVorld Wide Web (dot) kazusa (dot) or (dot) jp/codon/). The Codon Usage Database contains codon usage Tables for a number of different species, with each codon usage Table having been statistically determined based on the data present in Genbank. 5 By using the above Tables to determine the most preferred or most favored codons for each amino acid in a particular species (for example, rice), a naturally-occurring nucleotide sequence encoding a protein of interest can be codon optimized for that particular plant species. This is effected by replacing codons that may have a low statistical incidence in the particular species genome with corresponding codons, in 10 regard to an amino acid, that are statistically more favored. However, one or more less-favored codons may be selected to delete existing restriction sites, to create new ones at potentially useful junctions (5' and 3' ends to add signal peptide or termination cassettes, internal sites that might be used to cut and splice segments together to produce a correct full-length sequence), or to eliminate nucleotide sequences that may negatively effect 15 mRNA stability or expression.

The naturally-occurring encoding nucleotide sequence may already, in advance of any modification, contain a number of codons that correspond to a statistically-favored codon in a particular plant species. Therefore, codon optimization of the native nucleotide sequence may comprise determining which codons, within the native 20 nucleotide sequence, are not statistically-favored with regards to a particular plant, and modifying these codons in accordance with a codon usage table of the particular plant to produce a codon optimized derivative. A modified nucleotide sequence may be fully or partially optimized for plant codon usage provided that the protein encoded by the modified nucleotide sequence is produced at a level higher than the protein encoded by 25 the corresponding naturally occurring or native gene. Construction of synthetic genes by altering the codon usage is described in for example PCT Patent Application 93/07278.

Thus, the invention encompasses nucleic acid sequences described hereinabove; fragments thereof, sequences hybridizable therewith, sequences homologous thereto, sequences encoding similar polypeptides with different codon usage, altered sequences 30 characterized by mutations, such as deletion, insertion or substitution of one or more nucleotides, either naturally occurring or man induced, either randomly or in a targeted fashion. 17 Η Ο (Ν α (D GO m (Ν ο ο m (Ν ΙΟ Ο (Ν

The invention provides an isolated polypeptide having an amino acid sequence at least about 60 %, at least about 65 %, at least about 70 %, at least about 75 %, at least about 80 %, at least about 81 %, at least about 82 %, at least about 83 %, at least about 84 %, at least about 85 %, at least about 86 %, at least about 87 %, at least about 88 %, 5 at least about 89 %, at least about 90 %, at least about 91 %, at least about 92 %, at least about 93 %, at least about 93 %, at least about 94 %, at least about 95 %, at least about 96 %, at least about 97 %, at least about 98 %, at least about 99 %, or more say 100 % homologous to an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:201, 207, 212, 202-206, 208-211, 213-391, 1655, 961-1529, and 1660-1663. 10 According to some embodiments of the invention, the polypeptide is set forth by SEQ ID NO:201, 207, 212, 202-206, 208-211, 213-391, 1655, 961-1529, and 1660-1662 or 1663.

The invention also encompasses fragments of the above described polypeptides and polypeptides having mutations, such as deletions, insertions or substitutions of one 15 or more amino acids, either naturally occurring or man induced, either randomly or in a targeted fashion.

The term '"plant" as used herein encompasses whole plants, ancestors and progeny of the plants and plant parts, including seeds, shoots, stems, roots (including tubers), and plant cells, tissues and organs. The plant may be in any form including 20 suspension cultures, embryos, meristematic regions, callus tissue, leaves, gametophytes, sporophytes, pollen, and microspores. Plants that are particularly useful in the methods of the invention include all plants which belong to the superfamily Viridiplantae, in particular monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants including a fodder or forage legume, ornamental plant, food crop, tree, or shrub selected from the list comprising 25 Acacia spp., Acer spp., Actinidia spp., Aesculus spp., Agathis australis, Albizia amara, Alsophila tricolor, Andropogon spp., Arachis spp, Areca catechu, Astelia fragrans. Astragalus cicer, Baikiaea plurijuga, Betula spp., Brassica spp., Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, Burkea africana, Butea frondosa, Cadaba farinosa, Calliandra spp. Camellia sinensis, Canna indica. Capsicum spp.. Cassia spp., Centroema pubescens, Chacoomeles spp., 30 Cinnamomum cassia, Coffea arabica, Colophospermum mopane, Coronillia varia, Cotoneaster serotina, Crataegus spp., Cucumis spp., Cupressus spp., Cyathea dealbata, Cydonia oblonga, Cryptomeria japonica, Cymbopogon spp., Cynthea dealbata, Cydonia oblonga, Dalbergia monetaria, Davallia divaricata, Desmodium spp., Dicksonia 18 ΙΟ ο (Ν α (D GO m (Ν fO ο ο m (Ν Η Ο (Ν squarosa, Dibeteropogon amplectens, Dioclea spp, Dolichos spp., Dorycnium rectum, Echinochloa pyramidalis, Ehraffia spp., Eleusine coracana, Eragrestis spp., Erythrina spp., Eucalypfus spp., Euclea schimperi, Eulalia vi/losa, Pagopyrum spp., Feijoa sellowlana, Eragaria spp., Flemingia spp, Freycinetia banksli. Geranium thunbergii, 5 GinAgo bUoba, Glycine javanica, Gliricidia spp, Gossypium hirsutum, Grevillea spp., Guibourtia coleosperma, Hedysarum spp., Hemaffhia altissima, Heteropogon contoffus, Hordeum vulgare, Hyparrhenia rufa, Hypericum erectum, Hypeffhelia dissolute. Indigo incamata, Ms spp., Leptarrhena pyrolifolia, Lespediza spp., Lettuca spp., Leucaena leucocephala, Loudetia simplex, Lotonus bainesli, Lotus spp., Macrotyloma axillare, 10 Malus spp., Manihot esculenta, Medicago saliva. Metasequoia glyptostroboides, Musa sapientum, Nicotianum spp., Onobrychis spp., Omithopus spp., Oryza spp., Peltophorum aMcanum, Pennisetum spp., Persea gratissima. Petunia spp., Phaseolus spp., Phoenix canariensis, Phormium cookianum, Photinia spp., Picea glauca, Pinus spp., Pisum sativam, Podocarpus totara, Pogonarthria fleckii, Pogonaffhria squarrosa, 15 Populus spp., Prosopis cineraria, Pseudotsuga menziesii, Pterolobium stellatum, Pyrus communis, Quercus spp., Rhaphiolepsis umbellata, Rhopalostylis sapida, Rhus natalensis, Ribes grossularia, Ribes spp., Robinia pseudoacacia, Rosa spp., Rubus spp., Salix spp., Schyzachyrium sanguineum, Sciadopitys vefficillata. Sequoia sempervirens, Sequoiadendron giganteum. Sorghum bicolor, Spinacia spp., Sporobolus fimbriatus, 20 Stiburus alopecuroides, Stylosanthos humilis, Tadehagi spp, Taxodium distichum, Themeda triandra. Trifolium spp., Triticum spp., Tsuga heterophylla, Vaccinium spp., Vicia spp., Vitis vinifera, Watsonia pyramidata, Zantedeschia aethiopica, Zea mays, amaranth, artichoke, asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, canola, carrot, cauliflower, celery, collard greens, flax, kale, lentil, oilseed rape, okra, onion, potato, 25 rice, soybean, straw, sugar beet, sugar cane, sunflower, tomato, squash tea, maize, wheat, barely, rye, oat, peanut, pea, lentil and alfalfa, cotton, rapeseed, canola, pepper, sunflower, tobacco, eggplant, eucalyptus, a tree, an ornamental plant, a perennial grass and a forage crop. Alternatively algae and other non-Vmdiplantae can be used for the methods of the present invention. 30 According to some embodiments of the invention, the plant used by the method of the invention is a crop plant such as rice, maize, wheat, barley, peanut, potato, sesame, ohve tree, palm oil, banana, soybean, sunflower, canola, sugarcane, alfalfa, millet, leguminosae (bean, pea), flax, lupinus, rapeseed, tobacco, popular and cotton. ΙΟ ο (Ν Οη ω ιη m (Ν ο m (Ν Ο (Ν 19

Expressing the exogenous polynucleotide of the invention within the plant can be effected by transforming one or more cells of the plant with the exogenous polynucleotide, followed by generating a mature plant from the transformed cells and cultivating the mature plant under conditions suitable for expressing the exogenous 5 polynucleotide within the mature plant.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the transformation is effected by introducing to the plant cell a nucleic acid construct which includes the exogenous polynucleotide of some embodiments of the invention and at least one promoter capable of directing transcription of the exogenous polynucleotide in the plant cell. Further 10 details of suitable transformation approaches are provided hereinbelow.

As used herein, the term “promoter” refers to a region of DNA which lies upstream of the transcriptional initiation site of a gene to which RNA polymerase binds to initiate transcription of RNA. The promoter controls where (e.g., which portion of a plant) and/or when (e.g., at which stage or condition in the lifetime of an organism) the 15 gene is expressed.

Any suitable promoter sequence can be used by the nucleic acid construct of the present invention. According to some embodiments of the invention, the promoter is a constitutive promoter, a tissue-specific, or an abiotic stress-inducible promoter.

Suitable constitutive promoters include, for example, CaMV 35S promoter (SEQ 20 ID NO: 1546; Odell et ah. Nature 313:810-812, 1985); Arabidopsis At6669 promoter (SEQ ID NO: 1652; see PCT Publication No. W004081173A2); maize Ubi 1 (Christensen et al.. Plant Sol. Biol. 18:675-689, 1992); rice actin (McElroy et ah. Plant Cell 2:163-171, 1990); pEMU (Last et al., Theor. Appl. Genet. 81:581-588, 1991); CaMV 19S (Nilsson et al.. Physiol. Plant 100:456-462, 1997); GOS2 (de Pater et al., 25 Plant J Nov;2(6):837-44, 1992); ubiquitin (Christensen et al.. Plant Mol. Biol. 18: 675-689, 1992); Rice cyclophilin (Bucholz et al.. Plant Mol Biol. 25(5):837-43, 1994); Maize H3 histone (Lepetit et al.. Mol. Gen. Genet. 231: 276-285, 1992); Actin 2 (An et al.. Plant J. 10(1);107-121, 1996), constitutive root tip CT2 promoter (SEQ ID NO: 1535; see also PCT application No. IL/2005/000627) and Synthetic Super MAS (Ni et al.. The 30 Plant Journal 7: 661-76, 1995). Other constitutive promoters include those in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,659,026, 5,608,149; 5.608,144; 5,604,121; 5.569,597: 5.466,785; 5,399,680; 5,268,463; and 5,608,142. 20 Η Ο (Ν Λ (D GO m (Ν ο ο m (Ν Ο (Ν

Suitable tissue-specific promoters include, but not limited to, leaf-specific promoters [such as described, for example, by Yamamoto et al.. Plant J. 12:255-265, 1997; Kwon et al.. Plant Physiol. 105:357-67, 1994; Yamamoto et al.. Plant Cell Physiol. 35:773-778, 1994; Gotor et al.. Plant J. 3:509-18, 1993; Orozco et al.. Plant 5 Mol. Biol. 23:1129-1138, 1993; and Matsuoka et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 90:9586-9590, 1993], seed-preferred promoters [e.g., from seed specific genes (Simon, et al.. Plant Mol. Biol. 5. 191, 1985; Scofield, et al., J. Biol. Chem. 262: 12202, 1987; Baszczynski, et al.. Plant Mol. Biol. 14: 633, 1990), Brazil Nut albumin (Pearson' et al.. Plant Mol. Biol. 18: 235- 245, 1992), legumin (Ellis, et al. Plant Mol. Biol. 10: 203-214, 10 1988), Glutelin (rice) (Takaiwa, et al.. Mol. Gen. Genet. 208: 15-22, 1986; Takaiwa, et al., FEBS Letts. 221: 43-47, 1987), Zein (Matzke et al.. Plant Mol Biol, 143).323-32 1990), napA (Stalberg, et al., Planta 199: 515-519, 1996), Wheat SPA (Albanietal, Plant Cell, 9: 171- 184, 1997), sunflower oleosin (Cununins, etal.. Plant Mol. Biol. 19: 873-876, 1992)], endosperm specific promoters [e.g., wheat LMW and HMW, glutenin-1 15 (Mol Gen Genet 216:81-90, 1989; NAR 17:461-2), wheat a, b and g gliadins (EMB03:1409-15, 1984), Barley Itrl promoter, barley Bl, C, D hordein (Theor Appl Gen 98:1253-62, 1999; Plant J 4:343-55, 1993; Mol Gen Genet 250:750- 60, 1996), Barley DOF (Mena et al.. The Plant Journal, 116(1): 53- 62, 1998), Biz2 (EP99106056.7), Synthetic promoter (Vicente-Carbajosa et al.. Plant J. 13: 629-640, 20 1998), rice prolamin NRP33, rice -globulin Glb-1 (Wu et al.. Plant Cell Physiology 39(8) 885- 889, 1998), rice alpha-globulin REB/OHP-1 (Nakase et al. Plant Mol. Biol. 33: 513-S22, 1997), rice ADP-glucose PP (Trans Res 6:157-68, 1997), maize ESR gene family (Plant J 12:235-46, 1997), sorgum ganuna- kafirin (PMB 32:1029-35, 1996)], embryo specific promoters [e.g., rice OSHl (Sato et al., Proc. Nati. Acad. Sci. USA, 93: 25 8117-8122), KNOX (Postma-Haarsma ef al. Plant Mol. Biol. 39:257-71, 1999), rice oleosin (Wu et at, J. Biochem., 123:386, 1998)], and flower-specific promoters [e.g., AtPRP4, chalene synthase (chsA) (Van der Meer, et al.. Plant Mol. Biol. 15, 95-109, 1990), LAT52 (Twell et al.. Mol. Gen Genet. 217:240-245; 1989), apetala- 3].

Suitable abiotic stress-inducible promoters include, but not limited to, salt-30 inducible promoters such as RD29A (Yamaguchi-Shinozalei et al.. Mol. Gen. Genet. 236:331-340, 1993); drought-inducible promoters such as maize rabl7 gene promoter (Pla et. al.. Plant Mol. Biol. 21:259-266, 1993), maize rab28 gene promoter (Busk et. al.. Plant J. 11:1285-1295, 1997) and maize Ivr2 gene promoter (Pelleschi et. al.. Plant Mol. 21

ο (N <D OO m (N

m in r- o m (N in o (N

Biol. 39:373-380, 1999); heat-inducible promoters such as heat tomato hsp80-promoter from tomato (U.S. Pat. No. 5,187,267).

The nucleic acid construct of some embodiments of the invention can further include an appropriate selectable marker and/or an origin of replication. According to 5 some embodiments of the invention, the nucleic acid construct utilized is a shuttle vector, which can propagate both in E. coli (wherein the construct comprises an appropriate selectable marker and origin of replication) and be compatible with propagation in cells. The construct according to the present invention can be, for example, a plasmid, a bacmid, a phagemid, a cosmid, a phage, a virus or an artificial 10 chromosome.

The nucleic acid construct of some embodiments of the invention can be utilized to stably or transiently transform plant cells. In stable transformation, the exogenous polynucleotide is integrated into the plant genome and as such it represents a stable and inherited trait. In transient transformation, the exogenous polynucleotide is expressed by 15 the cell transformed but it is not integrated into the genome and as such it represents a transient trait.

There are various methods of introducing foreign genes into both monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants (Potrykus, 1., Annu. Rev. Plant. Physiol., Plant. Mol. Biol. (1991) 42:205-225; Shimamoto et al.. Nature (1989) 20 338:274-276).

The principle methods of causing stable integration of exogenous DNA into plant genomic DNA include two main approaches: (i) Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer: Klee et al. (1987) Annu. Rev. Plant Physiol. 38:467-486; Klee and Rogers in Cell Culture and Somatic Cell Genetics 25 of Plants, Vol. 6, Molecular Biology of Plant Nuclear Genes, eds. Schell, J., and Vasil, L. K., Academic Publishers, San Diego, Calif. (1989) p. 2-25; Gatenby, in Plant Biotechnology, eds. Kung, S. and Amtzen, C. J., Butterworth Publishers, Boston, Mass. (1989) p. 93-112. (ii) Direct DNA uptake: Paszkowski et al., in Cell Culture and Somatic Cell 30 Genetics of Plants, Vol. 6, Molecular Biology of Plant Nuclear Genes eds. Schell, J., and Vasil, L. K., Academic Publishers, San Diego, Calif. (1989) p. 52-68; including methods for direct uptake of DNA into protoplasts, Toriyama, K. et al. (1988) Bio/Technology 6:1072-1074. DNA uptake induced by brief electric shock of plant 22

in ο (N α (D GO m (N

m in o m (N in o (N cells: Zhang et al. Plant Cell Rep. (1988) 7:379-384. Fromm et al. Nature (1986) 319:791-793. DNA injection into plant cells or tissues by particle bombardment, Klein et al. Bio/Technology (1988) 6:559-563; McCabe et al. Bio/Technology (1988) 6:923-926; Sanford, Physiol. Plant. (1990) 79:206-209; by the use of micropipette systems: 5 Neuhaus et ah, Theor. Appl. Genet. (1987) 75:30-36; Neuhaus and Spangenberg, Physiol. Plant. (1990) 79:213-217; glass fibers or silicon carbide whisker transformation of cell cultures, embryos or callus tissue, U.S. Pat. No. 5,464,765 or by the direct incubation of DNA with germinating pollen, DeWet et al. in Experimental Manipulation of Ovule Tissue, eds. Chapman, G. P. and Mantell, S. H. and Daniels, 10 W. Longman, London, (1985) p. 197-209; and Ohta, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA (1986) 83:715-719.

The Agrobacterium system includes the use of plasmid vectors that contain defined DNA segments that integrate into the plant genomic DNA. Methods of inoculation of the plant tissue vary depending upon the plant species and the 15 Agrobacterium delivery system. A widely used approach is the leaf disc procedure which can be performed with any tissue explant that provides a good source for initiation of whole plant differentiation. See, e.g., Horsch et al. in Plant Molecular Biology Manual A5, Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht (1988) p. 1-9. A supplementary approach employs the Agrobacterium delivery system in combination with vacuum 20 infiltration. The Agrobacterium system is especially viable in the creation of transgenic dicotyledonous plants.

There are various methods of direct DNA transfer into plant cells. In electroporation, the protoplasts are briefly exposed to a strong electric field. In microinjection, the DNA is mechanically injected directly into the cells using very small 25 micropipettes. In microparticle bombardment, the DNA is adsorbed on microprojectiles such as magnesium sulfate crystals or tungsten particles, and the microprojectiles are physically accelerated into cells or plant tissues.

Following stable transformation plant propagation is exercised. The most common method of plant propagation is by seed. Regeneration by seed propagation, 30 however, has the deficiency that due to heterozygosity there is a lack of uniformity in the crop, since seeds are produced by plants according to the genetic variances governed by Mendelian rules. Basically, each seed is genetically different and each will grow with its own specific traits. Therefore, it is preferred that the transformed plant be produced 23 Η Ο (Ν α (D GO m (Ν m r- ο ro (Ν Ο (Ν such that the regenerated plant has the identical traits and characteristics of the parent transgenic plant. For this reason it is preferred that the transformed plant be regenerated by micropropagation which provides a rapid, consistent reproduction of the transformed plants. 5 Micropropagation is a process of growing new generation plants from a single piece of tissue that has been excised from a selected parent plant or cultivar. This process permits the mass reproduction of plants having the preferred tissue expressing the fusion protein. The new generation plants which are produced are genetically identical to, and have all of the characteristics of, the original plant. Micropropagation 10 allows mass production of quality plant material in a short period of time and offers a rapid multiplication of selected cultivars in the preservation of the characteristics of the original transgenic or transformed plant. The advantages of cloning plants are the speed of plant multiplication and the quality and uniformity of plants produced.

Micropropagation is a multi-stage procedure that requires alteration of culture 15 medium or growth conditions between stages. Thus, the micropropagation process involves four basic stages: Stage one, initial tissue culturing; stage two, tissue culture multiplication; stage three, differentiation and plant formation; and stage four, greenhouse culturing and hardening. During stage one, initial tissue culturing, the tissue culture is established and certified contaminant-free. During stage two, the initial tissue 20 culture is multiplied until a sufficient number of tissue samples are produced to meet production goals. During stage three, the tissue samples grown in stage two are divided and grown into individual plantlets. At stage four, the transformed plantlets are transferred to a greenhouse for hardening where the plants' tolerance to light is gradually increased so that it can be grown in the natural environment. 25 According to some embodiments of the invention, the transgenic plants are generated by transient transformation of leaf cells, meristematic cells or the whole plant.

Transient transformation can be effected by any of the direct DNA transfer methods described above or by viral infection using modified plant viruses.

Viruses that have been shown to be useful for the transformation of plant hosts 30 include CaMV, Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), brome mosaic virus (BMV) and Bean Common Mosaic Virus (BV or BCMV). Transformation of plants using plant viruses is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,855,237 (bean golden mosaic virus; BGV), EP-A 67,553 (TMV), Japanese Published Application No. 63-14693 (TMV), EPA 194,809 (BV), 24 Η Ο (Ν Λ (D GO m (Ν ΙΟ ο m (Ν ΙΟ Ο (Ν ΕΡΑ 278,667 (BV); and Gluzman, Υ. et al.. Communications in Molecular Biology: Viral Vectors, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, New York, pp. 172-189 (1988). Pseudovirus particles for use in expressing foreign DNA in many hosts, including plants are described in WO 87/06261. 5 According to some embodiments of the invention, the virus used for transient transformations is avirulent and thus is incapable of causing severe symptoms such as reduced growth rate, mosaic, ring spots, leaf roll, yellowing, streaking, pox formation, tumor formation and pitting. A suitable avirulent virus may be a naturally occurring avirulent virus or an artificially attenuated virus. Virus attenuation may be effected by 10 using methods well known in the art including, but not limited to, sub-lethal heating, chemical treatment or by directed mutagenesis techniques such as described, for example, by Kurihara and Watanabe (Molecular Plant Pathology 4:259-269, 2003), Galon et al. (1992), Atreya et al. (1992) and Huet et al. (1994).

Suitable virus strains can be obtained from available sources such as, for 15 example, the American Type culture Collection (ATCC) or by isolation from infected plants. Isolation of viruses from infected plant tissues can be effected by techniques well known in the art such as described, for example by Foster and Tatlor, Eds. “Plant Virology Protocols: From Virus Isolation to Transgenic Resistance (Methods in Molecular Biology (Humana Pr), Vol 81)”, Humana Press, 1998. Briefly, tissues of an 20 infected plant believed to contain a high concentration of a suitable virus, preferably young leaves and flower petals, are ground in a buffer solution (e.g., phosphate buffer solution) to produce a virus infected sap which can be used in subsequent inoculations.

Construction of plant RNA viruses for the introduction and expression of non-viral exogenous polynucleotide sequences in plants is demonstrated by the above 25 references as well as by Dawson, W. 0. et al.. Virology (1989) 172:285-292; Takamatsu et al. EMBO J. (1987) 6:307-311; French et al. Science (1986) 231:1294-1297; Takamatsu et al. FEBS Letters (1990) 269;73-76; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,316,931.

When the virus is a DNA virus, suitable modifications can be made to the virus itself. Alternatively, the virus can first be cloned into a bacterial plasmid for ease of 30 constructing the desired viral vector with the foreign DNA. The virus can then be excised from the plasmid. If the virus is a DNA virus, a bacterial origin of replication can be attached to the viral DNA, which is then replicated by the bacteria. Transcription and translation of this DNA will produce the coat protein which will encapsidate the 25 ΙΟ ο (Ν <D ΟΟ m (Ν ΙΟ ο (Ο (Ν ο (Ν viral DNA. If the virus is an RNA virus, the virus is generally cloned as a cDNA and inserted into a plasmid. The plasmid is then used to make all of the constructions. The RNA virus is then produced by transcribing the viral sequence of the plasmid and translation of the viral genes to produce the coat protein(s) which encapsidate the viral 5 RNA.

In one embodiment, a plant viral polynucleotide is provided in which the native coat protein coding sequence has been deleted from a viral polynucleotide, a non-native plant viral coat protein coding sequence and a non-native promoter, preferably the subgenomic promoter of the non-native coat protein coding sequence, capable of 10 expression in the plant host, packaging of the recombinant plant viral polynucleotide, and ensuring a systemic infection of the host by the recombinant plant viral polynucleotide, has been inserted. Alternatively, the coat protein gene may be inactivated by insertion of the non-native polynucleotide sequence within it, such that a protein is produced. The recombinant plant viral polynucleotide may contain one or 15 more additional non-native subgenomic promoters. Each non-native subgenomic promoter is capable of transcribing or expressing adjacent genes or polynucleotide sequences in the plant host and incapable of recombination with each other and with native subgenomic promoters. Non-native (foreign) polynucleotide sequences may be inserted adjacent the native plant viral subgenomic promoter or the native and a non-20 native plant viral subgenomic promoters if more than one polynucleotide sequence is included. The non-native polynucleotide sequences are transcribed or expressed in the host plant under control of the subgenomic promoter to produce the desired products.

In a second embodiment, a recombinant plant viral polynucleotide is provided as in the first embodiment except that the native coat protein coding sequence is placed 25 adjacent one of the non-native coat protein subgenomic promoters instead of a nonnative coat protein coding sequence.

In a third embodiment, a recombinant plant viral polynucleotide is provided in which the native coat protein gene is adjacent its subgenomic promoter and one or more non-native subgenomic promoters have been inserted into the viral polynucleotide. The 30 inserted non-native subgenomic promoters are capable of transcribing or expressing adjacent genes in a plant host and are incapable of recombination with each other and with native subgenomic promoters. Non-native polynucleotide sequences may be inserted adjacent the non-native subgenomic plant viral promoters such that the 26 Η Ο (Ν Λ (D GO m (Ν ο ο m (Ν Η Ο (Ν sequences are transcribed or expressed in the host plant under control of the subgenomic promoters to produce the desired product.

In a fourth embodiment, a recombinant plant viral polynucleotide is provided as in the third embodiment except that the native coat protein coding sequence is replaced 5 by a non-native coat protein coding sequence.

The viral vectors are encapsidated by the coat proteins encoded by the recombinant plant viral polynucleotide to produce a recombinant plant virus. The recombinant plant viral polynucleotide or recombinant plant virus is used to infect appropriate host plants. The recombinant plant viral polynucleotide is capable of 10 replication in the host, systemic spread in the host, and transcription or expression of foreign gene(s) (exogenous polynucleotide) in the host to produce the desired protein.

Techniques for inoculation of viruses to plants may be found in Foster and Taylor, eds. “Plant Virology Protocols: From Virus Isolation to Transgenic Resistance (Methods in Molecular Biology (Humana Pr), Vol 81)”, Humana Press, 1998; 15 Maramorosh and Koprowski, eds. “Methods in Virology” 7 vols. Academic Press, New York 1967-1984; Hill, S.A. “Methods in Plant Virology”, Blackwell, Oxford, 1984; Walkey, D.G.A. “Applied Plant Virology”, Wiley, New York, 1985; and Kado and Agrawa, eds. “Principles and Techniques in Plant Virology”, Van Nostrand-Reinhold, New York. 20 In addition to the above, the polynucleotide of the present invention can also be introduced into a chloroplast genome thereby enabling chloroplast expression. A technique for introducing exogenous polynucleotide sequences to the genome of the chloroplasts is known. This technique involves the following procedures. First, plant cells are chemically treated so as to reduce the number of chloroplasts per cell to 25 about one. Then, the exogenous polynucleotide is introduced via particle bombardment into the cells with the aim of introducing at least one exogenous polynucleotide molecule into the chloroplasts. The exogenous polynucleotide is selected such that it is integratable into the chloroplast's genome via homologous recombination which is readily effected by enzymes inherent to the chloroplast. To this end, the exogenous 30 polynucleotide includes, in addition to a gene of interest, at least one polynucleotide stretch which is derived from the chloroplast's genome. In addition, the exogenous polynucleotide includes a selectable marker, which serves by sequential selection procedures to ascertain that all or substantially all of the copies of the chloroplast 27 ΙΟ ο (Ν <υ m m (Ν fO ο ο fO (Ν ο (Ν genomes following such selection will include the exogenous polynucleotide. Further details relating to this technique are found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,945,050; and 5,693,507 which are incorporated herein by reference. A polypeptide can thus be produced by the protein expression system of the chloroplast and become integrated into the chloroplast's 5 inner membrane.

Since abiotic stress tolerance, growth, biomass, yield and/or vigor in plants can involve multiple genes acting additively or in synergy (see, for example, in Quesda et al.. Plant Physiol. 130:951-063, 2002), the present invention also envisages expressing a plurality of exogenous polynucleotides in a single host plant to thereby achieve superior 10 effect on abiotic stress tolerance, growth, biomass, yield and/or vigor.

Expressing a plurality of exogenous polynucleotides in a single host plant can be effected by co-introducing multiple nucleic acid constructs, each including a different exogenous polynucleotide, into a single plant cell. The transformed cell can then be regenerated into a mature plant using the methods described hereinabove. 15 Alternatively, expressing a plurality of exogenous polynucleotides in a single host plant can be effected by co-introducing into a single plant-cell a single nucleic-acid construct including a plurality of different exogenous polynucleotides. Such a construct can be designed with a single promoter sequence which can transcribe a polycistronic messenger RNA including all the different exogenous polynucleotide sequences. To 20 enable co-translation of the different polypeptides encoded by the polycistronic messager RNA, the polynucleotide sequences can be inter-linked via an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) sequence which facilitates translation of polynucleotide sequences positioned downstream of the IRES sequence. In this case, a transcribed polycistronic RNA molecule encoding the different polypeptides described above will be 25 translated from both the capped 5' end and the two internal IRES sequences of the polycistronic RNA molecule to thereby produce in the cell all different polypeptides. Alternatively, the construct can include several promoter sequences each linked to a different exogenous polynucleotide sequence.

The plant cell transformed with the construct including a plurality of different 30 exogenous polynucleotides can be regenerated into a mature plant, using the methods described hereinabove.

Alternatively, expressing a plurality of exogenous polynucleotides can be effected by introducing different nucleic acid constructs, including different exogenous 28 Η Ο (Ν Λ (D GO m (Ν rn r- ο m (Ν Ο (Ν polynucleotides, into a plurality of plants. The regenerated transformed plants can then be cross-bred and resultant progeny selected for superior abiotic stress tolerance, growth, biomass, yield and/or vigor traits, using conventional plant breeding techniques.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the plant expressing the 5 exogenous polynucleotide(s) is grown under normal conditions.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the method further comprising growing the plant expressing the exogenous polynucleotide(s) under the abiotic stress.

Thus, the invention encompasses plants exogenously expressing (as described above) the polynucleotide(s) and/or polypeptide(s) of the invention. Once expressed 10 within the plant cell or the entire plant, the level of the polypeptide encoded by the exogenous polynucleotide can be determined by methods well known in the art such as, activity assays. Western blots using antibodies capable of specifically binding the polypeptide, Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA), radio-immuno-assays (RIA), immunohistochemistry, immunocytochemistry, immunofluorescence and the 15 like.

Methods of determining the level in the plant of the RNA transcribed from the exogenous polynucleotide are well known in the art and include, for example. Northern blot analysis, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis (including quantitative, semi-quantitative or real-time RT-PCR) and RNA-in situ 20 hybridization.

The polynucleotides and polypeptides described hereinabove can be used in a wide range of economical plants, in a safe and cost effective manner.

The effect of the transgene (the exogenous polynucleotide encoding the polypeptide) on abiotic stress tolerance, growth, biomass, yield and/or vigor can be 25 determined using known methods.

Abiotic stress tolerance - Transformed (i.e., expressing the transgene) and non-transformed (wild type) plants are exposed to an abiotic stress condition, such as water deprivation, suboptimal temperature (low temperature, high temperature), nutrient deficiency, nutrient excess, a salt stress condition, osmotic stress, heavy metal toxicity, 30 anaerobiosis, atmospheric pollution and UV irradiation.

Salinity tolerance assay - Transgenic plants with tolerance to high salt concentrations are expected to exhibit better germination, seedling vigor or growth in high salt. Salt stress can be effected in many ways such as, for example, by irrigating 29

ο (N α ω m m (N

m o m (N O (N the plants with a hyperosmotic solution, by cultivating the plants hydroponically in a hyperosmotic growth solution (e.g., Hoagland solution with added salt), or by culturing the plants in a hyperosmotic growth medium [e.g., 50 % Murashige-Skoog medium (MS medium) with added salt]. Since different plants vary considerably in their tolerance to 5 salinity, the salt concentration in the irrigation water, growth solution, or growth medium can be adjusted according to the specific characteristics of the specific plant cultivar or variety, so as to inflict a mild or moderate effect on the physiology and/or morphology of the plants (for guidelines as to appropriate concentration see, Bernstein and Kafkafi, Root Growth Under Salinity Stress In: Plant Roots, The Hidden Half 3rd 10 ed. Waisel Y, Eshel A and Kafkafi U. (editors) Marcel Dekker Inc., New York, 2002, and reference therein).

For example, a salinity tolerance test can be performed by irrigating plants at different developmental stages with increasing concentrations of sodium chloride (for example 50 mM, 100 mM, 200 mM, 400 mM NaCl) applied from the bottom and from 15 above to ensure even dispersal of salt. Following exposure to the stress condition the plants are frequently monitored until substantial physiological and/or morphological effects appear in wild type plants. Thus, the external phenotypic appearance, degree of wilting and overall success to reach maturity and yield progeny are compared between control and transgenic plants. Quantitative parameters of tolerance measured include, 20 but are not limited to, the average wet and dry weight, growth rate, leaf size, leaf coverage (overall leaf area), the weight of the seeds yielded, the average seed size and the number of seeds produced per plant. Transformed plants not exhibiting substantial physiological and/or morphological effects, or exhibiting higher biomass than wild-type plants, are identified as abiotic stress tolerant plants. 25 Osmotic tolerance test - Osmotic stress assays (including sodium chloride and PEG assays) are conducted to determine if an osmotic stress phenotype was sodium chloride-specific or if it was a general osmotic stress related phenotype. Plants which are tolerant to osmotic stress may have more tolerance to drought and/or freezing. For salt and osmotic stress experiments, the medium is supplemented for example with 50 mM, 30 100 mM, 200 mM NaCl or 15 %, 20 % or 25 % PEG. See also Examples 6 and 7 of the

Examples section which follows.

Drought tolerance assay/Osmoticum assay - Tolerance to drought is performed to identify the genes conferring better plant survival after acute water deprivation. To

ο (N α ω m m (N

m o m (N in O (N 30 analyze whether the transgenic plants are more tolerant to drought, an osmotic stress produced by the non-ionic osmolyte sorbitol in the medium can be performed. Control and transgenic plants are germinated and grown in plant-agar plates for 4 days, after which they are transferred to plates containing 500 mM sorbitol. The treatment causes 5 growth retardation, then both control and transgenic plants are compared, by measuring plant weight (wet and dry), yield, and by growth rates measured as time to flowering.

Conversely, soil-based drought screens are performed with plants overexpressing the polynucleotides detailed above. Seeds from control Arabidopsis plants, or other transgenic plants overexpressing the polypeptide of the invention are germinated and 10 transferred to pots. Drought stress is obtained after irrigation is ceased accompanied by placing the pots on absorbent paper to enhance the soil-drying rate. Transgenic and control plants are compared to each other when the majority of the control plants develop severe wilting. Plants are re-watered after obtaining a significant fraction of the control plants displaying a severe wilting. Plants are ranked comparing to controls for 15 each of two criteria: tolerance to the drought conditions and recovery (survival) following re-watering.

Cold stress tolerance - One way to analyze cold stress is as follows. Mature (25 day old) plants are transferred to 4 °C chambers for 1 or 2 weeks, with constitutive light. Later on plants are moved back to greenhouse. Two weeks later damages from chilhng 20 period, resulting in growth retardation and other phenotypes, are compared between control and transgenic plants, by measuring plant weight (wet and dry), and by comparing growth rates measured as time to flowering, plant size, yield, and the like.

Heat stress tolerance - One way to measure heat stress tolerance is by exposing the plants to temperatures above 34 °C for a certain period. Plant tolerance is examined 25 after transferring the plants back to 22 °C for recovery and evaluation after 5 days relative to internal controls (non-transgenic plants) or plants not exposed to neither cold or heat stress.

Germination tests - Germination tests compare the percentage of seeds from transgenic plants that could complete the germination process to the percentage of seeds 30 from control plants that are treated in the same manner. Normal conditions are considered for example, incubations at 22 °C under 22-hour light 2-hour dark daily cycles. Evaluation of germination and seedling vigor is conducted between 4 and 14 ΙΟ ο (Ν Ρη (D GO m (Ν m ΙΟ r- ο m (Ν ΙΟ Ο (Ν 31 days after planting. The basal media is 50 % MS medium (Murashige and Skoog, 1962 Plant Physiology 15, 473-497).

Germination is checked also at unfavorable conditions such as cold (incubating at temperatures lower than 10 °C instead of 22 °C) or using seed inhibition solutions that 5 contain high concentrations of an osmolyte such as sorbitol (at concentrations of 50 mM, 100 mM, 200 mM, 300 mM, 500 mM, and up to 1000 mM) or applying increasing concentrations of salt (of 50 mM, 100 mM, 200 mM, 300 mM, 500 mM NaCl).

Effect of the transgene on plant’s growth, biomass, yield and/or vigor - Plant vigor can be calculated by the increase in growth parameters such as leaf area, fiber 10 length, rosette diameter, plant fresh weight and the like per time.

The growth rate can be measured using digital analysis of growing plants. For example, images of plants growing in greenhouse on plot basis can be captured every 3 days and the rosette area can be calculated by digital analysis. Rosette area growth is calculated using the difference of rosette area between days of sampling divided by the 15 difference in days between samples.

Measurements of seed yield can be done by collecting the total seeds from 8-16 plants together, weighting them using analytical balance and dividing the total weight by the number of plants. Seed per growing area can be calculated in the same manner while taking into account the growing area given to a single plant. Increase seed yield per 20 growing area could be achieved by increasing seed yield per plant, and/or by increasing number of plants capable of growing in a given area.

Evaluation of the seed yield per plant can be done by measuring the amount (weight or size) or quantity (i.e., number) of dry seeds produced and harvested from 8-16 plants and divided by the number of plants. 25 Evaluation of growth rate can be done by measuring plant biomass produced, rosette area, leaf size or root length per time (can be measured in cm per day of leaf area).

Fiber length can be measured using fibrograph. The fibrograph system was used to compute length in terms of "Upper Half Mean" length. The upper half mean (UHM) is 30 the average length of longer half of the fiber distribution. The fibrograph measures length in span lengths at a given percentage point (Hypertext Transfer Protocol://World Wide Web (dot) cottoninc (dot) com/ClassificationofCotton/?Pg=4#Length). 32 ΙΟ ο (Ν α ω m m (Ν m ΙΟ Ο m (Ν m ο (Ν

Thus, the present invention is of high agricultural value for promoting the yield of commercially desired crops (e.g., biomass of vegetative organ such as poplar wood, or reproductive organ such as number of seeds or seed biomass).

As used herein the term “about” refers to + 10 %. 5 The terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes", "including", “having” and their conjugates mean "including but not limited to".

The term “consisting of means “including and limited to”.

The term "consisting essentially of means that the composition, method or structure may include additional ingredients, steps and/or parts, but only if the additional 10 ingredients, steps and/or parts do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition, method or structure.

As used herein, the singular form "a", "an" and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term "a compound" or "at least one compound" may include a plurality of compounds, including mixtures thereof. 15 Throughout this application, various embodiments of this invention may be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as 20 individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range. 25 Whenever a numerical range is indicated herein, it is meant to include any cited numeral (fractional or integral) within the indicated range. The phrases “ranging/ranges between” a first indicate number and a second indicate number and “ranging/ranges from” a first indicate number “to” a second indicate number are used herein interchangeably and are meant to include the first and second indicated numbers and all 30 the fractional and integral numerals therebetween.

As used herein the term "method" refers to manners, means, techniques and procedures for accomplishing a given task including, but not limited to, those manners, means, techniques and procedures either known to, or readily developed from known 33

ο (N α ω m m (N

m o m (N O (N manners, means, techniques and procedures by practitioners of the chemical, pharmacological, biological, biochemical and medical arts.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination 5 in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless 10 the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.

Various embodiments and aspects of the present invention as dehneated hereinabove and as claimed in the claims section below find experimental support in the following examples.

EXAMPLES 15 Reference is now made to the following examples, which together with the above descriptions illustrate some embodiments of the invention in a non limiting fashion.

Generally, the nomenclature used herein and the laboratory procedures utilized in the present invention include molecular, biochemical, microbiological and recombinant DNA techniques. Such techniques are thoroughly explained in the literature. See, for 20 example, "Molecular Cloning: A laboratory Manual" Sambrook et al., (1989); "Current Protocols in Molecular Biology" Volumes I-III Ausubel, R. M., ed. (1994); Ausubel et al., "Current Protocols in Molecular Biology", John Wiley and Sons, Baltimore, Maryland (1989); Perbal, "A Practical Guide to Molecular Cloning", John Wiley &amp; Sons, New York (1988); Watson et al., "Recombinant DNA", Scientific American 25 Books, New York; Birren et al. (eds) "Genome Analysis: A Laboratory Manual Series", Vols. 1-4, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, New York (1998); methodologies as set forth in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,666,828; 4,683,202; 4,801,531; 5,192,659 and 5,272,057; "Cell Biology: A Laboratory Handbook", Volumes Ι-ΙΠ Cellis, J. E., ed. (1994); "Current Protocols in Immunology" Volumes I-III Coligan J. E., ed. (1994); Stites et al. 30 (eds), "Basic and Clinical Immunology" (8th Edition), Appleton &amp; Lange, Norwalk, CT (1994); Mishell and Shiigi (eds), "Selected Methods in Cellular Immunology", W. H. Ereeman and Co., New York (1980); available immunoassays are extensively described in the patent and scientific literature, see, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,791,932; Η Ο (Ν Λ (D GO m (Ν m r- ο m (Ν Ο (Ν 34 3,839,153; 3,850,752; 3,850,578; 3,853,987; 3,867,517; 3,879,262; 3,901,654; 3,935,074; 3,984,533; 3,996,345; 4,034,074; 4,098,876; 4,879,219; 5,011,771 and 5,281,521; "Oligonucleotide Synthesis" Gait, M. J., ed. (1984); “Nucleic Acid Hybridization" Hames, B. D., and Higgins S. J., eds. (1985); "Transcription and 5 Translation" Hames, B. D., and Higgins S. J., Eds. (1984); "Animal Cell Culture" Freshney, R. 1., ed. (1986); "Immobilized Cells and Enzymes" IRE Press, (1986); "A Practical Guide to Molecular Cloning" Perbal, B., (1984) and "Methods in Enzymology" Vol. 1-317, Academic Press; "PCR Protocols: A Guide To Methods And Applications", Academic Press, San Diego, CA (1990); Marshak et al., "Strategies for Protein 10 Purification and Characterization - A Laboratory Course Manual" CSHL Press (1996); all of which are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. Other general references are provided throughout this document. The procedures therein are believed to be well known in the art and are provided for the convenience of the reader. All the information contained therein is incorporated herein by reference. 15 EXAMPLE 1

ΙΟΕΝΉΕΥΙΝΟ ΡυΤΑΉΥΕ ABIOTIC STRESS- TOLERANCE AND OR YIELD/BIOMASS INCREASE GENES

The present inventors have identified genes which increase abiotic stress-20 tolerance (ABST) and/or growth rate/yield/biomass/vigor, as follows. The genes were validated in vivo as previously described in W02004/104162 to the present assignee. All nucleotide sequence datasets used here were originated from publicly available databases. Sequence data from 50 different species (mainly plant species) was introduced into a single, comprehensive database. Other information on gene 25 expression, protein annotation, enzymes and pathways were also incorporated. Major databases used include: • Genomes o Arabidopsis genome [TAIR genome version 6 (Hypertext Transfer

Protocol://World Wide Web (dot) arabidopsis (dot) org/)] 30 o Rice genome [IRGSP build 4.0 (Hypertext Transfer Protocol://rgp (dot) dna (dot) affrc (dot) go (dot) jp/IRGSP/)].

ο (N <D OO m (N

m C-' o m (N H O (N 35 o Poplar [Populus trichocarpa release 1.1 from JGI (assembly release vl.O) (Hypertext Transfer Protocol://World Wide Web (dot) genome (dot) jgi-psf (dot) org/)] o Brachypodium [JGI 4x assembly Hypertext Transfer Protocol:/AVorld Wide Web 5 (dot) brachpodium (dot) org)] o Soybean [DOE-JGISCP, version GlymaO (Hypertext Transfer Protocol://World Wide Web (dot) phytozome (dot) net/)] o Grape [NCBIWGS assembly ftp://ftp (dot) ncbi (dot) nih (dot) gov/ genbank/wgs/)] 10 o Castobean [TIGR/J Craig Venter Institute 4x assemby o Hypertext Transfer Protocol://msc (dot) jcvi (dot) org/r_communis o Sorghum [DOE-JGI SCP, version Sbil Hypertext Transfer Protocol://World Wide Web (dot) phytozome (dot) net/)]. • Expressed EST and mRNA sequences were extracted from 15 o GeneBank versions 154, 157, 160, 161, 164, and 165 (Hypertext Transfer

Protocol://World Wide Web (dot) ncbi (dot) nlm (dot) nih (dot) gov/dbEST/) o RefSeq (Hypertext Transfer Protocol://World Wide Web (dot) ncbi (dot) nlm (dot) nih (dot) gov/RefSeq/). o TAIR (Hypertext Transfer Protocol://World Wide Web (dot) arabidopsis 20 (dot) org/). • Protein and pathway databases o Uniprot (Hypertext Transfer Protocol://World Wide

Web.expasy.uniprot.org/). o AraCyc (Hypertext Transfer Protocol://World Wide Web (dot) arabidopsis 25 (dot) org/biocyc/index (dot) jsp). o ENZYME (Hypertext Transfer Protocol://expasy.org/enzyme/). • Microarray datasets were downloaded from o GEO (Hypertext Transfer Protocol ://World Wide

Web.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/) 30 o TAIR (Hypertext Transfer Protocol://World Wide Web.arabidopsis.org/). o Proprietary Evogene's cotton fiber microarray data 36 Η Ο (Ν Λ (D GO m (Ν m ο m (Ν Ο (Ν • QTL information ο Gramene (Hypertext Transfer Protocol:/AVorld Wide Web (dot) gramene (dot) org/qtl/).

Database Assembly was performed to build a wide, rich, reliable annotated and 5 easy to analyze database comprised of publicly available genomic mRNA, ESTs DNA sequences, data from various crops as well as gene expression, protein annotation and pathway data QTLs, and other relevant information.

Database assembly is comprised of a toolbox of gene refining, structuring, annotation and analysis tools enabling to construct a tailored database for each gene 10 discovery project. Gene refining and structuring tools enable to reliably detect splice variants and antisense transcripts, generating understanding of various potential phenotypic outcomes of a single gene. The capabilities of the "LEADS" platform of Compugen LTD for analyzing human genome have been confirmed and accepted by the scientific committee ("Widespread Antisense Transcription", Yelin, et al. (2003) Nature 15 Biotechnology 21, 379-85; "Splicing of Alu Sequences", Lev-Maor, et al. (2003) Science 300 (5623), 1288-91), and have proven most efficient in plant genomics as well. EST clustering and gene assembly - For clustering and assembly of arabidopsis and rice genes the "genomic LEADS" version was employed. This tool allows most accurate clustering of ESTs and mRNA sequences on genome, and predicts gene 20 structure as well as alternative splicing events and anti-sense transcription.

For organisms with no available full genome sequence data, "expressed LEADS" as well as TIGR (Hypertext Transfer Protocoh/AVorld Wide Web (dot) tigr (dot) org/) clustering software were applied. The results of the two clustering tools were compared and in cases where clusters predicted by the two tools were significantly different, both 25 versions were presented and considered.

Gene annotation - Predicted genes and proteins were annotated as follows: • Blast search (Hypertext Transfer Protocol:/AVorld Wide Web (dot) ncbi (dot) nlm (dot) nih (dot) gov (dot) library (dot) vu (dot) edu (dot) au/BLAST/ ) against all plant UniProt (Hypertext Transfer Protocoh/AVorld Wide Web (dot) expasy (dot) 30 uniprot (dot) org/) sequences was performed. • Frame-Finder (Hypertext Transfer Protocol://World Wide Web (dot) ebi (dot) ac (dot) uk/~guy/estate/) calculations with default statistics was used to predict protein sequences for each transcript. 37

ο (N <υ m m (N

m IT) o ro (N O (N • The predicted proteins were analyzed by InterPro (Hypertext Transfer Protocoh/AVorld Wide Web (dot) ebi (dot) ac (dot) uk/interpro/). • Blast against proteins from AraCyc and ENZYME databases was used to map the predicted transcripts to AraCyc pathways. 5 · Each transcript was compared using tblastx algorithm (Hypertext Transfer

Protocoh/AVorld Wide Web (dot) ncbi (dot) nlm (dot) nih (dot) gov (dot) library (dot) vu (dot) edu (dot) au/BLAST/) against all other organism databases to validate the accuracy of the predicted protein sequence, and for efficient detection of orthologs.

Gene expression profiling - Few data sources were exploited for gene expression 10 profiling, namely microarray data and digital expression profile (see below). According to gene expression profile, a correlation analysis was performed to identify genes which are co-regulated under different development stages and environmental conditions.

Publicly available microarray datasets were downloaded from TAIR and NCBI GEO sites, renormalized, and integrated into the database. Expression profiling was one 15 of the most important resource data for identifying genes important for ABST. Moreover, when homolog genes from different crops were responsive to ABST, the genes were marked as "highly predictive to improve ABST". A digital expression profile summary was compiled for each cluster according to aU keywords included in the sequence records comprising the cluster. Digital expression, 20 also known as electronic Northern Blot, is a tool that displays virtual expression profile based on the EST sequences forming the gene cluster. The tool can provide the expression profile of a cluster in terms of plant anatomy (in what tissues/organs is the gene expressed), developmental stage (the developmental stages at which a gene can be found) and profile of treatment (provides the physiological conditions under which a 25 gene is expressed such as drought, cold, pathogen infection, etc). Given a random distribution of ESTs in the different clusters, the digital expression provides a probability value that describes the probability of a cluster having a total of N ESTs to contain X ESTs from a certain collection of libraries. For the probability calculations are taken into consideration: a) the number of ESTs in the cluster, b) the number of 30 ESTs of the implicated and related libraries, c) the overall number of ESTs available representing the species. Thereby clusters with low probability values are highly enriched with ESTs from the group of hbraries of interest indicating a speciahzed expression.

Ο (N α (D GO m (N

m o m (N O (N 38

The concepts of orthology and paralogy have recently been applied to functional characterizations and classifications on the scale of whole-genome comparisons. Orthologs and paralogs constitute two major types of homologs: The first evolved from a common ancestor by specialization, and the latter are related by duplication events. It 5 is assumed that paralogs arising from ancient duplication events are likely to have diverged in function while true orthologs are more likely to retain identical function over evolutionary time.

To further investigate and identify the ABST putative ortholog genes from monocot species, two computational methods were integrated: 10 (i) Method for alignments of ortholog sequences - based on construction ortholog groups across multiple eukaryotic taxa, using modifications on the Markov cluster algorithm to group putative orthologs and paralogs. These putative orthologs were further organized under Phylogram - a branching diagram (tree) assumed to be an estimate of a phytogeny of the genes. 15 (ii) Method for generating genes expression profile ‘‘Digital Expression’’ -

The present inventors have performed considerable work aimed at annotating sequences. Expression data was analyzed and the EST libraries were classified using a fixed vocabulary of custom terms such as experimental treatments. The annotations from all the ESTs clustered to a gene were analyzed statistically by comparing their frequency in 20 the cluster versus their abundance in the database, allowing to construct a numeric and graphic expression profile of that gene, which is termed “digital expression”.

The rationale of using these two complementary methods is based on the assumption that true orthologs are likely to retain identical function over evolutionary time. These two methods (sequence and expression pattern) provide two different sets 25 of indications on function similarities between two homologous genes, similarities in the sequence level - identical amino acids in the protein domains and similarity in expression profiles.

Overall, 110 genes were identified to have a major impact on ABST when overexpressed in plants. The identified ABST genes, their curated polynucleotide and 30 polypeptide sequences, as well as their updated sequences according to Genebank database are summarized in Table 1, hereinbelow.

Ο (N α (D GO m (N 39 Table 1 IdentiHed ABST Genes

m r- o m (N O (N SEQ ID NO: Polyn ucleot ide Gene Name Ouster Name Organism SEQ ID NO: Poly pepti de Polynucleotide Description Polypeptide Description 1 ΜΑΒΙ MAB1.0.ricelgb 154IBM4211 11_T1 rice 201 2 MAB 1.1 .ricelgb 157.2IBM42 1111_T1 rice 202 updated to production gb 157.2 updated to production gbl57.2 3 MAB2 MAB2.0.ricelgb 1541AU2255 47_T1 rice No predicted protein 4 MAB2.1 .ricelgb 157.21 AU225 547_T1 rice updated to production gb 157.2 5 MAB3 MAB3.0.ricelgbl54IBE03999 5_T1 rice 203 6 MAB3.1 .ricelgb 157.2IBE039 995_T1 rice 204 updated to production gbl57.2 updated to production gb 157.2 7 MAB4 MAB4.0.ricelgbl54IBI81227 7_T1 rice 205 8 MAB4.7.ricelgbl57.2IBI8122 77_CT1 rice curated 9 MAB5 MAB5.0.ricelgbl54ICB6241 06_T1 rice 206 10 MAB6 M AB6.0.arabidopsislgb 154IZ 47404_T1 arabidopsi s 207 11 MAB7 MAB7.0.arabidopsisl6IAT5G 47560.1 arabidopsi s 208 12 M AB7.1 .arabidopsisigb 165IA T5G47560_T1 arabidopsi s 209 updated to production gbl65 updated to production gbl65 13 MAB8 M AB8.0.ricelgb 154IBU6729 31_T1 rice 210 14 MAB8.7.ricelgbl54IBU6729 31_T1 rice Bioinformatics &amp;DNA Curated 15 MAB9 MAB9.0.arabidopsislgbl54IB E844934_T1 arabidopsi s 211 16 MABIO MAB 10.0. arabidopsis Igb 1541 Z27056_T1 arabidopsi s 212 17 MABll MAB 11.0.arabidopsislgbl54l Z34014_T1 arabidopsi s 213 18 MAB 11.1. arabidopsis Igb 1651 AT5G52300_T1 arabidopsi s 214 updated to production gbl65 updated to production gbl65 19 MAB12 MAB 12.0. arabidopsis Igb 1541 ATLTIL40_T1 arabidopsi s 215 20 MAB 12.1. arabidopsis Igb 1651 AT5G52310_T1 arabidopsi s 216 updated to production gbl65 updated to production gbl65 21 ΜΑΒΙ 3 MAB13.0.arabidopsisl6IAT2 G38760.1 arabidopsi s 217 ΙΟ ο (Ν <D m m (Ν m ΙΟ r- ο m (Ν ΙΟ Ο (Ν 40 SEQ ID NO: Polyn ucleot ide Gene Name Ouster Name Organism SEQ ID NO: Poly pepti de Polynucleotide Description Polypeptide Description 22 MAB13.1. arabidopsis Igb 1651 AT2G38760_T1 arabidopsi s 218 updated to production gbl65 updated to production gbl65 23 MAB14 MAB14.0.ricelgbl54IAB042 259_T1 rice 219 24 MAB 14.1 .ricelgb 157.2IAB04 2259_T1 rice 220 updated to production gbl57.2 updated to production gbl57.2 25 MAB15 MAB 15.0. sorghumigb 1541AI 724695_T1 sorghum 221 26 MAB16 MAB 16.0.ricelgb 154IBI7951 72_T1 rice 222 27 MAB16.1.ricelgbl57.2IBI795 172_T1 rice 223 updated to production gbl57.2 updated to production gbl57.2 28 MAB17 MAB17.0.soybeanlgbl54IBE 821839_T1 soybean 224 29 ΜΑΒΙ 8 MAB18.0.barleylgbl54IBF62 5971_T1 barley 225 226 protein Bioinforma tics &amp; Protein Curated 30 ΜΑΒΙ 9 MAB 19.0. sorghumigb 1541A W563861_T1 sorghum 227 31 MAB 19.1. sorghumigb 161 .xe nolAW563861_Tl sorghum 228 updated to production gbl61.xeno updated to production gbl61.xeno 32 MAB20 MAB 20.0. arabidopsis Igb 1541 T04691_T1 arabidopsi s 229 33 MAB 20.1. arabidopsisigb 1651 AT1G61890_T1 arabidopsi s 230 updated to production gbl65 updated to production gbl65 34 MAB21 MAB21.0.ricelgb 154IBE2300 53_T1 rice 231 35 MAB21.1.ricelgbl57.2IBE23 0053_T1 rice 232 updated to production gbl57.2 updated to production gbl57.2 36 MAB22 MAB22.0.tomatolgbl54IBG7 91299 T1 tomato 233 234 Curated 37 MAB23 MAB23.0.ricelgbl54IBI3058 10_T1 rice 235 38 MAB24 MAB24.0.ricelgbl54IBI8082 73_T1 rice 236 39 MAB24.7.ricelgbl57.2IBI808 273_CT1 rice curated 40 MAB25 MAB25.0. arabidopsis 161 AT 1 G27760.1 arabidopsi s 237 ΙΟ ο (Ν <D ΟΟ m (Ν m ΙΟ ο m (Ν ΙΟ Ο (Ν 41 SEQ ID NO: Polyn ucleot ide Gene Name Ouster Name Organism SEQ ID NO: Poly pepti de Polynucleotide Description Polypeptide Description 41 MAB25.1. arabidopsis Igb 1651 AT1G27760_T1 arabidopsi s 238 updated to production gbl65 updated to production gbl65 42 MAB26 MAB26.0.ricelgbl54IAW155 625_T1 rice 239 43 MAB26.7.ricelgbl57.2IBI305 400_CT1 rice curated 44 MAB27 MAB27.0. arabidopsis Igb 1541 AY045660_T1 arabidopsi s 240 45 MAB27.7. arabidopsis Igb 1651 AT5G24120_CT1 arabidopsi s curated 46 MAB28 MAB28.0.ricelgb 154IBI7951 08_T1 rice 241 47 MAB28.7.ricelgbl57.2IBI795 108_CT1 rice curated 48 MAB29 MAB 29.0.arabidopsisigb 1541 AU239137_T2 arabidopsi s 242 49 MAB29.1. arabidopsis Igb 1651 AT2G25600_T1 arabidopsi s 243 updated to production gbl65 updated to production gbl65 50 MAB30 MAB30.0. arabidopsis Igb 1541 AY062542_T1 arabidopsi s 244 51 MAB 3 0.7. arabidopsi s Igb 1651 AT1G70300_CT1 arabidopsi s Curated 52 MAB31 M AB31.0.soybeanigb 154IBI9 68709_T1 soybean 245 53 M AB31.7.soybeanlgb 162IBI9 68709_CT1 soybean 246 Curated curated 54 MAB32 MAB32.0.ricelgbl54IAF0395 32_T1 rice 247 55 MAB33 MAB33.0.maizelgb 1541AI61 5215_T1 maize 248 56 MAB33.1 .maizelgb 1641AI61 5215_T1 maize 249 updated to production gbl64 57 MAB34 MAB34.0.barleylgbl54ITG_ BF625450_T1 barley 250 58 MAB34.1.barleylgbl57.2IBF 625450_T1 barley 251 updated to production gbl57.2 updated to production gbl57.2 59 MAB35 MAB35.0. arabidopsis Igb 1541 AA651513_T1 arabidopsi s 252 60 MAB35.1. arabidopsis Igb 1651 AT2G16890_T1 arabidopsi s 253 updated to production gbl65 updated to production gbl65 61 MAB36 MAB36.0. arabidopsis Igb 1541 AU239340_T1 arabidopsi s 254 62 MAB 36.1. arabidopsis Igb 1651 AT4G27570_T1 arabidopsi s 255 updated to production gbl65 updated to production gbl65 63 MAB37 MAB37.0.tomatolgb 154IBG1 25939_T1 tomato 256 Η Ο (Ν Λ (D GO m (Ν ο ο m (Ν Η Ο (Ν 42 SEQ ID NO: Polyn ucleot ide Gene Name Ouster Name Organism SEQ ID NO: Poly pepti de Polynucleotide Description Polypeptide Description 64 MAB37.7.tomatolgbl64IBGl 25939_CT1 tomato curated 65 MAB38 MAB38.0. wheatigb 154IBE49 2836_T1 wheat 257 66 MAB38.7. wheatigb 164IBE49 2836_CT1 wheat 258 curated curated 67 MAB39 MAB39.0.barleylgb 1541AL5 00200_T1 barley 259 68 MAB39.1 .barleylgb 157.21 AL 500200_T1 barley 260 updated to production gbl57.2 updated to production gbl57.2 69 MAB40 MAB40.0.ricelgbl54IAA754 628_T1 rice 261 70 MAB40.7.ricelgbl57.2IAA75 4628_CT1 rice curated 71 MAB41 MAB41.0. tomato Igb 1541AI4 89494_T1 tomato 262 72 MAB41.7.tomatolgb 1641AI4 89494_CT1 tomato curated 73 MAB42 MAB42.0.sorghumlgb 154IBE 595950_T1 sorghum 263 74 MAB42.7.sorghumlgb 161 .xe nolAI881418_CTl sorghum 264 curated curated 75 MAB43 M AB43.0. arabidopsis Igb 1541 BE662945_T1 arabidopsi s 265 76 MAB43.1. arabidopsis Igb 1651 AT5G26920_T1 arabidopsi s 266 updated to production gbl65 updated to production gbl65 77 MAB44 MAB44.0. arabidopsis Igb 1541 H36025_T1 arabidopsi s 267 78 MAB44.1. arabidopsis Igb 1651 AT1G67360_T1 arabidopsi s 268 updated to production gbl65 updated to production gbl65 79 MAB45 MAB45.0.wheatlgbl54ITG_ BQ172359_T1 wheat 269 80 MAB45.1 .wheatigb 164IBQ17 2359_T1 wheat 270 updated to production gbl64 updated to production gbl64 81 MAB46 M AB46.0. arabidopsis Igb 1541 AA389812_T1 arabidopsi s 271 82 MAB47 M AB47.0. sorghumigb 1541A W672286_T1 sorghum 272 83 MAB47.7.sorghumigb 161 .xe nolA1948276_CTl sorghum 273 Curated Curated 84 MAB48 MAB48.0.ricelgb 154IBI8021 61_T1 rice 274 85 MAB48.7.ricelgbl57.2IAU09 2454_CT1 rice 275 curated curated 86 MAB49 MAB49.0.maizelgbl54ITG_ AI621810_T1 maize 276 87 MAB49.7.maizelgbl64IAI62 1810_CT1 maize Curated

in ο (N <D m cn (N

in o o m (N in o (N 43 SEQ ID NO: Polyn ucleot ide Gene Name Cluster Name Organism SEQ ID NO: Poly pepti de Polynucleotide Description Polypeptide Description 88 MAB50 Μ ΑΒ50.0. arabidopsis Igb 1541 W43146_T1 arabidopsi s 277 89 Μ AB50.1. arabidopsis Igb 1651 AT5G48570_T1 arabidopsi s 278 updated to production gbl65 updated to production gbl65 90 MAB91 M AB91.0. arabidopsis Igb 1541 AU236480_T1 arabidopsi s 279 280 curated 91 MAB96 MAB96.0. arabidopsis Igb 1541 Z27256_T1 arabidopsi s 281 92 MAB96.7. arabidopsis Igb 1651 AT5G03800_CT1 arabidopsi s 282 curated curated 93 MAB99 MAB99.0.tomatolgbl54IBG7 35056_T1 tomato 283 94 ΜΑΒΙ 00 MAB100.0.arabidopsislgbl5 4IZ37259_T1 arabidopsi s 284 95 MAB100.1 .arabidopsisigb 16 5IAT1G01470_T1 arabidopsi s 285 updated to production gbl65 updated to production gbl65 96 ΜΑΒΙ 04 MAB104.0.ricelgbl54IBE039 215_T1 rice 286 97 MAB 104.1 .ricelgb 157.2IBE0 39215_T1 rice 287 updated to production gb 157.2 updated to production gbl57.2 98 MAB121 MAB121.0.sugarcanelgbl57l CA079500_T1 sugarcane 288 99 MAB 121.1. sugarcane Igb 157. 2ICA079500_T1 sugarcane 289 updated to production gbl57.2 updated to production gbl57.2 100 MAB122 MAB 122.0.maizelgb 1541AI9 01344_T9 maize 290 101 ΜΑΒΙ 23 MAB 123.0.barleylgb 157IBF6 26638_T1 barley 291 102 MAB 123.1 .barleylgb 157.2IB F626638_T1 barley 292 updated to production gbl57.2 updated to production gb 157.2 103 ΜΑΒΙ 24 MAB124.0.sugarcanelgbl57l CA284042_T1 sugarcane 293 104 MAB 124.1 .sugarcanelgb 157. 2ICA284042_T1 sugarcane 294 updated to production gb 157.2 updated to production gbl57.2 105 ΜΑΒΙ 25 MAB 125.0.ricelgb 157ICF957 213_T1 rice 295 106 MAB 125.1 .ricelgb 157.2ICF9 57213_T1 rice 296 updated to production gbl57.2 updated to production gbl57.2 107 ΜΑΒΙ 26 MAB126.0.grapelgbl57IBQ7 97309_T1 grape 297 108 MAB 126.1 .grapelgb 160IBQ7 97309_T1 grape 298 updated to production gbl60 updated to production gbl60 Ο (Ν Ρη <υ m m (Ν r- ο m (Ν ίη ο (Ν 44 SEQ ID NO: Polyn ucleot ide Gene Name Ouster Name Organism SEQ ID NO: Poly pepti de Polynucleotide Description Polypeptide Description 109 MAB127 MAB127.0.grapelgbl57ICB9 71532_Τ1 grape 299 no ΜΑΒ127.1 ,grapelgbl60ICB9 71532_Τ1 grape 300 updated to production gbl60 updated to production gbl60 111 ΜΑΒΙ 28 ΜΑΒ 128.0.sugarcanelgb 1571 CA142162_T1 sugarcane 301 112 ΜΑΒ 128.1 .sugarcanelgb 157. 2ICA142162_T1 sugarcane 302 updated to production gbl57.2 updated to production gbl57.2 113 ΜΑΒΙ 29 MAB129.0.tomatolgbl57IAI 486106_Τ1 tomato 303 114 ΜΑΒ 129.1. tomato Igb 1641ΑΙ 486106_Τ1 tomato 304 updated to production gbl64 updated to production gbl64 115 ΜΑΒΙ 30 ΜΑΒ 130.0.canolalgb 157ICD 829694_Τ1 canola 305 116 MAB131 ΜΑΒ 131.0.tomatolgb 157ΙΑ W928843_T1 tomato 306 117 ΜΑΒ 131.1 .tomato Igb 1641A W928843_T1 tomato 307 updated to production gbl64 updated to production gbl64 118 ΜΑΒΙ 32 MAB132.0.barleylgbl57IBF6 21624_T1 barley 308 119 ΜΑΒΙ 33 MAB 133.0.barleylgbl57IBE4 11546_T1 barley 309 120 MAB 133.1 .barleylgbl57.2IB E411546_T1 barley 310 updated to production gb 157.2 updated to production gbl57.2 121 ΜΑΒΙ 34 MAB 134.0.barleylgb 157IBE4 37407_T1 barley 311 312 protein Bioinforma tics &amp; Protein Curated 122 ΜΑΒΙ 35 MAB135.0.1otuslgbl57IAI96 7693_T1 loms 313 123 MAB135.1.1otuslgbl57.2IAI9 67693_T1 loms 314 updated to production gbl57.2 updated to production gbl57.2 124 ΜΑΒΙ 36 MAB136.0.ricelgbl57IAK05 8573_T1 rice 315 125 MAB 136.1 .ricelgb 157.21 AKO 58573_T1 rice 316 updated to production gbl57.2 updated to production gbl57.2 126 ΜΑΒΙ 37 MAB 137.0.barleylgb 157IAL 508624_T1 barley 317 from provisional patent 127 MAB 137.1 .barleylgb 157.2IA L508624_T1 barley 318 updated to production gb 157.2 updated to production gb 157.2

ο (N <D in m (N

m r- o m (N O (N 45 SEQ ID NO: Polyn ucleot ide Gene Name Ouster Name Organism SEQ ID NO: Poly pepti de Polynucleotide Description Polypeptide Description 128 ΜΑΒΙ 38 MAB138.0.potatolgb 157IBI1 77281_T1 potato 319 from provisional patent 129 MAB 138.1 .potatolgb 157.2IBI 177281_T1 potato 320 updated to production gbl57.2 updated to production gbl57.2 130 ΜΑΒΙ 39 MAB 139.0.cottonlgb 157.2IA I727826_T1 cotton 321 from provisional patent 131 MAB 139.1 .cottonigb 164IAI7 27826_T1 cotton 322 updated to production gbl64 updated to production gbl64 132 MAB140 MAB 140.0.barleylgb 157IBI7 78498_T1 barley 323 from provisional patent 133 MAB 140.1 .barleylgbl57.2IBI 778498_T1 barley 324 updated to production gbl57.2 updated to production gb 157.2 134 MAB141 MAB141.0.barleylgbl57IBE4 21008_T1 barley 325 from provisional patent 135 MAB142 MAB142.0.cottonlgbl57.2IA 1055631_T2 cotton 326 from provisional patent 136 MAB 142.0.cottonigb 157.2IA I055631_T1 cotton 327 from provisional patent 137 MAB 142.1 .cottonigb 164IAW 187041_T1 cotton 328 updated to production gbl64 updated to production gbl64 138 MAB143 MAB143.0.tomatolgbl57IAI 487157_T1 tomato 329 from provisional patent 139 MAB 143.1. tomato Igb 1641AI 487157_T1 tomato 330 updated to production gbl64 updated to production gbl64 140 MAB144 MAB144.0.grapelgbl57ICA8 14960_T1 grape 331 from provisional patent 141 MAB 144.1 .grapelgb 160ICA8 14960_T1 grape 332 updated to production gbl60 updated to production gbl60 142 MAB145 MAB145.0.barleylgbl57IBE4 13365_T1 barley 333 from provisional patent 143 MAB146 MAB146.0.tomatolgbl57IAI 773927_T1 tomato 334 from provisional patent 144 MAB 146.1. tomato Igb 1641 AI 773927_T1 tomato 335 updated to production gbl64 updated to production gbl64 Η Ο (Ν Λ (D GO m (Ν ΙΟ Ο fO (Ν Η Ο (Ν 46 SEQ ID NO: Polyn ucleot ide Gene Name Cluster Name Organism SEQ ID NO: Poly pepti de Polynucleotide Description Polypeptide Description 145 MAB147 MAB147.0.tobaccolgbl57E B446189_T1 tobacco 336 146 M AB147.1 .tobaccolgb 162E B446189_T1 tobacco 337 updated to production gbl62 updated to production gbl62 147 MAB148 MAB 148.0.medicagolgb 1571 AW256654_T1 medicago 338 148 MAB 148.1 .medicagolgbl57. 2IAW256654_T1 medicago 339 updated to production gbl57.2 updated to production gb 157.2 149 MAB150 MAB 150.0.canolalgb 157ICD 818831_T1 canola 340 150 MAB 150.1 .canolalgb 161ICD 818831_T1 canola 341 updated to production gbl61 updated to production gbl61 151 MAB151 MAB 151.0.potatolgb 157IBQ 513540_T1 potato 342 152 MAB 151.1 .potatolgb 157.2IB Q513540_T1 potato 343 updated to production gb 157.2 updated to production gbl57.2 153 MAB152 MAB152.0.grapelgbl57IBQ7 98655_T1 grape 344 154 MAB 152.1 .grapelgb 160IBQ7 98655_T1 grape 345 updated to production gbl60 updated to production gbl60 155 MAB153 MAB 153.0.sugarcanelgb 1571 BQ533857_T1 sugarcane 346 156 MAB 15 3.1. sugarcanelgb 157. 2IBQ533857_T1 sugarcane 347 updated to production gb 157.2 updated to production gb 157.2 157 ΜΑΒΙ 54 MAB 154.0.sugarcanelgb 1571 BQ537570_T3 sugarcane 348 158 MAB154.0.sugarcanelgbl57l BQ537570_T2 sugarcane 349 159 MAB154.0.sugarcanelgbl57l BQ537570_T1 sugarcane 350 160 MAB 154.1 .sugarcanelgbl57. 2IBQ537570_T1 sugarcane 351 updated to production gbl57.2 updated to production gb 157.2 161 MAB155 MAB155.0.sorghumlgbl57IA W676730_T1 sorghum 352 162 MAB 155.1 .sorghumigb 161.x enolAW676730_Tl sorghum 353 updated to production gbl61.xeno updated to production gbl61.xeno 163 ΜΑΒΙ 56 MAB156.0.tobaccolgbl57IA B117525_T1 tobacco 354 164 MAB 156.1 .tobaccolgb 162IA B117525_T1 tobacco 355 updated to production gbl62 updated to production gbl62 165 MAB157 MAB157.0.sugarcanelgbl57l BQ533820_T2 sugarcane 356

ο (N α ω m m (N

m o m (N O (N 47 SEQ ID NO: Polyn ucleot ide Gene Name Cluster Name Organism SEQ ID NO: Poly pepti de Polynucleotide Description Polypeptide Description 166 MAB157.0.sugarcanelgbl57l BQ533820_T1 sugarcane 357 167 MAB157.1 .sugarcanelgb 157. 2IBQ533820_T1 sugarcane 358 updated to production gb 157.2 updated to production gbl57.2 168 MAB158 MAB158.0.cottonlgbl57.2IA I054450_T1 cotton 359 169 ΜΑΒΙ 59 MAB 159.0.canolalgb 157ICD 818468_T1 canola 360 170 ΜΑΒΙ 60 ΜΑΒΙ 60.0.barleylgb 157IBF6 22450_T1 barley 361 171 MAB161 MAB 161.0.poplarlgb 157IBU 896597_T1 poplar 362 172 MAB 161.1 .poplarlgb 157.2IB U896597_T1 poplar 363 updated to production gb 157.2 updated to production gb 157.2 173 ΜΑΒΙ 62 MAB 162.0.sugarcanelgb 1571 BU102611_T1 sugarcane 364 174 MAB 162.1 .sugarcanelgb 157. 2IBU102611_T1 sugarcane 365 updated to production gb 157.2 updated to production gb 157.2 175 MAB163 MAB163.0.barleylgbl57IAL 501813_T1 barley 366 176 MAB163.1.barleylgbl57.2IA L501813_T1 barley 367 updated to production gbl57.2 updated to production gbl57.2 177 ΜΑΒΙ 64 MAB164.0.barleylgbl57IBF2 53543_T1 barley 368 178 MAB 164.1 .barleylgb 157.2IB F253543_T1 barley 369 updated to production gbl57.2 updated to production gbl57.2 179 ΜΑΒΙ 65 MAB 165.0.grapelgb 157IBQ7 93123_T1 grape 370 180 ΜΑΒΙ 66 MAB166.0.poplarlgbl57ICV 228694_T1 poplar 371 181 MAB 166.1 .poplarlgb 157.2IC V228694_T1 poplar 372 updated to production gbl57.2 updated to production gbl57.2 182 ΜΑΒΙ 67 MAB167.0.canolalgbl57ICX 278043_T1 canola 373 183 MAB 167.1 .canolalgb 161ICX 278043_T1 canola 374 updated to production gbl61 updated to production gbl61 184 ΜΑΒ168 MAB168.0.grapelgbl57IBG2 73815_T1 grape 375 185 MAB 168.1 .grapelgb 160IBG2 73815_T1 grape 376 updated to production gbl60 updated to production gbl60 186 ΜΑΒΙ 69 MAB169.0.cottonlgbl57.2IC 0TLEA14B_T1 cotton 377

Polynucleotides and polypeptides with significant homology to the identified ABST genes have been identified from the databases using BLAST software using the BlastX algorithm. The query nucleotide sequences were SEQ ID NOs:l, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 11, 13, 15, 16, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 36, 37, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 55, 57, 59, 61, 63, 65, 67, 69, 71 ,73 ,75 ,77, 79, 81, 82, 84, 86, 88, 90, 91, 93, 94, 96, 98, 100, 101, 103, 105, 107, 109, 111, 113, 115, 116, 118, 119, 121, 122, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132, 134, 135, 138, 140, 142, 143, 145, 147, 149, 151, 153, 155, 157, 161, 163, 165, 168, 169, 170, 171, 173, 175, 177, 179, 180, 182, 184, 186, 188, 190, 192,

ο (N α ω in m (N

m o m (N O (N 10 48 SEQ ID NO: Polyn ucleot ide Gene Name Ouster Name Organism SEQ ID NO: Poly pepti de Polynucleotide Description Polypeptide Description 187 MAB169.1 .cottonigb 164ICO TLEA14B_T1 cotton 378 updated to production gbl64 updated to production gbl64 188 ΜΑΒΙ 70 MAB nO.O.barleylgb 157IBE4 12505_T1 barley 379 189 MAB 170.1 .barleylgb 157.2IB E412505_T1 barley 380 updated to production gbl57.2 updated to production gbl57.2 190 MAB171 MAB171.0.sugarcanelgbl57l CA123631_T1 sugarcane 381 191 MAB 171.1 .sugarcanelgb 157. 2ICA123631_T1 sugarcane 382 updated to production gb 157.2 updated to production gb 157.2 192 ΜΑΒΙ 72 MAB 172.0.sugarcanelgb 1571 BQ478980_T1 sugarcane 383 193 MAB 172.0.sugarcanelgb 1571 BQ478980_T2 sugarcane 384 194 MAB173 MAB173.0.barleylgbl57IBY 836652_T1 barley 385 195 MAB173.1.barleylgbl57.2IB Y836652_T1 barley 386 updated to production gbl57.2 updated to production gbl57.2 196 ΜΑΒΙ 74 MAB174.0.barleylgbl57IBG 342904_T1 barley 387 197 MAB 174.1 .barleylgb 157.2IB G342904_T1 barley 388 updated to production gb 157.2 updated to production gbl57.2 198 ΜΑΒΙ 75 MAB175.0.tomatolgbl57IBG 126606_T1 tomato 389 199 MAB175.0.tomatolgbl57IBG 126606_T2 tomato 390 200 MAB 175.1. tomato Igb 164IBG 126606_T1 tomato 391 updated to production gbl64 updated to production gbl64 1653 ΜΑΒ66 M AB66.0. tomatolgb 164IBG1 24832_CT1 tomato 1651 Table 1. 49

in r-H O (N 5¾ <υ GO <N

m in o m (N in O (N 194, 196, 198 and 1653, and the identified ABST homologs are provided in Table 2, below.

Table 2

Polyn ucleoti de SEQ ID NO: Ouster name Organism Polyp eptid e SEQ ID NO: Homolog to a polypeptide encoded by polynucleotide SEQ ID NO. % Glob al identi 392 applelgb 157.3ICN444532_T 1 apple 961 Seq357.MAB157.15.sugarca ne 85 393 applelgbl57.3ICN445371_Tl apple 962 Seq376.MAB 168.15.grape 87 394 applelgbl57.3ICN878026_Tl apple 963 Seq350.MAB154.15.sugarca ne 80 395 applelgbl57.3ICK900582_Tl apple 964 Seq321.MAB 139.15.cotton 85 396 applelgbl57.3ICN888579_T2 apple 965 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 86 397 applelgbl57.3ICN888579_T3 apple 966 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 81 398 applelgbl57.3ICO066535_Tl apple 967 Seq370.MAB 165.15 .grape 84 399 applelgbl57.3ICN888579_Tl apple 968 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 86 400 applelgbl57.3ICN496860_Tl apple 969 Seq321.MAB 139.15.cotton 81 401 apricotlgbl57.2IBQ134642_Tl apricot 970 Seq329.MAB 143.15.tomato 82 402 apricotlgbl57.2ICB822088_Tl apricot 971 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 88 403 aquilegialgb 157.3IDR915383_ T1 aquilegia 972 Seq321.MAB 139.15.cotton 83 404 aquilegialgb 157.3 IDR913600_ T1 aquilegia 973 Seq344.MAB 152.15.grape 83 405 aquilegialgb 157.3IDR920101_ T1 aquilegia 974 Seq370.MAB165.15.grape 87 406 aquilegialgb 157.3 IDT727583_ T1 aquilegia 975 Seq311.ΜΑΒΙ 34.15.barley 80 407 aquilegialgb 157.3 IDR918523_ T1 aquilegia 976 Seq376.MAB168.15.grape 82 408 arabidopsis Igb 1651 AT 1G6789 0_T2 arabidopsis 977 Seq263.MAB42.15.sorghum 80 409 arabidopsis Igb 1651 AT 1G7807 0_T2 arabidopsis 978 Seq207.MAB6. IS.arabidopsi s 97 410 arabidopsisigb 1651 AT 1G5289 0_T3 arabidopsis 979 Seq211 .MAB9. IS.arabidopsi s 85 411 arabidopsisigb 1651AT3G0662 0_T1 arabidopsis 980 Seq357.MAB157.15.sugarca ne 80 412 arabidopsisigb 1651 AT 1G6789 0_T1 arabidopsis 981 Seq263.MAB42.15 .sorghum 80 413 arabidopsislgbl65IAT5G1486 0_T1 arabidopsis 982 Seq341 .MAB 150.15 .canola 80 414 arabidopsislgbl65IAT5G4947 0_T2 arabidopsis 983 Seq263.MAB42.15.sorghum 81 415 arabidopsisigb 1651AT5G4947 0_T1 arabidopsis 984 Seq263.MAB42.15.sorghum 81 416 arabidopsisigb 1651AT3G2417 0_T1 arabidopsis 985 Seq376.MAB 168.15.grape 80 417 arabidopsislgbl65IATlGl 167 0_T1 arabidopsis 986 Seq229.MAB20.15.arabidop sis 84 ο (Ν <D m m (Ν

m IT) o m (N IT) O (N 50 Polyn ucleoti de SEQ ID NO: Ouster name Organism Polyp eptid e SEQ ID NO: Homolog to a polypeptide encoded by polynucleotide SEQ ID NO. % Glob al identi ty 418 arabidopsisigb 1651AT3G2523 0_T1 arabidopsis 987 Seq370.M AB 165.15 -grape 80 419 arabidopsisigb 1651AT4G3250 0_T2 arabidopsis 988 Seq242.MAB29.15.arabidop sis 81 420 arabidopsisigb 1651AT5G0676 0_T1 arabidopsis 989 Seq373.MAB 167.15.canola 84 421 arabidopsisigb 165IAT4G2741 0_T3 arabidopsis 990 Seq211.MAB9. IS.arabidopsi s 94 422 arabidopsis Igb 1651AT4G2756 0_T1 arabidopsis 991 Seq254.MAB36.15.arabidop sis 94 423 artemisialgbl64IEY047508_T 1 artemisia 992 Seq321.MAB139.15.cotton 80 424 artemisialgbl64IEY060376_T 1 artemisia 993 Seq376.MAB 168.15.grape 85 425 artemisialgbl64IEY089381_T 1 artemisia 994 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 86 426 artemisialgb 164 IE Y042537_T 1 artemisia 995 Seq349.MAB 154.1 S.sugarca ne 80 427 b Juncealgb 164IEVGN001020 08310737_T1 bjuncea 996 Seq360.MAB 159.15.canola 97 428 b Juncealgb 164IEVGN084860 04170336_T1 bjuncea 997 Seq373.MAB 167.15.canola 94 429 b Juncealgb 164IEVGN004299 14360666_T1 bjuncea 998 Seq370.MAB 165.15.grape 83 430 b Juncealgb 164IEVGN002584 30752139P1_T1 bjuncea 999 Seq376.MAB 168.15.grape 80 431 bJuncealgbl64IEVGN015689 09822952_T1 bjuncea 1000 Seq373.MAB 167.15.canola 98 432 b_oleracealgb 161 ID Y029719_ T1 b_oleracea 1001 Seq370.MAB 165.15 .grape 82 433 b_oleracealgb 1611AM385106_ T1 b_oleracea 1002 Seq360.MAB 159.15.canola 96 434 b_oleracealgb 1611AM387179_ T1 b_oleracea 1003 Seq360.MAB 159.15.canola 91 435 b_oleracealgb 1611AM061306_ T1 b_oleracea 1004 Seq284.MAB100.15.arabido psis 86 436 b_oleracealgb 1611AB125639_ T1 b_oleracea 1005 Seq376.MAB 168.15.grape 80 437 b_rapalgbl62IEE523634_Tl b_rapa 1006 Seq229.MAB20.15.arabidop sis 92 438 b_rapalgb 162IEX024909_T 1 b_rapa 1007 S eq217. M AB 13.15. arabidop sis 83 439 b_rapalgb 162IEX070158_T2 b_rapa 1008 Seq211 .MAB9. IS.arabidopsi s 95 440 b_rapalgb 162IC A992067_T 1 b_rapa 1009 Seq360.MAB 159.15.canola 94 441 b_rapalgbl62IEE520623_Tl b_rapa 1010 Seq280.MAB91.10.arabidop sis 89 442 bjapalgb 162IC V545896_T 1 b_rapa 1011 Seq208.MAB7. IS.arabidopsi s 88 443 b_rapalgbl62IC0749564_Tl b_rapa 1012 Seq370.MAB165.15.grape 82 444 bjapalgb 162IC V434105_T 1 b_rapa 1013 S eq217. M AB 13.15. arabidop sis 83

in ο (N <D in m (N

t> o m (N O (N 51 Polyn ucleoti de SEQ ID NO: Ouster name Organism Polyp eptid e SEQ ID NO: Homolog to a polypeptide encoded by polynucleotide SEQ ID NO. % Glob al identi ty 445 b_rapalgbl62IAF008441_Tl b_rapa 1014 Seq376.MAB 168.15.grape 80 446 b_rapalgb 162IEX070158_T 1 b_rapa 1015 Seq211 .MAB9. IS.arabidopsi s 86 447 b_rapalgbl62IEX088727_Tl b_rapa 1016 S eq271. M AB46.15. arabidop sis 93 448 b_rapalgbl62IBG544469_Tl b_rapa 1017 Seq360.MAB 159.15.canola 82 449 b_rapalgbl62IDN962625_Tl b_rapa 1018 Seq237.MAB25.15.arabidop sis 85 450 b_rapalgbl62ICV544672_Tl b_rapa 1019 Seq284.MAB100.15.arabido psis 88 451 barleylgbl57.2IBI947678_Tl barley 1020 Seq368.MAB164.15.barley 92 452 barleylgbl57.2IAV835424_Tl barley 1021 Seq257.MAB38.15.wheat 97 453 barleylgbl57.2IBE455969_Tl barley 1022 Seq290.MAB 122.15.maize 84 454 barleylgbl57.2IBE519575_T2 barley 1023 Seq263.MAB42.15.sorghum 81 455 barleylgbl57.2IBF625959_Tl barley 1024 Seq221.MAB 15.15.sorghum 83 456 barleylgbl57.2IBQ461470_Tl barley 1025 Seq356.MAB157.15.sugarca ne 82 457 basilicumlgbl57.3IDY333033 _T1 basilicum 1026 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 87 458 beanigb 164ICB542809_T1 bean 1027 Seq376.MAB 168.15.grape 80 459 beanigb 164IC V529652_T1 bean 1028 Seq370.MAB 165.15.grape 83 460 beanlgbl64ICB543453_Tl bean 1029 Seq368.MAB 164.15.barley 80 461 beanlgbl64ICV535253_Tl bean 1030 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 88 462 beetlgbl62IB0592516_Tl beet 1031 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 86 463 beetlgbl62IBQ488223_Tl beet 1032 Seq211 .MAB9.15. arabidopsi s 88 464 beetlgbl62IBQ583768_Tl beet 1033 Seq385.MAB173.15.barley 85 465 beetlgbl62IBQ591963_Tl beet 1034 Seq368.MAB164.15.barley 80 466 brachypodiumigb 161 .xenolBE 519575_T1 brach3φodium 1035 Seq356.MAB157.15.sugarca ne 85 467 brach3φodiumlgb 161 .xeno IBG 368321_T1 brachypodium 1036 Seq247.MAB32.15.rice 81 468 brach3φodiumlgb 161 .xenolBE 400652_T1 brachypodium 1037 Seq368.MAB 164.15.barley 95 469 brach)φodiumlgb 161 .xeno 1AL 502884_T1 brachypodium 1038 Seq210.MAB8.15.rice 82 470 brachypodiumlgbl61 .xenolBY 836652_T1 brachypodium 1039 Seq385.MAB173.15.barley 90 471 brachypodiumigb 161 .xenolBE 414917_T1 brachypodium 1040 Seq309.MAB133.15.barley 93 472 brachypodiumigb 161 .xenolBF 202085_T1 brachypodium 1041 Seq291.MAB123.15.barley 83 473 brachypodiumigb 161 .xenolBE 406378_T1 brachypodium 1042 Seq219.MAB14.15.rice 80 474 brachypodiumigb 161 .xenolBE 517562_T1 brachypodium 1043 Seq366.MAB163.15.barley 85 475 brachypodiumigb 161 .xenolBE 420294_T1 brachypodium 1044 Seq290.MAB122.15.maize 85 476 brachypodiumigb 161 .xeno IBG 369416_T1 brachypodium 1045 Seq270.MAB45.15. wheat 89 477 brach5φodiumlgb 161 .xenolBE 406039_T2 brachypodium 1046 Seq241.MAB28.15.rice 93

IT) ο (N Qh (D in m (N

m IT) r- o m (N in O (N 52 Polyn ucleoti de SEQ ID NO: Ouster name Organism Polyp eptid e SEQ ID NO: Homolog to a polypeptide encoded by polynucleotide SEQ ID NO. % Glob al identi ty 478 brachypodiumigb 161 .xenolBE 418087_T1 brachypodium 1047 Seq325.MAB141.15.barley 86 479 brachypodiumigb 161 .xenolBE 470780_T1 brachypodium 1048 Seq221 .MAB 15.15 .sorghum 81 480 brachypodiumigb 161 .xeno 1AV 835424_T1 brachypodium 1049 Seq257.MAB38.15. wheat 93 481 brachypodiumigb 161 .xenolBE 398656_T1 brachypodium 1050 Seq308.MAB 132.15.barley 93 482 brachypodiumigb 161 .xenolBE 437407_T1 brachypodium 1051 Seq311 .MAB 134.15 .barley 98 483 brachypodiumigb 161 .xenolBE 406039_T3 brachypodium 1052 Seq333.MAB145.15.barley 81 484 brachypodiumigb 161 .xenolBE 490408_T1 brachypodium 1053 Seq264.MAB42. lO.sorghum 80 485 brachypodiumigb 161 .xenolBE 403745_T1 brachypodium 1054 Seq379.MAB 170.15.barley 92 486 brachypodiumigb 161 .xenolBE 490591_T1 brachypodium 1055 Seq366.MAB163.15.barley 87 487 brachypodiumigb 161 .xeno IBQ 461470_T2 brachypodium 1056 Seq356.MAB157.15.sugarca ne 85 488 brachypodiumigb 161 .xenolBE 517562_T2 brachypodium 1057 Seq366.MAB163.15.barley 83 489 brachypodiumigb 161 .xenolBE 413341_T1 brachypodium 1058 Seq336.MAB 147.15.tobacco 80 490 brachypodiumigb 161 .xenolBE 515529_T1 brachypodium 1059 Seq259.MAB39.15.barley 96 491 brachypodiumigb 161 .xeno ID V 471778_T1 brachypodium 1060 Seq348 .MAB 154.15. sugarca ne 83 492 canolalgb 161IEE587045_T 1 canola 1061 Seq277.MAB50.15.arabidop sis 87 493 canolalgb 161 ICX279297_T1 canola 1062 Seq280.MAB91.10.arabidop sis 85 494 canolalgbl61ICD815143_Tl canola 1063 Seq222.MAB16.15.rice 80 495 canolalgbl61ICD831036_Tl canola 1064 Seq284.MAB 100.15 .arabido psis 86 496 canolalgb 161 IEE466962_T 1 canola 1065 Seq360.MAB 159.15.canola 83 497 canolalgbl61ICN726580_Tl canola 1066 Seq305 .MAB 130.15 .canola 89 498 canolalgb 161 ICD829644_T1 canola 1067 Seq373.MAB167.15.canola 86 499 canolalgb 1611 AY245887_T 1 canola 1068 Seq211 .MAB9.15.arabidopsi s 87 500 canolalgb 161IEE411591 _T 1 canola 1069 Seq207.MAB6.15.arabidopsi s 88 501 canolalgb 161 ID Y020345_T 1 canola 1070 Seq211 .MAB9.15.arabidopsi s 92 502 canolalgb 161ICD820718_T1 canola 1071 Seq360.MAB 159.15.canola 95 503 canolalgbl61ICX189134_T1 canola 1072 Seq221 .MAB 15.15 .sorghum 81 504 canolalgbl61IEG021120_T1 canola 1073 Seq360.MAB 159.15.canola 83 505 canolalgb 161IES906182_T 1 canola 1074 Seq244.MAB30.15.arabidop sis 92 506 canolalgbl61ES911977_Tl canola 1075 Seq229.MAB20.15.arabidop sis 88

ο (N Oh CD m m (N

O m (N O (N 53 Polyn ucleoti de SEQ ID NO: Ouster name Organism Polyp eptid e SEQ ID NO: Homolog to a polypeptide encoded by polynucleotide SEQ ID NO. % Glob al identi 507 canolalgbl61ICD814410_Tl canola 1076 Seq217.MAB 13.15 .arabidop sis 81 508 canolalgb 161IES904177_T 1 canola 1077 Seq208.MAB7. IS.arabidopsi s 87 509 canolalgb 161ICD813775_T1 canola 1078 Seq370.MAB 165.15.grape 82 510 canolalgb 161 ICD824419_T1 canola 1079 Seq229.MAB20.15.arabidop sis 94 511 canolalgb 161 ICD825454_T1 canola 1080 Seq229.MAB20.15.arabidop sis 90 512 canolalgb 161ICD834184_T1 canola 1081 Seq284.MAB 100.15 .arabido psis 88 513 canolalgb 161IEE469078_T 1 canola 1082 Seq370.MAB 165.15.grape 83 514 canolalgb 161IGFXAJ53511IX 1_T1 canola 1083 Seq305.MAB 130.15.canola 99 515 canolalgb 161 IEE448267_T1 canola 1084 Seq222.MAB 16.15.rice 80 516 canolalgb 161ICX193415_T1 canola 1085 Seq237.MAB25.15.arabidop sis 85 517 canolalgb 161ICD813278_T1 canola 1086 Seq375.MAB 168.15.grape 80 518 castorbeanigb 160IMDL28401 M000077_T1 castorbean 1087 Seq370.MAB 165.15.grape 86 519 castorbeanigb 160IEE258294_ T1 castorbean 1088 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 87 520 castorbeanigb 160IMDL28066 M000021_T1 castorbean 1089 Seq370.MAB 165.15.grape 85 521 castorbeanlgbl60IAM267339_ T1 castorbean 1090 Seq222.MAB 16.15.rice 80 522 castorbeanigb 160IEG659656_ T1 castorbean 1091 Seq376.MAB 168.15.grape 83 523 castorbeanigb 160IEG656754_ T1 castorbean 1092 Seq263.MAB42.15.sorghum 82 524 castorbeanigb 160IEE259826_ T1 castorbean 1093 Seq362.MAB 161.15 .poplar 83 525 castorbeanigb 160IEG659299_ T1 castorbean 1094 Seq300.MAB127.15.grape 81 526 castorbeanigb 160IEE259565_ T1 castorbean 1095 Seq276.MAB49.15.maize 80 527 castorbeanigb 160IEE255133_ T1 castorbean 1096 Seq321 .MAB 139.15 .cotton 84 528 castorbeanigb 160IMDL29822 M003364_T1 castorbean 1097 Seq336.MAB 147.15.tobacco 82 529 castorbeanigb 160IEG661241_ T1 castorbean 1098 Seq371 .MAB 166.15 .poplar 85 530 centaurealgb 161IEH713943_T 1 centaurea 1099 Seq321 .MAB 139.15 .cotton 82 531 centaurealgb 161 IEH724589_T 1 centaurea 1100 S eq256. MAB 3 7.15. tomato 84 532 centaurealgb 161IEH717520_T 1 centaurea 1101 Seq329.MAB 143.15 .tomato 80 533 centaurealgb 161IEH711566_T 1 centaurea 1102 Seq370.MAB165.15.grape 81 534 centaurealgb 161IEH713337_T 1 centaurea 1103 Seq259.MAB39.15.barley 81 ΙΟ ο (Ν α ω m m (Ν m ΙΟ r- ο fO (Ν ΙΟ Ο (Ν 54 Polyn ucleoti de SEQ ID NO: Ouster name Organism Polyp eptid e SEQ ID NO: Homolog to a polypeptide encoded by polynucleotide SEQ ID NO. % Glob al identi ty 535 centaurealgb 161IEH713628_T 1 centaurea 1104 Seq376.MAB 168.15.grape 83 536 centaurealgb 161 IEH738263_T 1 centaurea 1105 Seq385.MAB173.15.barley 80 537 centaurealgb 161 IEH727723_T 1 centaurea 1106 S eq256. M AB 3 7.15. tomato 84 538 cichoriumigb 161IDT212291_T 1 cichorium 1107 Seq370.MAB 165.15.grape 80 539 cichoriumigb 161IDT211081_T 1 cichorium 1108 Seq376.MAB 168.15.grape 83 540 cichoriumigb 161 IEH692437_T 1 cichorium 1109 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 86 541 cichoriumigb 161IDT212218_T 1 cichorium 1110 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 89 542 citruslgbl57.2ICB290836_Tl citrus nil Seq376.MAB 168.15.grape 85 543 citruslgbl57.2IBQ624861_T1 citrus 1112 Seq276.MAB49.15.maize 82 544 citrusigb 157.2IBQ624727_T 1 citrus 1113 Seq370.MAB165.15.grape 85 545 citruslgbl57.2ICB290836_T2 citrus 1114 Seq376.MAB 168.15.grape 86 546 citrusigb 157.2ICX672218_T2 citrus 1115 Seq357.MAB157.15.sugarca ne 83 547 citrusigb 157.2ICF504250_T1 citrus 1116 Seq222.MAB16.15.rice 82 548 citrusigb 157.2ICK933948_T 1 citrus 1117 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 86 549 cloverlgbl62IBB926896_Tl clover 1118 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 82 550 cloverlgbl62IBB904696_Tl clover 1119 Seq263.MAB42.15.sorghum 84 551 coffealgbl57.2IDV676382_Tl coffea 1120 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 91 552 coffealgbl57.2IDV688680_Tl coffea 1121 Seq332.MAB 144.15.grape 83 553 coffealgbl57.2IDQ124044_Tl coffea 1122 Seq303.MAB 129.15.tomato 80 554 cottonigb 164IBE268276_T 1 cotton 1123 Seq370.MAB 165.15.grape 84 555 cottonigb 164ICO113031_T 1 cotton 1124 Seq319.MAB138.15.potato 80 556 cottonigb 1641AI730186_T1 cotton 1125 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 81 557 cottonigb 164ICO103100_T 1 cotton 1126 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 86 558 cottonigb 164IBE051970_T 1 cotton 1127 Seq370.MAB 165.15.grape 84 559 cottonigb 1641 AI725698_T1 cotton 1128 Seq376.MAB 168.15.grape 85 560 cottonigb 1641 AI728290_T1 cotton 1129 Seq370.MAB 165.15.grape 82 561 cottonigb 1641 AI055482_T 1 cotton 1130 Seq370.MAB 165.15.grape 85 562 cottonigb 164IES794517_T 1 cotton 1131 Seq327.MAB 142.15.cotton 81 563 cottonigb 164IBE268276_T2 cotton 1132 Seq370.MAB 165.15.grape 84 564 cottonigb 164ICO109448_T 1 cotton 1133 Seq376.MAB 168.15.grape 83 565 cottonigb 164IDT459182_T1 cotton 1134 Seq375.MAB 168.15.grape 84 566 cottonigb 164IBG441162_T1 cotton 1135 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 85 567 CO wpealgb 165 IEE390508_T 1 cowpea 1136 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 84 568 CO wpealgb 165 IEE390203_T 1 cowpea 1137 Seq259.MAB39.15.barley 86 569 CO wpealgb 165 IDQ267475_T 1 cowpea 1138 Seq376.MAB 168.15.grape 83 570 CO wpealgb 165IEE382851_T 1 cowpea 1139 Seq224.MAB 17.15.soybean 89 571 CO wpealgb 165 IEE394009_T 1 cowpea 1140 Seq370.MAB165.15.grape 85 572 dandelionigb 161IDQ160099_T 1 dandelion 1141 Seq376.MAB 168.15.grape 82 573 dandelionigb 161 ID Y823013_T 1 dandelion 1142 S eq256. M AB 3 7.15. tomato 82 574 dandelionigb 161 ID Y820394_T 2 dandelion 1143 S eq256. M AB 3 7.15. tomato 88

Ο (N Oh CD C/5 (N

o o m (N O (N 55 Polyn ucleoti de SEQ ID NO: Ouster name Organism Polyp eptid e SEQ ID NO: Homolog to a polypeptide encoded by polynucleotide SEQ ID NO. % Glob al identi ty 575 dandelionigb 161 ID Y813450_T 2 dandelion 1144 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 85 576 dandelionigb 161 ID Y820394_T 1 dandelion 1145 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 87 577 fescuelgbl61IDT687914_Tl fescue 1146 Seq290.MAB 122.15.maize 93 578 fescuelgbl61 IDT702477_T1 fescue 1147 Seq291 .MAB123.15.barley 87 579 fescuelgb 161IDT705881_T 1 fescue 1148 Seq311.MAB134.15.barley 96 580 fescuelgb 161IDT682501_T 1 fescue 1149 Seq321.MAB139.15.cotton 82 581 fescuelgbl61 IDT699000_T1 fescue 1150 Seq309.MAB133.15.barley 90 582 fescuelgbl61 IDT706685_T1 fescue 1151 Seq259.MAB39.15.barley 96 583 fescuelgbl61 IDT698326_T1 fescue 1152 Seq368.MAB 164.15.barley 95 584 fescuelgb 161 IDT677453_T 1 fescue 1153 Seq379.MAB 170.15.barley 95 585 fescuelgbl61 IDT674734_T1 fescue 1154 Seq333.MAB 145.15.barley 88 586 gingerlgbl64IDY377113_T1 ginger 1155 Seq223.MAB16.15.rice 81 587 grapelgbl60IBO792651_T1 grape 1156 Seq222.M AB 16.15 .rice 84 588 grapelgbl60IBO793581_T1 grape 1157 Seq 371 .MAB 166.15.poplar 80 589 iceplantlgbl64IBM658279_Tl iceplant 1158 Seq376.MAB 168.15.grape 83 590 iceplantlgbl64IBE034140_Tl iceplant 1159 Seq303.MAB 129.15.tomato 81 591 ipomoealgb 157.21 AU224303_ T1 ipomoea 1160 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 91 592 ipomoealgbl57.2IAU224807_ T1 ipomoea 1161 Seq385.MAB173.15.barley 80 593 ipomoealgb 157.2ICJ758382_T 1 ipomoea 1162 Seq371 .MAB 166.15.poplar 83 594 lettucelgbl57.2IDW048067_T 1 lettuce 1163 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 87 595 lettucelgbl57.2IDW046482_T 1 lettuce 1164 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 85 596 lettucelgbl57.2IDW062524_T 1 lettuce 1165 Seq259.MAB39.15.barley 81 597 lettucelgbl57.2IDW048641_T 1 lettuce 1166 Seq370.MAB 165.15.grape 80 598 lettucelgbl57.2IDW055618_T 1 lettuce 1167 Seq371.MAB 166.15.poplar 80 599 lettucelgbl57.2IDY961700_T2 lettuce 1168 Seq211 .MAB9. IS.arabidopsi s 83 600 lettucelgbl57.2IDW075962_T 1 lettuce 1169 S eq256. MAB 3 7.15. tomato 87 601 lettucelgbl57.2IDW047202_T 1 lettuce 1170 Seq376.MAB 168.15.grape 83 602 lotuslgbl57.2IBF177835_Tl lotus 1171 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 90 603 lotuslgbl57.2IBW601503_Tl lotus 1172 Seq211 .MAB9. IS.arabidopsi s 84 604 maizelgb 164 IT 15 319_T2 maize 1173 Seq276.MAB49.15.maize 96 605 maizelgb 1641AI649734_T 1 maize 1174 Seq264.MAB42.10.sorghum 90 606 maizelgb 164IBE638692_T1 maize 1175 Seq228.MAB 19.15.sorghum 88 607 maizelgb 164IAW498283_T 1 maize 1176 Seq210.MAB8.15.rice 80 608 maizelgbl64IAI622375_Tl maize 1177 Seq309.MAB133.15 .b arley 90 609 maizelgb 164 IBQ034409_T 1 maize 1178 Seq290.MAB 122.15.maize 100 610 maizelgbl64IEC895235_Tl maize 1179 Seq210.MAB8.15.rice 86 611 maizelgb 164IAI947795_T2 maize 1180 Seq325.MAB141.15.barley 80

in ο (N α ω in m (N

in r- o m (N in o (N 56 Polyn ucleoti de SEQ ID NO: Ouster name Organism Polyp eptid e SEQ ID NO: Homolog to a polypeptide encoded by polynucleotide SEQ ID NO. % Glob al identi 612 maizelgb 1641AI947974_T 1 maize 1181 Seq227.MAB 19.15.sorghum 93 613 maizelgbl64IAI619086_Tl maize 1182 Seq346.MAB 153.15. sugarca ne 95 614 maizelgbl64IAA143925_Tl maize 1183 Seq221.MAB 15.15.sorghum 94 615 maize Igb 1641 AW 179463_T 1 maize 1184 Seq321 .MAB139.15.cotton 82 616 maizelgb 164IBE051802_T 1 maize 1185 Seq231.MAB21.15.rice 89 617 maizelgb 1641AI942091_T 1 maize 1186 Seq309.MAB 133.15.barley 89 618 maizelgb 164IAI944064_T 1 maize 1187 Seq383.MAB 172.15.sugarca ne 96 619 maizelgb 164 IT 15 319_T 1 maize 1188 Seq276.MAB49.15.maize 96 620 maizelgb 164IAI782993_T1 maize 1189 Seq241.MAB28.15.rice 82 621 maizelgb 164 IT26945_T 1 maize 1190 Seq370.MAB 165.15.grape 80 622 maizelgb 1641AI941749_T 1 maize 1191 Seq269.MAB45.15.wheat 91 623 maizelgbl64IAI891255_Tl maize 1192 Seq311 .MAB 134.15 .barley 95 624 maizelgb 164 ICD975046_T 1 maize 1193 Seq203.MAB3.15.rice 88 625 maizelgb 164IAW360563_T 1 maize 1194 Seq241.MAB28.15.rice 81 626 maizelgb 164IAI901860_T1 maize 1195 Seq259.MAB39.15.barley 85 627 maizelgb 164IAI948098_T1 maize 1196 Seq381 .MAB 171.15.sugarca ne 95 628 maizelgb 1641 AI444730_T 1 maize 1197 Seq241.MAB28.15.rice 83 629 maizelgb 1641AW216308_T1 maize 1198 Seq288.MAB 121.15.sugarca ne 89 630 maizelgb 164IBM268089_T 1 maize 1199 Seq381 .MAB 171.15.sugarca ne 92 631 maizelgb 164IAI438597_T1 maize 1200 Seq352.MAB155.15.sorghu m 91 632 maizelgb 164IAW927739_T 1 maize 1201 Seq350.MAB 154.15.sugarca ne 97 633 maizelgb 164IAI891255_T2 maize 1202 Seq311 .MAB 134.15 .barley 95 634 maizelgb 164IAI920760_T 1 maize 1203 Seq286.MAB104.15.rice 89 635 medicagolgbl57.2IAI974487_ T1 medicago 1204 Seq370.MAB 165.15.grape 87 636 medicagolgbl57.2IBE325770_ T1 medicago 1205 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 88 637 medicagolgbl57.2IAW685603 _T1 medicago 1206 Seq376.MAB 168.15.grape 82 638 medicagolgbl57.2IAL368329_ T1 medicago 1207 Seq311 .M AB134.15 .barley 80 639 medicagolgbl57.2IAW688497 _T1 medicago 1208 Seq370.MAB165.15.grape 80 640 medicagolgbl57.2IAL377093_ T1 medicago 1209 Seq224.MAB 17.15.soybean 80 641 medicagolgbl57.2IAI974241_ T1 medicago 1210 Seq334.MAB 146.15.tomato 83 642 medicago Igb 157.2IBF632135_ T1 medicago 1211 Seq344.MAB 152.15.grape 85 643 melonigb 165 ID V633691_T 1 melon 1212 Seq376.MAB 168.15.grape 80 644 melonigb 165 ID V632564_T 1 melon 1213 Seq368.MAB 164.15 .barley 80 645 melonlgbl65IDV633584_Tl melon 1214 Seq344.MAB 152.15.grape 86 646 melonigb 1651AM714958_T 1 melon 1215 Seq259.MAB39.15.barley 81

ο (N <D OO m (N

o o m (N in O (N 57 Polyn ucleoti de SEQ ID NO: Ouster name Organism Polyp eptid e SEQ ID NO: Homolog to a polypeptide encoded by polynucleotide SEQ ID NO. % Glob al identi 647 mcotiana_benthamianalgb 1621 EH364164_T1 nicotiana_bent hamiana 1216 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 95 648 oatlgbl64ICN816769_Tl oat 1217 Seq368.MAB164.15.barley 94 649 oatlgbl64IBE439108_Tl oat 1218 Seq312.MAB 134. lO.barley 85 650 onionlgb 162ICF437899_T 1 onion 1219 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 81 651 onionlgb 162ICF437716_T 1 onion 1220 Seq276.MAB49.15.maize 82 652 onionlgb 162ICF439314_T 1 onion 1221 Seq370.MAB 165.15.grape 80 653 papayalgb 165IEX245596_T 1 papaya 1222 Seq370.MAB 165.15.grape 88 654 papayalgb 165 IEX299345_T 1 papaya 1223 Seq263.MAB42.15.sorghum 82 655 papayalgb 165IEX248971_T 1 papaya 1224 Seq362.MAB161.15.poplar 86 656 papayalgb 165 IEX227965_T 1 papaya 1225 Seq332.MAB 144.15.grape 83 657 papayalgb 165 IEX264060_T 1 papaya 1226 Seq376.MAB168.15.grape 89 658 papayalgbl65IEX291966_Tl papaya 1227 Seq370.MAB 165.15.grape 82 659 peachlgbl57.2IBU039922_Tl peach 1228 Seq300.MAB 127.15.grape 82 660 peachlgbl57.2IBU039373_Tl peach 1229 Seq370.MAB 165.15.grape 83 661 peachlgbl57.2IAJ631618_Tl peach 1230 Seq276.MAB49.15.maize 80 662 peachlgb 157.2IBU040470_T1 peach 1231 Seq376.MAB 168.15.grape 89 663 peachlgbl57.2IBU039381_Tl peach 1232 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 88 664 peanutigb 161 IES754023_T 1 peanut 1233 Seq332.MAB 144.15.grape 80 665 peanut Igb 161IEH043199_T 1 peanut 1234 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 88 666 pepperlgbl57.2IBM063531_T 1 pepper 1235 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 96 667 pepperigb 157.2IBM062846_T 1 pepper 1236 Seq221 .MAB 15.15 .sorghum 82 668 pepperigb 157.2IBM061776_T 1 pepper 1237 Seq329.MAB 143.15.tomato 90 669 pepperlgbl57.2IBM064151_T 1 pepper 1238 Seq306.MAB 131.15.tomato 88 670 pepperigb 157.2IBM061313_T 1 pepper 1239 Seq211 .MAB9. IS.arabidopsi s 86 671 pepperlgbl57.2IBI480604_Tl pepper 1240 Seq276.MAB49.15.maize 80 672 periwinklelgbl64IEG559012_ T1 periwinkle 1241 Seq259.MAB39.15.barley 80 673 petunialgbl57.2ICV292753_T 1 petunia 1242 Seq263.MAB42.15.sorghum 80 674 petunialgbl57.2ICV298220_T 1 petunia 1243 Seq283.MAB99.15.tomato 81 675 pinelgbl57.2IDR088714_Tl pine 1244 Seq357.MAB157.15.sugarca ne 80 676 pinelgbl57.2IAW290504_Tl pine 1245 Seq344.MAB152.15.grape 82 677 pineapplelgbl57.2ICO731309_ T1 pineapple 1246 Seq222.MAB 16.15 .rice 83 678 pineapplelgbl57.2IDT336648_ T1 pineapple 1247 Seq376.MAB 168.15.grape 81 679 pineapplelgb 157.2IC0731994_ T1 pineapple 1248 Seq219.MAB14.15.rice 80 680 poplarlgbl57.2IAI162293_Tl poplar 1249 Seq298.MAB 126.15.grape 82 681 poplarlgbl57.2IAI165439_Tl poplar 1250 Seq298.MAB 126.15.grape 80 682 poplarlgbl57.2IAI162293_T3 poplar 1251 Seq298.MAB 126.15.grape 80 683 poplarlgbl57.2IBI120274_T3 poplar 1252 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 81 684 poplarlgbl57.2IBI120274_T2 poplar 1253 Seq344.MAB 152.15.grape 89 2015230753 23 Sep 2015 <1 --.1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 --J --.1 --.1 --.1 --.1 --.1 --J --.1 --.1 --.1 OS OS OS OS OS OS OS OS OS OS OS OS OS OS OS Z hH S a. i- O hJ K) hJ K) Κ) O o o o o o o o o o SO SO SO so so SO so SO SO so oo oo oo oo oo U) κ> ο so οο <1 OS Φ- U) K) o SO oo --J OS U\ Φ- U) K> o so oo --J OS U\ Φ- S>J K> o so oo --J OS U\ Ci2 D- 175 =r OQ σ' Ci2 D- 175 =r CT5 σ' Ci2 D- 175 =Γ rrq Ci2 D- 175 =r CT5 σ' Ci2 D- 175 =Γ CT5 σ' Ci2 D- 175 =Γ 00 σ' Ci2 D- 175 =Γ 00 σ' Ci2 D- 175 =Γ 00 σ' Ci2 D- 175 =r 00 σ' Ci2 D- 175 =r 00 σ' Ci2 D- 175 =r 00 σ' Ci2 D- 175 =r 00 σ' Ci2 D- 175 =r 00 σ' d o r^· Ci2 r^· o 00 σ' d o r^· Ci2 r^· o 00 σ' O r^· Ci2 r^· o 00 σ' t3 o r^· Ci2 r^· o 00 σ' σ o r^· Ci2 r^· o σ o r^· Ci2 r^· o oo σ' σ o r^· Ci2 r^· o oo σ' σ o r^· Ci2 r^· o oo σ' o r^· Ci2 r^· o 00 σ' d o r^· Ci2 r^· o 00 σ' d o r^· Ci2 r^· o 00 σ' d o r^· Ci2 r^· o 00 σ' d o r^· Ci2 r^· o 00 σ' d o r^· Ci2 r^· o 00 σ' d o r^· d r^· o 00 σ' d o r^· d r^· o 00 σ' d o r^· d r^· o 00 σ' O r^· d r^· o 00 σ' d o r^· d r^· o 00 σ' d o r^· d r^· o 00 σ' d o r^· d r^· o 00 σ' d o d n 00 σ' d o d n 00 σ' d o d n 00 σ' d o d n 00 σ' d o d n 00 σ' d o d^ ε 00 σ' Q o\ OS σ' OS OS 4^ OS 4^ OS 4^ OS 4^ os 4^ os 4^ os Φ- os 4^ os 4^ U\ U\ ;-J U\ U\ ;-J U\ U\ ;-J U\ --J --J --J ;-J U\ --J k) X U\ --J U\ ;-J U\ --J U\ --J U\ ;-J --J ;-J U\ --J U\ --J U\ --J U\ --J --J U\ --J --J --J g w w <; φ- Η w <; W <; W <; W X W X w < w < w w tn kJ k) W k) > k) W k) > k) W k) W k) W k) W k) W k) W k) W k) W k) W k) W k) W k) W k) W k) W k) > k) W k) W k) > k) W k) W k) W k) W ft <1 hO <1 K) OO oo o o o 'll w o m o 'll o w o o c d1 Si Ul K> OS -J -J Os K> -J so 4^ U) 4^ U\ 4^ U) U\ oo SO o 4^ o U\ so 4^ oo hJ U) <1 Κ> -J K> U\ oo oo OS Φ- so OS hj so OS U\ so K) oo so Os K> K> K> SO ft o OS o κ> -J -J U) SO Os 4^ <1 --J --.1 OS O Φ- 4^ 4^ o S>J --.1 O hJ K) OS --J 4^ Os K> o so oo -J Κ> o 1 4^ K> 4^ ds o S>J U) ho --.1 K> so oo <./! 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(N 59 Polyn ucleoti de SEQ ID NO: Ouster name Organism Polyp eptid e SEQ ID NO: Homolog to a polypeptide encoded by polynucleotide SEQ ID NO. % Glob al identi ty 725 radishlgbl64IEV568565_Tl radish 1294 Seq284.MAB 100.15 .arabido psis 88 726 radishlgbl64IEV543867_Tl radish 1295 Seq373.MAB167.15.canola 88 727 radishlgb 164IEX770974_T1 radish 1296 Seq211 .MAB9. IS.arabidopsi s 85 728 radishlgbl64IEV566819_Tl radish 1297 Seq217.MAB 13.15 .arabidop sis 81 729 ricelgbl57.2INM001059403_T 1 rice 1298 Seq261.MAB40.15.rice 84 730 ricelgbl57.2IC28755_Tl rice 1299 Seq321.MAB 139.15.cotton 80 731 ricelgbl57.2IAA750806_Tl rice 1300 Seq290.MAB 122.15.maize 83 732 ricelgb 157.21 AA751345_T 1 rice 1301 Seq321.MAB 139.15.cotton 80 733 ricelgbl57.2IBE040195_T6 rice 1302 Seq346.MAB15 3.15. sugarca ne 95 734 ricelgbl57.2IBI118752_Tl rice 1303 Seq276.MAB49.15.maize 94 735 ricelgb 157.21 AW070148_T 1 rice 1304 Seq350.MAB 154.15.sugarca ne 87 736 ricelgb 157.21 AW069929_T 1 rice 1305 Seq309.MAB133.15.barley 93 737 ricelgb 157.21 AW070094_T 1 rice 1306 Seq274.MAB48.15.rice 83 738 ricelgbl57.2IAA753115_T4 rice 1307 Seq259.MAB39.15.barley 90 739 ricelgbl57.2IBI795037_T4 rice 1308 Seq385.MAB173.15.barley 100 740 ricelgbl57.2IAU092454_Tl rice 1309 Seq274.MAB48.15.rice 100 741 ricelgbl57.2IAA753115_T3 rice 1310 Seq259.MAB39.15.barley 91 742 ricelgbl57.2IBE040195_Tl rice 1311 Seq346-MAB 15 3.15. sugarca ne 91 743 ricelgbl57.2ICB624284_Tl rice 1312 Seq264.MAB42. lO.sorghum 82 744 ricelgb 157.21 AU030125_T3 rice 1313 Seq357.MAB 157.15.sugarca ne 88 745 ricelgbl57.2IAU164313_Tl rice 1314 Seq270.MAB45.15. wheat 84 746 ricelgbl57.2IBI799463_Tl rice 1315 Seq221 .MAB 15.15 .sorghum 85 747 ricelgbl57.2IAW070094_T3 rice 1316 Seq274.MAB48.15.rice 80 748 ricelgbl57.2IAA753115_T1 rice 1317 Seq259.MAB39.15.barley 91 749 ricelgbl57.2IAU093322_T2 rice 1318 Seq228.MAB 19.15.sorghum 85 750 ricelgb 157.21 AU030125_T 1 rice 1319 Seq263.MAB42.15.sorghum 80 751 ricelgbl57.2IAA752703_Tl rice 1320 Seq295.MAB 125.15 .rice 88 752 ricelgb 157.2INM001067464_T 1 rice 1321 Seq205.MAB4.15.rice 93 753 ricelgbl57.2INM001052309_T 1 rice 1322 Seq295.MAB125.15.rice 91 754 ricelgbl57.2ICA763128_T2 rice 1323 Seq219.MAB14.15.rice 80 755 ricelgbl57.2IAW070148_T2 rice 1324 Seq348.MAB 154.15 .sugarca ne 87 756 ricelgbl57.2IAU093322_Tl rice 1325 Seq228.MAB 19.15.sorghum 86 757 ricelgbl57.2IAA753115_T5 rice 1326 Seq259.MAB39. IS.barley 94 758 ricelgbl57.2IAU030125_T4 rice 1327 Seq263.MAB42.15.sorghum 80 759 ryelgbl64IBF429408_Tl rye 1328 Seq309.MAB133.15.barley 97 760 ryelgb 164IBE494847_T 1 rye 1329 Seq368.MAB 164. IS.barley 97 761 safflowerigb 162IEL373402_T 1 safflower 1330 Seq376.MAB 168.15.grape 81 762 safflowerigb 162IEL374175_T 1 safflower 1331 Seq259.MAB39. IS.barley 83 ο

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(N 60 Polyn ucleoti de SEQ ID NO: Ouster name Ol¾anism Polyp eptid e SEQ ID NO: Homolog to a polypeptide encoded by polynucleotide SEQ ID NO. % Glob al identi ty 763 safflowerigb 162IEL377332_T 1 safflower 1332 Seq385.MAB173.15.barley 81 764 safflowerigb 162IEL373487_T 1 safflower 1333 Seq263.MAB42.15.sorghum 80 765 safflowerigb 162IEL374095_T 1 safflower 1334 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 86 766 safflowerigb 162IEL382051_T 1 safflower 1335 S eq256. M AB 3 7.15. tomato 86 767 safflowerigb 162IEL409148_T 1 safflower 1336 Seq385.MAB173.15.barley 80 768 sorghumigb 161 .xenol AW2249 27_T1 sorghum 1337 Seq288 .MAB121.15. sugarca ne 94 769 sorghumigb 161 .xenolT26945_ T2 sorghum 1338 Seq370.MAB 165.15.grape 81 770 sorghumigb 16 l.xenolAI93217 9_T3 sorghum 1339 Seq286.MAB104.15.rice 91 771 sorghumigb 161 .xenolT 15319_ T1 sorghum 1340 Seq276.MAB49.15.maize 97 772 sorghumigb 161 .xenol AI61521 5_T1 sorghum 1341 Seq248.MAB33.15.maize 92 773 sorghumigb 161. xeno IBG1020 66_T2 sorghum 1342 Seq290.MAB122.15.maize 90 774 sorghumigb 161 .xenol AW6724 19_T2 sorghum 1343 Seq276.MAB49.15.maize 97 775 sorghumigb 161 .xenol AW6724 19_T3 sorghum 1344 Seq276.MAB49.15.maize 95 776 sorghumigb 161 .xenol AI90186 0_T1 sorghum 1345 Seq259.MAB39.15.barley 84 777 sorghumigb 161 .xeno 1AI62199 5_T3 sorghum 1346 Seq384.MAB 172.15.sugarca ne 97 778 sorghumigb 161 .xeno 1AI88141 8_T2 sorghum 1347 S eq264. M AB42.10. sorghum 100 779 sorghumigb 161 .xeno 1AI89125 5_T1 sorghum 1348 Seq311 .MAB 134.15 .barley 95 780 sorghumigb 161 .xenol AI78299 3_T1 sorghum 1349 Seq241.MAB28.15.rice 84 781 sorghumigb 161 .xenolAI72462 9_T1 sorghum 1350 Seq350.MAB 154.15.sugarca ne 99 782 sorghumigb 161 .xeno 1A A1439 25_T1 sorghum 1351 Seq221 .MAB 15.15 .sorghum 100 783 sorghumigb 161 .xeno 1AI62199 5_T2 sorghum 1352 Seq383.MAB 172.15.sugarca ne 99 784 sorghumigb 161 .xenolT26945_ T1 sorghum 1353 Seq370.MAB 165.15.grape 81 785 sorghumigb 161 .xenol AW 1794 63_T1 sorghum 1354 Seq321 .MAB 139.15 .cotton 80 786 sorghumigb 161. xeno IZMU 909 44_T2 sorghum 1355 Seq367.MAB 163.15 .barley 80 787 sorghumigb 161 .xenolT 15319_ T2 sorghum 1356 Seq276.MAB49.15.maize 95 788 sorghumigb 161 .xeno 1AI62199 5_T1 sorghum 1357 Seq383.MAB 172.15.sugarca ne 99 in ο

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(N 61 Polyn ucleoti de SEQ ID NO: Ouster name Organism Polyp eptid e SEQ ID NO: Homolog to a polypeptide encoded by polynucleotide SEQ ID NO. % Glob al identi ty 789 sorghumigb 161 .xenol AI93217 9_T1 sorghum 1358 Seq286.MAB104.15.rice 90 790 sorghumigb 161 .xeno 1AI62199 5_T4 sorghum 1359 Seq383.MAB172.15.sugarca ne 99 791 sorghumigb 161. xeno IZMU 909 44_T3 sorghum 1360 Seq367.MAB 163.15 .barley 80 792 sorghumigb 161 .xeno 1AI66522 9_T2 sorghum 1361 Seq346-MAB15 3.15. sugarca ne 96 793 sorghumigb 16 l.xenolAI93983 6_T1 sorghum 1362 Seq309.MAB 133.15 .barley 92 794 sorghumigb 161. xeno IB109906 8_T1 sorghum 1363 Seq270.MAB45.15. wheat 83 795 sorghumigb 161 .xenol AI66522 9_T1 sorghum 1364 Seq346.MAB 15 3.15. sugarca ne 96 796 sorghumigb 161 .xeno 1A W6724 19_T1 sorghum 1365 Seq276.MAB49.15.maize 97 797 sorghumigb 161 .xenol AW4982 83_T1 sorghum 1366 Seq210.MAB8.15.rice 83 798 sorghumigb 161 .xenolAW9237 75_T1 sorghum 1367 Seq231.MAB21.15.rice 88 799 sorghumigb 161 .xenolT 15319_ T3 sorghum 1368 Seq276.MAB49.15.maize 85 800 soybeanlgbl62IBG839539_Tl soybean 1369 Seq368.MAB 164.15 .barley 80 801 soybeanlgbl62ICA783290_Tl soybean 1370 Seq259.MAB39.15.barley 81 802 soybeanlgbl62IBU551043_Tl soybean 1371 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 88 803 soybeanigb 162IE V282184_T1 soybean 1372 Seq371.MAB166.15.poplar 82 804 soybeanigb 162 IBI967468_T 1 soybean 1373 Seq368.MAB164.15.barley 80 805 soybeanigb 162IBI321879_T1 soybean 1374 Seq259.MAB39.15.barley 81 806 soybeanigb 162IAW132704_T1 soybean 1375 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 90 807 soybeanigb 162IBU764498_T1 soybean 1376 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 86 808 soybeanlgbl62ICA953156_Tl soybean 1377 Seq298.MAB 126.15.grape 80 809 soybeanigb 162ICF922618_T 1 soybean 1378 Seq259.MAB39.15.barley 84 810 soybeanigb 162IBU544425_T1 soybean 1379 Seq357.MAB 157.15.sugarca ne 81 811 soybeanlgbl62IBU765332_Tl soybean 1380 Seq233.MAB22.15.tomato 80 812 soybeanigb 162ICA936077_T1 soybean 1381 Seq376.MAB 168.15.grape 83 813 soybeanigb 162IBE823013_T 1 soybean 1382 Seq376.MAB 168.15.grape 83 814 soybeanigb 162ICD417415_T 1 soybean 1383 Seq370.MAB 165.15.grape 85 815 soybeanigb 162IBE660691_T 1 soybean 1384 Seq362.MAB 161.15.poplar 81 816 soybeanigb 162ICD395628_T 1 soybean 1385 Seq370.MAB 165.15.grape 82 817 soybeanigb 162IBU549206_T2 soybean 1386 Seq259.MAB39.15.barley 80 818 soybeanigb 1621AW351120_T 1 soybean 1387 Seq298.MAB126.15. grape 82 819 soybeanigb 1621 AW 132704_T2 soybean 1388 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 90 820 soybeanigb 162IBE584244_T 1 soybean 1389 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 91 821 sprucelgb 162IC0234968_T 1 spruce 1390 Seq344.MAB 152.15.grape 83 822 spurgelgb 161 ID V146052_T 1 spurge 1391 Seq357.MAB 157.15.sugarca ne 81 823 spurgelgb 161 ID V127024_T 1 spurge 1392 Seq344.MAB 152.15.grape 83 824 spurgelgb 161 ID V124157_T 1 spurge 1393 Seq376.MAB 168.15.grape 85 825 strawberrylgb 164IEX683450_ T1 strawberry 1394 Seq348 .MAB 154.15. sugarca ne 81 ο (Ν Οη

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GO ΓΟ (Ν ΓΟ ΙΟ ο m (Ν ΙΟ Ο (Ν 62 Polyn ucleoti de SEQ ID NO: Ouster name Organism Polyp eptid e SEQ ID NO: Homolog to a polypeptide encoded by polynucleotide SEQ ID NO. % Glob al identi 826 strawberrylgb 164IEX683265_ T1 strawberry 1395 Seq370.MAB 165.15.grape 81 827 strawberrylgb 164ID Y675409_ T1 strawberry 1396 Seq256.MAB37. IS.tomato 81 828 sugarcanelgbl57.2ICAl 15287 _T1 sugarcane 1397 Seq357.MAB157.15.sugarca ne 88 829 sugarcanelgbl57.2ICA216001 _T1 sugarcane 1398 Seq259.MAB39. IS.barley 85 830 sugarcanelgbl57.2ICA072819 _T1 sugarcane 1399 Seq241.MAB28.15.rice 83 831 sugarcanelgbl57.2ICA125036 _T1 sugarcane 1400 Seq291 .M AB123.15 .barley 82 832 sugarcanelgbl57.2ICA071646 _T1 sugarcane 1401 Seq286.MAB104.15.rice 90 833 sugarcanelgbl57.2ICAl 17936 _T2 sugarcane 1402 S eq228. M AB 19.15. sorghum 93 834 sugarcanelgbl57.2IBQ537163 _T1 sugarcane 1403 Seq276.MAB49.15.maize 96 835 sugarcanelgbl57.2ICA074253 _T1 sugarcane 1404 Seq241.MAB28.15.rice 83 836 sugarcanelgb 157.2IC A102030 _T1 sugarcane 1405 Seq385.MAB173.15.barley 85 837 sugarcanelgb 157.2IC A068084 _T1 sugarcane 1406 Seq366.MAB163.15.barley 80 838 sugarcanelgb 157.2ICA233048 _T1 sugarcane 1407 Seq290.MAB 122.15 .maize 80 839 sugarcanelgb 157.2ICA090429 _T1 sugarcane 1408 Seq288-MAB121.15. sugarca ne 95 840 sugarcanelgbl57.2ICA095299 _T1 sugarcane 1409 Seq370.MAB 165.15.grape 80 841 sugarcanelgbl57.2IBQ533298 _T1 sugarcane 1410 Seq311 .MAB 134.15 .barley 95 842 sugarcanelgbl57.2ICA107649 _T1 sugarcane 1411 Seq248.MAB33.15.maize 90 843 sugarcanelgbl57.2IBQ536274 _T1 sugarcane 1412 Seq231 .MAB21.15 .rice 88 844 sugarcanelgb 157.2ICA117936 _T1 sugarcane 1413 Seq228.MAB 19.15.sorghum 94 845 sugarcanelgb 157.2IBQ533234 _T1 sugarcane 1414 Seq221 .MAB 15.15 .sorghum 99 846 sugarcanelgb 157.2ICA072307 _T1 sugarcane 1415 Seq309.MAB 133.15 .barley 93 847 sugarcanelgb 157.2ICA073476 _T1 sugarcane 1416 S eq290. MAB 122.15.maize 91 848 sugarcanelgb 157.2ICA065809 _T1 sugarcane 1417 Seq366.MAB 163.15 .barley 80 849 sugarcanelgb 157.2ICA072307 _T2 sugarcane 1418 Seq309.MAB 133.15 .barley 93 850 sunflowerlgbl62IDY909111_T 1 sunflower 1419 Seq336.MAB 147.15.tobacco 83 851 sunflowerigb 162ID Y941035_T 1 sunflower 1420 Seq376.MAB 168.15.grape 82 ΙΤϊ Ο (Ν Λ ω m m (Ν m ο m (Ν ΙΟ Ο (Ν 63 Polyn ucleoti de SEQ ID NO: Ouster name Organism Polyp eptid e SEQ ID NO: Homolog to a polypeptide encoded by polynucleotide SEQ ID NO. % Glob al identi 852 sunflowerlgbl62ICD857487_T 1 sunflower 1421 Seq370.MAB 165.15 .grape 81 853 sunflowerigb 162ID Y942252_T 1 sunflower 1422 Seq311.ΜΑΒΙ 34.15.barley 80 854 sunflowerigb 162ICD850784_T 1 sunflower 1423 S eq256. M AB 3 7.15. tomato 83 855 sunflowerigb 162IBQ968872_T 1 sunflower 1424 Seq357.MAB157.15.sugarca ne 83 856 sunflowerigb 162IEE616266_T 1 sunflower 1425 S eq256. M AB 3 7.15. tomato 84 857 sunflowerigb 162IEE641694_T 1 sunflower 1426 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 84 858 sunflowerigb 162ID Y924220_T 1 sunflower 1427 Seq259.MAB39.15.barley 81 859 sunflowerigb 162ID Y910907_T 1 sunflower 1428 Seq370.MAB 165.15.grape 80 860 sunflowerigb 1621 AY029172_T 1 sunflower 1429 Seq321.MAB139.15.cotton 81 861 sunflowerigb 162ID Y909077_T 1 sunflower 1430 Seq321.MAB139.15.cotton 80 862 sunflowerigb 162ID Y921635_T 1 sunflower 1431 Seq376.MAB 168.15.grape 83 863 sunflowerigb 162ID Y913894_T 1 sunflower 1432 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 82 864 s witchgras s Igb 165IFE608718_ T1 switchgrass 1433 Seq370.MAB 165.15.grape 81 865 s witchgras s Igb 165IFE624581_ T1 switchgrass 1434 Seq333 .MAB145.15 .barley 87 866 switchgrasslgbl65IFE604798_ T1 switchgrass 1435 Seq269.MAB45.15. wheat 90 867 switchgrass Igb 165IDN151012 _T1 switchgrass 1436 Seq309.MAB 133.15 .barley 90 868 s witchgras s Igb 165IFE619903_ T1 switchgrass 1437 Seq383.MAB172.15.sugarca ne 95 869 switchgrass Igb 165 IDN 144676 _T1 switchgrass 1438 Seq385.MAB173.15.barley 87 870 switchgrasslgbl65IFE609872_ T1 switchgrass 1439 S eq228. MAB 19.15.sorghum 89 871 s witchgras s Igb 165IFE617860_ T1 switchgrass 1440 Seq381 .MAB 171.15 .sugarca ne 88 872 switchgrass Igb 165 IDN 145750 _T1 switchgrass 1441 Seq221 .MAB 15.15 .sorghum 95 873 s witchgras s Igb 165IFE597811_ T1 switchgrass 1442 Seq248.MAB33.15.maize 83 874 s witchgras s Igb 165IFE647199_ T1 switchgrass 1443 Seq381.MAB 171.15.sugarca ne 90 875 switchgrass Igb 165 IDN 145034 _T1 switchgrass 1444 Seq276.MAB49.15.maize 95 876 s witchgras s Igb 165IFE617335_ T1 switchgrass 1445 Seq286.MAB104.15.rice 91 877 switchgrasslgbl65IFE597809_ T1 switchgrass 1446 Seq350.MAB 154.15.sugarca ne 95 ο (Ν Λ

(D

GO cn (Ν m Ο m (Ν ιη Ο (Ν 64 Polyn ucleoti de SEQ ID NO: Ouster name Organism Polyp eptid e SEQ ID NO: Homolog to a polypeptide encoded by polynucleotide SEQ ID NO. % Glob al identi ty 878 switchgrasslgbl65IFE597811_ T2 switchgrass 1447 Seq248.MAB33.15.maize 85 879 switchgrassigb 165IFE635691_ T1 switchgrass 1448 Seq311 .MAB134.15 .barley 95 880 switchgrassigb 165IFE653022_ T1 switchgrass 1449 Seq385.MAB173.15.barley 83 881 s witchgrass Igb 165IDN144793 _T1 switchgrass 1450 Seq259.MAB39.15.barley 90 882 switchgrassigb 165IFE641674_ T1 switchgrass 1451 Seq309.MAB 133.15 .barley 89 883 thellungiellalgbl57.2IDN7756 06_T1 thellungiella 1452 Seq212.MAB 10.15 .arabidop sis 82 884 thellungiellalgbl57.2IDN7732 28_T1 thellungiella 1453 Seq211 .MAB9.15.arabidopsi s 98 885 thellungiellalgbl57.2IDN7727 71_T1 thellungiella 1454 Seq208.MAB7.15.arabidopsi s 89 886 thellungiellalgb 157.2IDN7744 22_T1 thellungiella 1455 Seq360.MAB 159.15.canola 83 887 thellungiellalgb 157.2IDN7741 40_T1 thellungiella 1456 Seq284.MAB 100.15 .arabido psis 86 888 tobaccolgbl62IDW003503_Tl tobacco 1457 Seq329.MAB 143.15.tomato 93 889 tobaccolgbl62IBP532373_Tl tobacco 1458 Seq357.MAB157.15.sugarca ne 82 890 tobaccolgbl62ICN949739_Tl tobacco 1459 Seq370.MAB 165.15.grape 84 891 tobaccolgbl62IBQ843111_T1 tobacco 1460 Seq319.MAB138.15.potato 90 892 tobaccolgbl62IEB683054_Tl tobacco 1461 Seq307.MAB 131.15.tomato 89 893 tobacco Igb 162IEB428197_T 1 tobacco 1462 Seq222.MAB16.15.rice 80 894 tobacco Igb 162IEB445060_T 1 tobacco 1463 Seq283.MAB99.15.tomato 90 895 tobacco Igb 162IEB447202_T 1 tobacco 1464 Seq390.MAB 175.15.tomato 88 896 tobaccolgbl62IDW001113_T1 tobacco 1465 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 88 897 tobaccolgb 162IEH623692_T 1 tobacco 1466 S eq303. MAB 129.15. tomato 85 898 to mato lgbl64IBG127210_T 1 tomato 1467 Seq342.MAB 151.15.potato 82 899 tomatolgbl64IBG128089_T2 tomato 1468 Seq222.MAB16.15.rice 80 900 tomato Igb 1641 AW219181 _T1 tomato 1469 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 90 901 tomatolgbl64IBG127288_Tl tomato 1470 Seq370.MAB 165.15 .grape 83 902 to mato Igb 164IBG133509_T 1 tomato 1471 Seq256.MAB37.15.tomato 88 903 tomatolgbl64IBG131241_Tl tomato 1472 Seq309.MAB133.15 .b arley 80 904 tomatolgb 164IBG129621_T 1 tomato 1473 Seq350.MAB154.15.sugarca ne 80 905 tomatolgb 1641 A1779004_T 1 tomato 1474 Seq309.MAB133.15 .b arley 81 906 tomatolgbl64IBG129572_Tl tomato 1475 Seq321.MAB 139.15.cotton 80 907 tomatolgb 164IBG135408_T 1 tomato 1476 Seq319.MAB138.15.potato 98 908 triphysarialgbl64IDR173028_ T1 triphysaria 1477 Seq329.MAB 143.15.tomato 81 909 triphysarialgbl64IBM357524_ T2 triphysaria 1478 Seq283.MAB99.15.tomato 85 910 triphysarialgbl64IEY133838_ T1 triphysaria 1479 Seq311 .MAB 134.15 .barley 80 911 triphysarialgbl64IBM357406_ T1 triphysaria 1480 Seq329.MAB 143.15.tomato 83 912 triphysarialgbl64IBM357011_ T1 triphysaria 1481 Seq259.MAB39.15.barley 80 iT)

O

(N

Oh

(D

CO m

(N m o m

(N in

O

(N 65 Polyn ucleoti de SEQ ID NO: Cluster name Organism Polyp eptid e SEQ ID NO: Homolog to a polypeptide encoded by polynucleotide SEQ ID NO. % Glob al identi <y 913 triphysarialgb 164IBM357524_ T1 triphysaria 1482 Seq376.MAB 168.15.grape 85 914 triphysarialgb 164IEY137290_ T1 triphysaria 1483 S eq256. M AB 3 7.15. tomato 88 915 wheatigb 164IC A484259_T 1 wheat 1484 Seq241.MAB28.15.rice 84 916 wheatlgbl64IBE606422_Tl wheat 1485 Seq379.MAB170.15.barley 96 917 wheatigb 164IBE406378_T1 wheat 1486 Seq219.MAB14.15.rice 80 918 wheatigb 164IBE470780_T1 wheat 1487 Seq221.MAB 15.15.sorghum 84 919 wheatigb 164IBE418087_T1 wheat 1488 Seq325.MAB141.15.barley 95 920 wheatigb 164IB0294643_T 1 wheat 1489 Seq269.MAB45.15. wheat 94 921 wheatlgbl64IBE415314_Tl wheat 1490 Seq250.MAB34.15.barley 82 922 wheatigb 1641 AL822647_T 1 wheat 1491 Seq259.MAB39.15.barley 98 923 wheatigb 164IBE406667_T 1 wheat 1492 Seq250.MAB34.15.barley 89 924 wheatigb 164IBF475039_T1 wheat 1493 Seq221.MAB 15.15.sorghum 83 925 wheatlgbl64ICK196180_Tl wheat 1494 Seq323.MAB140.15.barley 80 926 wheatigb 164IBE403745_T1 wheat 1495 Seq379.MAB170.15.barley 97 927 wheatigb 164IBO620260_T 1 wheat 1496 Seq311.MAB134.15.barley 100 928 wheatigb 164IBM138204_T 1 wheat 1497 Seq333.MAB145.15 .b arley 91 929 wheatigb 164IBE401114_T1 wheat 1498 Seq291 .MAB123.15 .barley 94 930 wheatigb 164IBE498161_T1 wheat 1499 Seq388.MAB174.15.barley 93 931 wheatigb 164IBO744502_T 1 wheat 1500 Seq250.MAB34.15.barley 85 932 wheatigb 164IBE415172_T 1 wheat 1501 Seq366.MAB163.15.barley 94 933 wheatlgbl64ICD490875_Tl wheat 1502 Seq276.MAB49.15.maize 97 934 wheatigb 164IC A625741_T 1 wheat 1503 Seq309.MAB133.15.barley 87 935 wheatigb 164IBE443720_T1 wheat 1504 Seq318.MAB 137.15.barley 94 936 wheatigb 164IBE420294_T1 wheat 1505 Seq290.MAB 122.15.maize 84 937 wheatigb 164IBE516581_T1 wheat 1506 Seq387.M AB 174.15.barley 95 938 wheatigb 164IBE406039_T 1 wheat 1507 Seq333.MAB145.15.barley 90 939 wheatigb 164IBM136483_T 1 wheat 1508 Seq333.MAB145.15.barley 92 940 wheatigb 164IBE425976_T 1 wheat 1509 Seq250.MAB34.15.barley 81 941 wheatlgbl64ICN011148_T1 wheat 1510 Seq270.MAB45.15. wheat 84 942 wheatlgbl64IBE419039_Tl wheat 1511 Seq250.MAB34.15.barley 80 943 wheatigb 164ICA603413_T 1 wheat 1512 Seq323.MAB140.15.barley 85 944 wheatigb 164ICA743309_T 1 wheat 1513 Seq321.MAB 139.15.cotton 80 945 wheatigb 164IBG262336_T 1 wheat 1514 Seq366.MAB163.15.barley 94 946 wheatigb 164ICD881765_T 1 wheat 1515 Seq219.MAB14.15.rice 80 947 wheatigb 164IBE352629_T1 wheat 1516 Seq291 .MAB 123.15 .barley 96 948 wheatigb 164IBE398656_T1 wheat 1517 Seq308.MAB 132.15 .barley 97 949 wheatlgbl64IBE403195_T1 wheat 1518 Seq291 .MAB 123.15 .barley 94 950 wheatlgbl64IBE488904_Tl wheat 1519 Seq367.MAB163.15.barley 91 951 wheatlgbl64IBE492528_Tl wheat 1520 Seq311 .MAB 134.15 .barley 100 952 wheatlgbl64IBE427383_Tl wheat 1521 Seq219.MAB14.15.rice 80 953 wheatlgbl64ICA646957_Tl wheat 1522 Seq250.MAB34.15 .barley 89 954 wheatlgbl64IBE443720_T2 wheat 1523 Seq318 .MAB 137.15 .barley 92 955 wheatlgbl64IBE490408_Tl wheat 1524 Seq264.MAB42. lO.sorghum 81 956 wheatlgbl64IBE420295_Tl wheat 1525 Seq379.MAB 170.15.barley 96 957 wheatlgbl64IAL825998_Tl wheat 1526 Seq308.MAB 132.15 .barley 97 958 wheatlgbl64ICA693465_Tl wheat 1527 Seq308.MAB 132.15 .barley 97 959 wheatlgbl64IBE585772_Tl wheat 1528 Seq366.MAB163.15.barley 95 960 wheatlgbl64ICA613914_Tl wheat 1529 Seq356.MAB157.15.sugarca ne 84

Ο (N Oh (D GO m (N

m o m (N *Τ) O (N 10 66 Polyn ucleoti de SEQ ID NO: Ouster name Organism Polyp eptid e SEQ ID NO: Homolog to a polypeptide encoded by polynucleotide SEQ ID NO. % Glob al identi b' 1656 >tomatolgb 164IBG129621_T 1 tomato 1660 Seql649. MAB66.tomato 82 1657 potatolgbl57.2IBE921143_T1 potato 1661 Seql649. MAB66.tomato 82 1658 pepperlgbl57.2IBM061807_T 1 pepper 1662 Seql649. MAB66.tomato 80 1659 >triphysarialgbl64IBM35701 1_T1 triphysaria 1663 Seql649. MAB66.tomato 80 Table 2: *- Homology was calculated as % of identity over the aligned sequences. The query sequences were polynucleotide sequences SEQ ID NOs:l, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 11, 13, 15, 16, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 36, 37, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 55, 57, 59, 61, 63, 65, 67, 69, 71 ,73 ,75 ,77, 79, 81, 82, 84, 86, 88,90,91,93,94, 96, 98, 100, 101, 103, 105, 107, 109, 111, 113, 115,116, 118, 119, 121, 122, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132, 134, 135, 138, 140, 142, 143, 145, 147, 149, 151, 153, 155, 157, 161, 163, 165, 168, 169, 170, 171, 173, 175, 177, 179, 180, 182, 184, 186, 188, 190, 192, 194, 196, 198 and 1649, and the subject sequences are protein sequences identified in the database based on greater than 80 % identity to the predicted translated sequences of the query nucleotide sequences. Shown are the homologous polypeptides and the polynucleotides encoding same. EXAMPLE 2

GENERATING THE ΡϋΤΑΉΥΕ ABST GENES

Several DNA sequences of the ABST genes are synthesized by GeneArt 15 (Hypertext Transfer Protocoh/AVorld Wide Web (dot) geneart (dot) com/). Synthetic DNA is designed in silico, based on the encoded amino-acid sequences of the ABST genes and using codon-usage Tables calculated from plant transcriptomes (example of such Tables can be found in the Codon Usage Database available online at Hypertext Transfer Protocol://World Wide Web (dot) kazusa (dot) or (dot) jp/codon/). The 20 optimized coding sequences are designed in a way that no changes are introduced in the encoded amino acid sequence while using codons preferred for expression in dicotyledonous plants (mainly tomato and Arabidopsis) and monocotyledonous plants such as maize. At least one silent mutation per 20 nucleotide base pairs is introduced in the sequence compared to the original sequences to avoid possible silencing when over-25 expressing the gene in the target crop. To the optimized sequences the following restriction enzymes sites are added- Sail, Xbal, BamHI, Smal at the 5' end and Sad at the 3' end. The sequences synthesized by the supplier (GeneAit, Gmbh) are cloned in the pCR-Script plasmid. irj Ο (Ν α ω m m (Ν m ο m (Ν Ο (Ν 67

EXAMPLES

GENE CLONING AND GENERAΉON OF BINARY VECTORS FOR PLANT

EXPRESSION

To validate their role in improving ABST and yield, selected genes were over-5 expressed in plants, as follows.

Cloning strategy

Selected genes from those presented in Example 1 were cloned into binary vectors for the generation of transgenic plants. For cloning, the full-length open reading frames (ORFs) were identified. EST clusters and in some cases mRNA sequences were 10 analyzed to identify the entire open reading frame by comparing the results of several translation algorithms to known proteins from other plant species.

In order to clone the full-length cDNAs, reverse transcription (RT) followed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR; RT-PCR) was performed on total RNA extracted from leaves, roots or other plant tissues, growing under either normal or nutrient deficient 15 conditions. Total RNA extraction, production of cDNA and PCR amplification was performed using standard protocols described elsewhere (Sambrook J., E.F. Fritsch, and T. Maniatis. 1989. Molecular Cloning. A Laboratory Manual., 2nd Ed. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, New York.) which are well known to those skilled in the art. PCR products were purified using PCR purification kit (Qiagen) 20 Usually, 2 sets of primers were prepared for the amplification of each gene, via nested PCR (meaning first amplifying the gene using external primers and then using the produced PCR product as a template for a second PCR reaction, where the internal set of primers are used). Alternatively, one or two of the internal primers were used for gene amplification, both in the first and the second PCR reactions (meaning only 2-3 primers 25 were designed for a gene). To facilitate further cloning of the cDNAs, an 8-12 bp extension is added to the 5' of each internal primer. The primer extension includes an endonuclease restriction site. The restriction sites are selected using two parameters: (a) the restriction site does not exist in the cDNA sequence; and (b) the restriction sites in the forward and reverse primers are designed such that the digested cDNA is inserted in 30 the sense direction into the binary vector utilized for transformation. In Table 3 below, primers used for cloning ABST genes are provided.

ο (Ν Oh <D 00 m (N 68 Table 3 Cloned ABST genes from cDNA libraries or genomic DNA and the primers used for _the cloning

Gene Id

Polynucleotide SEQ ID NO. of the cloned gene

Polypeptide SEQ ID NO. of the encoded polypeptide

Restriction Enzymes used for cloning

Primers used for amplification (SEQ ID NO:)

ro in O ro (N in O (N ΜΑΒΙ MAB1_GA (optimized for expression in Maize and G.Max) MAB14 MAB14_GA (optimized for expression in Maize)

MABIO MAB10_GA (optimized for expression in Maize) 1530 1531 1538 1539 1532 1533 201 219 212

EcoRV

EcoRV

Sail, Xbal

ΜΑΒΙ EE EcoRV AAGATATCAGACCAGAGGAGA AGACTCGATC (SEQ ID NO: 1567) ΜΑΒΙ NF EcoRV AAGATATCAGACTCCGTTCGGA GAAAAGG (SEQ ID NO: 1568) ΜΑΒΙ ER EcoRV ATGATATCTGAAGAACATCGCC TTGTCATC (SEP ID NO: 1569) ΜΑΒΙ NR EcoRV AAGATATCACCTTGTCATCGGA TCATCTCC (SEQ ID NO: 1570)

Synthetic product (from pGA14_MABl_GA) MAB14 EE EcoRV ATGATATCCAACGAATGAAGA CTAGTAGCTG (SEQ ID NO: 1571) MAB14 NF EcoRV ATGATATCCCAGATGGAATCCT GCCCT (SEQ ID NO: 1572) MAB14 ER EcoRV ATGATATCGTGTCAATGAAGG GAACGTGC (SEQ ID NO: 1573) MAB14 NR EcoRV ATGATATCGCAAATGGATTCAG ATATTCTG (SEQ ID NO: 1574)

Synthetic product ( from pGA14_MAB14_GA) MAB lOFSal- GCAGTCGACAACTCACAGTTCC AAACACACA (SEQ ID NO: 1575) MAB 10 Ext R Xba -GGTCTAGAATGTAAATGTCTTC GTATTAGGC (SEQ ID NO: 1576) MAB lONRXba- CCTCTAGAATCACCCGAAATAA CTAGTGTC (SEQ ID NO: 1577)

Synthetic product ( from pGA18_MAB10_GA)

irj Ο (N (D GO m (N

m o m (N O (N

Gene Id

Polynucleotide SEQ ID NO. of the cloned gene

Polypeptide SEQ ID NO. of the encoded polypeptide _69_ Restriction Enzymes used for cloning

Primers used for amplification (SEQ ID NO:) MAB25 MAB25_GA (optimized for expression in Maize) ΜΑΒΙ 34 MAB99 MAB36 1549 1550 1665 1566 1554 237 311 283 254

PstI, Smal

Sail, Xbal

Sail, Sad

Sail, Xbal MAB25 EF Pstl-AACTGCAGCCATCGTCGTAATC CTTCTAGC (SEQ ID NO: 1578) MAB25 NF Pstl-AACTGCAGTAATCATGGGGAG GAAATCTC (SEQ ID NO: 1579) MAB25 ER Smal -GGGTGACAATTCCGAGTCTCAG C(SEQ ID NO: 1580) MAB25 NR Smal -TCCCGGGCAATTGGTCAATGGC ACTC (SEQ ID NO: 1581)

Synthetic product ( from pGA14_MAB25_GA) ΜΑΒΙ34 EF Sail -AATGTCGACTCTCGTCTTGCTC CCAGAG (SEQ ID NO: 1582) ΜΑΒΙ34 NF Sall-AATGTCGACCGACACCCTTCTC CTCCTC (SEQ ID NO: 1583) ΜΑΒΙ34 ER Xbal-TTTCTAGAATCATATTCCAACA TCCACTTC (SEQ ID NO: 1584) ΜΑΒΙ34 NR Xbal-TTTCTAGACTGCTATGTTCCAC TGACTACAC (SEQ ID NO: 1585) MAB99 NF Sall-AAAGTCGACCAGTTAATTCTCC GTTGTCTACTC (SEQ ID NO: 1586) MAB99 NR SacI-TGAGCTCCTGCTTGAAACTTGC TGCTAG (SEQ ID NO: 1587) MAB 36 F Sal - GGAGTCGACACAGAAATGGGT GGTTTGAAG (SEQ ID NO: 1588) MAB 36 Ext R Xba -CCTCTAGAAATGATCACTCACT GCAACTTAG (SEQ ID NO: 1589) MAB 36 NR Xba -CCTCTAGACACTCACTGCAACT TAGAAACATC (SEQ ID NO: 1590) in Η Ο (Ν Λ (ϋ οο m (Ν m in r- ο m (Ν in Ο (Ν 70 Gene Id Polynucleotide SEQ ID NO. of the cloned gene Polypeptide SEQ ID NO. of the encoded polypeptide Restriction Enzymes used for cloning Primers used for amplification (SEQ ID NO:) ΜΑΒ7 1563 208 SaU, Xbal MAB 7 Ex F Sal -AACGTCGACGCTCATTTCTCTT CTTCTTTGG (SEQ ID NO: 1591) MAB 7 NF Sal - GACGTCGACTCTTCTTTGGTTC TTACATTTCTC (SEQ ID NO: 1592) MAB 7 Ex R Xba -TCTCTAGAGCAAGACGTTATAA ACCATGC (SEQ ID NO: 1593) MAB 7 NR Xba -TCTCTAGAAGAAGACACGCTG GACAATG (SEQ ID NO: 1594) ΜΑΒ44 1557 267 Sail, Sad MAB 44 NF sal AAGGTCGACCATAAAGAACAG TGACAGGCG (SEQ ID NO: 1595) MAB 44 NR Sc AGAGCTCCACGTAGTACATTTT CACAGCAC (SEQ ID NO: 1596) MAB44_GA (optimized for expression in Maize) 1558 Synthetic product (from pCR4Blunt-TOPO_MAB44_GA) MAB6 1561 207 Sail, Xbal MAB 6 - Ex F Sal -ACCGTCGACCCTTCTCCAATTT CGTAAGC (SEQ ID NO: 1597) MAB 6 NF Sal - ACCGTCGACTTCGTAAGCTCAA AGATTTCG (SEQ ID NO: 1598) MAB 6 - Ext R Xbal -CCTCTAGAACGACTTTTAATCC CTCCAAC (SEQ ID NO: 1599) MAB 6 - NR Xbal -CCTCTAGACTCCAACAGCCACT ACAACC (SEQ ID NO: 1600) MAB6_GA (optimized for expression in Maize) 1562 Synthetic product (from pGA15_MAB6_GA) MAB9 1564 211 EcoRV MAB9_F_EcoRV AAGATATCGGTTGCTGAGGAA TCGAAGTAG ISEO ID NO: 1601) MAB9_ER_EcoRV TTGATATCGAGCCAAGTCACAA GGAGTTTAC ISEO ID NO: 1602) MAB9_NR_EcoRV TTGATATCCTCCGAGTGTCGCA GTAAGC ISEO ID NO: 1603)

m O (N CLh <D GO cn (N

O (N IT) O (N

Gene Id MAB9_GA (optimized for expression in Maize and G.Max)

MABIOO ΜΑΒΙ 3 MAB32 MAB35

Polynucleotide SEQ ID NO. of the cloned gene

Polypeptide SEQ ID NO. of the encoded polypeptide _71_ Restriction Enzymes used for cloning

Primers used for amplification (SEQ ID NO:) 1565 1534 1536 1552 1553 284 217 247 252

SaU, Xbal

SacI, Sail

EcoRV

Smal

Synthetic product (from pGA15_MAB9_GA) MABIOO EF Sall-AATGTCGACCCAAGTTAAACTT CATATCATACAC (SEQ ID NO: 1604) MABIOO NF Sall-AATGTCGACGAAGAGTTATTAT GGCGAGCT (SEQ ID NO: 1605) MABIOO ER Xbal-AATGTCGACCCAAGTTAAACTT CATATCATACAC (SEQ ID NO: 1606) MABIOO NR Xbal-AATCTAGACAAACCCAACTTAT TACATTACG (SEQ ID NO: 1607) ΜΑΒΙ3 F Sail new AATGTCGACCTCGAAAATGGC CACCATTAG (SEQ ID NO: 1608) MAB 13 ExR Sc CGAGCTCCAAAAATGCAAGAA TCAAGAG (SEQ ID NO: 1609) MAB 13 F Sal AAGGTCGACTTCTCTCCAAAAT GGCCAC (SEQ ID NO: 1610) MAB 13 NR Sc TGAGCTCTGCAAGAATCAAGA GAAATTTG (SEQ ID NO: 1611) MAB32 F EcoRV -AAGATATCCTCCACTTGTTGTT CAATTCCC (SEQ ID NO: 1612) MAB32 ER EcoRV -ATGATATCGATCTGAACAGCA GTAAGTAAGCC (SEQ ID NO:1613) MAB32 NR EcoRV -ATGATATCTAAGAAGAACAAG ACATGGATCG (SEQ ID NO:1614) MAB35 F- CGTGAGAACTAAGAAACACCC (SEQ ID NO: 1615) MAB35 ER Smal-TCCCGGGACATCTTTTCAACTA AACCAAGAC (SEQ ID NO: 1616) MAB35 NR Smal-TCCCGGGCTAAACCAAGACTTA CACAAG ACG (SEQ ID NO: 1617)

ο (N <D in m CN

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Gene Id

Polynucleotide SEQ ID NO. of the cloned gene

Polypeptide SEQ ID NO. of the encoded polypeptide 72 Restriction Enzymes used for cloning

Primers used for ampliflcation (SEQ ID NO:) MAB146 1666 334

Sail, Xbal MAB146 F Sal-ATTGTCGACAGAGTTATGGGA GATAATAGAGGA (SEQ ID NO:1618) MAB146 ER Xba-ATTCTAGACTCATTCTGAGCTT TACATGTTC (SEQ ID NO:I6I9) MABI46 NR Xba-TTTCTAGATTGGTTTACACCTC AACTCACTAC (SEQ ID NO: 1620) MAB2 1547

Non coding

SaU, Xbal MAB2 F SaB AATGTCGACAACAAATGATCCT TCAGGCAGTTAAAG (SEQ ID NO: 1621) MAB2 R Xba TTTCTAGATATTAAAACTTAGA TTCGGGATCAG (SEQ ID _NO: 1622)_ MAB20 1548 229

PstI, Smal MAB20 EF Pstl-AACTGCAGGATCATCACTTCTC AGATTTCG (SEQ ID NO: 1623) MAB20 NF Pstl-AACTGCAGAAAAATGAATTCA GAATCGCTAG (SEQ ID NO: 1624) MAB20 ER Smal -AACTGCAGGATCATCACTTCTC AGATTTCG (SEQ ID NO: 1625) MAB20 NR Smal-TCCCGGGCAATCTGACCTCAAA ACTCCC (SEQ ID NO: 1626) MAB43 1556 265

PstI, Smal MAB43 NF PstI AACTGCAGGATCAATGAAGAT TCGGAACAG (SEQ ID NO: 1627) MAB43 ER Smal TCCCGGGTACAACAAGAAACC TCTGATTC (SEQ ID NO: 1628) MAB43 NR Smal TCCCGGGCCTGTGCCACAGCTA TACTTAC (SEQ ID NO: 1629) MAB46 1559 271

Sail, Sad MAB 46 ExF Sal -GAAGTCGACATCCGTAGTTTCA GTTTCGTCC (SEQ ID NO: 1630) MAB 46 NF Sal - GAAGTCGACCTTGTCTGTTCCA GATGAAATTG (SEQ ID NO: 1631) MAB46 ExR Sc - TGAGCTCCTCTATCGACGTCCG GATTC (SEQ ID NQ:1632) MAB 46 NR Sc - TGAGCTCCGTCCGGATTCATAA ACAAC (SEQ ID NQ:1633)

in ο (N Oh <D GO m (N

in o o m (N in o (N

Gene Id

Polynucleotide SEQ ID NO. of the cloned gene

Polypeptide SEQ ID NO. of the encoded polypeptide J73_ Restriction Enzymes used for cloning

Primers used for amplification (SEQ ID NO:) MAB50 1560 277

Smal MAB 50 ExF Sal GGAGTCGACCATCGGGACACA TCTTTAGG (SEQ ID NO: 1634) MAB50 NF CATCTTTAGGCTCAAGGATTC (SEQ ID NO: 1635) MAB50 ExR Sac TGAGCTCGATCCTCGTTTATTA CAAGTCTG (SEQ ID NO: 1636 ) MAB50 NR Sma TCCCGGGCACACCAAGATTGAT TACAAAGAG (SEQ ID NO: 1637) MAB66 1654 1655

Sail, Xbal MAB66 F Sal- AATGTCGACGATTGGAGATAG GCAGGCA (SEQ ID NO: 1638) MAB66 ER Xba -TTTCTAGAGGTAGCCAAAGCTG ACACTC (SEQ ID NO: 1639) MAB66 NR Xba-AATCTAGAGAGGCATATGCAC TTCTTATCG (SEQ ID NO: 1640) MAB4 MAB15_GA (optimized for expression in Arabidopsis and maize) MAB15a_G A (optimized for expression in Maize) MAB15_GA _original (original sequence, not optimize) 1555 1541 1667 1540 205 221

EcoRV

Xbal, Sad MAB4 EF EcoRV -AAGATATCCAGGACGGGTTCTC GATCAG (SEQ ID NO: 1641) MAB4 NF EcoRV -AAGATATCCAGCGAACACGTC TACGATG (SEQ ID NO: 1642) MAB4 ER EcoRV -ATGATATCGCACGAGTTCAACT CAGCTG (SEQ ID NO: 1643) MAB4 NR EcoRV -ATGATATCGAACTGCTTGAGAT GTAACAGCT (SEQ ID NO: 1644)

Synthetic product (from pGA4_MAB15)

Synthetic product (from pGA18_ MAB15a_GA)

Synthetic product (from pGA14_MAB 15_(EVO220)-original) 74

Gene Id Polynucleotide SEQ ID NO. of the cloned gene Polypeptide SEQ ID NO. of the encoded polypeptide Restriction Enzymes used for cloning Primers used for ampliflcation (SEQ ID NO:) MAB17_GA (optimized for expression in Arabidopsis and maize) 1542 224 Xbal, Sad Synthetic product (from pGA4_MAB17) MAB17a_G A (optimized for expression in Maize) 1544 Synthetic product (from pCR4Blunt-TOPO_MAB 17a_GA) MAB17_GA _original (original sequence, not optimize) 1543 Synthetic product (pGA 14_MAB 17_(EV0222)-original) MAB137_G A (optimized for expression in Maize, Arabidopsis and tomato) 1537 317 Xbal, Sad Synthetic product (from pGA15_MAB137) MAB3_GA (optimized for expression in Maize, Arabidopsis and tomato) 1551 203 Xbal, Sad Synthetic product (from pCR4Blunt-Topo_MAB3) MAB3_GA_ original (original sequence, not optimize) 1668 Synthetic product (from pGA14_MAB3_(EV0235)-original) MAB18_GA (optimized for expression in Arabidopsis and maize) 1545 225 Xbal, Sad Synthetic product (from pGA4_MAB18) Control Gene: GUI 1664

Table 3. Presented are the polynucleotide SEQ ID NO. the ABST genes. the cloned ABST genes and control gene(s) by the Gene Id number and Also presented are the primers and the restriction enzymes used to clone

ο (N <D OO m (N

o o m (N in O (N PCR products were digested with the restriction endonucleases (Roche, Switzerland) according to the sites design in the primers (Table 3). Each digested PCR product was inserted into a high copy vector originated from pBlue-script KS plasmid

ο (N α ω m m (N

m o o m (N o (N 10 15 20 75 vector (pBlue-script KS plasmid vector. Hypertext Transfer Protocol:/AVorld Wide Web (dot) stratagene (dot) com/manuals/212205 (dot) pdf). In case of the high copy vector originated from pBlue-script KS plasmid vector (pGN) PCR product was inserted in the high copy plasmid upstream to the NOS terminator (SEQ ID NO: 1651) originated from pBI 101.3 binary vector (GenBank Accession No. U12640, nucleotides 4417 to 4693), Table 4 below. In other cases (pKSJ_6669a) the At6669 promoter (SEQ ID NO: 1652) is already cloned into the pBlue-script KS, so the gene is introduced downstream of the promoter (Table 4 below).

Sequencing of the inserted genes was performed, using the ABI 377 sequencer (Applied Biosystems). In some cases, after confirming the sequences of the cloned genes, the cloned cDNA accompanied with the NOS terminator was introduced into the binary vectors pGI containing the At6669 promoter via digestion with appropriate restriction endonucleases. In other cases the cloned cDNA accompanied with the At6669 promoter was introduced into the pGI vector (that hasn't already contained the At6669 promoter). In any case the insert was followed by single copy of the NOS terminator (SEQ ID NO: 1651). The digested products and the linearized plasmid vector were ligated using T4 DNA ligase enzyme (Roche, Switzerland).

Table 4 Gene Name High copy Plasmid Amplifled from ΜΑΒΙ pKSJ_6669 RNA ΜΑΒΙ Gene Art MABIO Gene Art MABIO pGN RNA MAB14 pKSJ_6669 RNA MAB14 Gene Art MAB15 pGN Gene Art (3 plasmids) MAB17 pGN Gene Art (3 plasmids) MAB 137 pGN Gene Art MAB25 pKSJ_6669 RNA MAB25 Gene Art MAB3 pGN Gene Art (2 plasmids) MAB44 pGN RNA MAB44 Gene Art MAB6 pGN RNA MAB6 Gene Art MAB9 pKSJ_6669 RNA MAB9 Gene Art MAB 100 pGN RNA MAB 13 pGN RNA MAB 134 pGN RNA MAB 18 pGN Gene Art MAB2 pGN RNA 76

Gene Name High copy Plasmid Amplified from MAB20 pKSJ_6669 RNA MAB146 pGN RNA MAB32 pKSJ_6669 RNA MAB35 pKSJ_6669 RNA MAB36 pGN RNA MAB43 pKSJ_6669 RNA MAB46 pGN RNA MAB50 pKSJ_6669 RNA MAB7 pGN RNA MAB99 pGN RNA MAB66 pGN RNA MAB4 pKSJ_6669 RNA

Table 4

ο (N <D m (N

m r- o m (N O (N

The pPI plasmid vector was constructed by inserting a synthetic poly-(A) signal sequence, originating from pGL3 basic plasmid vector (Promega, GenBank Accession 5 No. U47295; nucleotides 4658-4811) into the HindTTT restriction site of the binary vector pBIlOl.3 (Clontech, GenBank Accession No. U12640). pGI (Figure 1) is similar to pPI, but the original gene in the back bone is GUS-Intron, rather than GUS.

At6669, the Arabidopsis thaliana promoter sequence (set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1652) is inserted in the pPI binary vector, upstream to the cloned genes by using the 10 restriction enzymes Hindlll and Sail or BamHI (Roche), following by DNA ligation and binary plasmid extraction from positive E. coli colonies, as described above.

Positive colonies were identified by PCR using primers which were designed to span the introduced promoter (At6669) and the cloned gene in the binary vector. In all cases the forward PCR primer was the primer set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1650 (from the 15 At6669 promoter) and the reverse primer (derived from the specific cloned gene) was as follows: For ΜΑΒΙ, the reverse primer was SEQ ID NO:1570; for MAB14, the reverse primer was SEQ ID NO: 1574; for MABIO, the reverse primer was SEQ ID NO: 1577; for MAB25, the reverse primer was SEQ ID NO: 1581; for MAB134, the reverse primer was SEQ ID NO;1585; for MAB99, the reverse primer was SEQ ID NO:1587; for 20 MAB36, the reverse primer was SEQ ID NO: 1590; for MAB7, the reverse primer was SEQ ID NO: 1594; for MAB44, the reverse primer was SEQ ID NO; 1596; for MAB4, the reverse primer was SEQ ID NO; 1600; for MAB9, the reverse primer was SEQ ID NO;1603 (MAB9); for MABIOO, the reverse primer was SEQ ID NO;1606; for MAB13, the reverse primer was SEQ ID NO;1611; for MAB32, the reverse primer was SEQ ID 25 NO;1614; for MAB35, the reverse primer was SEQ ID NO;1617; for MAB146, the

reverse primer was SEQ ID NO; 1620; for MAB2, the reverse primer was SEQ ID ΙΟ ο (Ν <D ΟΟ m (Ν ΙΟ ο (Ο (Ν ΙΟ ο (Ν 77 NO: 1622; for ΜΑΒ20, the reverse primer was SEQ ID NO: 1626; for MAB43, the reverse primer was SEQ ID NO: 1629; for MAB46, the reverse primer was SEQ ID NO:1633; for MAB50, the reverse primer was SEQ ID NO:1637; for MAB66, the reverse primer was SEQ ID NO: 1640; for MAB4, the reverse primer was SEQ ID 5 NO: 1644; for MAB15 synthetic gene, the reverse primer was SEQ ID NO: 1645; for MAB17 synthetic gene, the reverse primer was SEQ ID NO: 1646; for MAB18 synthetic gene, the reverse primer was SEQ ID NO: 1647; for MAB137 synthetic gene, the reverse primer was SEQ ID NO: 1648; and for MAB3 synthetic gene, the reverse primer was SEQ ID NO: 1649, which are designed to span the introduced promoter and gene, in the 10 binary vector.

Synthetic sequences [such as of MAB14, nucleotide SEQ ID NO:23, which encodes protein SEQ ID NO:219) of some of the cloned polynucleotides were ordered from a commercial supplier (GeneArt, GmbH). To optimize the coding sequence, codon-usage Tables calculated from plant transcriptomes were used [example of such 15 Tables can be found in the Codon Usage Database available online at Hypertext Transfer Protocoh/AVorld Wide Web (dot) kazusa (dot) or (dot) jp/codon/]. The optimized coding sequences were designed in a way that no changes were introduced in the encoded amino acid sequence while using codons preferred for expression in dicotyledonous plants mainly tomato and Arabidopsis; and monocotyledonous plants 20 such as maize. Such optimized sequences promote better translation rate and therefore higher protein expression levels. Parts of the sequences were ordered as the original sequences. To the optimized/non-optimized sequences flanking additional unique restriction enzymes sites were added to facilitate cloning genes in binary vectors.

Promoters used: Arabidopsis At6669 promoter (SEQ ID NO: 1652; which is SEQ 25 ID NO:61 of W004081173 to Evogene Ltd.).

The sequences of the cloned cDNAs are provided in SEQ ID NOs: 1530-1534, 1536-1545, 1547-1566, 1654, 1665, 1666, 1667 and 1668. The protein translation of the amplified cDNA sequence matched exactly that of the initial bioinformatics prediction of the protein sequences. The predicted polypeptide sequences of the cloned 30 polynucleotides are provided in SEQ ID NOs:201, 212, 284, 213, 217, 317, 219, 221, 224, 225, 226, 227, 229, 237, 203, 247, 252, 205, 265, 267, 271, 277, 207, 208, 211, 283, 1655, 311, 334, and 254.

Ο (N ω in m (N

m o m (N O (N 78 EXAMPLE 4

TRANSFORMING AGROBACTERIUM TUMEFACIENS CELLS WITH BINARY VECTORS HARBORING ΡυΤΑΉΥΕ ABST GENES

Each of the binary vectors described in Example 3 above are used to transform 5 Agrobacterium cells. Two additional binary constructs, having a GUS/Luciferase reporter gene replacing the ABST gene (positioned downstream of the At6669 promoter), are used as negative controls.

The binary vectors are introduced to Agrobacterium tumefaciens GV301, or LB4404 competent cells (about 10^ cells/mL) by electroporation. The electroporation is 10 performed using a MicroPulser electroporator (Biorad), 0.2 cm cuvettes (Biorad) and EC-2 electroporation program (Biorad). The treated cells are cultured in LB liquid medium at 28 °C for 3 hours, then plated over LB agar supplemented with gentamycin (50 mg/L; for Agrobacterium strains GV301) or streptomycin (300 mg/L; for Agrobacterium strain LB4404) and kanamycin (50 mg/L) at 28 °C for 48 hours. 15 Abrobacterium colonies which developed on the selective media were analyzed by PCR using the primers described above (Example 3) with respect to identification of positive binary vector colonies. The resulting PCR products are isolated and sequenced as described in Example 3 above, to verify that the correct ABST sequences are properly introduced to the Agrobacterium cells. 20

EXAMPLES TRANSFORMATION OF ARABIDOPSIS THALIANA PLANTS WITH ΡΗΤΑΉΥΕ

ABST GENES

Arabidopsis thaliana Columbia plants (To plants) are transformed using the 25 Floral Dip procedure described by Clough and Bent (10) and by Desfeux et al. (11), with minor modifications. Briefly, To Plants are sown in 250 ml pots filled with wet peat-based growth mix. The pots are covered with aluminum foil and a plastic dome, kept at 4 °C for 3-4 days, then uncovered and incubated in a growth chamber at 18-24 °C under 16/8 hour light/dark cycles. The To plants are ready for transformation six days before 30 anthesis.

Single colonies of Agrobacterium carrying the binary constructs, are generated as described in Example 4 above. Colonies are cultured in LB medium supplemented with kanamycin (50 mg/L) and gentamycin (50 mg/L). The cultures are incubated at 28 C ΙΟ ο (Ν <D ΟΟ m (Ν m ΙΟ ο m (Ν ΙΟ Ο (Ν 79 for 48 hours under vigorous shaking and then centrifuged at 4000 rpm for 5 minutes. The pellets comprising the Agrobacterium cells are re-suspended in a transformation medium containing half-strength (2.15 g/L) Murashige-Skoog (Duchefa); 0.044 μΜ benzylamino purine (Sigma); 112 pg/L B5 Gambourg vitamins (Sigma); 5 % sucrose; 5 and 0.2 ml/L Silwet L-77 (OSI Specialists, CT) in double-distilled water, at pH of 5.7.

Transformation of To plants is performed by inverting each plant into an Agrobacterium suspension, such that the above ground plant tissue is submerged for 3-5 seconds. Each inoculated To plant is immediately placed in a plastic tray, then covered with clear plastic dome to maintain humidity and is kept in the dark at room temperature 10 for 18 hours, to facilitate infection and transformation. Transformed (transgenic) plants are then uncovered and transferred to a greenhouse for recovery and maturation. The transgenic To plants are grown in the greenhouse for 3-5 weeks until siliques are brown and dry. Seeds are harvested from plants and kept at room temperature until sowing.

For generating Ti and Ti transgenic plants harboring the genes, seeds collected 15 from transgenic To plants are surface-sterilized by soaking in 70 % ethanol for 1 minute, followed by soaking in 5 % sodium hypochloride and 0.05 % triton for 5 minutes. The surface-sterilized seeds are thoroughly washed in sterile distilled water then placed on culture plates containing half-strength Murashige-Skoog (Duchefa); 2 % sucrose; 0.8 % plant agar; 50 mM kanamycin; and 200 mM carbenicylin (Duchefa). The culture plates 20 are incubated at 4 °C for 48 hours then transferred to a growth room at 25 °C for an additional week of incubation. Vital Ti Arabidopsis plants are transferred to a fresh culture plates for another week of incubation. Following incubation the T i plants are removed from culture plates and planted in growth mix contained in 250 ml pots. The transgenic plants are allowed to grow in a greenhouse to maturity. Seeds harvested from 25 Ti plants are cultured and grown to maturity as T2 plants under the same conditions as used for culturing and growing the T1 plants. EXAMPLE 6 IMPROVED ABST IN Ή88υΕ CULTURE A88AY 30 Assay 1: plant growth under Osmotic stress (PEG) in Ήssue culture conditions - Osmotic stress (PEG) - conditions resembling the high osmolarity found during drought (e.g., 25 % PEG8000). One of the consequences of drought is the induction of ο (Ν &amp;Η (D GO m (Ν m r- ο m (Ν Ο (Ν 80 osmotic stress in the area surrounding the roots; therefore, in many scientific studies, PEG serves to simulate drought.

Surface sterilized seeds are sown in basal media [50 % Murashige-Skoog medium (MS) supplemented with 0.8 % plant agar as solidifying agent] in the presence 5 of Kanamycin (for selecting only transgenic plants). After sowing, plates are transferred for 2-3 days at 4 °C for stratification and then grown at 25 °C under 12-hour light 12-hour dark daily cycles for 7 to 10 days. At this time point, seedlings randomly chosen are carefully transferred to plates hold 25 % PEG in 0.5 MS media or normal conditions (0.5 MS media). Each plate contains 5 seedlings of same event, and 3-4 different plates 10 (replicates) for each event. For each polynucleotide of the invention at least four independent transformation events are analyzed from each construct. Plants expressing the polynucleotides of the invention are compared to the average measurement of the control plants Mock- transgenic plants expressing the uidA reporter gene (GUS Intron -GUI) under the same promoter were used as control. 15 Digital imaging - A laboratory image acquisition system, which consists of a digital reflex camera (Canon EOS 300D) attached with a 55 nun focal length lens (Canon EF-S series), mounted on a reproduction device (Kaiser RS), which included 4 light units (4 x 150 Watts light bulb) and located in a darkroom, was used for capturing images of plantlets sawn in square agar plates. 20 The image capturing process was repeated every 7 days starting at day 0 till day 14. The same camera attached with a 24 mm focal length lens (Canon EF series), placed in a custom made iron mount was used for capturing images.

An image analysis system was used, which consists of a personal desktop computer (Intel P4 3.0 GHz processor) and a public domain program - Image! 1.37 (Java 25 based image processing program which was developed at the U.S National Institutes of Health and freely available on the internet at Hypertext Transfer Protocol://rsbweb (dot) nih (dot) gov/). Images were captured in resolution of 6 Mega Pixels (3072 x 2048 pixels) and stored in a low compression JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group standard) format. Next, analyzed data was saved to text files and processed using the 30 JMP statistical analysis software (SAS institute).

Seedling analysis - Using the digital analysis seedling data was calculated, including leaf area, root coverage and root length. ο (Ν Λ (D GO m (Ν m ΙΟ r-· ο m (Ν ΙΟ Ο (Ν 10 15 20 25 30 81

The Relative Growth Rate (RGR) was calculated according to the following formula I.

Formula I:

Relative growth area rate = (Δ Area / At) * (1/ Area tO)

At is the current analyzed image day subtracted from the initial day (t-tO). Thus, the relative growth area rate is in units of 1/day and length growth rate is in units of 1/day.

At the end of the experiment, plantlets were removed from the media and weighed for the determination of plant fresh weight. Relative Growth Rate is determined by comparing the leaf area, root length and root coverage between each couple of sequential photographs, and results are used to resolve the effect of the gene introduced on plant vigor, under osmotic stress, as well as under optimal conditions. Similarly, the effect of the gene introduced on biomass accumulation, under osmotic stress as well as under optimal conditions, is determined by comparing the plants' fresh weight to control plants (GUI).

Statistical analyses - To identify outperforming genes and constructs, results from the independent transformation events are evaluate for the overall influence of the gene (gene effect) and for each of the tested events (best event). Student’s t test were applied, using significance of p < 0.05 or p < 0.1. The IMP statistics software package is used (Version 5.2.1, SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA).

Experimental Results

The polynucleotide sequences of the invention were assayed for a number of desired traits.

Tables 5-6 depict analyses of Leaf Area in plants overexpressing the polynucleotides of the invention under the regulation of 6669 promoter under 25 % PEG conditions. Each Table represents an independent experiment, using 4 independent events per gene. Genes not eonnected by same letter as the control (A, B,) are significantly different from the control, with A indicating a difference at a P < 0.05 level of significance and. A* a difference at a P < 0.1 level of significance.

ο (N <D OO m (N

o o m (N H O (N 10 82

Table 5; Genes showing improve Leaf Area under 25 % PEG

Leaf Area [cm"2], 25% PEG Gene Id Day 7 from planting Day 14 from planting LS M Signific ance* LSM best Even t Signifi cance * % improv ement of Best event LS M Signifi cance * LSM best Event Significa nee* % improve ment of Best event GUI 0.3 8 B 0.38 B 0.6 8 B 0.68 B ΜΑΒΙ 0.4 9 A 0.63 A 67 0.7 2 B 6 0.80 18 MAB2 5 0.3 3 C 0.49 A 28 0.6 1 B 0.88 A 30

Table 5: LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant difference at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant difference at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 6: Genes showing improve Leaf Area under 25 % PEG

Leaf Area [cm"2], 25% PEG Gene Id Day 7 from planting Day 14 from planting LS M Signific ance* LS M best Eve nt Signif icance * % improv ement of Best event LS M Signif icance * LSM best Event Significa nee* % improve ment of Best event GUI 0.2 3 B 0.23 B 0.4 4 B 0.44 B ΜΑΒΙ 5 0.2 5 B 0.32 A 43 0.3 6 B 0.48 B 9 ΜΑΒΙ 7 0.2 7 A 0.36 A 57 0.4 6 B 0.65 A 48 ΜΑΒΙ 8 0.3 0 A 0.36 A 57 0.3 9 B 0.51 B 15 MAB3 5 0.2 1 B 0.26 B 14 0.3 8 B 0.60 A 36

Table 6: LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant difference at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant difference at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Tables 7-9 depict analyses of Roots Coverage in plants overexpressing the 15 polynucleotides of the invention under the regulation of 6669 promoter under 25 % PEG conditions. Each Table represents an independent experiment, using 4 independent events per gene. Genes not connected by same letter as the control (A, B,) are significantly different from the control. 20

Ο (N a (D GO m (N

m r- o m (N IT) O (N 10 83 Table 7

Roots Coverage [cm*2], 25% PEG Gene Id Day 7 from planting Day 14 from planting LS M Signific ance* LSM best Even t Signifi cance * % improv ement of Best event LSM Signi fican ce* LSM best Event Significa nee* % improve ment of Best event GUI 4.3 7 B 4.37 B 6.69 B 6.69 B ΜΑΒΙ 7.1 7 A 10.3 2 A 136 9.25 A 9.73 A 45 Table 7: LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant difference at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant difference at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 8

Roots Coverage [cm*2], 25% PEG Gene Id Day 7 from planting Day 14 from planting LS M Signific ance* LSM best Even t Signifi cance * % improv ement of Best event LSM Signi fican ce* LSM best Event Significa nee* % improve ment of Best event GUI 4.0 4 B 4.04 B 11.0 9 B 11.09 B ΜΑΒΙ 5 4.5 3 B 5.60 A 39 10.1 0 B 11.74 B 6 ΜΑΒΙ 8 5.2 3 A 6.79 A 68 9.92 B 10.29 B -7 ΜΑΒΙ 46 5.1 0 B 7.01 A 73 8.67 B 10.04 B -9 Table 8: LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant difference at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant difference at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 9 Roots Coverage [0111^^21,25% PEG Gene Id Day 7 from planting Day 14 from planting LS M Signific ance* LSM best Even t Signifi cance * % improve ment of Best event LSM Signi fican ce* LSM best Event Significa nee* % improve ment of Best event GUI 2.1 1 B 2.11 B 5.67 B 5.67 B MAB 18 2.0 5 B 2.75 B 30 5.40 B 8.76 A 55 MAB 32 1.9 8 B 5.06 A 140 4.31 B 10.55 A 86 84 MAB 35 2.6 2 B 3.82 A 81 7.19 A* 10.04 A 77 MAB 4 3.0 3 A 5.64 A 168 7.38 A* 11.38 A 101 MAB 146 1.8 4 B 3.65 A 73 5.05 B 9.21 A 63

Table 9: LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant difference at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant difference at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

ο (N Oh <D m m (N

m r- o m (N O (N 10 15

Tables 10-11 depict analyses of Roots Length in plants overexpressing the polynucleotides of the invention under the regulation of 6669 promoter in 25% PEG. Each Table represents an independent experiment, using 4 independent events per gene. Genes not connected by same letter as the control (A, B,) are significantly different from the control.

Table 10

Roots Length Icml, PEG 25% Gene Id Day 7 from planting Day 14 from planting LS M Signific ance* LSM best Even t Signifi cance ·¥ % improv ement of Best event LS M Signifi cance ·¥ LSM best Event Significa nee* % improve ment of Best event GUI 4.7 1 A 4.71 A 5.7 1 B 5.71 B MAB 1 5.3 7 A 5.91 A 25 6.0 9 B 6.40 B 12

Table 10: LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant difference at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant difference at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 11

Roots Length [cm], PEG 25% Gene Id Day 7 from planting Day 14 from planting LS M Signific ance* LSM best Even t Signifi cance ·¥ % improv ement of Best event LS M Signifi cance ·¥ LSM best Event Significa nee* % improve ment of Best event GUI 2.8 8 B 2.88 B 5.1 1 B 5.11 B MAB 18 3.2 2 B 4.29 A 49 4.8 6 B 6.33 B 24 MAB 32 2.7 4 B 5.78 A 101 3.7 5 B 7.17 A 40 MAB 35 3.3 5 A* 4.79 A 66 5.3 0 B 6.76 A 32 MAB 4 3.2 5 B 4.80 A 67 5.2 4 B 7.32 A 43 Η Ο (Ν α (υ ιη m (Ν m ο m (Ν Ο (Ν 10 15 20 85 MAB 146 2.4 3 B 4.00 A 39 4.0 4 B 6.39 A 25 Table 11: LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant difference at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant difference at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above. Tables 12-13 depict analyses of Leaf Area RGR in plants overexpressing the polynucleotides of the invention under the regulation of 6669 promoter in 25 % PEG. Each Table represents an independent experiment, using 4 independent events per gene. Genes not connected by same letter as the control (A, B,) are significantly different from the control.

Table 12

Leaf Area RGR [cm^2/day], PEG 25% Gene Id Day 7 from planting Day 14 from planting LS M Signific ance* LSM best Even t Signifi cance * % improv ement of Best event LS M Signifi cance * LSM best Event Significa nee* % improve ment of Best event GUI 0.4 6 B 0.46 B 0.1 2 B 0.12 B MAB 1 0.6 8 A 1.47 A 222 0.2 0 A 0.30 A 151 MAB 17 0.4 3 B 0.50 B 8 0.1 7 B 0.29 A 145 MAB 35 0.6 5 A 0.71 A 54 0.1 9 A 0.23 A 93 MAB 146 0.5 5 B 0.80 A 75 0.1 6 B 0.20 B 66 Table 12: LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant difference at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant difference at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 13

Leaf Area RGR [cm*2/day], PEG 25% Gene Id Day 7 from planting Day 10 from planting LS M Signific ance* LSM best Even t Signifi cance * % improv ement of Best event LS M Signifi cance * LSM best Event Significa nee* % improve ment of Best event GUI 0.4 9 B 0.49 B 0.2 4 B 0.24 B MAB 6 0.8 9 A 1.60 A 226 0.2 7 B 0.33 B 39 Table 13: LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant difference at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant difference at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Ο (N α (D GO m (N

m r- o m (N O (N 10 86

Tables 14-18 depict analyses of Roots Coverage RGR in plants overexpressing the polynucleotides of the invention under the regulation of 6669 promoter in 25% PEG. Each Table represents an independent experiment, using 4 independent events per gene. Genes not connected by same letter as the control (A, B,) are significantly different from the control.

Table 14

Roots Coverage RGR [cm*2/day], PEG 25% Gene Id Day 7 from planting Day 14 from planting LS M Signific ance* LSM best Even t Signifi cance * % improv ement of Best event LS M Signifi cance * LSM best Event Significa nee* % improve ment of Best event GUI 5.7 4 B 5.74 B 0.1 1 B 0.11 B MAB 25 4.0 3 B 5.44 B -5 0.1 6 B 0.21 A 96 MAB 44 5.3 2 B 7.79 B 36 0.1 7 B 0.28 A 155

Table 14: LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant difference at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant difference at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 15

Roots Coverage RGR [cm*2/day], PEG 25% Gene Id Day 7 from planting Day 14 from planting LS M Signific ance* LSM best Even t Signifi cance * % improv ement of Best event LS M Signifi cance * LSM best Event Significa nee* % improve ment of Best event GUI 0.4 3 B 0.43 B 0.3 0 B 0.30 B MAB 1 2.1 6 A 3.09 A 621 0.3 6 B 0.43 A 44 MAB 15 1.5 5 A 2.81 A 555 0.3 0 B 0.33 B 9 MAB 17 1.9 9 A 4.08 A 852 0.3 5 B 0.53 A 78 MAB 18 1.4 4 A 1.90 A 343 0.2 9 B 0.36 B 19 MAB 35 1.1 0 B 1.71 B 298 0.3 7 B 0.48 A 59 MAB 146 2.1 6 A 4.03 A 841 0.3 0 B 0.41 A 38

Table 15: LSM = 15 difference at P < genes (according above. : Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant 0.05, A* meaning significant difference at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3

Ο (N α (D GO m (N

m r- o m (N O (N 10 87 Table 16

Roots Coverage RGR [cm*2/day], PEG 25% Gene Id Day 7 from planting Day 14 from planting LS M Signific ance* LS M best Eve nt Signif icance * % improv ement of Best event LS M Signif icance * LSM best Event Significa nee* % improve ment of Best event GUI 1.2 7 B 1.27 B 0.0 8 B 0.08 B ΜΑΒΙ 00 1.2 6 B 1.52 B 19 0.1 2 B 0.19 A 131 ΜΑΒΙ 34 1.6 4 A* 2.20 A 73 0.0 8 B 0.12 B 48 ΜΑΒΙ 3 1.5 7 B 2.16 A 70 0.1 9 A 0.32 A 294 ΜΑΒΙ 5 1.6 1 A* 2.71 A 113 0.1 0 B 0.13 B 56 ΜΑΒΙ 7 2.1 5 A 2.24 A 76 0.1 3 B 0.15 B 88 ΜΑΒ3 _GA 1.5 2 B 2.02 A 58 0.0 9 B 0.12 B 45 Table 16: LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 17 Roots Coverage RGR [cm*2/day], PEG 25% Gene Id Day 7 from planting Day 14 from planting LS M Signific ance* LS M best Eve nt Signif icance * % improv ement of Best event LS M Signif icance * LSM best Event Significa nee* % improve ment of Best event GUI 0.9 5 B 0.95 B 0.3 0 B 0.30 B ΜΑΒΙ 8 0.7 5 B 2.04 A 116 0.2 9 B 0.47 A 60 MAB3 5 1.4 4 A* 4.53 A 379 0.3 2 B 0.48 A 63 MAB4 1.2 8 B 2.17 A 129 0.2 9 B 0.44 A 49 ΜΑΒΙ 46 0.4 7 B 0.86 B -9 0.3 5 B 0.45 A 52 TablelT: LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above. Η Ο (Ν Οη (D GO m (Ν fO ο ο m (Ν Ο (Ν 10 15

Table 18

Roots Coverage RGR [cm''2/day], PEG 25% Gene Id Day 7 from )lanting Day 10 from planting LS M Signific ance* LS M best Eve nt Signif icance * % improv ement of Best event LS M Signif icance * LSM best Event Significa nee* % improve ment of Best event GUI 1.6 6 B 1.66 B 0.2 1 B 0.21 B MAB4 3 1.4 3 B 2.24 B 35 0.2 9 A 0.39 A 86

Table 18: LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Tables 19-21 depict analyses of Roots Length RGR in plants overexpressing the polynucleotides of the invention under the regulation of 6669 promoter in 25% PEG. Each Table represents an independent experiment, using 4 independent events per gene. Genes not connected by same letter as the control (A, B,) are significantly different from the control.

Table 19

Roots Length RGR [cm/day], PEG 25% Gene Id Day 7 from planting Day 14 from planting LS M Signific ance* LS M best Eve nt Signif icance * % improv ement of Best event LS M Signif icance * LSM best Event Significa nee* % improve ment of Best event GUI 0.2 3 B 0.23 B 0.0 9 B 0.09 B ΜΑΒΙ 0.4 6 A 0.58 A 148 0.1 2 A 0.14 A 58 ΜΑΒΙ 5 0.4 3 A 0.58 A 148 0.0 8 B 0.10 B 16 ΜΑΒΙ 7 0.4 5 A 0.57 A 147 0.1 1 A 0.16 A 87 ΜΑΒΙ 8 0.4 1 A 0.44 A 89 0.1 0 B 0.13 A 45 ΜΑΒ3 5 0.3 1 B 0.37 A 59 0.1 0 B 0.13 A 51 ΜΑΒΙ 46 0.4 9 A 0.65 A 178 0.0 9 B 0.10 B 17

Tablel9: LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

ο (N <D OO m (N

in o m (N in O (N 89 Table 20

Roots Length RGR [cm/day], PEG 25% Gene Id Day 7 from planting Day 14 from planting LS M Signific ance* LS M best Eve nt Signif icance * % improv ement of Best event LS M Signif icance * LSM best Event Significa nee* % improve ment of Best event GUI 0.2 0 B 0.20 B 0.0 7 B 0.07 B ΜΑΒΙ 34 0.2 8 A 0.33 A 68 0.0 7 B 0.08 B 16 ΜΑΒΙ 3 0.3 4 A 0.46 A 133 0.1 1 A 0.15 A 113 ΜΑΒΙ 5 0.3 0 A 0.47 A 139 0.0 6 B 0.07 B 1 ΜΑΒΙ 7 0.3 9 A 0.44 A 121 0.0 9 B 0.10 B 39 ΜΑΒ3 _GA 0.2 8 A 0.34 A 72 0.0 5 B 0.08 B 8 Table 20; LSM = different at P < 0 (according to the Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant .05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above. 10

Table 21

Roots Length RGR [cm/day], PEG 25% Gene Id Day 7 from planting Day 10 from planting LS M Signific ance* LS M best Eve nt Signif icance * % improv ement of Best event LS M Signif icance * LSM best Event Significa nee* % improve ment of Best event GUI 0.2 9 B 0.29 B 0.1 1 B 0.11 B ΜΑΒΙ 37 0.2 7 B 0.39 A 32 0.1 1 B 0.12 B 11 MAB4 3 0.3 3 B 0.49 A 66 0.1 4 A 0.17 A 60 MAB5 0 0.3 7 A 0.53 A 82 0.1 3 B 0.15 A 45 MAB6 0.3 3 B 0.43 A 47 0.1 2 B 0.15 B 38

Table 21; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above. 15

Tables 22-23 depict analyses of Plant Fresh Weight in plants overexpressing the polynucleotides of the invention under the regulation of 6669 promoter in 25% PEG. Each Table represents an independent experiment, using 4 independent events per gene. Genes not connected by same letter as the control (A, B,) are significantly different from the control. 15 *Τ) ο (Ν α ω ζ/3 m (Ν m ο m (Ν in Ο (Ν 10 90 Table 22

Gene Id Plant Fresh Weight fgrl, PEG 25% ESM Significance* LSM best Event Significance* % improvement of Best event GUI 0.20 B 0.20 B MAB15 0.25 B 0.30 A 51 ΜΑΒΙ 8 0.21 B 0.26 A 33 Table 22; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 23

Gene Id Plant Fresh Weight Igrl, PEG 25% ESM Significance * ESM best Event Significance* % improvement of Best event GUI 0.18 B 0.18 B ΜΑΒΙ 7 0.22 B 0.29 A 66 MAB3_GA 0.18 B 0.27 A 53 Table 23; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Tables 24-27 depict analyses of Leaf Area in plants overexpressing the polynucleotides of the invention under the regulation of 6669 promoter in normal conditions. Each Table represents an independent experiment, using 4 independent events per gene. Genes not connected by same letter as the control (A, B,) are significantly different from the control.

Table 24

Leaf Area [cm^21. Normal Conditions Gene Id Day 7 from planting Day 14 from planting ES M Signific ance* LSM best Even t Signifi cance * % improve ment of Best event LS M Signifi cance * LSM best Event Significa nee* % improve ment of Best event GUI 0.4 9 B 0.49 B 0.8 2 B 0.82 B MAB 1 0.6 5 A 0.73 A 47 1.0 0 A 1.13 A 38

Table 24; ESM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning 20 significantly different at P < 0.05. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above. Η Ο (Ν Λ (D GO m (Ν m ο ο m (Ν in Ο (Ν 10 15 91 Table 25

Leaf Area [emu'll. Normal Conditions Gene Id Day 7 from planting Day 14 from planting LS M Signific ance* LSM best Even t Signifi cance * % improv ement of Best event LS M Signifi cance * LSM best Event Significa nee* % improve ment of Best event GUI 0.2 4 B 0.24 B 0.5 6 B 0.56 B MAB 17 0.3 I A 0.34 A 40 0.7 3 A 0.90 A 61 MAB 18 0.2 9 A 0.37 A 52 0.6 9 A 0.79 A 42 Table 25: LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 26

Leaf Area feme'll. Normal Conditions Gene Id Day 7 from alanting Day 14 from planting LS M Signific ance* LS M best Eve nt Signif icance * % improv ement of Best event LS M Signif icance * LSM best Event Significa nee* % improve ment of Best event GUI 0.3 9 B 0.39 B 0.9 8 B 0.98 B MAB 15 0.4 6 A* 0.61 A 57 1.2 2 A 1.38 A 41 MAB 17 0.4 6 A* 0.57 A 47 1.1 3 A* 1.32 A 34 MAB3_G A 0.3 8 B 0.56 A 45 0.9 7 B 1.38 A 40 Table 26: LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); ); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 27

Leaf Area rcm^2]. Normal conditions Gene Id Day 7 from planting Day 10 from planting LS M Signific ance* LSM best Even t Signifi cance * % improv ement of Best event LS M Signifi cance * LSM best Event Significa nee* % improve ment of Best event GUI 0.3 4 B 0.34 B 0.6 7 B 0.67 B MAB 6 0.3 2 B 0.41 A 19 0.6 0 B 0.74 B 0.60 Table 27: LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NQs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

ο (N <D GO m (N

m o CO (N O (N 92

Tables 28-31 depict analyses of Roots Coverage in plants overexpressing the polynucleotides of the invention under the regulation of 6669 promoter in normal conditions. Each Table represents an independent experiment, using 4 independent events per gene. Genes not connected by same letter as the control (A, B,) are significantly different from the control.

Table 28 Roots Coverage fcm^ll, Normal conditions Gene Id Day 7 from planting Day 14 from planting LS M Signific ance* LSM best Even t Signifi cance * % improv ement of Best event LSM Signi fican ce* LSM best Event Significa nee* % improve ment of Best event GUI 3.3 4 B 3.34 B 11.6 1 B 11.61 B MAB 18 3.3 1 B 4.78 A 43 10.6 6 B 13.30 B 14 10

Table 28; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 29 15

Roots Coverage [cm*2]. Normal conditions Gene Id Day 7 from planting LSM Significance* LSM best Event Significance* % improvement of Best event GUI 5.40 B 5.40 B MAB 100 5.05 B 7.06 A 31

Table 29: LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 30

Roots Coverage rcm*21. Normal conditions Gene Id Day 7 from planting Day 14 from planting LS M Signific ance* LSM best Even t Signifi cance * % improv ement of Best event LSM Signi fican ce* LSM best Event Significa nee* % improve ment of Best event GUI 3.5 3 B 3.53 B 8.52 B 8.52 B MAB 18 4.1 7 A* 5.30 A 50 9.81 A* 12.89 A 51 MAB 32 2.5 5 B 4.71 A 33 6.40 B 12.37 A 45 m r- ο m (Ν Ο (Ν 10 Η Ο (Ν α (D ϋΟ m (Ν 93 MAB 35 3.7 3 B 4.59 A 30 8.55 B 11.12 A 30 MAB 46 2.4 6 B 3.42 B -3 6.55 B 10.98 A 29 MAB 146 2.3 3 B 3.95 B 12 7.05 B 10.86 A 28 Table 30: LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above. 15

Table 31

Roots Coverage [cm*2], Normal conditions Gene Id Day 7 from planting Day 10 from planting LS M Signific ance* LSM best Even t Signifi cance * % improv ement of Best event LSM Signi fican ce* LSM best Event Significa nee* % improve ment of Best event GUI 3.7 3 B 3.73 B 7.11 B 7.11 B MAB 6 3.6 3 B 4.94 A 33 6.30 B 8.00 B 13

Table 31: LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Tables 32-33 depict analyses of Roots Length in plants overexpressing the polynucleotides of the invention under the regulation of 6669 promoter in normal conditions. Each Table represents an independent experiment, using 4 independent events per gene. Genes not connected by same letter as the control (A, B,) are significantly different from the control.

Table 32

Roots Length [cml. Normal conditions Gene Id Day 7 from planting Day 14 from planting LS M Signific ance* LS M best Eve nt Signif icance * % improv ement of Best event LS M Signif icance * LSM best Event Significa nee* % improve ment of Best event GUI 5.8 9 B 5.89 B 6.8 2 B 6.82 B ΜΑΒΙ 6.7 3 A 7.39 A 26 7.0 2 B 7.63 B 12 MAB 10 5.4 5 B 8.07 A 37 5.8 3 B 8.18 B 20 Η Ο (Ν Λ (D GO m (Ν m ο m (Ν Ο (Ν 10 15 94

Table 32: LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 33

Roots Length [cm]. Normal conditions Gene Id Day 7 from planting Day 14 from planting LS M Signific ance* LSM best Even t Signifi cance * % improv ement of Best event LS M Signifi cance * LSM best Event Significa nee* % improve ment of Best event GUI 3.9 6 B 3.96 B 6.5 1 B 6.51 B MAB 18 5.0 7 A 5.70 A 44 7.0 8 A 8.03 A 23 MAB 32 3.6 8 B 6.12 A 55 5.8 2 B 8.22 A 26 MAB 35 4.5 8 A 5.76 A 46 6.7 7 B 7.75 A 19 MAB 46 3.3 9 B 4.31 B 9 5.5 5 B 7.42 A 14 MAB 146 3.1 4 B 4.82 A 22 5.4 7 B 7.48 A 15

Table 33: LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Tables 34-36 depict analyses of Leaf Area RGR in plants overexpressing the polynucleotides of the invention under the regulation of 6669 promoter in normal conditions. Each Table represents an independent experiment, using 4 independent events per gene. Genes not connected by same letter as the control (A, B,) are significantly different from the control.

Table 34

Leaf Area RGR [cm/dayl. Normal conditions Gene Id Day 7 from planting Day 14 from planting LS M Signific ance* LSM best Even t Signifi cance * % improv ement of Best event LS M Signifi cance * LSM best Event Significa nee* % improve ment of Best event GUI 0.4 3 B 0.43 B 0.2 0 B 0.20 B MAB 15 0.7 9 A 1.25 A 189 0.2 1 B 0.27 B 36 MAB 146 0.6 2 B 0.97 A 124 0.1 5 C 0.18 B -13 Η Ο (Ν <D ΟΟ m (Ν ΙΟ Ο m (Ν Η Ο (Ν 10 95

Table 34: LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 35

Table 36

Leaf Area RGR [cm/day], Normal conditions Gene Id Day 7 from planting Day 14 from planting LS M Signific ance* LS M best Eve nt Signif icance * % improv ement of Best event LS M Signif icance * LSM best Event Significa nee* % improve ment of Best event GUI 0.7 3 B 0.73 B 0.2 1 B 0.21 B ΜΑΒΙ 00 0.7 2 B 1.00 A 37 0.2 7 B 0.32 A 48 ΜΑΒΙ 34 0.8 5 B 0.92 B 27 0.3 1 A 0.37 A 75 ΜΑΒΙ 5 0.8 8 A* 1.24 A 70 0.2 8 B 0.33 A 56 ΜΑΒΙ 7 0.9 1 A 1.18 A 62 0.2 6 B 0.33 A 55 ΜΑΒ3 _GA 0.8 8 B 1.16 A 59 0.2 7 B 0.31 B 46

Table 35: LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Leaf Area RGR [cm/day], Normal conditions Gene Id Day 7 from planting Day 14 from planting LS M Signific ance* LSM best Even t Signifi cance * % improv ement of Best event LS M Signifi cance * LSM best Event Significa nee* % improve ment of Best event GUI 0.9 2 B 0.29 B 0.29 B MAB 32 0.9 5 B 1.31 A 43 0.28 B 0.31 B 5

Table 36: LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above. 15 Tables 37-41 depict analyses of Roots Coverage RGR in plants overexpressing the polynucleotides of the invention under the regulation of 6669 promoter in normal conditions. Each Table represents an independent experiment, using 4 independent events per gene. Genes not connected by same letter as the control (A, B,) are significantly different from the control.

Ο (N α (D GO m (N

m r- o m (N O (N 10 96 Table 37

Roots Coverage RGR [cm/day], Normal conditions Gene Id Day 7 from planting Day 14 from planting LS M Signific ance* LSM best Even t Signifi cance * % improv ement of Best event LS M Signifi cance * LSM best Event Significa nee* % improve ment of Best event GUI 5.6 2 B 5.62 B 0.1 8 B 0.18 B MAB 10 7.6 9 B 15.1 0 A 168 0.0 8 B 0.14 B -20 MAB 44 5.2 8 B 11.6 9 A 108 0.1 3 B 0.17 B -5 Table 37: LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 38

Roots Coverage RGR rcm/dayl, Normal conditions Gene Id Day 7 from planting Day 14 from planting LS M Signific ance* LSM best Even t Signifi cance * % improv ement of Best event LS M Signifi cance * LSM best Event Significa nee* % improve ment of Best event GUI 0.2 3 B 0.23 B 0.4 0 B 0.40 B MAB 1 0.9 0 A 1.23 A 444 0.3 3 B 0.42 B 7 MAB 15 1.0 6 A 1.65 A 628 0.3 4 B 0.42 B 6 MAB 18 0.9 4 A 1.76 A 677 0.3 7 B 0.52 B 32 MAB 35 0.5 6 B 1.00 A 342 0.3 8 B 0.41 B 3 MAB 146 0.8 0 A 1.09 A 381 0.3 5 B 0.50 B 26 Table 38; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 39 Roots Coverage RGR [cm/day], Normal conditions Gene Id Day 7 from planting Day 14 from planting LS M Signific ance* LSM best Even t Signifi cance * % improv ement of Best event LS M Signifi cance * LSM best Event Significa nee* % improve ment of Best event GUI 1.6 4 B 1.64 B 0.1 2 B 0.12 B

Ο (N α (D GO m (N

m r- o m (N O (N 10 97 MAB 134 3.0 9 A 4.38 A 167 0.1 4 B 0.17 B 35 MAB 13 2.4 7 A 2.82 A 72 0.1 1 B 0.13 B 6 MAB 15 1.9 6 B 2.75 A 68 0.1 5 B 0.16 B 33 MAB 17 2.0 9 B 3.09 A 89 0.1 5 B 0.20 A 60 Table 39: LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 40

Roots Coverage RGR [cm/day], Normal conditions Gene Id Day 7 from planting Day 14 from planting LS M Signific ance* LSM best Even t Signifi cance * % improv ement of Best event LS M Signifi cance * LSM best Event Significa nee* % improve ment of Best event GUI 2.5 3 B 2.53 B 0.2 4 B 0.24 B MAB 35 1.6 6 B 4.14 A 63 0.2 9 B 0.54 A 123 MAB 4 1.4 6 B 2.64 B 4 0.3 2 B 0.42 A 73 MAB 146 0.6 2 B 0.95 B -63 0.4 1 A 0.75 A 207 Table 40: LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 41 Roots Coverage RGR [cm/day], Normal conditions Gene Id Day 7 from planting Day 10 from planting LS M Signific ance* LSM best Even t Signifi cance * % improv ement of Best event LS M Signifi cance * LSM best Event Significa nee* % improve ment of Best event GUI 1.0 8 B 1.08 B 0.3 1 B 0.31 B MAB 137 1.3 6 B 2.03 A 88 0.2 6 B 0.31 B 1 MAB 43 1.3 9 B 2.35 A 118 0.2 3 B 0.27 B -12 MAB 50 1.5 7 A 1.98 A 83 0.2 7 B 0.30 B -3 MAB 6 1.1 6 B 1.94 A 80 0.2 5 B 0.29 B -6 MAB 99 1.4 8 A 2.63 A 144 0.2 1 B 0.27 B -13 ΙΟ ο (Ν <D ΟΟ (Ν ΓΟ ο ο m (Ν ΙΟ Ο (Ν 98

Table 41: LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Tables 42-46 depict analyses of Roots Length RGR in plants overexpressing the polynucleotides of the invention under the regulation of 6669 promoter in normal conditions. Each Table represents an independent experiment, using 4 independent events per gene. Genes not connected by same letter as the control (A, B,) are significantly different from the control. 10

Table 42

Roots Length RGR [cm/day]. Normal conditions Gene Id Day 7 from planting LSM Significance* LSM best Event Significance* % improvement of Best event GUI 1.07 B 1.07 B MABIO 1.29 B 2.01 A 88

Table 42: LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < O.I. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above. 15

Table 43

Roots Length RGR [cm/dayl. Normal conditions Gene Id Day 7 from planting LSM Significance* LSM best Event Significance* % improvement of Best event GUI 0.17 B 0.17 B ΜΑΒΙ 0.26 A 0.34 A 93 MAB15 0.32 A 0.45 A 156 MAB17 0.24 A 0.28 A 61 ΜΑΒΙ 8 0.30 A 0.41 A 136 MAB146 0.26 A 0.34 A 93

Table 43: LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above. 20

Table 44

Roots Length RGR fcm/dayl, Normal conditions Gene Id Day 7 from planting Day 14 from planting LS M Signific ance* LSM best Even t Signifi cance * % improv ement of Best event LS M Signifi cance * LSM best Event Significa nee* % improve ment of Best event GUI 0.2 9 B 0.29 B 0.0 8 B 0.08 B MAB 100 0.3 6 B 0.39 B 31 0.0 8 B 0.13 A 67 ΙΟ Ο (Ν α (D ιη m (Ν m r- ο m (Ν Ο (Ν 10 99 MAB 134 0.5 1 A 0.63 A 115 0.0 8 B 0.09 B 23 MAB 13 0.5 0 A 0.61 A 107 0.0 8 B 0.09 B 19 MAB 15 0.4 0 A 0.53 A 79 0.0 8 B 0.09 B 19 MAB 17 0.3 8 A* 0.44 A 49 0.1 0 A 0.13 A 70 Table 44: LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 45

Roots Length RGR [cm/day], Normal conditions Gene Id Day 14 from planting LSM Significance* LSM best Event Significance* % improvement of Best event GUI 0.11 B 0.11 B MAB32 0.11 B 0.15 A 35 MAB35 0.11 B 0.20 A 76 MAB4 0.11 B 0.17 A 50 MAB 146 0.15 A 0.19 A 71 Table 45: LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); ); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above. 15

Table 46

Roots Length RGR [cm/day]. Normal conditions Gene Id Day 7 from planting Day 10 from planting LS M Signific ance* LSM best Even t Signifi cance * % improv ement of Best event LS M Signifi cance * LSM best Event Significa nee* % improve ment of Best event GUI 0.3 1 B 0.31 B 0.1 2 B 0.12 B MAB 137 0.3 3 B 0.40 A 31 0.1 1 B 0.12 B -1 MAB 43 0.3 3 B 0.44 A 41 0.1 1 B 0.12 B -2 MAB 50 0.3 9 A 0.42 A 35 0.1 3 B 0.17 A 34 MAB 6 0.3 0 B 0.41 A 33 0.1 2 B 0.18 A 41

Table 46: LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Tables 47-48 depict analyses of Plant Fresh Weight in plants overexpressing the polynucleotides of the invention under the regulation of 6669 promoter in normal conditions. Each Table represents an independent experiment, using 4 independent

ο (N dj in m (N

m r- o m (N O (N 10 100 events per gene. Genes not connected by same letter as the control (A, B,) are significantly different from the control.

Table 47

Plant Fresh Weight [gr]. Normal conditions Gene Id Day 14 from planting LSM Significance* LSM best Event Significance* % improvement of Best event GUI 0.15 B 0.15 B ΜΑΒΙ 5 0.24 A 0.28 A 93 ΜΑΒΙ 7 0.21 A 0.25 A 73 ΜΑΒΙ 8 0.22 A 0.29 A 101

Table 47: LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 48

Plant Fresh Weight [gr]. Normal conditions Gene Id Day 14 from planting LSM Significance * LSM best Event Significance* % improvement of Best event GUI 0.20 B 0.20 B MABIOO 0.28 A* 0.33 A 62 ΜΑΒΙ 34 0.23 B 0.34 A 64 ΜΑΒΙ 3 0.31 A 0.35 A 73 ΜΑΒΙ 5 0.38 A 0.42 A 106 ΜΑΒΙ 7 0.37 A 0.53 A 159 MAB3_GA 0.28 A* 0.40 A 94 Table 48: LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); ); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above. 15

Assay 2: plant growth at Nitrogen deficiency under Ήssue culture conditions - 20

The present inventors have found the NUE (Nitrogen Utilization Efficiency) assay to be relevant for the evaluation of the ABST candidate genes, since NUE deficiency encourages root elongation, increase of root coverage and allows detecting the potential of the plant to generate a better root system under drought conditions. In addition, there are indications in the literature (Wesley et al., 2002 Journal of Experiment Botany Vol. 53, No. 366, pp. 13-25) that biological mechanisms of NUE and drought tolerance are linked. 25

Surface sterilized seeds are sown in basal media [50 % Murashige-Skoog medium (MS) supplemented with 0.8 % plant agar as solidifying agent] in the presence of Kanamycin (for selecting only transgenic plants). After sowing, plates are

ο (N α ω m m (N

cn in o m (N in O (N 101 transferred for 2-3 days at 4 °C for stratification and then grown at 25 °C under 12-hour light 12-hour dark daily cycles for 7 to 10 days. At this time point, seedlings randomly chosen are carefully transferred to plates holding nitrogen-limiting conditions: 0.5 MS media in which the combined nitrogen concentration (NH4NO3 and KNO3) is 0.75 mM 5 (nitrogen deficient conditions) or to plates holding normal nitrogen conditions: 0.5 MS media in which the combined nitrogen concentration (NH4NO3 and KNO3) is 3 mM (normal nitrogen concentration). All tissue culture experiments were grown at the same time (NUE, PEG and Normal). Results for growth under normal conditions for NUE are the same as for PEG and are presented in assay 1. Each plate contains 5 seedlings of the 10 same event, and 3-4 different plates (replicates) for each event. Eor each polynucleotide of the invention at least four independent transformation events are analyzed from each construct. Plants expressing the polynucleotides of the invention are compared to the average measurement of the control plants (GUI- harboring the GUS gene under the same promoter) used in the same experiment. 15 Digital imaging and statistical analysis - Parameters were measured and analyzed as described in Assay 1 above.

Experimental Results - The polynucleotide sequences of the invention were assayed for a number of desired traits.

Tables 49-53 depict analyses of Leaf Area in plants overexpressing the 20 polynucleotides of the invention under the regulation of 6669 promoter in nitrogen deficient conditions. Each Table represents an independent experiment, using 4 independent events per gene. Genes not connected by same letter as the control (A, B) are significantly different from the control. 25

Table 49

Leaf Area [cm"2], NUE 0.75 mM Gene Id Day 7 from planting Day 14 from planting LS M Signific ance* LS M best Eve nt Signif icance * % improv ement of Best event LS M Signif icance * LSM best Event Significa nee* % improve ment of Best event GUI 0.4 5 B 0.45 B 0.4 1 B 0.41 B ΜΑΒΙ 0.4 9 B 0.65 A 44 0.5 0 A 0.55 A 35 ΜΑΒΙ 0 0.4 6 B 0.62 A 38 0.5 1 A 0.69 A 68 MAB6 0.4 2 B 0.53 B 17 0.4 9 B 0.61 A 49

Ο (N α (D GO m (N

m r- o m (N O (N 10 102

Table 49: LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 50

Table 51

Leaf Area [cm^2], NUE 0.75 mM Gene Id Day 7 from planting Day 14 from planting LS M Signific ance* LSM best Even t Signifi cance * % improv ement of Best event LS M Signifi cance * LSM best Event Significa nee* % improve ment of Best event GUI 0.2 3 B 0.23 B 0.4 1 B 0.41 B MAB 1 0.2 2 B 0.24 B 5 0.5 0 A 0.55 A 35 MAB 15 0.2 5 B 0.32 A 43 0.5 1 A 0.69 A 68 MAB 17 0.2 7 A 0.36 A 57 0.5 5 A 0.70 A 72 MAB 18 0.3 0 A 0.36 A 57 0.5 9 A 0.73 A 80 MAB 35 0.2 1 B 0.26 B 14 0.4 9 B 0.61 A 49 MAB 146 0.2 6 B 0.28 B 23 0.5 5 A 0.60 A 48

Table 50: LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Leaf Area [cm^2], NUE 0.75 mM Gene Id Day 7 from planting LSM Significance* LSM best Event Significance* % improvement of Best event GUI 0.34 B 0.34 B MAB 17 0.32 B 0.44 A 31 MAB3_GA 0.32 B 0.44 A 31

Table 51: LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 52

Leaf Area [cm^2], NUE 0.75 mM Gene Id Day 7 from planting Day 14 from planting LS M Signific ance* LSM best Even t Signifi cance * % improv ement of Best event LS M Signifi cance * LSM best Event Significa nee* % improve ment of Best event GUI 0.2 1 B 0.21 B 0.6 3 B 0.63 B 15

ο (N α (D m (N

m in o m (N in o (N 10 103 MAB 18 0.2 3 B 0.31 A 50 0.5 8 B 0.77 A 22 MAB 4 0.2 0 B 0.31 A 48 0.5 4 B 0.82 A 30 MAB 146 0.2 1 B 0.29 A 41 0.4 8 C 0.59 B -6 Table 52: LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 53

Leaf Area [cm"2], NUE 0.75 mM Gene Id Day 7 from planting Day 10 from planting LS M Signific ance* LS M best Eve nt Signif icance * % improv ement of Best event LS M Signif icance * LSM best Event Significa nee* % improve ment of Best event GUI 0.2 7 B 0.27 B 0.5 1 B 0.51 B MAB4 3 0.2 5 B 0.35 A 29 0.4 7 B 0.60 B 18 MAB5 0 0.2 8 B 0.32 B 19 0.5 4 B 0.66 A 31 MAB6 0.2 8 B 0.35 A 28 0.5 4 B 0.69 A 35 MAB6 6 0.2 8 B 0.34 A 25 0.5 1 B 0.59 B 17 MAB9 9 0.2 7 B 0.35 A 28 0.5 1 B 0.59 B 16 Table 53: LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Tables 54-57 depict analyses of Roots Coverage in plants overexpressing the polynucleotides of the invention under the regulation of 6669 promoter in nitrogen deficient conditions. Each Table represents an independent experiment, using 4 independent events per gene. Genes not connected by same letter as the control (A, B,) are significantly different from the control.

Table 54

Roots Coverage rcm*21, NUE 0.75 mM Gene Id Day 7 from planting Day 14 from planting LS M Signific ance* LS M best Eve nt Signif icance * % improv ement of Best event LSM Signi fican ce* LSM best Event Significa nee* % improve ment of Best event GUI 6.1 8 B 6.18 B 14.3 6 B 14.36 B 15

Ο (N α (D GO m (N

m r- o m (N O (N 10 104 MABl 7.3 3 B 8.56 A 39 13.1 8 B 16.22 B 13 ΜΑΒΙ 0 7.9 3 A 10.3 8 A 68 13.3 2 B 14.67 B 2 MAB2 5 5.8 3 B 6.93 B 12 11.1 2 A 13.90 B -3 MAB4 4 5.3 7 B 9.93 A 61 11.1 4 A 17.59 B 22 MAB6 6.8 8 B 9.31 A 51 12.7 9 B 15.66 B 9 Table 54: LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 55

Roots Coverage [cm*2], NUE 0.75 mM Gene Id Day 7 from planting Day 14 from planting LS M Signific ance* LSM best Even t Signifi cance * % improv ement of Best event LSM Signi fican ce* LSM best Event Significa nee* % improve ment of Best event GUI 4.0 4 B 4.04 B 12.2 4 B 12.24 B MAB 15 4.5 3 B 5.60 A 39 13.7 0 B 16.40 A 34 MAB 17 4.1 5 B 4.85 B 20 13.1 6 B 15.06 A 23 MAB 18 5.2 3 A 6.79 A 68 14.4 7 A 15.52 A 27 MAB 35 4.0 3 B 4.90 B 21 13.9 5 B 15.62 A 28 MAB 146 5.1 0 B 7.01 A 73 14.6 5 A 15.70 A 28 Table 55; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 56 Roots Coverage [cm*2], NUE 0.75 mM Gene Id Day 7 from planting Day 14 from planting LS M Signific ance* LSM best Even t Signifi cance * % improv ement of Best event LSM Signi fican ce* LSM best Event Significa nee* % improve ment of Best event GUI 3.1 4 B 3.14 B 10.8 8 B 10.88 B MAB 18 5.3 9 A 7.64 A 144 12.7 6 B 16.64 A 53 MAB 32 3.5 8 B 7.13 A 127 9.79 B 16.22 A 49 MAB 35 5.0 0 A 6.49 A 107 13.3 1 A 15.36 A 41 ΙΟ ο (Ν <D ΟΟ m (Ν m ΙΟ ο m (Ν ΙΟ Ο (Ν 105 MAB 4 4.1 6 B 7.34 A 134 12.0 0 B 16.52 A 52 MAB 46 3.0 1 B 3.78 B 21 8.35 C 12.09 B 11 MAB 146 4.2 2 B 7.34 A 134 11.4 8 B 14.98 A 38 Table 56; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 57

Roots Coverage feme'll, NUE 0.75 mM Gene Id Day 7 from planting Day 10 from planting LS M Signific ance* LS M best Eve nt Signif icance * % improv ement of Best event LSM Signi fican ce* LSM best Event Significa nee* % improve ment of Best event GUI 4.5 6 B 4.56 B 9.81 B 9.81 B MAB6 5.6 6 A 7.98 A 75 10.6 1 B 14.87 A 52 MAB6 6 5.8 3 A 6.58 A 44 10.3 1 B 11.49 B 17 Table 57; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above. 10

Tables 58-61 depict analyses of Roots Length in plants overexpressing the polynucleotides of the invention under the regulation of 6669 promoter in nitrogen deficient conditions. Each Table represents an independent experiment, using 4 independent events per gene. Genes not connected by same letter as the control (A, B,) are significantly different from the control. 15

Table 58

Roots Length [cm], NUE 0.75 mM Gene Id Day 7 from planting LSM Significance* LSM best Event Significance* % improvement of Best event GUI 6.31 B 6.31 B MAB44 5.34 B 7.07 A 12

Table 58; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Ο (N α (D GO m (N

m r- o m (N O (N 10 15 106 Table 59

Roots Length [cm], NUE 0.75 mM Gene Id Day 7 from planting Day 14 from planting LS M Signific ance* LSM best Even t Signifi cance * % improv ement of Best event LS M Signifi cance * LSM best Event Significa nee* % improve ment of Best event GUI 4.5 5 B 4.55 B 7.2 3 B 7.23 B MAB 15 4.4 8 B 5.40 A 19 6.9 3 B 7.49 B 4 MAB 18 4.6 1 B 5.48 A 20 7.5 9 B 7.86 B 9 MAB 146 4.7 0 B 5.20 B 14 7.6 6 B 7.95 A 10 Table 59; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 60

Roots Length [cm], NUE 0.75 mM Gene Id Day 7 from planting Day 14 from planting LS M Signific ance* LS M best Eve nt Signif icance * % improv ement of Best event LS M Signif icance * LSM best Event Significa nee* % improve ment of Best event GUI 3.6 1 B 3.61 B 6.1 5 B 6.15 B ΜΑΒΙ 8 4.9 3 A 6.44 A 79 7.3 0 A 8.11 A 32 MAB3 2 4.0 2 B 6.48 A 80 6.5 3 B 8.51 A 38 MAB3 5 4.7 0 A 5.47 A 52 7.2 0 A 7.46 A 21 MAB4 4.0 6 A* 5.54 A 54 6.6 0 B 8.02 A 30 ΜΑΒΙ 46 3.7 7 B 5.54 A 54 6.0 9 B 7.19 A 17 Table 60; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 61

Roots Length [cm], NUE 0.75 mM Gene Id Day 7 from planting LSM Significance* LSM best Event Significance* % improvement of Best event GUI 4.87 B 4.87 B MAB66 5.27 B 5.74 A 18 Table 61; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Ο (N Oh (D GO m (N

in r- o m (N in o (N 10 15 107

Tables 62-64 depict analyses of Leaf Area RGR in plants overexpressing the polynucleotides of the invention under the regulation of 6669 promoter in nitrogen deficient conditions. Each Table represents an independent experiment, using 4 independent events per gene. Genes not connected by same letter as the control (A, B,) are significantly different from the control.

Table 62 Leaf area RGR fcm/day], NUE 0.75 mM Gene Id Day 7 from planting Day 14 from planting LS M Signific ance* LSM best Even t Signifi cance * % improv ement of Best event LS M Signifi cance * LSM best Event Significa nee* % improve ment of Best event GUI 0.4 6 B 0.46 B 0.1 2 B 0.12 B MAB 1 0.6 8 A 1.47 A 222 0.2 0 A 0.30 A 151 MAB 17 0.4 3 B 0.50 B 8 0.1 7 B 0.29 A 145 MAB 35 0.6 5 A 0.71 A 54 0.1 9 A 0.23 A 93 MAB 146 0.5 5 B 0.80 A 75 0.1 6 B 0.20 B 66 Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant 05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 62; LSM = different at P < 0 (according to the

Table 63

Leaf area RGR [cm/day], NUE 0.75 mM Gene Id Day 7 from planting LSM Significance* LSM best Event Significance* % improvement of Best event GUI 0.80 B 0.80 B MAB 18 0.87 B 1.24 A 56 MAB32 0.94 B 1.53 A 91 MAB35 0.96 B 1.21 A 51 MAB4 0.71 B 0.81 B 1 MAB46 0.64 B 0.75 B -7 MAB 146 0.82 B 1.04 B 30 Table 63; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above. 10 15 ΙΟ ο (Ν <D ΟΟ m (Ν ΙΟ ο m (Ν ΙΟ Ο (Ν 108 Table 64

Leaf area RGR [cm/day], NUE 0.75 iiiM Gene Id Day 7 from planting Day 10 from planting LS M Signific ance* LS M best Eve nt Signif icance * % improv ement of Best event LS M Signif icance 4: LSM best Event Significa nee* % improve ment of Best event GUI 1.2 2 B 1.22 B 0.2 8 B 0.28 B ΜΑΒΙ 37 2.1 2 B 5.12 A 319 0.2 9 B 0.35 B 25 MAB4 3 1.9 4 B 5.18 A 323 0.2 9 B 0.35 B 28 MAB5 0 1.1 5 B 1.76 B 44 0.3 2 B 0.41 A 50 Table 64; LSM different at P < 0 (according to the Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant .05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Tables 65-69 depict analyses of Roots Coverage RGR in plants overexpressing the polynucleotides of the invention under the regulation of 6669 promoter in nitrogen deficient conditions. Each Table represents an independent experiment, using 4 independent events per gene. Genes not connected by same letter as the control (A, B, C) are significantly different from the control.

Table 65

Roots Coverage RGR fem/dayl, NUE 0.75 mM Gene Id Day 7 from planting Day 14 from planting LS M Signific ance* LSM best Even t Signifi cance * % improv ement of Best event LS M Signifi cance * LSM best Event Significa nee* % improve ment of Best event GUI 5.3 5 B 5.35 B 0.2 8 B 0.28 B MAB 25 7.3 8 B 11.6 2 A 117 0.1 9 C 0.26 B -6 MAB 44 7.1 9 B 11.5 2 A 115 0.2 6 B 0.35 B 23

Table 65; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Ο (N α (D GO m (N

m r- o m (N O (N 10 109 Table 66

Roots Coverage RGR [cm/day], NUE 0.75 mM Gene Id Day 7 from planting Day 14 from planting LS M Signific ance* LSM best Even t Signifi cance * % improv ement of Best event LS M Signifi cance * LSM best Event Significa nee* % improve ment of Best event GUI 0.4 3 B 0.43 B 0.3 0 B 0.30 B MAB 1 2.1 6 A 3.09 A 621 0.3 6 B 0.43 A 44 MAB 15 1.5 5 A 2.81 A 555 0.3 0 B 0.33 B 9 MAB 17 1.9 9 A 4.08 A 852 0.3 5 B 0.53 A 78 MAB 18 1.4 4 A 1.90 A 343 0.2 9 B 0.36 B 19 MAB 35 1.1 0 B 1.71 B 298 0.3 7 B 0.48 A 59 MAB 146 2.1 6 A 4.03 A 841 0.3 0 B 0.41 A 38 Table 66; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 67

Roots Coverage RGR [cm/day], NUE 0.75 mM Gene Id Day 7 from planting LSM Significance* LSM best Event Significance* % improvement of Best event GUI 2.30 B 2.30 B MAB 100 2.85 B 4.02 A 74 MAB 134 4.27 A 5.99 A 160 MAB 13 3.95 A 4.84 A no MAB 15 3.05 A* 3.97 A 73 MAB 17 2.96 B 3.76 A 63 Table 67; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 68 Roots Coverage RGR [cm/day], NUE 0.75 mM Gene Id Day 7 from planting Day 14 from planting LS M Signific ance* LS M best Eve nt Signif icance * % improv ement of Best event LS M Signif icance * LSM best Event Significa nee* % improve ment of Best event GUI 2.2 8 B 2.28 B 0.4 4 B 0.44 B MAB3 5 2.0 2 B 4.82 A 111 0.3 3 B 0.53 B 20 MAB4 1.8 0 B 2.90 B 27 0.4 0 B 0.63 A 42 Η Ο (Ν Λ (D GO m (Ν ο ο m (Ν Η Ο (Ν 10 15 110

Table 68; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 69

Roots Coverage RGR [cm/day], NUE 0.75 mM Gene Id Day 7 from planting LSM Significance* LSM best Event Significance* % improvement of Best event GUI 1.60 B 1.60 B ΜΑΒΙ 37 2.19 A 2.55 B 60 MAB43 2.00 B 2.75 A 72 MAB50 2.26 A 3.28 A 105 MAB6 2.45 A 2.96 A 85 MAB66 1.81 B 2.87 A 80 MAB99 2.25 A 3.73 A 133

Table 69; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Tables 70-74 depict analyses of Roots Length RGR in plants overexpressing the polynucleotides of the invention under the regulation of 6669 promoter in nitrogen deficient conditions. Each Table represents an independent experiment, using 4 independent events per gene. Genes not connected by same letter as the control (A, B,) are significantly different from the control.

Table 70

Roots Length RGR Icm/dayl, NUE 0.75 mM Gene Id Day 7 from planting Day 14 from planting LS M Signific ance* LSM best Even t Signifi cance * % improv ement of Best event LS M Signifi cance * LSM best Event Significa nee* % improve ment of Best event GUI 0.9 9 B 0.99 B 0.0 4 B 0.04 B MAB 44 1.1 0 B 1.64 A 65 0.0 6 B 0.09 A 108

Table 70; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Ο (N α (D GO m (N

m r- o m (N O (N 111 Table 71

Roots Length RGR [cm/day], NUE 0.75 mM Gene Id Day 7 from planting Day 14 from planting LS M Signific ance* LSM best Even t Signifi cance * % improv ement of Best event LS M Signifi cance * LSM best Event Significa nee* % improve ment of Best event GUI 0.2 3 B 0.23 B 0.0 9 B 0.09 B MAB 1 0.4 6 A 0.58 A 148 0.1 2 A 0.14 A 58 MAB 15 0.4 3 A 0.58 A 148 0.0 8 B 0.10 B 16 MAB 17 0.4 5 A 0.57 A 147 0.1 1 A 0.16 A 87 MAB 18 0.4 1 A 0.44 A 89 0.1 0 B 0.13 A 45 MAB 35 0.3 1 B 0.37 A 59 0.1 0 B 0.13 A 51 Table 71; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 72

Roots Length RGR [cm/day], NUE 0.75 mM Gene Id Day 7 from planting Day 14 from planting LSM Signific ance* LS M best Eve nt Signif icance * % improv ement of Best event LS M Signif icance * LSM best Event Significa nee* % improve ment of Best event GUI 0.35 B 0.35 B 0.0 6 B 0.06 B MA BlOO 0.46 A 0.61 A 73 0.0 8 B 0.11 A 80 MA B134 0.62 A 0.73 A 107 0.0 9 A 0.10 A 60 MA B13 0.69 A 0.84 A 140 0.0 8 B 0.11 A 66 MA B15 0.52 A 0.58 A 66 0.0 7 B 0.09 B 44 MA B17 0.52 A 0.64 A 81 0.0 8 B 0.09 A 44 MA B3_ GA 0.44 B 0.51 A 46 0.0 7 B 0.09 B 38 Table 72; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above. ΙΟ ο (Ν <D ΟΟ m (Ν ο ο m (Ν Η Ο (Ν 112 Table 73

Roots Length RGR [cm/day], NUE 0.75 iiiM Gene Id Day 7 from planting Day 14 from planting LS M Signific ance* LSM best Even t Signifi cance * % improv ement of Best event LS M Signifi cance * LSM best Event Significa nee* % improve ment of Best event GUI 0.6 1 B 0.61 B 0.1 2 B 0.12 B MAB 35 0.5 2 B 0.91 A 48 0.1 0 B 0.16 B 29 MAB 4 0.5 3 B 0.65 B 6 0.1 2 B 0.19 A 52 MAB 146 0.3 7 C 0.42 B -31 0.1 2 B 0.17 A 39 Table 73; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 74 10

Roots Length RGR [cm/day], NUE 0.75 mM Gene Id Day 7 from planting Day 10 from planting LS M Signific ance* LS M best Eve nt Signif icance % improv ement of Best event LS M Signif icance LSM best Event Significa nee* % improve ment of Best event GUI 0.3 6 B 0.36 B 0.1 1 B 0.11 B ΜΑΒΙ 37 0.4 6 A 0.55 A 52 0.1 3 B 0.18 A 72 MAB4 3 0.4 1 B 0.53 A 47 0.1 2 B 0.14 B 30 MAB5 0 0.4 8 A 0.57 A 59 0.1 2 B 0.16 A 46 MAB6 0.5 3 A 0.64 A 79 0.1 0 B 0.12 B 9 MAB6 6 0.4 1 B 0.55 A 54 0.1 0 B 0.12 B 9 MAB9 9 0.4 7 A 0.62 A 74 0.1 0 B 0.13 B 19

Table 74; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above. 15

Tables 75-76 depict analyses of Plant Fresh Weight in plants overexpressing the polynucleotides of the invention under the regulation of 6669 promoter in nitrogen deficient conditions. Each Table represents an independent experiment, using 4 independent events per gene. Genes not connected by same letter as the control (A, B,) are significantly different from the control. 10 15 20 25

ο (N α ω m m (N

m o m (N O (N 113 Table 75 Plant Fresh Weight fgrl, NUE 0.75 mM Gene Id Day 14 from planting LSM Significance* LSM best Event Significance* % improvement of Best event GUI 0.15 B ΜΑΒΙ 0.25 A 0.46 A 208 MAB6 0.20 B 0.29 A 95 Table 75; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 76 Plant Fresh Weight fgrl, NUE 0.75 mM Gene Id Day 10 from planting LSM Significance* LSM best Event Significance* % improvement of Best event GUI 0.15 B ΜΑΒΙ 37 0.18 A 0.19 A 31 MAB50 0.16 B 0.22 A 49 MAB6 0.16 B 0.22 A 52 MAB66 0.15 B 0.19 A 32

Table 76; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above. EXAMPLE 7 IMPROVED ABST IN GREENHOUSE ASSAY ABS tolerance: Yield and plant growth rate at high salinity concentration under greenhouse conditions - This assay follows the rosette area growth of plants grown in the greenhouse as well as seed yield at high salinity irrigation. Seeds were sown in agar media supplemented only with a selection agent (Kanamycin) and Hoagland solution under nursery conditions. The T2 transgenic seedlings are then transplanted to 1.7 trays filled with peat and perlite. The trails were irrigated with tap water (provided from the pots’ bottom). Half of the plants are irrigated with a salt solution (40-80 mM NaCl and 5 mM CaCli) to induce salinity stress (stress conditions). The other half of the plants are continued to be irrigated with tap water (normal conditions). All plants are grown in the greenhouse until plants reach the mature seeds stage, then harvested (the above ground tissue) and weighted (immediately or following drying in oven at 50 °C for 24 hour). High salinity conditions are achieved by irrigation with a solution containing 40-80 mM NaCl ("ABS" growth conditions) and are compared to regular growth conditions.

Ο (N α (D GO m (N

m r- o m (N O (N 114

The plants were analyzed for their overall size, growth rate, seed yield, and weight of 1,000 seeds, dry matter and harvest index (HI- seed yield / dry matter). Transgenic plants performance was compared to control plants grown in parallel under the same conditions. Mock- transgenic plants expressing the uidA reporter gene (GUS 5 Intron - GUI) under the same promoter were used as control.

The experiment is planned in nested randomized plot distribution. High salinity conditions are achieved by irrigation with a solution containing 40-80 mM NaCl ("ABS" growth conditions).

Digital imaging - A laboratory image acquisition system, which consists of a 10 digital reflex camera (Canon EOS 300D) attached with a 55 mm focal length lens (Canon EF-S series), mounted on a reproduction device (Kaiser RS), which included 4 light units (4x150 Watts light bulb) was used for capturing images of plantlets.

The image capturing process was repeated every 2-3 days starting at day 1 after sowing till day 10. The same camera attached with a 24 mm focal length lens (Canon 15 EE series), placed in a custom made iron mount, was used for capturing images of larger plants sawn in white tubs in an environmental controlled greenhouse (as seen on Figures 2a-b). The tubs were square shape include 1.7 liter trays. During the capture process, the trays were placed beneath the iron mount, while avoiding direct sun light and casting of shadows. This process was repeated every 2-3 days for up to 10 days. 20 An image analysis system was used, which consists of a personal desktop computer (Intel P4 3.0 GHz processor) and a public domain program - hnageJ 1.37 (Java based image processing program which was developed at the U.S National Institutes of Health and freely available on the internet at Hypertext Transfer Protocol://rsbweb (dot) nih (dot) gov/). Images were captured in resolution of 6 Mega Pixels (3072 x 2048 25 pixels) and stored in a low compression JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group standard) format. Next, analyzed data was saved to text files and processed using the JMP statistical analysis software (SAS institute).

Vegetative parameters analysis - Using the digital analysis leaves data was calculated, including leaf Average area. Rosette diameter and rosette area. The Relative 30 Growth Rate (RGR) for the rosette parameters was calculated according to Formula I as described in Example 6. On day 80 from sowing, the plants were harvested and left to dry at 30 °C in a drying chamber. The biomass and seed weight of each plot was separated, measured and divided by the number of plants. Dry weight = total weight of

IT) ο (N Oh (U in m (N

m o m (N O (N 115 the vegetative portion above ground (excluding roots) after drying at 30 °C in a drying chamber; Seed yield per plant = total seed weight per plant (gr).

The weight of 1000 seeds was determine as follows: seeds were scattered on a glass tray and a picture was taken. Each sample was weighted and then using the digital 5 analysis, the number of seeds in each sample was calculated. 1000 seeds weight was calculated using formula II:

F orniula II 1000 Seed Weight = number of seed in sample/ sample weight X 1000

10 Harvest Index - The harvest index was calculated using Formula III

Formula III:

Harvest Index = Average seed yield per plant/ Average dry weight

Each construct is validated in its T2 generation. Transgenic plants expressing the uidA reporter gene (GUI) under the same promoter are used as control. 15 Statistical analyses - To identify genes conferring significantly improved tolerance to abiotic stresses or enlarged root architecture, the results obtained from the transgenic plants are compared to those obtained from control plants. To identify outperforming genes and constructs, results from the independent transformation events tested are analyzed separately. In addition, genes and constructs are also analyzed taking 20 into consideration the results obtained from all the independent transformation events tested the specific construct. For gene versus control analysis Student’s t test were apphed, using significance of P < 0.05 or P < 0.1. The IMP statistics software package is used (Version 5.2.1, SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA).

Experimental Results 25 The polynucleotide sequences of the invention were assayed for a number of desired traits.

Tables 77-86 depict analyses of Rosette Area in plants overexpressing the polynucleotides of the invention under the regulation of 6669 promoter. Each Table represents an independent experiment, using 4 independent events per gene. Genes not 30 connected by same letter as the control (A, B,) are significantly different from the control.

Ο (N α (D GO m (N

m r- o m (N O (N 10 15 20 116 Table 77

Gene Id Rosette Area [cm*2] 80 mM NaCl, Day 3 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.58 B 0.58 B MAB20 0.59 B 0.84 A 43 MAB50 0.57 B 0.88 A 51 Table 77; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 78

Gene Id Rosette Area [cm*2] 80 mM NaCl, Day 5 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significanc e % improvement of best event GUI 1.27 B 1.27 B MAB20 1.20 B 1.73 a 36 MAB50 1.21 B 2.04 a 61 Table 78; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 79

Gene Id Rosette Area [cm*2] 80 mM NaCl, Day 8 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 3.62 B 3.62 B MAB20 3.97 B 5.18 A 43 MAB50 3.88 B 6.11 A 69 Table 79; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 80

Gene Id Rosette Area [cm*2] 80 mM NaCl, Day 10 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 7.22 B 7.22 B MAB50 6.75 B 10.18 A 41 Table 80; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Ο (N α (D GO m (N

m r- o m (N O (N 10 15 117 Table 81

Gene Id Rosette Area [cm*2] 80 mM NaCl, Day 3 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significanc e % improvement of best event GUI 1.63 B 1.63 B ΜΑΒΙ 2.03 A 2.29 A 40 MAB6 1.34 B 2.40 A 47 Table 78; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 82

Gene Id Rosette Area [cm*2] 80 mM NaCl, Day 5 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 2.88 B 2.88 B ΜΑΒΙ 3.41 A* 3.76 A 31 Table 82; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1; . The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 83

Gene Id Rosette Area [cm*2] 80 mM NaCl, Day 3 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.73 B 0.73 B ΜΑΒΙ 0.77 B 0.91 A 25 Table 83; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 84

Gene Id Rosette Area [cm*2] 80 mM NaCl, Day 5 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significanc e % improvement of best event GUI 1.41 B 1.41 B ΜΑΒΙ 1.62 A* 2.02 A 44 ΜΑΒΙ 7 1.14 B 1.80 A 28 Table 84; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above. Η Ο (Ν Dh (D GO m (Ν

m r- o m (N O (N 10 118 Table 85

Gene Id Rosette Area [cm*2] 80 mM NaCl, Day 8 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 2.37 B 2.37 B ΜΑΒΙ 2.59 B 3.56 A 50 ΜΑΒΙ 3 2.45 B 3.44 A 45 ΜΑΒΙ 7 1.96 C 3.10 A 31 Table 85; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 86

Gene Id Rosette Area [cm*2] 80 mM NaCl, Day 10 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 4.67 B 4.67 B ΜΑΒΙ 5.37 A* 7.93 A 70 ΜΑΒΙ 5 4.78 B 6.08 A 30 ΜΑΒΙ 7 4.02 B 6.19 A 32 MAB3_GA 4.39 B 6.07 A 30 Table 86; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above. 15

Tables 87-96 depict analyses of Rosette Diameter in plants overexpressing the polynucleotides of the invention under the regulation of 6669 promoter. Each Table represents an independent experiment, using 4 independent events per gene. Genes not connected by same letter as the control (A, B,) are significantly different from the control.

Table 87 20

Gene Id Rosette Diameter [cm] 80 mM NaCl, Day 3 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 1.50 B 1.50 B MAB50 1.35 B 1.80 A 20 Table 87; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Ο (N α (D GO m (N

m r- o m (N O (N 10 15 20 119 Table 88

Gene Id Rosette Diameter [cm] 80 mM NaCl Day 5 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significanc e % improvement of best event GUI 2.05 B 2.05 B MAB50 1.82 C 2.44 A 19 Table 88; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 89

Gene Id Rosette Diameter [cm] 80 mM NaCl Day 8 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 3.23 B 3.23 B MAB50 3.16 B 4.12 A 27 Table 89; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 90

Gene Id Rosette Diameter [cm] 80 mM NaCl Day 10 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 4.47 B 4.47 B MAB50 4.20 B 5.31 A 19 Table 90; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 91

Gene Id Rosette Diameter [cm] 80 mM NaCl Day 3 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 2.25 B 2.25 B ΜΑΒΙ 2.60 A 2.78 A 23 Table 91; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Ο (N α (D GO m (N

m r- o m (N O (N 10 15 20 120 Table 92

Gene Id Rosette Diameter [cm] 80 mM NaCl Day 5 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 2.87 B 2.87 B ΜΑΒΙ 3.27 A* 9.25 A 223 MAB20 2.63 B 9.69 A 238 MAB6 2.51 B 10.00 A 249 Table 92; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 93

Gene Id Rosette Diameter [cm] 80 mM NaCl Day 8 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 4.90 B 4.90 B MAB6 4.35 B 6.26 A 28 Table 93; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 94

Gene Id Rosette Diameter [cm] 80 mM NaCl Day 5 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 2.05 B 2.05 B ΜΑΒΙ 2.22 B 2.55 A 25 Table 94; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 95

Gene Id Rosette Diameter [cm] 80 mM NaCl Day 8 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 2.56 B 2.56 B ΜΑΒΙ 2.78 B 3.29 A 29 MAB3_GA 2.56 B 3.04 A 19 Table 95; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Ο (N α. (D GO m (N

m o m (N O (N 10 15 121

Table 96

Gene Id Rosette Diameter [cm] 80 mM NaCI Day 10 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 3.52 B 3.52 B ΜΑΒΙ 3.79 B 4.76 A 35 ΜΑΒΙ 7 3.24 B 4.14 A 17 MAB3_GA 3.44 B 4.12 A 17

Table 96; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Tables 97-105 depict analyses of Leaf Average Area in plants overexpressing the polynucleotides of the invention under the regulation of 6669 promoter. Each Table represents an independent experiment, using 4 independent events per gene. Genes not connected by same letter as the control (A, B,) are significantly different from the control.

Table 97

Gene Id Leaf Average Area [cm^2] 80 mM NaCl Day 3 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.10 B 0.10 B MAB25 0.10 B 0.13 A 30

Table 97; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 98

Gene Id Leaf Average Area [cm^2] 80 mM NaCl Day 5 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.16 B 0.16 B MAB50 0.15 B 0.23 A 45

Table 98; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above. 20 Η Ο (Ν Λ (D GO m (Ν ο ο m (Ν ο (Ν 10 15 122 Table 99

Gene Id Leaf Average Area [cm^2] 80 mM NaCl, Day 8 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.45 B 0.45 B MAB50 0.41 B 0.61 A 34 Table 99; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 100

Gene Id Leaf Average Area [cm^2] 80 mM NaCl, Day 10 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.74 B 0.74 B MAB50 0.66 B 0.92 A 25 Table 100; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at p < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 101

Gene Id Leaf Average Area [cm^2] 80 mM NaCl, Day 3 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.20 B 0.20 B ΜΑΒΙ 0.25 A 0.28 A 43 MAB6 0.18 B 0.30 A 51 MAB7 0.23 B 0.27 A 36 Table 101; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 102 Gene Id Leaf Average Area [cm^2] 80 mM NaCl, Day 8 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.69 B 0.69 B ΜΑΒΙ 0.80 A* 0.86 A* 24 MAB20 0.62 B 0.87 A 25 MAB6 0.59 B 0.99 A 44 20 Table 102; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

O (N Λ CD m m (N

o m (N in O (N 10 123 Table 103

Gene Id Leaf Average Area [cm^2] 80 mM NaCl, Day 5 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.20 B 0.20 B ΜΑΒΙ 0.22 B 0.27 A 30 MAB17 - - 0.25 A 21 Table 103; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 104

Gene Id Leaf Average Area [cm^2] 80 mM NaCl, Day 8 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.28 B 0.28 B ΜΑΒΙ 0.30 B 0.37 A 33 MAB17 0.24 B 0.34 A 22 Table 104; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 105

Gene Id Leaf Average Area [cm^2] 80 mM NaCl, Day 10 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.49 B 0.49 B ΜΑΒΙ 0.55 B 0.76 A 53 MAB15 0.52 B 0.63 A 26 MAB17 0.45 B 0.64 A 28

Table 105; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above. 15

Tables 106-111 depict analyses of RGR Rosette Area [cm^2] of plants 20 overexpressing the polynucleotides of the invention under the regulation of 6669 promoter. Each Table represents an independent experiment, using 4 independent events per gene. Genes not connected by same letter as the control (A, B,) are significantly different from the control. 25 Η Ο (Ν Λ (D GO m (Ν ο ο m (Ν ο (Ν 10 124 Table 106

Gene Id RGR of Rosette Area [cm^2] 80 mM NaCl, Day 3 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.73 B 0.73 B MABIO 1.21 B 1.86 A 156 MAB14 1.31 B 1.80 A 149 MAB2 1.59 A 2.24 A 208 MAB20 1.87 A 2.33 A 221 MAB25 1.44 A 1.63 A* 125 MAB36 1.49 A 1.89 A 161 MAB43 1.73 A 3.85 A 430 MAB44 1.76 A 2.51 A 246 MAB50 1.37 A* 1.57 A* 117 MAB9 1.47 A 1.75 A 141 Table 106; LSM = Least significant different at P < cloned genes (according to Table 3 above. square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in

Table 107

Gene Id RGR of Rosette Area [cm^2] 80 mM NaCl, Day 8 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.61 B 0.61 B MABIO 0.75 A* 0.91 A 50 MAB14 0.79 A 0.86 B 42 MAB19 0.78 A 0.85 A 41 MAB2 0.80 A 0.93 A 54 MAB20 0.79 A 0.98 A 61 MAB36 0.83 A 0.95 A 56 MAB44 0.75 A* 0.84 A 38 MAB50 0.76 A* 0.83 B 38 MAB6 0.82 A 0.99 A 64 MAB7 0.78 A 0.87 A 44 MAB9 0.77 A 0.84 A 38 Table 107; LSM = Least significant different at P < cloned genes (according to Table 3 above. square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in

Table 108

Gene Id RGR of Rosette Area [cm^2] 80 mM NaCl, Day 5 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.38 B 0.38 B MAB6 0.37 B 0.51 A 33 Table 108; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning 15 significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above. ΙΟ ο (Ν <D ΟΟ m (Ν m ο ο m (Ν Ο (Ν 125 Table 109

Gene Id RGR of Rosette Area [cm^2] 80 mM NaCl, Day 3 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.88 B 0.88 B MAB18 0.99 A* 1.24 A 41 Table 109; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 110 Gene Id RGR of Rosette Area [cm^2] 80 mM NaCl, Day 5 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.47 B 0.47 B ΜΑΒΙ 0.55 A 0.64 A 38 MAB13 0.52 A 0.54 A* 16 ΜΑΒΙ 7 0.52 A 0.54 A* 17 ΜΑΒΙ 8 0.53 A 0.58 A 24 MAB3_GA 0.53 A 0.62 A 33 MAB32 0.52 A* 0.54 A* 17 MAB35 0.54 A 0.57 A 22 MAB4 0.51 A* 0.51 A* 10 MAB46 0.52 A* 0.55 A 19 MAB146 0.54 A 0.55 A 19 MAB99 0.53 A 0.57 A 23 square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in 10

Table 110; LSM = Least significant different at P < cloned genes (according to Table 3 above.

Table 111

Gene Id RGR of Rosette Area [cm^2] 80 mM NaCl, Day 3 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.49 B 0.49 B ΜΑΒΙ 0.53 B 0.62 A 27 MAB35 0.57 A* 0.59 A* 22 MAB46 0.55 B 0.63 A 30 15

Table 111; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above. 20

Tables 112-118 depict analyses of RGR of Rosette Diameter in plants overexpressing the polynucleotides of the invention under the regulation of 6669 promoter. Each Table represents an independent experiment, using 4 independent events per gene. Genes not connected by same letter as the control (A, B,) are significantly different from the control.

m o m (N O (N

Table 113

Gene Id RGR of Rosette Diameter [cm]) 80 mM NaCl, Day 8 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.19 B 0.19 B ΜΑΒΙ 0.22 B 0.24 B 25 MABIO 0.25 A 0.29 A 49 MAB14 0.23 A 0.25 A 31 ΜΑΒΙ 9 0.24 A 0.26 A 37 MAB2 0.24 A 0.26 A 34 MAB20 0.25 A 0.29 A 52 MAB25 0.24 A 0.27 A 42 MAB36 0.25 A 0.28 A 45 MAB43 0.22 B 0.25 B 28 MAB50 0.25 A 0.28 A 46 MAB6 0.24 A 0.27 A 41 MAB7 0.22 B 0.27 A 38 MAB9 0.23 A 0.26 A 34

Table 113; LSM = Least significant different at P < cloned genes (according to Table 3 above. square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in 10

Table 114

Gene Id RGR of Rosette Diameter [cm]) 80 mM NaCl, Day 5 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.14 B 0.14 B MABIO 0.14 B 0.31 A 122 MAB20 0.13 B 0.21 A 49 MAB25 0.15 B 0.33 A 138 MAB9 0.15 B 0.20 A 45 Table 114; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning 15 significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Ο (N (D GO m (N 126 Table 112

Gene Id RGR of Rosette Diameter [cm]) 80 mM NaCl, Day 3 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.28 B MAB2 0.41 B 0.80 A 184 MAB43 0.46 B 0.83 A 195 MAB44 0.40 B 0.73 A 160 Table 112; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above. m ο m (Ν Ο (Ν *Τ) ο (Ν α ω ζ/3 m (Ν 127 Table 115

Gene Id RGR of Rosette Diameter [cm]) 80 mM NaCl, Day 8 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.21 B 0.21 B MAB20 0.23 B 0.34 A 67 MAB9 0.22 B 0.44 A 114 Table 115; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above. 10

Table 116

Gene Id RGR of Rosette Diameter [cm]) 80 mM NaCl, Day 3 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.34 B 0.34 B ΜΑΒΙ 8 0.37 B 0.46 A 35 MAB3_GA 0.34 B 0.43 A 26 MAB35 0.43 A 0.55 A 62 MAB46 0.39 B 0.49 A 42 MAB99 0.34 B 0.43 A 26

Table 116; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 117

Gene Id RGR of Rosette Diameter [cm]) 80 mM NaCl, Day 5 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.16 B 0.16 B ΜΑΒΙ 0.22 A 0.26 A 66 ΜΑΒΙ 8 0.20 A* 0.23 A* 44 MAB46 0.25 A 0.45 A 185 MAB146 0.20 A* 0.22 A* 42

Table 117; ESM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning 15 significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 118

Gene Id RGR of Rosette Diameter [cm]) 80 mM NaCl, Day 8 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.08 B 0.08 B MAB35 0.10 B 0.13 A 57 MAB46 0.10 B 0.14 A 64 MAB146 0.10 B 0.14 A 66 MAB99 0.10 B 0.13 A 56 20 Table 118; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the

Ο (N α OJ in m (N

m o m (N O (N 10 15 128 cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Tables 119-121 depict analyses of RGR of Leaf Average Area [cm^2] in plants overexpressing the polynucleotides of the invention under the regulation of 6669 promoter. Each Table represents an independent experiment, using 4 independent events per gene. Genes not connected by same letter as the control (A, B,) are significantly different from the control.

Table 119

Gene Id RGR of Mean(Leaf Average Area [cm^2] 80 mM NaCl, Day 3 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.35 B 0.35 B MAB14 0.34 B 0.63 A 82 MAB25 0.44 B 0.83 A 137 MAB36 0.43 B 0.77 A 120 MAB6 0.24 B 0.70 A 102

Table 119; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 120 20

Table 121

Gene Id RGR of Mean(Leaf Average Area [cm^2] 80 mM NaCl, Day 3 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.39 B 0.39 B ΜΑΒΙ 3 0.41 B 0.57 A 49 ΜΑΒΙ 5 0.46 A* 0.54 A 40 ΜΑΒΙ 7 0.46 A* 0.50 A* 30 Table 121; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above. 25

Gene Id RGR of Mean(Leaf Average Area [cm^2] 80 mM NaCl, Day 5 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.32 B 0.32 B MABIO 0.32 B 0.56 A 74

Table 120; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

ο (N α (ϋ GO m (N

to o o m (N to o (N 129

Table 122 depicts analyses of RGR of Leaf Average Area [cm^2] in plants overexpressing the polynucleotides of the invention under the regulation of 6669 promoter. Each Table represents an independent experiment, using 4 independent events per gene. Genes not connected by same letter as the control (A, B,) are significantly different from the control.

Table 122

Gene Id RGR of Mean(Leaf Average Area [cm^2] 80 mM NaCl, Day 3 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.28 B 0.28 B MAB2 0.41 B 0.80 A 184 MAB43 0.46 B 0.83 A 195 MAB44 0.40 B 0.73 A 160 Table 122; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above. 10

Table 123 depicts analyses of Plot Dry weight (DW) in plants overexpressing the polynucleotides of the invention under the regulation of 6669 promoter. Each Table 15 represents an independent experiment, using 4 independent events per gene. Genes not connected by same letter as the control (A, B,) are significantly different from the control.

Table 123

Gene Id Dry Weight [g] 80 mM NaCl LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 4.00 B 4.00 B ΜΑΒΙ 4.92 A 6.40 A 60 ΜΑΒΙ 34 4.35 B 5.35 A 34 MAB15 4.42 B 5.57 A 39 ΜΑΒΙ 8 4.52 B 5.35 A 34 MAB3_GA 4.53 B 5.47 A 37 20 Table 123; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above. 25 Tables 124-126 depict analyses of 1000 Seeds Weight in plants overexpressing the polynucleotides of the invention under the regulation of 6669 promoter. Each Table represents an independent experiment, using 4 independent events per gene. Genes not ο (Ν Oh ω C/D m (Ν m r- ο m (Ν ΙΟ Ο (Ν 10 15 130 connected by same letter as the control (A, B,) are significantly different from the control.

Table 124

Gene Id 1000 Seeds Weight [g] 80 mM NaCl LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.02 B 0.02 B MAB14 0.02 B 0.03 A 32 MAB19 0.02 B 0.03 A 27 MAB2 0.02 B 0.03 A 24 MAB6 0.03 A 0.03 A 53

Table 124; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 125

Gene Id 1000 Seeds Weight [g] 80 mM NaCl LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.02 B 0.02 B MAB20 0.02 A* 0.02 A 17 MAB25 0.02 B 0.02 A 20 MAB6 0.02 A* 0.02 A 21 MAB7 0.02 B 0.02 A 21 MAB9 0.02 B 0.02 A 19 Table 125; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 126 1000 Seeds Weight [g] 80 mM NaCl LSM % improvement of best event LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.02 B 0.02 B MABIOO 0.02 B 0.02 A 28 ΜΑΒΙ 34 0.02 B 0.02 A 26 ΜΑΒΙ 7 0.02 B 0.02 A 23 ΜΑΒΙ 8 0.02 B 0.02 A 17 MAB32 0.02 B 0.02 A 13 MAB4 0.02 B 0.02 A 19 MAB46 0.02 B 0.02 A 18 MAB99 0.02 B 0.02 A 15

Table 126; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above. 20

ο (N α ω m m (N

m o m (N in O (N 10 131

Tables 127-129 depict analyses of Seed Yield per Plant in plants overexpressing the polynucleotides of the invention under the regulation of 6669 promoter. Each Table represents an independent experiment, using 4 independent events per gene. Genes not connected by same letter as the control (A, B,) are significantly different from the control.

Table 127

Gene Id Seed Yield per Plant [g] 80 mM NaCl LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.07 B 0.07 B MAB44 0.11 B 0.22 A 210 MAB50 0.11 B 0.19 A 170 Table 127; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 128

Gene Id Seed Yield per Plant [g] 80 mM NaCl LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.09 B 0.09 B MAB6 0.11 A* 0.21 A 142 MAB9 0.09 B 0.14 A 59

Table 128; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning 15 significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 129

Gene Id Seed Yield per Plant [g] 80 mM NaCl LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.14 B 0.14 B ΜΑΒΙ 0.19 A 0.33 A 139 MABIOO 0.17 B 0.24 A 79 20 Table 129; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above. 25 Table 130 depicts analyses of Harvest Index in plants overexpressing the polynucleotides of the invention under the regulation of 6669 promoter. Each Table represents an independent experiment, using 4 independent events per gene. Genes not ο (Ν α ω ζΛ (Τ) (Ν (Τ) ιη r- ο m (Ν Ο (Ν 10 15 20 132 connected by same letter as the control (A, B,) are significantly different from the control.

Table 130

Gene Id Harvest Index 80 mM NaCl LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.11 B 0.11 B MAB25 0.16 B 0.26 A 139 MAB44 0.20 A* 0.30 A 174 MAB7 0.12 B 0.29 A 172

Table 130; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Tables 131-140 depict analyses of Rosette Area in plants overexpressing the polynucleotides of the invention under the regulation of 6669 promoter. Each Table represents an independent experiment, using 4 independent events per gene. Genes not connected by same letter as the control (A, B,) are significantly different from the control.

Table 131

Gene Id Rosette Area [cm*2] Normal conditions. Day 5 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 1.37 B 1.37 B ΜΑΒΙ 1.43 B 1.80 A 31 MAB9 1.32 B 1.74 A 27

Table 131; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 132 25

Gene Id Rosette Area [cm*2] Normal conditions. Day 8 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 4.73 B 4.73 B ΜΑΒΙ 4.95 B 6.45 A 36

Table 132; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

m o m (N in O (N

ο (N α ω m m (N 133 Table 133

Gene Id Rosette Area [cm^2] Normal conditions. Day 10 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 8.45 B 8.45 B ΜΑΒΙ 8.87 B 11.11 A 31 Table 133; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above. 10

Table 134

Gene Id Rosette Area [cm^2] Normal conditions, Day 3 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 1.65 B 1.65 B ΜΑΒΙ 2.09 A 2.27 A 37 MAB36 1.65 B 2.58 A 56 MAB7 1.83 B 2.81 A 70

Table 134; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 135

Table 136

Gene Id Rosette Area [cm*2] Normal conditions. Day 8 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 7.73 B 7.73 B ΜΑΒΙ 9.77 A 10.58 A 37 MAB36 8.05 B 12.12 A 57 MAB7 8.69 B 12.82 A 66 20 Table 136; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Gene Id Rosette Area [cm^2] Normal conditions. Day 5 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 2.93 B 2.93 B ΜΑΒΙ 3.60 A* 3.78 A* 29 MAB36 2.91 B 4.55 A 55 MAB7 3.14 B 4.69 A 60 Table 135; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning 15 significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above. 25

in ο (N α <ύ m m (N

m in r- o m (N in o (N 10 134 Table 137

Gene Id Rosette Area [cm^2] Normal conditions. Day 3 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.55 B 0.55 B ΜΑΒΙ 0.58 B 0.81 A 47 MABIOO 0.60 B 0.74 A 34 ΜΑΒΙ 5 0.65 A* 0.90 A 64 ΜΑΒΙ 7 0.55 B 0.85 A 55 Table 137; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 138

Gene Id Rosette Area [cm^2] Normal conditions, Dav 5 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 1.03 B 1.03 B ΜΑΒΙ 1.17 B 1.54 A 49 MABIOO 1.18 B 1.46 A 42 MAB15 1.23 A 1.67 A 62 MAB17 1.01 B 1.59 A 54 Table 138; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 139

Gene Id Rosette Area [cm*2] Normal conditions. Day 8 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 2.09 B 2.09 B ΜΑΒΙ 2.46 B 3.43 A 64 MABIOO 2.29 B 2.81 A 34 MAB15 2.60 A 3.63 A 73 MAB17 2.06 B 3.35 A 60 Table 139; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning 15 significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 140 Gene Id Rosette Area [cm*2] Normal conditions. Day 10 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 4.81 B 4.81 B ΜΑΒΙ 5.57 A* 8.29 A 72 MAB15 5.72 A 8.05 A 67 MAB17 4.78 B 7.50 A 56

ο (N Oh (D GO m (N

m o m (N in O (N 10 15 135

Table 140; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Tables 141-148 depict analyses of Rosette Diameter in plants overexpressing the polynucleotides of the invention under the regulation of 6669 promoter. Each Table represents an independent experiment, using 4 independent events per gene. Genes not connected by same letter as the control (A, B,) are significantly different from the control.

Table 141

Gene Id Rosette Diameter [cm] Normal conditions. Day 8 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 3.52 B 3.52 B ΜΑΒΙ 3.58 B 4.17 A 18

Table 141; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 142

Gene Id Rosette Diameter [cm] Normal conditions. Day 3 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 2.28 B 2.28 B MAB36 2.23 B 2.91 A 28 MAB7 2.47 B 3.11 A 36

Table 142; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning 20 significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 143

Gene Id Rosette Diameter [cm] Normal conditions 5 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 2.99 B 2.99 B MAB7 3.24 B 4.08 A 36 25 Table 143; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NQs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above. 30 fO ο m (Ν ΙΟ Ο (Ν Η Ο (Ν Dh (D GO m (Ν 136 Table 144

Gene Id Rosette Diameter [cm] Normal conditions. Day 8 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 5.00 B 5.00 B ΜΑΒΙ 5.65 A* 5.87 A* 17 MAB7 5.06 B 6.32 A 26 Table 144; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above. 10

Table 145

Gene Id Rosette Diameter [cm] Normal conditions. Day 3 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 1.30 B 1.30 B ΜΑΒΙ 5 1.48 A 1.69 A 30 ΜΑΒΙ 7 1.33 B 1.60 A 23

Table 145; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 146

Gene Id Rosette Diameter [cm] Normal conditions. Day 5 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 1.87 B 1.87 B ΜΑΒΙ 1.86 B 2.21 A 18 ΜΑΒΙ 5 1.96 B 2.29 A 22 ΜΑΒΙ 7 1.78 B 2.26 A 21

Table 146; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning 15 significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 147

Gene Id Rosette Diameter [cm] Normal conditions. Day 8 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 2.49 B ΜΑΒΙ 2.60 B 3.14 A 26 ΜΑΒΙ 5 2.64 B 3.17 A 27 ΜΑΒΙ 7 2.39 B 3.09 A 24 20 Table 147; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above. 25 ΙΟ ο m (Ν ΙΟ Ο (Ν 10 ΙΟ ο (Ν <D ΟΟ m (Ν 137 Table 148

Gene Id Rosette Diameter [cm] Normal conditions. Day 10 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 3.49 B 3.49 B ΜΑΒΙ 3.88 A* 4.81 A 38 ΜΑΒΙ 5 3.78 B 4.52 A 29 ΜΑΒΙ 7 3.53 B 4.45 A 27 Table 148; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above. 15

Tables 149-157 depict analyses of Leaf Average Area in plants overexpressing the polynucleotides of the invention under the regulation of 6669 promoter. Each Table represents an independent experiment, using 4 independent events per gene. Genes not connected by same letter as the control (A, B,) are significantly different from the control.

Table 149

Gene Id Leaf Average Area [cm^2] Normal conditions. Day 5 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.17 B 0.17 B ΜΑΒΙ 0.17 B 0.21 A 27

Table 149; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above. 20 25

Table 150

Gene Id Leaf Average Area [cm^2] Normal conditions. Day 8 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.51 B 0.51 B ΜΑΒΙ 0.52 B 0.69 A 35 Table 150; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 151

Gene Id Leaf Average Area [cm^2] Normal conditions. Day 3 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.19 B 0.19 B ΜΑΒΙ 0.25 A 0.27 A 38 MAB36 0.20 B 0.31 A 58 MAB7 0.23 A* 0.33 A 67

ο (N Oh <D m m (N

m o m (N O (N 15 138

Table 151; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 152

Gene Id Leaf Average Area [cm^2] Normal conditions. Day 5 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.32 B 0.32 B ΜΑΒΙ 0.38 B 0.43 A 34 MAB36 0.32 B 0.46 A 43 MAB7 0.33 B 0.47 A 45

Table 152; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above. 10

Table 153

Gene Id Leaf Average Area [cm^2] Normal conditions. Day 8 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.69 B 0.69 B MAB36 0.69 B 0.93 A 36 MAB7 0.79 B 1.17 A 71

Table 153; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 154

Gene Id Leaf Average Area [cm^2] Normal conditions. Day 3 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.11 B 0.11 B ΜΑΒΙ 0.12 B 0.15 A 28 ΜΑΒΙ 5 0.13 B 0.17 A 53 ΜΑΒΙ 7 0.11 B 0.15 A 34

Table 154; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning 20 significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 155

Gene Id Leaf Average Area [cm^2] Normal conditions. Day 5 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.16 B 0.16 B ΜΑΒΙ 0.17 B 0.21 A 26 MABIOO 0.18 B 0.21 A 30 ΜΑΒΙ 5 0.18 A* 0.23 A 39 ΜΑΒΙ 7 0.16 B 0.22 A 35 ΙΟ ο (Ν α ω m m (Ν m ΙΟ ο m (Ν ΙΟ Ο (Ν 20 139

Table 155; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 156

Gene Id Leaf Average Area [cm^2] Normal conditions. Day 8 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.24 B 0.24 B ΜΑΒΙ 0.28 A* 0.37 A 50 ΜΑΒΙ 5 0.29 A* 0.37 A 53 ΜΑΒΙ 7 0.25 B 0.34 A 40

Table 156; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above. 10

Table 157

Gene Id Leaf Average Area [cm^2] Normal conditions. Day 10 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.54 B 0.54 B ΜΑΒΙ 0.57 B 0.80 A 49 ΜΑΒΙ 5 0.59 B 0.78 A 45 ΜΑΒΙ 7 0.51 B 0.74 A 37

Table 157; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above. 15

Tables 158-166 depict analyses of RGR Rosette Area [cm^2] of plants overexpressing the polynucleotides of the invention under the regulation of 6669 promoter. Each Table represents an independent experiment, using 4 independent events per gene. Genes not connected by same letter as the control (A, B,) are significantly different from the control.

Table 158 25

Gene Id RGR of Rosette Area [cm^2] Normal conditions. Day 3 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 1.73 B 1.73 B MAB20 2.18 B 3.62 A 109 MAB43 2.04 B 3.80 A II9 MAB50 2.25 B 3.81 A 120 Table 158; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above. Η Ο (Ν Λ (D GO m (Ν m ΙΟ ο m (Ν in Ο (Ν 10 25 140 Table 159

Gene Id RGR of Rosette Area [cm^2] Normal conditions. Day 5 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.48 B 0.48 B MAB2 0.58 A* 0.70 A 45 MAB43 0.62 A 0.75 A 56 MAB6 0.52 B 0.72 A 50 Table 159; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 160

Gene Id RGR of Rosette Area [cm^2] Normal conditions. Day 8 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.84 B 0.84 B MAB50 0.87 B 0.99 A 18 MAB6 0.87 B 1.06 A 26 Table 160; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 161

Gene Id RGR of Rosette Area [cm^2] Normal conditions. Day 10 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.39 B 0.39 B MABIO 0.44 B 0.54 A 37 MAB36 0.45 B 0.51 A 30 MAB50 0.45 A* 0.53 A 35 MAB6 0.44 B 0.60 A 51 MAB7 0.43 B 0.50 A 27 Table 161; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning 15 significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 162 Gene Id RGR of Rosette Area [cm^2] Normal conditions. Day 5 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.39 B 0.39 B MAB20 0.38 B 0.50 A 28 MAB25 0.39 B 0.53 A 38 20 Table 162; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

ο (N α ω m m (N

m in o m (N in o (N 141 Table 163

Gene Id RGR of Rosette Area [cm^2] Normal conditions. Day 8 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.55 B 0.55 B MABIO 0.64 A* 0.71 A* 30 MAB2 0.63 A* 0.70 A 28 MAB20 0.63 A* 0.67 A* 21 MAB25 0.64 A 0.73 A 32 MAB44 0.65 A 0.77 A 41 MAB50 0.70 A 0.83 A 51 MAB6 0.63 A* 0.81 A 48 MAB7 0.61 B 0.73 A 34 MAB9 0.60 B 0.69 A 26 Table 163; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 164 Gene Id RGR of Rosette Area [cm^2] Normal conditions. Day 5 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.45 B 0.45 B ΜΑΒΙ 3 0.63 A 0.68 A* 49 MAB32 0.50 B 0.74 A 64 MAB46 0.52 B 0.75 A 65 MAB146 0.64 A 0.88 A 94 MAB99 0.52 B 0.73 A 61 Table 164; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the 10 cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 165 Gene Id RGR of Rosette Area [cm^2] Normal conditions. Day 8 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.34 B 0.34 B ΜΑΒΙ 0.36 B 0.45 A 31 MAB99 0.33 B 0.43 A 28 Table 165; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning 15 significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above. Η Ο (Ν Λ (D m m (Ν m ΙΟ ο m (Ν Ο (Ν 10 142

Table 166

Gene Id RGR of Rosette Area [cm^2] Normal conditions. Day 10 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.66 B 0.66 B ΜΑΒΙ 3 0.73 B 0.81 A 23 MAB3_GA 0.70 B 0.85 A 29 MAB32 0.70 B 0.86 A 31 MAB99 0.68 B 0.82 A 25 Table 166; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at Ρ < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Tables 167-175 depict analyses of RGR of Rosette Diameter in plants overexpressing the polynucleotides of the invention under the regulation of 6669 promoter. Each Table represents an independent experiment, using 4 independent events per gene. Genes not connected by same letter as the control (A, B,) are significantly different from the control. 15 20

Table 167 Gene Id RGR of Rosette Diameter [cm]) Normal conditions. Day 3 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.43 B 0.43 B MAB50 0.70 A* 1.50 A 251 MAB6 0.45 B 1.21 A 183 Table 167; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 168 Gene Id RGR of Rosette Diameter [cm]) Normal conditions. Day 5 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.16 B 0.16 B MABIO 0.19 A* 0.21 A* 28 MAB19 0.20 A 0.23 A 45 MAB36 0.18 B 0.21 A 32 MAB50 0.17 B 0.23 A 42 MAB6 0.18 B 0.25 A 57 MAB7 0.18 B 0.24 A 52 Table 168; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Ο (N α (D GO m (N

m o m (N O (N 143 Table 169

Gene Id RGR of Rosette Diameter [cm]) Normal conditions. Day 8 from planting ESM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.25 B 0.25 B MABIO 0.28 A 0.30 A 19 MAB14 0.27 B 0.31 A 23 MAB19 0.28 A 0.32 A 29 MAB2 0.27 B 0.30 A 21 MAB20 0.27 B 0.29 A 18 MAB36 0.27 A* 0.32 A 28 MAB43 0.25 B 0.26 B 5 MAB44 0.26 B 0.30 A 21 MAB50 0.27 B 0.30 A 21 MAB7 0.28 A* 0.29 A 17 MAB9 0.27 A* 0.30 A 20 Table 169; ESM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 170 Gene Id RGR of Rosette Diameter [cm]) Normal conditions. Day 10 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.17 B 0.17 B MAB19 0.19 A* 0.23 A 31 MAB2 0.20 A 0.23 A 32 MAB20 0.19 A 0.23 A 33 MAB43 0.19 B 0.21 A 24 MAB44 0.18 B 0.22 A 25 MAB50 0.20 A 0.23 A 32 MAB6 0.19 A* 0.24 A 42 MAB9 0.18 B 0.21 A 25 Table 170; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the 10 cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 171 Gene Id RGR of Rosette Diameter [cm]) Normal conditions. Day 5from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.16 B 0.16 B MAB50 0.19 B 0.22 A 42 MAB6 0.15 B 0.24 A 49 Table 171; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning 15 significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Ο (N dj in m (N

m o m (N O (N 144 Table 172

Gene Id RGR of Rosette Diameter [cm]) Normal conditions. Day 10 from planting ESM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.22 B 0.22 B MAB2 0.26 A* 0.28 A 27 MAB20 0.26 B 0.30 A 33 MAB25 0.26 A* 0.29 A* 31 MAB43 0.24 B 0.29 A 29 MAB44 0.25 B 0.29 A 31 Table 172; ESM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 173 Gene Id RGR of Rosette Diameter [cm]) Normal conditions. Day 3 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.29 B 0.29 B ΜΑΒΙ 00 0.37 A* 0.51 a 74 ΜΑΒΙ 3 0.38 A 0.58 A 95 MAB15 0.36 A 0.45 A 54 ΜΑΒΙ 8 0.36 A* 0.38 A* 28 MAB3_GA 0.43 A 0.60 A 105 MAB35 0.39 A 0.44 A 50 MAB46 0.31 B 0.49 A 65 MAB146 0.35 A 0.44 A 50 Table 173; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the 10 cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 174 Gene Id RGR of Rosette Diameter [cm]) Normal conditions. Day 8 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.11 B 0.11 B ΜΑΒΙ 0.13 A* 0.16 A 49 ΜΑΒΙ 3 0.13 A* 0.16 A 41 ΜΑΒΙ 8 0.14 A 0.16 A 45 MAB32 0.13 B 0.15 A 39 MAB146 0.16 A 0.19 A 72 MAB99 0.12 B 0.15 A 40 Table 174; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning 15 significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above. Η Ο (Ν Λ (D GO m (Ν ο ο m (Ν ΙΟ Ο (Ν 10 15 20 145 Table 175

Gene Id RGR of Rosette Diameter [cm]) Normal conditions. Day 10 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.20 B 0.20 B ΜΑΒΙ 0.25 A 0.27 A 30 MAB17 0.24 A 0.26 A* 25 MAB18 0.25 A 0.31 A 51 MAB35 0.25 A 0.28 A 36 MAB146 0.25 A 0.28 A 36 MAB99 0.24 A 0.29 A 44 Table 175; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at Ρ < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above. Tables 176-178 depict analyses of RGR of Leaf Average Area [cm^2] in plants overexpressing the polynucleotides of the invention under the regulation of 6669 promoter. Each Table represents an independent experiment, using 4 independent events per gene. Genes not connected by same letter as the control (A, B,) are significantly different from the control.

Table 176

Gene Id RGR of Mean(Leaf Average Area [cm^2] Normal conditions. Day 10 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.34 B 0.34 B MABIO 0.35 B 0.52 A 56 MAB36 0.40 B 0.52 A 55 MAB7 0.37 B 0.50 A 49 Table 176; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI). The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 177

Gene Id RGR of Mean(Leaf Average Area [cm^2] Normal conditions. Day 10 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.38 B 0.38 B MABIO 0.47 A 0.51 A* 35 MAB2 0.41 B 0.49 A 29 MAB25 0.43 B 0.55 A 44 MAB50 0.47 A 0.53 A 41 MAB7 0.45 A* 0.50 A* 31 MAB9 0.43 B 0.54 A 41 Table 177; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI). The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

in ο (N α ω m m (N 146 Table 178

Gene Id RGR of Mean(Leaf Average Area [cm^2] Normal conditions. Day 5 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.23 B 0.23 B ΜΑΒΙ 3 0.34 A* 0.39 A* 70 MAB146 0.35 A* 0.50 A 117 MAB99 0.26 B 0.44 A 89 Table 178; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI). The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

m in o m (N in o (N 10 15

Tables 179-180 depict analyses of RGR of Leaf Average Area [cm^2] in plants overexpressing the polynucleotides of the invention under the regulation of 6669 promoter. Each Table represents an independent experiment, using 4 independent events per gene. Genes not connected by same letter as the control (A, B,) are significantly different from the control.

Table 179 Gene Id RGR of Mean(Leaf Average Area [cm^2] Normal conditions. Day 5 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.31 B 0.31 B MAB19 0.35 B 0.48 A 56 MAB43 0.39 B 0.52 A 70 MAB6 0.28 B 0.50 A 62 Table 179; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 180 Gene Id RGR of Mean(Leaf Average Area [cm^2] Normal conditions. Day 8 from planting LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.69 B 0.69 B MAB14 0.72 B 0.92 A 32 MAB6 0.69 B 0.96 A 38 Table 180; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above. 20

Tables 181-182 depict analyses of Plot Dry weight (DW) in plants 25 overexpressing the polynucleotides of the invention under the regulation of 6669 promoter. Each Table represents an independent experiment, using 4 independent events

Ο (N α ω in m (N

m o m (N in O (N 10 15 147 per gene. Genes not connected by same letter as the control (A, B,) are significantly different from the control.

Table 181

Gene Id Dry Weight [g] Normal conditions LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 7.75 B 7.75 B MAB36 10.37 A* 13.21 A 71

Table 181; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 182

Gene Id Dry Weight [g] Normal conditions LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 5.23 B 5.23 B ΜΑΒΙ 6.81 A 8.09 A 55 ΜΑΒΙ 3 6.08 B 7.61 A 45 ΜΑΒΙ 8 6.10 B 8.18 A 56 MAB99 6.51 A* 8.42 A 61 Table 182; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above. 20

Tables 183-185 depict analyses of 1000 Seeds Weight in plants overexpressing the polynucleotides of the invention under the regulation of 6669 promoter. Each Table represents an independent experiment, using 4 independent events per gene. Genes not connected by same letter as the control (A, B,) are significantly different from the control.

Table 183

Gene Id 1000 Seeds Weight [g] Normal conditions LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.02 B 0.02 B MABI9 0.02 B 0.03 A 23 MAB2 0.02 B 0.03 A 44 MAB20 0.02 A 0.04 A 71 MAB36 0.02 B 0.03 A 24 MAB50 0.02 B 0.03 A 32 MAB6 0.02 B 0.03 A 22 MAB9 0.02 A 0.02 A 19

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m o o m (N H O (N 148

Table 183; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 184

Gene Id 1000 Seeds Weight [g] Normal conditions LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.02 B 0.02 B MAB20 0.02 A* 0.02 A 17 MAB6 0.02 A* 0.02 A 21

Table 184; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above. 10

Table 185

Gene Id 1000 Seeds Weight [g] Normal conditions LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.02 B 0.02 B MABIOO 0.02 B 0.02 A 23 ΜΑΒΙ 7 0.02 A 0.03 A 33 ΜΑΒΙ 8 0.02 B 0.02 A 18 MAB35 0.02 B 0.02 A 28 MAB46 0.02 A 0.02 A 21 MAB99 0.02 A 0.03 A 37

Table 185; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above. 15

Tables 186-187 depict analyses of Seed Yield per Plant in plants overexpressing the polynucleotides of the invention under the regulation of 6669 promoter. Each Table 20 represents an independent experiment, using 4 independent events per gene. Genes not connected by same letter as the control (A, B,) are significantly different from the control.

Table 186

Gene Id Seed Yield per Plant [g] Normal conditions LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.38 B 0.38 B ΜΑΒΙ 0.50 B 0.61 A 61 MABIO 0.46 B 0.59 A 53 MABI4 0.50 A* 0.60 A 57 MAB36 0.52 A 0.68 A 77 MAB50 0.46 B 0.60 A 56

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m o m (N H O (N 15 149

Table 186; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above.

Table 187

Gene Id Seed Yield per Plant [g] Normal conditions LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.32 B 0.32 B ΜΑΒΙ 0.41 A* 0.49 A 53 MAB13 0.43 A 0.55 A 69 MAB18 0.39 B 0.49 A 53 MAB32 0.41 B 0.50 A 56 MAB35 0.41 A* 0.50 A 57 MAB99 0.41 A* 0.51 A 57

Table 187; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants is provided in Table 3 above. 10

Table 188 depicts analyses of Harvest Index in plants overexpressing the polynucleotides of the invention under the regulation of 6669 promoter. Each Table represents an independent experiment, using 4 independent events per gene. Genes not connected by same letter as the control (A, B,) are significantly different from the control.

Table 188

Gene Id Harvest Index Normal conditions LSM Significance LSM of Best event Significance % improvement of best event GUI 0.48 B 0.48 B ΜΑΒΙ 7 0.46 B 0.62 A 28

Table 188; LSM = Least square mean; % improvement = compare to control (GUI); A meaning significant different at P < 0.05, A* meaning significant different at P < 0.1. The SEQ ID NOs. of the cloned genes (according to the Gene Id) which are exogenously expressed in the plants are provided in Table 3 above. 20 EXAMPLE 8

TRANSFORMATION OF TOMATO M82 PLANTS WITH PUTATIVE ABST 25 GENES

For the tomato transformation, tomato M82 seeds were previously sterilized with Na-hipochloride 3 % + 2-3 drops of Tween 20 (Polysorbate 20). Seeds were washed 3 times with distilled sterile water. Seeds were then germinated in full strength Nitsch medium and germinated for 8 days 8 days in growth room at 25 °C in the dark. 30 Plantlets were then cut with 2-4 cm stem and insert it into alO-cm Petri dishes that were

ο (N α ω m m (N

m o m (N O (N 10 150 filled with 30-40 ml of MS liquid medium. Cotyledons were then cut and used as explants and later transferred onto KCMS solidified medium with 100 μΜ acetosyringone in a 10-cm Petri dish. Explants were inoculated with A tumefascience for 30-50 minutes. Explants were co-cultivated for 24 hours and transferred to regeneration media including Kanamycin as selection medium. The resistant regenerated plantlets were then transferred into a rooting medium for 10-14 days until the appearance of the roots. EXAMPLE 9

GROWTH OF M82 TOMATO TRANSFORMED PLANTS AND PHENOTYPE

CHARACTERIZAΉONS

Experimental Procedures

Producing transgenic tomato plants - Plants were transformed as described in 15 Example 8, above. Following transformation, T1 M82 tomato plants were grown until fruit set. T2 seeds have entered experiments to assess abiotic stress resistance.

Experimental Results

Assay 1 - Tomato field trial under regular and water deficient regimes - The tomato field trial was planned as a one source dripping irrigation (OSDI) system similar 20 to a standard farmer field. Since water deficiency is apphed in a relatively uniform manner, it allows measuring the effect of drought on small siz;e populations of plants. The OSDI method was developed on the basis of the line source sprinklers irrigation system (Hanks et al. 1976 Soil Sci. Soc Am. J. 40 p. 426-429) with some significant modifications. Instead of sprinkler irrigation, dripping irrigation was used. In order to 25 create a uniform and deep wet layer (at least 60 cm depth), and not the onion shape layer that is typically created by dripping irrigation, a low pressure compensating dripping irrigation system was used. This system enables to supply small amounts of water in a relatively long time frame. The drought stress field trial was performed in light soil, in an open field (net-house) near Rehovot, Israel. Between 4 to 5 events are 30 been evaluated for each gene and the null segregating populations are used as negative controls. During the first three weeks all plants were grown in a nursery under normal irrigation conditions. After this period, plants were transplanted according to commercial growth protocol, maintaining a 30 cm distance between plants reaching a Η Ο (Ν Λ (D GO m (Ν ro ΙΟ Ο ro (Ν ΙΟ Ο (Ν 151 total density of 2,600 plants per 1000 sq. m (the recommended density in commercial growth). Each plant was transplanted near a water dripper and further subjected to two different treatments:

Optimal (100 %): optimal irrigation conditions (100 %). Irrigation was applied 5 every 2 days as a standard recommended water supply. Standard reconunended water supply is the amount applied by local conunercial growers according to standard protocols.

Severe Stress (50 %): 50 % of the optimal amount of water irrigation was apphed once a day (at same time as regular irrigation is applied) 10 All fertilizers were applied according to local standard protocols. Nitrogen was equally applied, as recommended, to aU the treatments through the irrigation system. Each row, 193 cm wide, contained two dripping irrigation lines creating coverage of six drippers per 1 sq. m. The irrigation control was performed separately for each treatment. The experiment was structured in a four randomized block design, eight plants per plot. 15 The different water regimes were initiated only four weeks three transplantation, when plants initiated the flowering stage. Water availability in the soil was recorded using tensiometers (used to determine matric water potential Tm which allows to evaluate the stress severeness).

Assay 2 - Tomato salt bath experiment - Transgenic tomato seeds are sown in 20 trays containing growth denitrified media. Seedlings are germinated under nursery conditions. The experimental model used was 3 blocks random distributed, where 10 plants per events were sown in each block. At the stage of first true leaf, trays are transferred to different "tanks" containing growth solution of 300 mM NaCl. For normal treatment, a full Hoagland solution was applied. 5 events for each gene are 25 evaluated while null segregating populations are used as negative controls. The experiment is performed for a period of 8 weeks, where parameters such as chlorophyll content (measured as SPAD units), plant biomass (FW and DW) are measured.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations 30 will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

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All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or 5 identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention. To the extent that section headings are used, they should not be construed as necessarily limiting.

Any reference to publications cited in this specification is not an admission that the disclosures constitute common general knowledge in Australia. ΙΟ ο (Ν <D ΟΟ m (Ν ΙΟ ο (Ο (Ν ΙΟ ο (Ν 153 REFERENCES OTED (Additional references are cited hereinabove) 1. World Wide Web (dot) fao (dot) org/ag/agl/agll/spush/degrad (dot) htm. 2. World Wide Web (dot) fao (dot) org/ag/agl/aglw/wateimanagement/introduc (dot) stm. 3. McCue KF, Hanson AD (1990). Drought and salt tolerance: towards understanding and application. Trends Biotechnol 8: 358-362. 4. Flowers TJ, Yeo Ar (1995). Breeding for salinity resistance in crop plants: where next? Aust J Plant Physiol 22:875-884. 5. Nguyen BD, Brar DS, Bui BC, Nguyen TV, Pham LN, Nguyen HT (2003). Identification and mapping of the QTL for aluminum tolerance introgressed from the new source, ORYZA RUFIPOGON Griff., into indica rice ( Oryza sativa L.). Theor Appl Genet. 106:583-93. 6. Sanchez AC, Subudhi PK, Rosenow DT, Nguyen HT (2002). Mapping QTLs associated with drought resistance in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench).

Plant Mol Biol. 48:713-26. 7. Quesada V, Garcia-Martinez S, Piqueras P, Ponce MR, Micol JL (2002). Genetic architecture of NaCl tolerance in Arabidopsis.

Plant Physiol. 130:951-963. 8. Apse MP, Blumwald E (2002). Engineering salt tolerance in plants. Curr Opin Biotechnol. 13:146-150. 9. Rontein D, Basset G, Hanson AD (2002). Metabolic engineering of osmoprotectant accumulation in plants.

Metab Eng 4:49-56 10. Clough SJ, Bent AF (1998). Floral dip: a simplified method for Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of Arabidopsis thaliana. Plant J 16:735-43. 11. Desfeux C, Clough SJ, Bent AF (2000). Female reproductive tissues are the primary target of Agrobacterium-mediated transformation by the Arabidopsis floral-dip method. Plant Physiol 123:895-904.

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m r- o m (N O (N 154 CD-ROM Content

The following lists the file content of the CD-ROM which is enclosed herewith and filed with the application. File information is provided as: File name/byte size/date of creation/operating system/machine format. CD-ROMl (1 file of SEQUENCE LISTING): 1. “43562 Sequence Listing.txt’V 3,856,000 bytes/ July 24, 2008/ Microsoft Windows XP Professional/ PC.

Claims (20)

1. A method of increasing biomass, growth rate, vigor, yield and/or abiotic stress tolerance of a plant, the method comprising over-expressing within the plant a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80 % identical to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:224, as compared to a native plant of the same species which is grown under the same growth conditions, thereby increasing the biomass, growth rate, vigor, yield and/or abiotic stress tolerance of the plant.

2. A method of growing a crop comprising growing a crop plant over-expressing a polypeptide at least 80 % identical to the polypeptide set forth in SEQ ID NO:224, wherein said crop plant is derived from parent plants over-expressing said polypeptide as compared to a native plant of the same species which is grown under the same growth conditions, and which have been selected for increased biomass, growth rate, vigor, yield and/or abiotic stress tolerance of a plant, and said crop plant over-expressing said polypeptide having said increased biomass, growth rate, vigor, yield and/or abiotic stress tolerance, thereby growing the crop.

3. A method of selecting a plant having increased biomass, growth rate, vigor, yield and/or abiotic stress tolerance, the method comprising: (a) providing plants over-expressing a polypeptide at least 80 % identical to the polypeptide set forth in SEQ ID NO:224, as compared to a native plant of the same species which is grown under the same growth conditions, (b) selecting said plants of step (a) for increased biomass, growth rate, vigor, yield and/or abiotic stress tolerance, and (c) growing a crop of said plant selected in step (b), thereby selecting the plant having the increased biomass, growth rate, vigor, yield and/or abiotic stress tolerance.

4. The method of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said amino acid sequence is at least 85 % identical to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:224.

5. The method of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said amino acid sequence is at least 90 % identical to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO :224.

6. The method of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said amino acid sequence is at least 95 % identical to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:224.

7. The method of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said amino acid sequence is at least 98 % identical to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:224.

8. The method of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said amino acid sequence is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:224, 1139, 1209, 313 and 314.

9. The method of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said polypeptide is expressed from a polynucleotide selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1542, 1543, 1544, 570, 640, 122 and 123, or a codon-optimized sequence of said SEQ ID NO:1542, 1543, 1544, 570, 640, 122 or 123.

10. The method of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the abiotic stress is selected from the group consisting of salinity, drought, water deprivation, low temperature, high temperature, heavy metal toxicity, anaerobiosis, nutrient deficiency, nutrient excess, atmospheric pollution and UV irradiation.

11. The method of any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising growing the plant overexpressing said polypeptide under the abiotic stress.

12. A transgenic plant transformed with a nucleic acid construct comprising an isolated polynucleotide comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding a polypeptide at least 80 % identical to the polypeptide set forth in SEQ ID NO:224, and a promoter for directing transcription of said nucleic acid sequence in a host cell, wherein said promoter is heterologous to said isolated polynucleotide.

13. The transgenic plant of claim 12, wherein said nucleic acid sequence is at least 80 % identical to the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1542, 1543 or 1544.

14. The transgenic plant of claim 12 or claim 13, wherein said promoter is a constitutive promoter.

15. The transgenic plant of any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein said promoter is a tissue-specific, or an abiotic stress-inducible promoter.

16. The transgenic plant of any one of claims 9 to 15, wherein said amino acid sequence is at least 85 % identical to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:224.

17. The transgenic plant of any one of claims 9 to 15, wherein said amino acid sequence is at least 90 % identical to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:224.

18. The transgenic plant of any one of claims 9 to 15, wherein said amino acid sequence is at least 95 % identical to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:224.

19. The transgenic plant of any one of claims 9 to 15, wherein said amino acid sequence is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:224, 1139, 1209, 313 and 314.

20. The transgenic plant of any one of claims 9 to 15, wherein said polypeptide is expressed from a polynucleotide selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1542, 1543, 1544, 570, 640, 122 and 123, or a codon-optimized sequence of said SEQ ID NO: 1542, 1543, 1544, 570, 640, 122 or 123. Date: 30 May 2017