Plants with improved agronomic characteristics through increased expression of the apc7 gene

Abstract

The present invention relates to a genetic modification for improving plant characteristics that are useful in agriculture. Specific embodiments provide uses of plants containing said genetic modification, as well as methods for producing plants containing said genetic modification, and plant products obtainable from same.

Description

"PLANTS WITH IMPROVED AGRONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS BY INCREASING THE EXPRESSION OF THE APC7 GENE". FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates generally to the field of biotechnology, particularly genetic modifications useful for improving plant characteristics favorable to agriculture and carbon capture. This patent application teaches plants with genetic modifications that result in improved agronomic characteristics, including increased photosynthetic efficiency, increased carbon fixation, improved internal water use efficiency, increased resistance to heat stress, increased biomass, earlier flowering, increased number of flowers, fruits, and seeds, as well as increased seed size and mass. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] There is a global need to increase the productivity of agriculturally important crops to meet the growing population demand for agricultural products for food, clothing, and energy. At the same time, climate-related effects are negatively impacting agricultural productivity. This, combined with land use for other purposes and poor agricultural practices, leads to a reduction in the amount of land available for agriculture, making it difficult to immediately address the aforementioned problems. These effects generate greater demand for agricultural crop productivity and efficiency.In view of the growing demand, it is necessary to supply plants with improved plant characteristics of agronomic interest, such as increased photosynthetic efficiency, increased carbon fixation, increased resistance to heat stress, increased biomass, early flowering, increased number of flowers, fruits and seeds, as well as increased seed size and mass.

[0003] The provision of genetic modifications of plants that result in plants with greater biomass, resistance to water stress, photosynthetic efficiency, increased carbon fixation, and increased nutritional value is desired for several reasons:

[0004] Food Security: As the global population continues to As crops grow, there is a growing demand for food and the need to produce more food using less land, water, and other resources. Genetic modifications that result in plants with improved agronomic traits can help increase food production and improve food security.

[0005] Climate change and sustainable agriculture: Climate change is having a significant impact on agriculture, and there is a need to develop crops that are more resilient to changes in temperature, water availability, and other environmental factors. Genetic modifications that result in plants with greater resistance to heat stress, improved internal water use efficiency, greater photosynthetic efficiency, and increased carbon sequestration can help mitigate the effects of climate change on agriculture and contribute to the adoption of more sustainable agricultural practices.

[0006] The increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations (IPCC, 2018) due to anthropogenic activity raises significant concerns regarding its contribution to the greenhouse effect and consequent climate change. Carbon dioxide remains in the atmosphere for thousands of years, trapping heat and causing a further increase in the planet's temperature, affecting aspects of life on Earth.

[0007] Such concerns about the increasing accumulation of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and its consequences for climate change make technological solutions for sequestering atmospheric carbon dioxide necessary.

[0008] Consequently, there is a constant demand for the supply of new genetic modifications that provide plants with improved plant characteristics of agronomic interest.

[0009] To satisfy this demand, the present invention describes new plants with genetic modifications that result in improved plant characteristics of agronomic interest, including increased photosynthetic efficiency, increased carbon fixation, improved internal water use efficiency, increased resistance to heat stress, increased biomass, early flowering, increased number of flowers, fruits and seeds, as well as increased seed size and mass.

[0010] The Anaphase-Promoting Complex / Cyclosome (APC / C) is a cell cycle regulator responsible for the transition from G2 to M phase and exit from mitosis. This multisubunit complex includes at least 14 component proteins and acts as a ubiquitin ligase, marking proteins for degradation (Eloy et al., 2015, Lorenzo-Orts et al., 2019). Despite its importance, the role of the APC / C in plant cells and the regulation of its activity during cell division remain poorly understood.

[0011] The expression of APC / C genes differs depending on the tissue analyzed, and there is no direct correlation between proliferation rate and the mRNA levels of APC / C components. Furthermore, there appears to be more than one conformation of APC / C, given that the expression patterns among the subunit genes are divergent. Based on the hypothesis that the APC / C in plants could operate through the availability of subunits in specific tissues and / or cellular compartments (Eloy et al., 2006), functional studies of APC / C have been dedicated to understanding a little more about the role that each subunit plays in the different stages of plant development. For example, ectopic expression of CDC27a was shown to accelerate the growth of Arabidopsis thaliana plants, resulting in plants with greater biomass production, indicating that CDC27a plays a role in plant growth regulation (Rojas et al., 2009).Similarly, studies with APC10 showed that the A. thaliana apdO mutant had impaired female gametogenesis and that constitutive overexpression of APC10 increased leaf size by increasing the rate of cell division during the early stages of development (Eloy et al., 2011). The same increase in biomass was seen in Nicotiana tabacum plants overexpressing CDC27a and A. thaliana APC10. Furthermore, crosses between tobacco plants and APC10. OE and CDC27a OE resulted in a synergistic accumulation of biomass, i.e., the APC10xCDC27a cross OE exhibited superior phenotypic characteristics to the parental lines (De Freitas Lima et al., 2013). More recently, it was characterized that APC11 is important in the early stages of plant development, playing an important role in meristematic architecture (through APC / C activity), which affects overall plant growth (Schwedersky et al., 2021).

[0012] Patent application PCT / BR2011 / 000119 teaches the result of a construct encoding a subunit of the Anaphase Promoting Complex / Cyclosome (APC / C), the complete 558-amino acid APC7 protein, as well as a construct encoding a variant of the same called APC7-CT, corresponding to the C-terminal amino acids 283-558 of the complete APC7 protein, which lead to increased expression of the encoded proteins. Increased expression through both constructs resulted in plants with increased fresh weight, number of fruits (siliques), leaf width, and leaf area compared to control plants.

[0013] However, according to Montessoro, Patricia (2020), transgenic tobacco lines overexpressing the APC7-CT gene from A. thaliana (AtAPC7-CT OE) do not present phenotypic changes when compared to wild-type plants, not conferring an increase in the evaluated parameters: height, fresh and dry weight, leaf area and number of leaves at different stages of development. The document also describes that it was not possible to observe a greater productivity of the AtAPC7-CT° lines. E comparing them with the wild-type line. However, despite not being phenotypically larger and more productive, AtAPC7-CT° plants E of tobacco were found to be more tolerant to abiotic stresses, represented by saline stress (NaCI) and biotic stress, represented by challenge with TMV (Tobacco Mosaic Virus).

[0014] According to Carneiro, Aline Kõhn (2021), plants of A. thaliana APC7-CT° E were tested in experiments involving water deficit, salinity (substrate with NaCl), and combined water deficit + low temperature stress. The results demonstrated that AtAPC7-CT° plants Ehave greater photosynthetic efficiency than wild-type plants under all stress conditions. AtAPC7-CT° plants E They also have a higher chlorophyll content and a higher rate of net photosynthesis than wild-type plants, characteristics that can generally be seen in more adapted and tolerant to environmental stresses.

[0015] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The present invention teaches that, surprisingly, plants having a genetic modification that leads to increased expression of the APC7 gene have at least one improved agronomic characteristic, including increased photosynthetic efficiency, increased carbon fixation, improved internal water use efficiency, increased heat stress resistance, increased biomass, earlier flowering, increased number of flowers, fruits and seeds, as well as increased seed size and mass in relation to an identical plant except for the presence of said genetic modification.

[0017] Furthermore, the present invention further teaches that, surprisingly, plants having a genetic modification that leads to increased expression of the full-length version of the APC7 protein have improved agronomic characteristics superior to those obtained by increased expression of the variant isoform that lacks the N-terminal region, containing only the C-terminal region called APC7-CT. In addition to increased photosynthetic efficiency, increased carbon fixation, improved internal water use efficiency, and increased resistance to heat stress, the agronomic characteristics improved by increased expression of the full-length version of the APC7 protein include increased biomass, earlier flowering, increased number of flowers, fruits, and seeds, as well as increased seed size and mass.

[0018] The present invention further teaches that, surprisingly, a combination of a genetic modification that leads to increased expression of the APC7 protein with a genetic modification that leads to the total or partial silencing of a native plant gene belonging to the AIP10 / ABAP1 regulatory network, as taught in patent application PCT / BR2024050215 (WO 2024 / 174016), potentiates the effects observed for each of the genetic modifications, resulting in plants with even more improved agronomic characteristics compared to plants containing only one of the modifications alone. Said combination even showed a synergy for several agronomic characteristics of interest.

[0019] Thus, the present invention provides plants with improved agronomic traits by a genetic modification that results in increased expression of the APC7 gene. The improved agronomic traits according to the present invention include increased photosynthetic efficiency, increased carbon fixation, improved internal water use efficiency, increased heat stress resistance, increased biomass, earlier flowering, increased number of flowers, fruits, and seeds, as well as increased seed size and mass.

[0020] In a first embodiment, the present invention provides a plant with at least one improved agronomic trait, wherein said plant comprises a genetic modification that results in an increased expression of the APC7 gene relative to a plant identical except for the presence of said genetic modification, wherein the improved agronomic trait is selected from the group consisting of increased photosynthetic efficiency, increased carbon fixation, improved internal water use efficiency, increased heat stress resistance relative to a plant identical except for the presence of said genetic modification.

[0021] In a second embodiment, the present invention provides a plant with at least one improved agronomic trait, wherein said plant comprises a genetic modification that results in an increased expression of the APC7 gene encoding a full-length APC7 protein relative to a plant identical except for the presence of said genetic modification, wherein the improved agronomic trait is selected from the group consisting of increased photosynthetic efficiency, increased carbon fixation, improved internal water use efficiency, increased heat stress resistance, increased biomass, earlier flowering, increased number of flowers, fruits and seeds, as well as increased seed size and mass relative to a plant identical except for the presence of said genetic modification.

[0022] In a third embodiment, the present invention provides a plant with a combination of a genetic modification that leads to increased expression of the APC7 protein with a genetic modification that leads to total or partial silencing of a native plant gene belonging to the AIP10 / ABAP1 regulatory network, as taught in patent application PCT / BR2024050215 (WO 2024 / 174016) presenting improved agronomic characteristics of interest in relation to a plant containing only one of the genetic modifications.

[0023] The present invention also provides the genome of a plant according to the present invention.

[0024] The present invention further provides a method for producing a plant with an improved agronomic trait comprising crossing a plant according to the present invention with a second plant to produce progeny plants with an improved agronomic trait.

[0025] The present invention also provides a method for producing a plant with an improved agronomic characteristic comprising introducing a genetic modification that results in increased expression of the APC7 gene relative to a plant that is identical except for the presence of said genetic modification, wherein the improved agronomic characteristic is selected from the group consisting of increased photosynthetic efficiency, increased carbon fixation, improved internal water use efficiency, and increased heat stress resistance relative to a plant that is identical except for the presence of said genetic modification.

[0026] The present invention further provides a method for producing a plant with improved agronomic trait comprising introducing a genetic modification that results in increased expression of the APC7 gene encoding a full-length APC7 protein relative to a plant that is identical except for the presence of said genetic modification, wherein the improved agronomic trait is selected from the group consisting of increased photosynthetic efficiency, increased carbon fixation, improved internal water use efficiency, increased heat stress resistance, increased biomass, early flowering, increased number of flowers, fruits and seeds, as well as increased size and mass of seeds in relation to an identical plant except for the presence of the said genetic modification.

[0027] The present invention further contemplates a method for producing a plant with improved agronomic characteristics comprising the introduction of a genetic modification that results in an increased expression of the APC7 gene with a genetic modification that leads to the total or partial silencing of a native plant gene belonging to the AIP10 / ABAP1 regulatory network, as taught in patent application PCT / BR2024050215 (WO 2024 / 174016).

[0028] The present invention further contemplates a method of capturing atmospheric carbon comprising cultivating a plant with a genetic modification according to the present invention.

[0029] Also provided herein is the use of a plant, plant seed or plant part according to the present invention for planting or growing a field of plants with at least one improved agronomic trait.

[0030] Also contemplated are plant products obtainable from a plant according to the present invention. Plant products include seeds, grains, cereals, flakes, bran, flour, syrup, oil, juices, processed parts for food or animal feed, biomass, and fuels.

[0031] In certain embodiments described herein, the APC7 gene is a gene that encodes a protein comprising a sequence with at least about 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 100% sequence identity to an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1-74. In certain embodiments described herein, the APC7 gene is a gene that exhibits at least 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 100% sequence identity to a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 75-146. In a preferred embodiment, the protein coding sequence is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 147-220. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the APC7 gene encodes a protein comprising the amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1 (AtAPC7.1), SEQ ID NO: 2 (AtAPC7.2), SEQ ID NO: 3 (AtAPC7-CT).

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the genetic modification is the insertion of an exogenous polynucleotide, mutagenesis or genomic editing to increase the expression of the endogenous APC7 gene.

[0033] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the mutagenesis is random or targeted. Preferably, the mutagenesis is selected from the group consisting of chemical mutagenesis, radiation mutagenesis, and transposon mutagenesis.

[0034] In an alternative specific embodiment, the genetic modification is genome editing to increase the expression of the endogenous APC7 gene. Preferably, the genome editing is performed using a technique selected from the group consisting of transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs), RNA-guided Fokl nucleases, homing endonucleases, CRISPR-Cas9, and CRISPR-Cas12a(Cpf1).

[0035] The genetically modified plant species contemplated by the present invention include any organisms of the Kingdom Plantae, preferably embryophytes, more preferably angiosperms. In preferred embodiments, the genetically modified plant is a crop plant.

[0036] Other embodiments, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, examples and claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEQUENCES

[0037] SEQ ID NO: 1 is the complete amino acid sequence of the Arabidopsis thaliana APC7 protein, splice variant isoform 1, designated AtAPC7 (AtAPC7.1).

[0038] SEQ ID NO: 2 is the complete amino acid sequence of the Arabidopsis thaliana APC7 protein, splice variant isoform 2, designated AtAPC7 (AtAPC7.2).

[0039] SEQ ID NO: 3 is the amino acid sequence of the variant that contains only the C-terminal region of the APC7 protein from Arabidopsis thaliana, called AtAPC7-CT.

[0040] SEQ ID NO: 4-74 correspond to the amino acid sequences of APC7 proteins including the variant isoform, APC7-CT, from Sinapis alba (SEQ ID NO: 4), I satis tinctoria (SEQ ID NO: 5), Brassica rapa FPsc (SEQ ID NO: 6), Lepidium sativum (SEQ ID NO: 7-8), Eruca vesicaria (SEQ ID NO: 9), Brassica oleracea capitata (SEQ ID NO: 10), Tri folium pratense (SEQ ID NO: 11), Gossypium hirsutum (SEQ ID NO: 12-13), Gossypium raimondii (SEQ ID NO: 14), Theobroma cacao (SEQ ID NO: 15-16), Citrus sinensis (SEQ ID NO: 17), Carica papaya (SEQ ID NO: 18), Ricinus communis (SEQ ID NO: 19), Cucumis sativus (SEQ ID NO: 20), Vitis vinifera (SEQ ID NO: 21), Mani hot esculenta (SEQ ID NO: 22), Glycine max (SEQ ID NO: 23-24), Glycine max Fiskeby (SEQ ID NO: 25), Glycine max Lee (SEQ ID NO: 26-27), Glycine soja (SEQ ID NO: 28-29), Mal us domestica (SEQ ID NO: 30-31), Prunus persica (SEQ ID NO: 32), Fragaria vesca (SEQ ID NO: 33), Phaseolus vulgaris (SEQ ID NO: 34),Phaseolus vulgaris Labor Ovalle (SEQ ID NO: 35), Coffea arabica (SEQ ID NO: 36), Li num usitatissimum (SEQ ID NO: 37), Cicer arietinum (SEQ ID NO: 38), Anacardium occidentale (SEQ ID NO: 39), Fragaria x ananassa (SEQ ID NO: 40), Arachis hypogaea (SEQ ID NO: 41), Eucalyptus grandis (SEQ ID NO: 42), Solanum lycopersicum (SEQ ID NO: 43-44), Vigna unguiculata CB5-2 (SEQ ID NO: 45), Vigna unguiculata Sanzi (SEQ ID NO: 46), Vigna unguiculata Suvita2 (SEQ ID NO: 47), Vigna unguiculata TZ30 (SEQ ID NO: 48), Vigna unguiculata UCR779 (SEQ ID NO: 49), Vigna unguiculata ZN016 (SEQ ID NO: 50), Coffea arabica (SEQ ID NO: 51), Helianthus annuus (SEQ ID NO: 52), Lactuca sativa (SEQ ID NO: 53), Beta vulgaris (SEQ ID NO: 54), Daucus carota (SEQ ID NO: 55), Chenopodium quinoa (SEQ ID NO: 56), Linum usitatissimum (SEQ ID NO: 57), Nicotiana tabacum (SEQ ID NO: 58) Ananas comosus (SEQ ID NO: 59), Amaranthus hypochondriacus (SEQ ID NO: 60), Asparagus officinalis (SEQ ID NO: 61),Musa acuminata (SEQ ID NO: 62), Oryza sativa Kitaake (SEQ ID NO: 63), Oryza sativa (SEQ ID NO: 64), Bicolor Sorghum Rio (SEQ ID NO: 65), Bicolor Sorghum RTx430 (SEQ ID NO: 66), Bicolor Sorghum (SEQ ID NO: 67), and Triticum aestivum NO: 68-70), Zea mays PH207 (SEQ ID NO: 71), Thea mays PHB47 (SEQ ID NO: 72), Thea mays PHJ40 (SEQ ID NO: 73), Thea mays (SEQ ID NO: 74).

[0041] SEQ ID NO: 75-147 correspond to the genomic nucleotide sequences of the native APC7 genes including the variant isoform, APC7 from Arabidopsis thaliana (SEQ ID NO: 75), Sinapis alba (SEQ ID NO: 76), / satis tinctoria (SEQ ID NO: 77), Brassica rapa FPsc (SEQ ID NO: 78), Lepidium sativum (SEQ ID NO: 79-80), Eruca vesicaria (SEQ ID NO: 81), Brassica oleracea capitata (SEQ ID NO: 82), Trifolium pratense (SEQ ID NO: 83), Gossypium hirsutum (SEQ ID NO: 84-85), Gossypium raimondii (SEQ ID NO: 86), Theobroma cacao (SEQ ID NO: 87-88), Citrus sinensis (SEQ ID NO: 89), Carica papaya (SEQ ID NO: 90), Ricin us communis (SEQ ID NO: 91), Cucumis sativus (SEQ ID NO: 92), Vitis vinifera (SEQ ID NO: 93), Manihot esculenta (SEQ ID NO: 94), Glycine max (SEQ ID NO: 95-96), Glycine max Fiskeby (SEQ ID NO: 97), Glycine max Lee (SEQ ID NO: 98-99), Glycine soja (SEQ ID NO: 100-101), Malus domestica (SEQ ID NO: 102-103), Prunus persica (SEQ ID NO: 104), Fragaria vesca (SEQ ID NO: 105),Phaseolus vulgaris (SEQ ID NO: 106), Phaseolus vulgaris Labor Ovalle (SEQ ID NO: 107), Coffea arabica (SEQ ID NO: 108), Linum usitatissimum (SEQ ID NO: 109), Cicerarietinum (SEQ ID NO: 110), Anacardium occidentale (SEQ ID NO: 111), Fragaria x ananassa (SEQ ID NO: 112), Arachis hypogaea (SEQ ID NO: 113), Eucalyptus grandis (SEQ ID NO: 114), Solanum lycopersicum (SEQ ID NO: 115-116), Vigna unguiculata CB5-2 (SEQ ID NO: 117), Vigna unguiculata Sanzi (SEQ ID NO: 118), Vigna unguiculata Suvita2 (SEQ ID NO: 119), Vigna unguiculata TZ30 (SEQ ID NO: 120), Vigna unguiculata UCR779 (SEQ ID NO: 121), Vigna unguiculata ZN016 (SEQ ID NO: 122), Coffea arabica (SEQ ID NO: 123), Helianthus annuus (SEQ ID NO: 124), Lactuca sativa (SEQ ID NO: 125), Beta vulgaris (SEQ ID NO: 126), Daucus carota (SEQ ID NO: 127), Chenopodium quinoa (SEQ ID NO: 128), Linum usitatissimum (SEQ ID NO: 129), Nicotiana tabacum (SEQ ID NO: 130), Ananas comosus (SEQ ID NO: 131), Amaranth us hypochondriacus (SEQ ID NO: 132),Asparagus officinalis (SEQ ID NO: 133), Musa acuminata (SEQ ID NO: 134), Oryza sativa Kitaake (SEQ ID NO: 135), Oryza sativa (SEQ ID NO: 136), Bicolor Sorghum Rio (SEQ ID NO: 137), Bicolor Sorghum RTx430 (SEQ ID NO: 138), Sorghum bicolor, (SEQ ID NO: 139), Triticum aestivum (SEQ ID NO: 140-142), Zea maize PI-1207 (SEQ ID NO: 143), Zea maize PHB47 (SEQ ID NO: 144), Zea maize PHJ40 (SEQ ID NO: 145), and Zea maize (SEQ ID NO: 146).

[0042] SEQ ID NO: 147-220 correspond to the nucleotide sequences of the transcripts encoding the APC7 amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1 -74, respectively, from Arabidopsis thaliana (SEQ ID NO: 147-149), Sinapis alba (SEQ ID NO: 150), / satis tinctoria (SEQ ID NO: 151), Brassica rapa FPsc (SEQ ID NO: 152), Lepidium sativum (SEQ ID NO: 153-154), Eruca vesicaria (SEQ ID NO: 155), Brassica oleracea capitata (SEQ ID NO: 156), Tri folium pratense (SEQ ID NO: 157), Gossypium hirsutum (SEQ ID NO: 158- 159), Gossypium raimondii (SEQ ID NO: 160), Theobroma cacao (SEQ ID NO: 161-162), Citrus sinensis (SEQ ID NO: 163), Carica papaya (SEQ ID NO: 164), Ricinus communis (SEQ ID NO: 165), Cucumis sativus (SEQ ID NO: 166), Vitis vinifera (SEQ ID NO: 167), Manihot esculenta (SEQ ID NO: 168), Glycine max (SEQ ID NO: 169-170), Glycine max Fiskeby (SEQ ID NO: 171), Glycine max Lee (SEQ ID NO: 172-173), Glycine soja (SEQ ID NO: 174-175), Malus domestica (SEQ ID NO: 176-177),Prunus persica (SEQ ID NO: 178), Fragaria vesca (SEQ ID NO: 179), Phaseolus vulgaris (SEQ ID NO: 180), Phaseolus vulgaris Labor Ovalle (SEQ ID NO: 181), Coffea arabica (SEQ ID NO: 182), Linum usitatissimum (SEQ ID NO: 183), Cicer arietinum (SEQ ID NO: 184), Anacardium occidentale (SEQ ID NO: 185), Fragaria x ananassa (SEQ ID NO: 186), Arachis hypogaea (SEQ ID NO: 187), Eucalyptus grandis (SEQ ID NO: 188), Solanum lycopersicum (SEQ ID NO: 189-190), Vigna unguiculata CB5- 2 (SEQ ID NO: 191), Vigna unguiculata Sanzi (SEQ ID NO: 192), Vigna unguiculata Suvita2 (SEQ ID NO: 193), Vigna unguiculata TZ30 (SEQ ID NO: 194), Vigna unguiculata UCR779 (SEQ ID NO: 195), Vigna unguiculata ZN016 (SEQ ID NO: 196), Coffea arabica (SEQ ID NO: 197), Helianthus annuus (SEQ ID NO: 198), Lactuca sativa (SEQ ID NO: 199), Beta vulgaris (SEQ ID NO: 200), Daucus carota (SEQ ID NO: 201), Chenopodium quinoa (SEQ ID NO: 202), Linum usitatissimum (SEQ ID NO: 203), Nicotiana tabacum (SEQ ID NO: 204),Ananas comosus (SEQ ID NO: 205), Amaranthus hypochondriacus (SEQ ID NO: 206), Asparagus officinalis (SEQ ID NO: 207), Musa acuminata (SEQ ID NO: 208), Oryza sativa Kitaake (SEQ ID NO: 209), Oryza sativa (SEQ, ID NO: 210), Sorghum bicolor Rio (SEQ ID NO: 211), Sorghum bicolor RTx430 (SEQ ID NO: 212), Sorghum bicolor (SEQ ID NO: 213), Triticum aestivum (SEQ ID NO: 214-216), Zea mays PI-1207 (SEQ ID NO: 217), Zea mays PHB47 (SEQ ID NO: 218), Zea mays PHJ40 (SEQ ID NO: 219), Zea mays (SEQ ID NO: 220). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0043] Figure 1A shows a schematic representation of the cassette for transformation of Arabidopsis thaliana plants by A. tumefaciens. RB is the left border and LB is the right border of the plasmid T-DNA, the CaMV (Cauliflower Mosaic Virus) p35S overexpression promoter controlling the expression of the AtAPC7 gene and then the t35S terminator. The pNOS promoter controlling the expression of the NPTII marker gene that confers resistance to kanamycin followed by the tNOS terminator. Figure 1B shows a schematic representation of the Gateway pH7WG2 vector used to assemble the aforementioned construct.

[0044] Figure 2 shows the results of the content of pigments involved in photosynthesis: chlorophyll a (A), chlorophyll b (B), and carotenoids (C) at different stages of development upon overexpression of AÍAPC7 in Arabidopsis thaliana plants (APC7 OE ), indicating an increase of approximately 365%, 389% and 337%, respectively.

[0045] Figure 3A shows the results of the maximum quantum yield of PSII in the adapted dark (Fv / Fm), where APC7OE plants show a significant increase of 7% compared to the control plants. Figure 3B shows the results of the chlorophyll fluorescence decay ratio (RFd), indicating a significant increase of 52% compared to the control. Figure 3C shows the level of non-photochemical quenching of chlorophyll fluorescence (NPQ) upon overexpression of AtAPC7 in Arabidopsis thaliana plants (APC7 OE ), showing a significant increase of 43%.

[0046] Figure 4 shows gas exchange results measured with an infrared gas analyzer (IRGA) upon overexpression of AtAPC7 in Arabidopsis thaliana plants (APC7 OE ). Figure 4A shows net photosynthetic rate results (A ne t), indicating a difference of 64% compared to the control. Figure 4B shows the results of the rate of transpiration (E), where APC7OE plants transpire less when compared to control plants (22%). Figure 4C shows results of stomatal conductance (g c ), also indicating a 24% decrease in values ​​compared to the control. Figure 4D shows water use efficiency (WUE) results, where APC7 plants OE present a 108% increase in the efficiency of internal water use.

[0047] Figure 5 shows expression level results of genes involved in photosynthesis, including AtLHCBI (A), AtPSAD-2 (B), and AtLHCB6 (C) in Arabidopsis thaliana plants (APC7 OE ), at two different stages of growth. APC7 plants OE present a significantly higher expression of these genes compared to the control.

[0048] Figure 6 shows results of growth parameters measured in Arabidopsis thaliana plants (APC7 OE ). Figure 6A shows leaf area results, where APC7 plants OEshow a 90% increase in their area at maturity, compared to the control. Figure 6B shows cell area results, where APC7 plants OE show a 53% increase in maturity compared to the control. Figure 6C shows cell number results, where APC7 plants OE show a 71% increase in maturity compared to the control. Figure 6D shows stomatal index results, indicating a 23% increase in APC7 plants. OE at maturity, compared to control.

[0049] Figure 7 shows a comparison of results of pigments involved in photosynthesis between plants overexpressing AtAPC7 (APC7 OE ) and plants overexpressing the AtAPC7-CT variant isoform (APC7-CT° E ), pointing out that all parameters improved in APC7-CT OE are even larger in APC7 plants OE . Figure 7A shows chlorophyll a results, indicating that while APC7-CT plants OEshow an increase of 322%, APC7 plants OE show an even greater increase, at 365%, compared to the control. Figure 7B shows chlorophyll b results indicating that while APC7-CT plants OE show an increase of 189%, APC7 plants OE show an even greater increase, at 389%, compared to the control. Figure 7C shows carotenoid results indicating that while APC7-CT plants OE show a 175% increase, APC7 plants OE show the increase even higher, at 337%, compared to the control. Figure 7D shows the maximum quantum yield of PSII in the dark adapted state (Fv / Fm), indicating that while APC7-CT plants OE show an increase of 1.4%, APC7 plants OE show an even greater increase, with 7%, in relation to the control.

[0050] Figure 8 shows a comparison of gas exchange measurement results between plants overexpressing AtAPC7 (APC7 OE) and plants overexpressing the AtAPC7-CT variant isoform (APC7-CT° E ), pointing out that all parameters improved in APC7-CT OE are even larger in APC7 plants OE .Figure 8A shows results of net photosynthesis (A ne t) indicating that while APC7-CT plants OE show a 50% increase, APC7 plants OE show an even greater increase, at 64%, compared to the control. Figure 8B shows leaf transpiration results (E) indicating that the transpiration reduction was greater in APC7 plants OE when compared to APC7-CT plants OE , presenting significant differences only for APC7 OE . Figure 8C shows stomatal conductance results (g c ) indicating that the reduction in conductance was greater in APC7 plants OE (24%) when compared to APC7-CT plants OE (15%). Figure 8D shows water use efficiency (WUE) results, where APC7 plants OEshowed a greater increase (108%) when compared to APC7-CT plants OE (60%).

[0051] Figure 9 shows a comparison of results of vegetative phenotypic characteristics between plants overexpressing AtAPC7 (APC7 OE ) and plants overexpressing the AtAPC7-CT variant isoform (APC7-CT° E ), showing that all parameters improved in APC7-CT OE are even larger in APC7 plants OE . Figure 9A shows an image of plants at 30 days after sowing (DAS). Figure 9B shows rosette area results, indicating that while APC7-CT plants OE show an increase of 161%, APC7 plants OE show an even greater increase, at 208%, compared to the control. Figure 9C shows leaf results per rosette, indicating that while APC7-CT plants OE show an increase of 28%, APC7 plants OEshow a slightly greater increase, with 30%, compared to the control. Figure 9D shows dry weight results, indicating that while APC7-CT plants OE show an increase of 122%, APC7 plants OE show an even greater increase, at 128%, compared to the control. Figure 9E shows fresh weight results, indicating that while APC7-CT plants OE show an increase of 147%, APC7 plants OE show an even greater increase, with 171%, in relation to the control.

[0052] Figure 10 shows a comparison of reproductive phenotypic trait results between plants overexpressing AtAPC7 (APC7 OE ) and plants overexpressing the AtAPC7-CT variant isoform (APC7-CT° E ), showing that all parameters improved in APC7-CT OE are even larger in APC7 plants OE. Figure 10A shows an image of plants at 32 days after sowing (DAS). Figure 10B shows inflorescence length results, indicating that while APC7-CT plants OE show a 34% increase, APC7 plants OE show an even greater increase, with 40%, compared to the control. Figure 10C shows results for the number of lateral inflorescences, indicating that both APC7-CT plants OE how many APC7 plants OE show a 28% increase compared to the control. Figure 10D shows the results of the number of fruits (siliques) per plant, indicating that while APC7-CT plants OE show a 34% increase, APC7 plants OE show an even greater increase, with 43%, compared to the control. Figure 10E shows results of number of seeds per plant, indicating that APC7-CT plants OE show a 94% increase compared to the control. Figure 10F shows seed weight results, indicating that while APC7-CT plantsOE do not show differences in relation to the control, APC7 plants OE show a 22% increase in seed weight compared to the control. Figures 10G and 10H show seed area results, indicating that while APC7-CT plants OE show a 17% increase, APC7 plants OE show an even greater increase, with 43%, in relation to the control.

[0053] Figure 11 shows results of phenotypic characteristics when Arabidopsis thaliana plants overexpressing AtAPC7 (APC7 OE ) are subjected to heat stress. Figure 11 A shows the phenotype of plants under control temperature and when subjected to heat stress. Figure 11 B shows a close-up of the plant rosette under controlled temperature and when subjected to heat therapy, showing a lower number of burned leaves in APC7 plants OE. Figure 11 C shows the inflorescence phenotype of plants under temperature control and when subjected to heat treatment.

[0054] Figure 12 shows results of photosynthetic parameters when Arabidopsis thaliana plants overexpressing AtAPC7 (APC7 OE ) are subjected to heat stress, showing that even after stress, APC7 plants OE continue to show better performance compared to the control. Figure 12A shows the results of chlorophyll a (90% and 88% reduction in Col-0 and APC7 OE , respectively). Figure 12B shows chlorophyll b results (88% and 89% reduction in Col-0 and APC7 OE , respectively). Figure 12C shows carotenoid results (87% and 83% reduction in Col-0 and APC7 OE , respectively). Figure 12D shows dark-adapted maximum quantum yield results of PSII (Fv / Fm), indicating that the reduction in APC7 plants OE(19%) was lower when compared to the control (23.5%). Figure 12E shows the results of efficiency in directing energy to photosynthesis under heat stress (NPQ) (reduction of 199% and 224% in Col-0 and APC7 OE , respectively).

[0055] Figure 13 shows results of vegetative phenotypic characteristics of Arabidopsis thaliana plants overexpressing AtAPC7 (APC7 OE ) subjected to heat stress. Figure 13A shows rosette area results, where APC7 plants OE showed a smaller reduction (30%) in the stress situation when compared to the control (44%). Figure 13B shows the results of the number of leaves per rosette, where APC7 plants OE did not show significant values ​​regarding the drop in the number of leaves, under stress conditions. Figure 13C shows the fresh weight result, where APC7 plants OEshowed a 44% reduction in the stress situation, while control plants showed a 65% reduction. Figure 13D shows dry weight results, indicating that APC7 plants OE tolerated the stress situation better, showing a 30% reduction, while the control plants showed a 55% reduction in the stress situation.

[0056] Figure 14 shows results of phenotypic traits reproduction of Arabidopsis thaliana plants overexpressing AtAPC7 (APC7 OE ) subjected to heat stress for seven days and then returned to the control situation with optimal temperature. Figure 14A shows inflorescence height results, demonstrating that APC7 plants OE showed a 9% decrease, while control plants showed an 11% decrease. Figure 14B shows results for the number of lateral inflorescences, indicating a 19% increase in APC7 plants. OEwhile in Col-0, no significant differences were found. Figure 14C shows seed area results, demonstrating the increase in plant area of ​​APC7 OE recovered from stress (43%). Figure 14D shows seed number (productivity) results, indicating that heat stress did not affect the productivity of APC7 plants. OE Meanwhile, there was a 41% drop in productivity of control plants. Figure 14E shows an image of plant seeds.

[0057] Figure 15 shows germination rate results of Arabidopsis thaliana plants overexpressing AtAPC7 (APC7 OE ) subjected to heat stress for seven days and then returned to the control condition with optimal temperature. Figure 15A shows that APC7 plants OE have a higher germination rate than control plants after undergoing 7 days of heat stress, indicating greater resistance. Figure 15B shows that APC7 plantsOE recovered from stress have a higher germination rate and a greater number of viable plants after seed germination, when compared to control plants.

[0058] Figure 16A shows a schematic representation of the cassette for transformation of new APC7 plants OE and for generation of APC7 double mutant plants OE aiplOko of Arabidopsis thaliana by A. tumefaciens. RB is the left border and LB is the right border of the plasmid T-DNA, the p35S overexpression promoter of CaMV (Cauliflower Mosaic Virus) controlling the expression of the AtAPC7 gene and then the t35S terminator. The pNOS promoter controlling the expression of the bar marker gene that confers resistance to the herbicide glufosinate ammonium, which is the active ingredient of the Basta herbicide, followed by the tNOS terminator. Figure 16B shows a schematic representation of the Gateway pB7WG2 vector used for assembly of the aforementioned construction.

[0059] Figure 17 shows the expression level results of the AIP10 and APC7 genes in double mutant plants and Col, aiplOko and APC7 plants. OE , their respective controls. Figure 17A and 17B show the increase in APC7 gene expression in lines that overexpress only APC7 (APC7 OE > ) and in the APC7 double mutant lines OE aiplOko. Figure 17C and 17D show the expression of the AIP10 gene in the APC7 lines OE and in the APC7 double mutant lines OEaiplOko, indicating that the nine double mutant lines have a disruption of the AIP10 gene, as observed in the aiplOko line, which does not occur with the Col-0 lines and the lines that overexpress only APC7. The data confirm that the double mutant lines have a disruption of the AIP10 gene and overexpression of the APC7 gene in Arabidopsis thaliana (members of two regulatory networks that control cell division in plants). Figure 17E shows the expression level results of genes involved in the ABAP1 regulatory pathway, including AtABAPI, AtCDTIA, AtCDTIB, and AtCYCB1;1 in Arabidopsis thaliana plants (Col, aiplOko, APC7 OE and APC7 OE alp10ko). APC7 Plants OE aip10ko present lower expression of the ABAP1 gene and significantly higher expression of other genes compared to the control and similar to that observed in aiplOko and APC7 plants OEindicating that AIP10 silencing and APC7 overexpression together do not negatively affect the cell cycle, showing that there is an increase in cell divisions.

[0060] Figure 18 shows a comparison of results of vegetative phenotypic characteristics between double mutant plants, AIP10 silencing (aiplOko) and overexpressing AtAPC7 (APC7 OE ) and Col-0 plants, showing that all parameters improved in aiplOko and APC7 OE are even larger in APC7 double mutant plants OE aiplOko. Figure 18A shows an image of plants at 25 days after germination (DAG). Figure 18B shows rosette area results, indicating that while aiplOko and APC7 plants OE show an increase of 80.7% and 142% respectively, APC7 plants OE aip10ko, lines 2.8 and 17.6, show an even greater increase, with 321.7% and 251.2%, compared to the control. Figure 18C shows results of leaves per rosette, indicating that while aiplOko and APC7 plants OE show an increase of 19.1% and 10.6% respectively, APC7 plants OE a / p70to show an even greater increase compared to the control, ranging from 22.5% to 29.3% depending on the double mutant line in question. Figure 18D shows fresh weight results, indicating that while aiplOko and APC7 plants OE show an increase of 70% and 65% respectively, APC7 plants OE aip10ko plants show an even greater increase compared to the control, ranging from 95% to 115% depending on the double mutant line in question. Figure 18E shows dry weight results, indicating that while aiplOko and APC7 plants OE show an increase of 43.2% and 37.3% respectively, APC7 plants OE aip10ko show an even greater increase compared to the control, ranging from 64.1% to 108.9% depending on the double mutant strain.

[0061] Figure 19 shows the comparison of results of reproductive phenotypic traits between double mutant plants, AIP10 silencing and overexpressing AtAPC7 (APC7 OE ) and Col-0, aiplOko and APC7 plants OE showing that all parameters improved in aiplOko and APC7 OE are even larger in APC7 double mutant plants OE aiplOko. Figure 19A shows an image of plants at 50 days after germination (DAG). Figure 19B shows total seed weight results, indicating that while aiplOko and APC7 plants OE show an increase of 45.5% and 47.4% respectively, APC7 plants OE aip10ko plants show an even greater increase compared to the control, ranging from 109.3% to 167.4% depending on the double mutant line. Figure 19C shows inflorescence length results, indicating that while aiplOko and APC7 plants OE show an increase of 18.4% and 12.6% respectively, APC7 plants OEaip10ko show an even greater increase compared to the control, ranging from 26.9% to 52.7% depending on the double mutant strain.

[0062] Figure 20 shows results of content of pigments involved in photosynthesis total chlorophyll (A) and carotenoids (B) at 11 days after germination (DAG) upon silencing of AIP10 and overexpression of AtAPC7 in Arabidopsis thaliana plants (APC7 OE a / p70ko) indicating an increase in relation to Col-0 of up to 143% for total chlorophyll and 217% for carotenoids. Figure 20C shows the results of the maximum quantum yield of PSII in the dark adapted state (Fv / Fm), indicating that while aiplOko and APC7 plants OE show an increase of 5.56% and 2.78% respectively, APC7 plants OE a / p70 o show an even greater increase in relation to the control, ranging from 2.78% to 5.56% depending on the double mutant strain.

[0063] Figure 21 shows expression level results of genes involved in photosynthesis, including AtLHCBI (A), AÍLHCB6 (B), and AtPSAD-2 (C) in Arabidopsis thaliana aiplOko, APC7 plants OE and the three APC7 double mutant lines OE aip10ko. APC7 Plants OE aiplOko show significantly higher expression of these genes compared to the control, aiplOko and APC7 OE .

[0064] Figure 22 shows expression level results of genes involved in protein, QQS (A), and sugar, STP1 (B) metabolism in Arabidopsis thaliana aiplOko, APC7 plants OE and the three APC7 double mutant lines OE aip10ko. APC7 Plants OE aiplOko show significantly higher expression of these genes compared to the control, aiplOko and APC7 OE DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0065] The problem in the technique of genetic improvement of agricultural plants can be defined as a need for new genes or genetic modifications that result in plants with improved agronomic characteristics without negative impact on other agronomic characteristics of interest.

[0066] As anyone skilled in the art knows, genetic modifications can improve some agronomic characteristics of a modified plant, but worsen other agronomic characteristics due to the complexity of the plant's genome and the interactions between genes and their products.

[0067] For example, a genetic modification that increases a plant's resistance to pests or diseases may improve its yield by reducing losses due to infection. However, this modification may also result in unintended consequences, such as reduced yield. plant growth or decreased seed viability. Similarly, a modification that improves a plant's photosynthetic efficiency or water use efficiency may increase its biomass and yield under certain conditions, but it may also make the plant more susceptible to other stressors, such as high temperatures.

[0068] Furthermore, plant traits are often interconnected and influenced by multiple genes and their products. A modification that alters the expression of one gene can affect the expression of other genes, leading to unintended consequences. For example, a modification that increases a plant's biomass by altering the expression of a growth hormone gene can also affect the expression of genes involved in the stress response, resulting in reduced stress tolerance.

[0069] Another factor that can contribute to trade-offs between different agronomic traits is the environment. The same genetic modification can have different effects on plant growth and productivity under different environmental conditions, such as variations in temperature, light levels, or soil types.

[0070] In summary, genetic modifications can have both positive and negative effects on different agronomic traits of a plant, and the complexity of the plant genome and the interactions between genes can make it difficult to predict the full range of effects. Environmental factors can also play a role in shaping the effects of genetic modifications on plant growth and yield.

[0071] It is therefore necessary not only to identify genetic modifications that result in desirable agronomic characteristics, but also to verify that such modification does not result in unacceptable trade-offs.

[0072] The present invention teaches a genetic modification that surprisingly results in plants with several improved agronomic characteristics without unacceptable trade-offs. Plants containing an increased expression of the APC7 gene according to the present invention exhibit improved plant characteristics of agronomic interest, including increased photosynthetic efficiency, increased carbon fixation, improved internal water use efficiency, increased heat stress resistance, increased biomass, earlier flowering, increased number of flowers, fruits and seeds, as well as increased seed size and mass.

[0073] A plant containing a genetic modification according to the present invention is a plant in which a recombinant expression cassette has been inserted to express an APC7 gene or the native APC7 gene has been modified to have its expression increased. DEFINITIONS

[0074] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as understood by one skilled in the art to which the invention belongs. All technical terms used herein are terms commonly used in biochemistry, molecular biology, and agriculture and can be found, for example, in: Ausubel et al., eds. Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. NY (1987-2008), including all supplements; Sambrook et al., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, 2 a edition, Cold Spring Harbor, NY (1989); SHORT PROTOCOLS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY: A COMPENDIUM OF CURRENT PROTOCOL METHODS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, 5 aed., vol. 1-2, ed. Ausubel et al., John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (2002); GENOME ANALYSIS: A LABORATORY MANUAL, vol. 1-2, ed. Green et al., Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, 1997. Methodologies involving plant biology techniques are described here and are described in detail in works such as METHODS IN PLANT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY: A LABORATORY COURSE MANUAL, ed. Maliga et al., Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, 1995. Several techniques using PCR are described, for example, in Innis et al. PCR PROTOCOLS: A GUIDE TO METHODS AND APPLICATIONS, Academic Press, San Diego, 1990 and in Dieffenbach and Dveksler, PCR PRIMER: A LABORATORY MANUAL, 2 a ed., Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, 2003.

[0075] The definitions contained in patent application PCT / BR2024050215 (WO 2024 / 174016), hereby incorporated by reference, are also valid for the terms used in this specification.

[0076] The specification also provides definitions of terms to aid in the interpretation of what is described herein and the claims. Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, percentages, and proportions, and other numerical values ​​used in the specification and claims, should be understood as being modified, in all cases, by the term "about." Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, the numerical parameters shown in the specification and claims are approximations that may vary depending on the properties to be obtained.

[0077] It should be understood that the present invention does not limit its application to the details presented in the following description or illustrated in the drawings or examples. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Furthermore, it should be understood that the terminology used herein is for descriptive purposes only and should not be considered limiting.

[0078] The term "improved agronomic traits" refers to plant characteristics that are of interest in plants used for cultivation compared to an otherwise identical plant except for the presence of the genetic modification. Traits include, but are not limited to, increased photosynthetic efficiency, increased carbon fixation, increased resistance to heat stress, increased biomass, earlier flowering, increased number of flowers, fruits, and seeds, increased seed size and mass, increased nutritional value, increased resistance to nematode pests, and increased responsiveness to beneficial bacteria.

[0079] The term “native APC7 gene” is used herein to describe a plant gene that encodes a protein comprising an amino acid sequence with at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 100% sequence identity to an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1-74 and that occurs naturally in a plant species. In one embodiment preferably, the protein coding sequence exhibits at least 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 100% sequence identity to a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 147-220. In certain embodiments described herein, the APC7 gene is a gene that exhibits at least 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 100% sequence identity to a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 75-146 and that occurs naturally in a plant species.

[0080] The term "increased APC7 gene expression" means that the detectable amount of APC7 mRNA or protein in a plant cell is greater than that in a plant with native expression of the APC7 gene in an otherwise identical plant except for the presence of a genetic modification according to the present invention. mRNA detection can be performed using assays known in the art, such as, but not limited to, northern blotting, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), in situ hybridization, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), microarray analysis, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), digital droplet PCR (ddPCR), next generation sequencing (NGS), single molecule fluorescent in situ hybridization (smFISH), rolling circle amplification (RCA), hybridization chain reaction (HCR).Modifications in the nucleotide sequence of the plant's native APC7 gene resulting in the expression of a non-functional protein include, for example, a change in the reading frame in the coding region or an amino acid deletion that results in a non-functional protein, which may be through the interruption of protein production or a change in conformation causing it to no longer function as it should or to not function at all.

[0081] All definitions regarding genes of the AIP10 / ABAP1 regulatory network, “AIP10 gene” and “ABAP1 gene” should be interpreted in accordance with those contained in patent application PCT / BR2024050215 (WO 2024 / 174016), hereby incorporated by reference.

[0082] The term “photosynthetic efficiency” refers to the efficiency of the plant in the conversion of light energy into chemical energy and / or plant biomass in the process of photosynthesis.

[0083] The term "carbon fixation" refers to biological carbon fixation, or carbon assimilation by plants. It is the process by which living organisms, such as plants, convert inorganic carbon, particularly carbon dioxide, into organic compounds. These organic compounds are then used to store energy and as structures for other biomolecules that make up plant biomass.

[0084] In this description, the term “introduction of a genetic modification” refers to gene editing, random or targeted mutagenesis or genetic transformation to insert an exogenous DNA into a plant, as well as introgression by sexual crossing that results in a plant containing said genetic modification in its genome.

[0085] In this description, a "genetic modification" refers to any change in a gene sequence, including deletion, insertion, or substitution of nucleotides. The change can occur in any element of a gene, including coding and non-coding elements, such as the promoter, enhancer, intron, exon, and terminator.

[0086] The term "biomass production" refers to the capacity of plants to produce plant biomass in a given period of time. Plant biomass can come from any plant tissue or organ, including, but not limited to, roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits, and seeds, and is generally measured by the plant's dry weight. The term "crop plant" includes plants cultivated in agricultural settings for the production of plant products, such as seeds, grains, cereals, flakes, bran, flour, syrup, oil, juices, processed parts for food or animal feed, biomass, and fuels. Crop plants preferably include monocotyledons and dicotyledons. Examples of monocotyledons include rice, sugarcane, corn, sorghum, ryegrass, oats, wheat, rye, and barley. Examples of dicotyledons include apple, lettuce, sunflower, coffee, olive, soybean, red clover, chickpea, bean, cowpea, tomato, strawberry, cashew, grapevine, cassava, cocoa and cotton.

[0087] The term “responsiveness to beneficial bacteria” refers to the The ability of plants to benefit from an association with beneficial bacteria. A plant with superior responsiveness to beneficial bacteria exhibits a superior agronomic trait of interest when inoculated with beneficial bacteria compared to a plant with inferior responsiveness to beneficial bacteria. Examples of improved responsiveness to beneficial bacteria include increased biomass, including organs such as leaves, stems, and roots, which consequently leads to a significant increase in fruit and seed production, as well as improved performance in water deficit situations (water stress tolerance) and a reduced need for nitrogen-based chemical fertilizers.

[0088] "Silencing" corresponds to a reduction in gene expression, which may be partial (when residual expression is detectable) or total (when no expression is detectable). These changes in expression levels can be achieved, for example, but not limited to, through antisense RNA, RNAi, artificial microRNA, T-DNA insertion, transposons, among others. More recently, methods using TALENs, ZFNs, CRISPR / Cas9, etc., have been applied to alter only target genes. For example, the CRISPR / Cas9 system has very high target specificity and can recognize a target DNA, so it can be applied to a wide variety of genes and is transmitted to descendants according to Mendel's genetic law, allowing the generational fixation of traits.

[0089] The term “water stress tolerance” refers to drought tolerance and the ability of a plant to maintain its biomass production during arid or dry conditions or the speed with which plants adapt to or recover from a period of drought.

[0090] The term “nutritional value” refers to the concentration of essential nutrients including carbohydrates, fats, proteins, minerals and vitamins in plant biomass used as human or animal food, such as leaves, fruits and seeds.

[0091] Techniques for increasing the expression of a native plant gene are well known in the art and include techniques for inserting an exogenous polynucleotide, mutagenesis or genome editing.

[0092] Methods for inserting an exogenous polynucleotide into the plant genome (transformation) are known in the art. Bacteria known for transferring DNA segments into plant cells include Agrobacterium tumefaciens, Agrobacterium rhizogenes, Rhizobium spp., Pseudomonas spp., and Sinorhizobium spp. For example, Agrobacterium-mediated transformation is described in, e.g., US 8,404,930 (corn), US 2009 / 0142837 (corn), WO201 1095460, US 2009 / 0138985 (soybean), US 2008 / 0280361 (soybean), WO2000071733 (cotton), and US 2008 / 0256667 (cotton). Examples of plant transformation with other bacteria can be found in W02007137075A2, incorporated herein by reference. Other plant transformation processes choosing direct delivery techniques for the introduction of genetic material into a plant cell are also available, for example, through the treatment of protoplasts with polyethylene glycol (PEG) (Potrykus et al., 1985), procedures such as electroporation (D'Halluin et al., 1992), microinjection (Neuhaus et al., 1987), silicon carbide fiber whisker technology (Kaeppler et al., 1992), viral vector-mediated approaches (Gelvin, Nature Biotechnology 23, "Viral-mediated plant transformation gets a boost", 684-685 (2005)) and particle bombardment (see, e.g., Sood et al., 2011, Biologia Plantarum, 55, 1-15).

[0093] As those skilled in the art will know, several mutation-introducing techniques can be used to increase the expression of a plant's native APC7 gene, including chemical mutagenesis, radiation mutagenesis, transposon mutagenesis, and T-DNA insertion by transformation with a bacterium capable of transferring DNA into plants. Furthermore, any genome editing technique can be used, including transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs), RNA-guided Fokl nucleases, homing endonucleases, CRISPR-Cas9, and CRISPR-Cas12a (Cpf1). Any technique capable of increasing the expression of a plant's native APC7 gene can be used to produce a genetic modification according to the present invention in a plant.

[0094] Chemical methods of mutagenesis include exposing DNA to a chemical mutagen, e.g., ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS), methyl methanesulfonate (MMS), N-nitrosourea (EN U), N-methyl-N-nitro-N'-nitrosoguanidine, 4-N-nitroquinoline oxide, diethyl sulfate, benzopyrene, cyclophosphamide, bleomycin, triethylmelamine, acrylamide monomer, nitrogen mustard, vincristine, diepoxyalkanes (e.g., diepoxybutane), ICR-170, formaldehyde, procarbazine hydrochloride, ethylene oxide, dimethylnitrosamine, 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene, chlorambucil, hexamethylphosphoramide, bisulfan, and the like.

[0095] Radiation mutation-inducing agents include ultraviolet radiation, γ-radiation, X-rays, and fast neutron bombardment. US2015106970, incorporated herein by reference, teaches the use of gamma radiation to introduce mutations into plant genomes.

[0096] A plant with increased expression of the APC7 gene according to the present invention can be produced by applying large-scale random mutagenesis techniques and subsequent selection of mutants with increased expression of the APC7 gene and isolation of the specific mutation by backcrossing.

[0097] Plant genome editing using zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs), homing endonucleases, transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), and CRISPR-Cas9 is taught, for example, in WO2016116032A1, incorporated herein by reference.

[0098] Plant genome editing techniques using the CRISPR / Cas9 System are taught, for example, in WO2013176772A2 and US8945839B2, incorporated herein by reference.

[0099] Plant genome editing using the CRISPR-Cas12a (Cpf1) system is taught in, e.g., WO2017218185A1, incorporated herein by reference.

[0100] This document also provides methods for producing plants with improved agronomic traits through crossbreeding. Plants with improved agronomic traits can be produced through the introgression of alleles with increased expression of the APC7 gene into other varieties. Thus, increased expression of the APC7 gene can be combined with other agronomic traits of interest, such as transgenic events containing herbicide tolerance genes, insecticide protein genes, and genes that confer yield or stress tolerance traits, and the like.

[0101] A method for producing plants with improved agronomic traits through crossbreeding comprises crossing a genetically modified plant according to the present invention with a second plant with normal expression of the APC7 gene to produce progeny plants with improved agronomic traits. Preferably, backcrossing or self-fertilization of the progeny is performed to produce a new generation of plants homozygous for an allele with increased expression of the APC7 gene.

[0102] Screening and selection of plants for increased expression of the APC7 gene can be performed by any known technique of detectable mRNA analysis, using detection assays known in the art, such as, but not limited to, northern blotting, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), in situ hybridization, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), microarray analysis, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), digital droplet PCR (ddPCR), next generation sequencing (NGS), single molecule fluorescent in situ hybridization (smFISH), rolling circle amplification (RCA), hybridization chain reaction (HCR).

[0103] Screening of plants for increased expression of the APC7 gene at the functional protein level can also be performed by any known DNA sequencing technique in the gene region or total genomic DNA sequencing; or by protein detection analyses using specific antibodies, such as Western blot, ELISA, or immunolocalization.

[0104] Processed plant products produced from plants according to the present invention are also contemplated in this application. In certain embodiments, the processed product is selected from the group consisting of plant parts, plant biomass, oil, flour, sugar, animal feed, bran, flakes, hulls, processed seeds, and seeds. In certain embodiments, the processed product is not regenerable in a plant. The plant product may comprise commodities or other consumer goods products derived from a plant or plant part, wherein the consumer goods product or other products can be traced through commerce by detecting nucleotide segments specific for increased expression of the APC7 gene.

[0105] As described in the Examples, through a broad study of different types of increased expression of the APC7 gene in plants, it was surprisingly found that plants with improved agronomic characteristics can be obtained by increased expression of the APC7 gene with no unfavorable characteristics identified.

[0106] APC7 protein and APC7 gene coding sequences that have a substantial percentage identity to the sequences described herein can be identified using various computer-based algorithms known in the art. For example, the sequences can be searched against databases using sequence alignment algorithms such as BLAST (Altschul SF, Gish W, Miller W, Myers EW, Lipman DJ. Basic Local Alignment Search Tool. J Mol Biol. 1990 Oct 5;215(3):403-10. doi: 10.1016 / 80022-2836(05)80360-2). The amino acid sequence identities of APC7-related proteins or nucleotide sequences of APC7 genes can be analyzed using a Clustal W alignment with default parameters: Weight matrix: blosum, gap opening penalty: 10.0.Gap extension penalty: 0.05, hydrophilic leaks: On, hydrophilic residues: GPSNDQERK, residue-specific leak penalties: On (Thompson, et al (1994) Nucleic Acids Research, 22: 4673-4680). The percent amino acid identity is further calculated by the product of 100% multiplied by (amino acid identities / length of the protein in question). Other alignment algorithms are also available in the art and provide results similar to those obtained using a Clustal W alignment. Furthermore, APC7 proteins can be used. to produce antibodies that specifically bind to related proteins and can be used to search for and find other proteins that are closely related.

[0107] Furthermore, the APC7 gene nucleotide sequences taught herein, or fragments thereof, may be used as probes and primers for screening to identify other members of the class using hybridization and isothermal amplification or thermal cycling methods. For example, oligonucleotides derived from sequences in any of SEQ ID NO: 75-146 may be used to determine the presence or absence of an overexpressing allele of the APC7 gene in a deoxyribonucleic acid sample derived from a plant product, such as a commercial product. Given the sensitivity of certain nucleic acid detection methods that employ oligonucleotides, it is anticipated that oligonucleotides derived from sequences as set forth in any of SEQ ID NO: 75-146 may be used to detect nucleic acid from an overexpressing allele of the APC7 gene. EXAMPLES

[0108] Considering the above, the skilled artisan will understand that the following described embodiments are merely representative of the invention, which may be implemented in various ways. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed in this document should not be construed as limiting. EXAMPLE 1 OBTAINING ARABIDOPSIS THALIANA PLANTS OVEREXPRESSING THE APC7 GENE

[0109] The AtAPC7 (AT2G39090) and AÍAPC7-CT sequences were retrieved from the Arabidopsis thaliana TAIR10 dataset (Lamesch et al., 2011) of the Phytozome 13 database (Goodstein et al., 2012). The BLASTn and BLASTp tools (NCBI) were used for sequence homology analysis. The T-COFFEE v. 11 software (Di Tommaso et al., 2011) was used for the alignment of the AtAPC7 and IVR-like (Akad et al., 1999) amino acid sequences. [001 10] The APC7 cDNA sequence in A. thaliana was cloned into the Gateway entry vector pDONR221 as shown in Figure 1. After formation of the entry clone, the transfer of the AtAPC7 gene to another Gateway vector was done through a recombination reaction called LR. In this reaction, the gene of interest is transferred to other plasmids with ATTR recombination arms. This reaction, also part of Invitrogen's Gateway technology, uses the Gateway LR Clonase II Enzyme mix kit. For this construction, the destination vector pK7WG2 (VIB, Belgium) was used, generating the 35S:APC7 construct. The transformation cassette presents the AtAPC7 gene under the control of the 35S promoter of the cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV), which, due to several regulatory elements, is an efficient tool for obtaining a high rate of constitutive transcription. The nptll gene was used as a marker gene for in vitro selection using kanamycin (50 mg / L). A.tumefaciens (strain GV3101 - RifR, pTI GmR) containing the plasmid pK7WG2-35S:APC7 was used for transformation of wild-type plants (to obtain APC7 control lines. OE nptll. Transgenic plants were screened in vitro tissue culture using kanamycin (50 mg / L) and genotyped by PCR with specific primers during generational advancement. Five independent transgenic events for each binary vector were advanced through generations until homozygous lines were obtained. EXAMPLE 2 CULTIVATION OF PLANT MATERIAL [001 1 1 ] For in vivo cultivation, A. thaliana seeds of the wild-type ecotype Columbia (Col-0) and transgenic lines were grown in pots containing a soil:vermiculite mixture (3:1), kept in a growth room at 22°C with a light intensity of 100 mol photons rrr 2 Mon' 1, in a 16-h light / 8-h dark photoperiod. For gene expression analysis by RT-qPCR and to obtain cell number and size and stomatal index, the seeds were grown on plates containing MS strength medium (Murashige and Skoog, 1962) supplemented with 0.8% agar and 1% sucrose (w / v), and kept in the dark for three days at 4°C for stratification. The plants were maintained in a growth room at 22°C with a light intensity of 100 mol photons nr 2 Mon' 1 , in a photoperiod of 12h light / 12h dark. EXAMPLE 3 PIGMENT CONTENT ANALYSIS

[0112] Chlorophyll a, b, and carotenoids were extracted with 1 mL of DMSO and kept in the dark for 48 h according to Pompelli et al. (2013 and 2021). For analysis in young plants, samples were collected from wild-type plants and transgenic lines grown in vitro under a 12 / 12-h photoperiod at 15 DAS (days after sowing) (n = 10 plants), while for plants at a later developmental stage, three whole mature leaves were collected from each rosette of plants grown in soil under a 16 / 8-h photoperiod at 22 and 25 DAS (n = 10 plants). The pigments were quantified by absorbance in a NanoDrop 2000 spectrophotometer (ThermoFisher Scientific). The absorbance wavelengths used were A665 for chlorophyll a, A649 for chlorophyll b and A480 for carotenoid measurements, as described by Wellburn (1994).The final quantification data were presented as the ratio between pigment mass (pg) versus tissue mass (g), calculated using the following equations: for chlorophyll a (pg mL-1 ) = 12.19 x A665 - 3.45 x A649; for chlorophyll b (pg mL-1 ) = 21.99 x A649 - 5.32 x A665; and for carotenoids (pg mL-1 ) = [(1000 x A480) - (2.14 x chlorophyll a) - (70.16 x chlorophyll b)] / 220, according to Wellburn (1994).

[0113] Results are shown in Figures 2 and 7. As shown in Figure 2, Arabidopsis thaliana plants overexpressing AtAPC7 present higher content of pigments involved in photosynthesis, such as chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoids, at different stages of development. As shown in Figure 2, APC7 plants OE contains more photosynthetic pigments than its truncated variant protein isoform (APC7-CT OE ). As shown in Figure 7, A. thaliana plants overexpressing APC7 (APC7 OE) have higher contents of pigments involved in photosynthesis compared to plants that overexpress the truncated APC7-CT protein, such as chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and carotenoids, indicating more efficient absorption of photons. EXAMPLE 4 PHOTOSYNTHETIC EFFICIENCY ANALYSIS [001 14] The entire rosette of the wild and APC7 plants OEmaintained under growth room conditions at 22 and 25 DAS (n = 10 plants) was evaluated using a FluorCam 800 MF closed-loop chlorophyll fluorescence imaging device (Photon Systems Instruments, Drásov, Czech Republic) with a 450 nm blue actinic light for excitation. Plants were kept in the dark for 30 min prior to quenching kinetic analysis to ensure maximum photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (PSII). For quenching kinetic analysis, a 5 s dark period was used to measure minimum fluorescence (F0), followed by an 800 ms actinic light pulse, in which maximum fluorescence (Fm) was measured and variable fluorescence was calculated (Fv = Fm - F0). From these, the maximum dark-adapted PSII quantum yield (Fv / Fm) was obtained.The chlorophyll fluorescence decay ratio (RFd) and the non-photochemical chlorophyll fluorescence quenching level (NPQ) were also determined by imaging and based on the equation RFd = Fd / Fs = (Fm - Fs) / Fs, according to Lichtenthaler et al. (2007), and by the equation (Fm - Fm') / Fm', according to Ruban (2016), respectively. The collected data were processed by FluorCam™ software (Photon Systems Instruments) and contributed to evaluate the photosynthetic efficiency. [001 15] Results are shown in Figures 3 and 7. As shown in Figure 3, Arabidopsis thaliana plants overexpressing AtAPC7 exhibit greater efficiency in delivering energy to the photochemical pathway. The increase in the Fv / Fm ratio by AtAPC7 overexpression indicates more efficient energy absorption by the antenna complex, leading to a higher maximum quantum yield of photosystem II (PSII), while excess energy is dissipated as heat, triggering the photoprotection mechanism (NPQ). Higher Rfd values ​​are used to indirectly indicate the higher rate of carbon assimilation by AtAPC7 plants. OE . As shown in Figure 7, A. thaliana plants overexpressing APC7 (APC7 OE ) have a higher Fv / Fm ratio when compared to APC7-CT plants OE , indicating the greater flow of absorbed energy for photochemical reactions, and thus, greater efficiency photosynthetic. EXAMPLE 5 GAS EXCHANGE ANALYSIS [001 16] Instantaneous leaf gas exchange measures included net CO2 assimilation rate (net photosynthesis) (Anet, pmol CO2 m -2 s -1 ), transpiration rate (E, mmol H2O m -2 s -1 ), stomatal conductance (gc, mol m -2 s -1 ) and intrinsic water use efficiency (WUE, mol mol -1 , calculated as AnetIE). The normalization of CO2 consumption per leaf area occurred through the ratio between the values ​​of net photosynthetic rate and transpiration per leaf area of ​​each individual, obtained by IMAGEJ. Measurements were taken in the period of 8-10 h (morning) in rosettes of plants grown in soil under a 16 / 8 h photoperiod at 25 DAS (n = 10 plants). Measurements were performed with an infrared gas analyzer (IRGA) LI-6400 (LICOR, Lincoln, NB, USA), using an external CO2 source fixed at 400 L L- 1 and PPFD at 100 pmol m -2 s -1(from a 6400-02B red-blue light source). [001 17] The results are shown in Figures 4 and 8. [001 18] As shown in Figure 4, all measured photosynthetic parameters were improved in APC7 plants OE , converging towards an increase in net photosynthesis. Evaluating the gas exchanges carried out by APC7 OE , it was observed that these plants have the net photosynthetic rate (A ne t) higher than the wild-type plant, indicating that these plants are capable of fixing higher rates of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. A lower transpiration rate (E) and lower stomatal conductance (g) were also observed. s ), and therefore, we can observe through the graph (WUE), that these plants have greater efficiency in water use. [001 19] Comparison between APC7 plants OE and APC7-CT OE demonstrated that APC7 plants OE are capable of fixing more CO2 from the atmosphere than APC7-CT° plantsE and wild type. It was observed that although APC7-CT° plants E also present greater net photosynthesis (A ne t), lower stomatal conductance (g c ) and a tendency toward lower leaf transpiration (E), leading to higher water use efficiency (WUE), APC7 plants OE are more efficient in the assimilation of atmospheric CO2, as well as more efficient in the use of water in relation to APC7-CT OE and the wild type. EXAMPLE 6 GENE EXPRESSION ANALYSIS

[0120] Leaf samples from A. thaliana Col-0 plants and transgenic lines were harvested, and total RNA was isolated using TRIzol reagent (Invitrogen, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA) or by the lithium chloride method as described by Logemann et al. (1987). RNA concentration was estimated using a NanoDrop 2000 spectrophotometer (ThermoFisher Scientific, Massachusetts, USA), and integrity was assessed by agarose gel electrophoresis. RNA samples were treated with Rnase-free RQ1 Dnase I (Promega, Madison, Wisconsin, USA). Then, 2 g of Dnase-treated RNA was used as a template for cDNA synthesis using oligo-(dT) 20 primer and the Superscript III RT kit (ThermoFisher Scientific). cDNA samples were diluted 1:10 (v:v) with nuclease-free water.Real-time PCR assays were performed on an Applied Biosystems 7500 Real-Time PCR System (Applied Biosystems, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA) using 0.2 pM primer (Supplementary Table S1), 3 pL of diluted cDNA, and SYBR Green PCR Master Mix (Applied Biosystems). The transgenic lines APC7. OE and APC7-CT OE were characterized for transgene expression using primers specific for AtAPC7 and AtAPC7-CT, and relative expression was normalized with A. thaliana Ubiquitin 14 (AtUbi14) and AtGAPDH as endogenous reference genes. The relative expression of the AtLHCBI, AtPSAD-2, and AtLHCB6 genes was also normalized with the reference genes AtUbi14 and AtGAPDH. Gene expression levels were represented as calculated values ​​with the formula 2 A ' ACt or 2 A ' AACt(Livak and Schmittgen, 2001). All cDNA samples were performed in technical triplicates. Primer efficiencies and target-specific amplification were confirmed by a single, distinct peak in the melting curve analysis.

[0121] As shown in Figure 5, analysis of 3 genes involved in photosynthesis, LHCB1, LHCB6 and PSAD2, showed that these are more expressed in APC7 plants OE at two different stages of growth. Taken together, these data corroborate the physiological data and demonstrate that these plants are photosynthetically more active and efficient than wild-type plants. EXAMPLE 7 PHENOTYPIC ANALYSIS

[0122] A. thaliana Col-0 plants, APC7 transgenic lines OE and APC7-CT° Ewere evaluated for rosette area using plants grown in pots containing a soil:vermiculite mixture (3:1) and maintained under growth room conditions (n ​​= 10–12 plants). Plants were photographed and rosette area was measured with ImageJ software (Rueden et al., 2017). The number of leaves per rosette was also counted at the same developmental stage (n = 10–12 plants). For biomass yield measured in terms of dry weight, Col-0, APC7 OE and APC7-CT OEwere grown in a growth room under a 16 / 8h photoperiod and evaluated after 30 DAS. Fresh weight was determined from 10 plants of each line, and dry weight was calculated by weighing the dry mass at 60°C for 2 days (n = 10 plants). The length of the main inflorescence was determined from plants grown in pots containing a soil:vermiculite mixture (3:1) under growth room conditions with a 16 / 8h photoperiod at 40, 55, and at the end of development at 120 DAS (n = 12 plants). The number of lateral inflorescences and siliques per plant was calculated from these same plants when they reached the final growth stage (120 DAS). Seed yield per plant of each line was determined (n = 12 plants), while the average area of ​​each seed was calculated from 50 to 100 seeds per plant line. For this purpose, the seeds were photographed using a Leica DM750 microscope with a Leica ICC50 HD camera and LAS EZ v3.0 software.0 (Leica Microsystems, Wetzlar, Germany). Seed area was then measured using ImageJ. Because seed area was larger, we weighed 200 seeds harvested from these plants and calculated the estimated seed weight and total seed production per plant.

[0123] As shown in Figure 6, APC7 plants OE exhibit greater and faster growth, without causing damage or imbalance in the cellular processes that promote growth. APC7 leaves OE exhibit greater growth from the beginning of their formation, revealing more accelerated growth and development, reaching an even larger size at maturity. This greater growth is due to the greater number of cells from the beginning to the end of leaf formation and maturation, as well as the increase in cell size and a higher stomatal index, which allows for early photosynthetic activity in APC7. OE. These data indicate that the processes that promote growth (proliferation, expansion and cell differentiation) are in balance, occurring in an orderly manner for correct growth.

[0124] As shown in Figure 9, the increase in photosynthesis in APC7 OE signals an increase in plant dry weight and confirmation of carbon fixation and reduction to carbohydrates. Confirmation of the physiological data of increased photosynthesis and atmospheric carbon fixation is provided by the increased growth and dry weight seen in APC7 plants. OE and APC7-CT° E . Once again, accelerated development is observed in APC7 plants OE &m relative to wild type and even more accelerated than APC7-CT° plants E , in different parameters, with higher percentage increases in APC7 OE at the end of vegetative development.

[0125] As shown in Figure 10, greater carbon fixation and greater growth are maintained throughout the plant cycle, reflecting in early flowering and greater productivity of APC7 plants. OE and APC7-CT° E . APC7 Plants OE show greater development speed compared to APC7-CT° E and the wild type, producing earlier inflorescences that reach greater length, with a greater number of lateral branches capable of producing a greater number of fruits (siliques) and seeds. Furthermore, the area and mass of the seeds of APC7 OE are larger, suggesting an efficient mobilization of the resources produced in photosynthesis to the seeds, making them more vigorous. EXAMPLE 8 HEAT STRESS EXPERIMENT

[0126] For evaluations of plants that suffered heat stress, wild-type Arabidopsis thaliana plants and APC7 transgenic plants OEwere grown in pots containing a soil:vermiculite mixture (3:1). Until 15 DAS, plants grew under optimal conditions: 22°C with a light intensity of 100 mol photons rrr 2 Mon' 1 , photoperiod 16 h light / 8 h dark. At 15 DAS, the plants were transferred to stress conditions: 28-30°C with a light intensity of 0 pmol photons m -2 Mon -1 , photoperiod 16 h light / 8 h dark. Phenotypic and physiological analyses were performed after 7 days of stress. On the 7th oOn the following day, the plants were returned to the control growth condition under optimal temperature conditions (22°C) to complete their life cycle. Phenotypic analyses of the reproductive axis were performed on these plants recovered from heat stress, as well as analyses of the seed size produced by these plants using a magnifying glass. Twenty-five seeds from 10 individuals recovered from stress were sown in petri dishes under optimal temperature conditions for germination rate analyses.

[0127] Figure 11 shows that APC7 plants OE present superior phenotypic characteristics to the wild type (Col-0) when under heat stress (temperatures above the optimum). When exposed to temperatures above the optimum (28-30°C), APC7 plants OE maintains the phenotype of increased dry weight and early flowering, in addition to having fewer leaves burned due to stress.

[0128] As shown in Figure 12, there is a worsening in the photosynthetic parameters of plants under high temperature, however, APC7 OE remains more photosynthetically active than wild-type plants. When exposed to temperatures above the optimum (28-30°C), there is a generalized decrease in chlorophyll a, b, and carotenoid content. There is also a decrease in parameters that measure photosynthetic efficiency. However, APC7 plants OE have statistically superior photosynthetic parameters to wild-type plants, demonstrating that these plants are more resistant to heat stress. The significant decrease in NPQ values ​​indicates the efficiency of APC7 OE in directing energy towards photosynthesis in situations of thermal stress.

[0129] Figure 13 shows that despite growing less under heat stress conditions (28-30°C), APC7 plants OE have higher growth and dry weight than wild plants. In a situation of heat stress, APC7 plants OE has a decrease in growth when compared to the control condition, but continues to present larger rosette area and dry weight, in addition to a lower percentage of leaf loss compared to the wild type. Furthermore, the greater number of leaves per rosette was maintained, showing no significant loss unlike what is seen in the wild type, indicating greater adaptation and tolerance to heat stress by APC7 plants. OE .

[0130] As shown in Figure 14, after returning to the optimal temperature condition, APC7 plants OE that were under heat stress recover and are equally productive as plants in the control situation. After seven days under heat stress, the plants returned to the control situation with optimal temperature, and it was observed that APC7 plants OEare able to maintain their improved reproductive parameters, presenting less drop in inflorescence height, significantly increasing the number of lateral inflorescences as a way of compensating for stress, in addition to maintaining seed production statistically equal to APC7 plants OE in a control situation, remaining more vigorous than wild-type seeds, indicated by the increase in seed area and magnifying glass images.

[0131] As shown in Figure 15, seeds generated by plants that underwent 7-day heat stress were sown, where the seeds of APC7 OE showed a higher germination rate and a greater number of viable plants after germination than control plants, indicating greater resistance of APC7 plants OE to heat stress. EXAMPLE 9 STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

[0132] All graphical representations were performed using GraphPad Prism software version 8.0. The statistical tests used were Student's t-test, one-way ANOVA, and two-way ANOVA. Data were analyzed statistically, with a p-value <0.05 and a significance level. EXAMPLE 10 APC7 PROTEIN AND GENE SEQUENCES IN DIFFERENT PLANT SPECIES

[0133] The sequence of the APC7 protein and the APC7 gene from Arabidopsis thaliana was used to search biological sequence databases for homologous sequences in other plant species by sequence alignment algorithms such as BLAST Altschul SF, Gish W, Miller W, Myers EW, Lipman DJ. Basic local alignment search tool. J Mol Biol. 1990 Oct 5;215(3):403-10. doi: 10.1016 / S0022 -2836(05)80360-2. PMID: 2231712).

[0134] As a result, homologous amino acid and nucleotide sequences were identified in 42 species (37 dicotyledons and 9 monocotyledons), summarized in Table 1 below. The sequences cited in Table 1 are contained in the sequence listing.

[0135] As one skilled in the art will be aware, the sequences provided can be used to direct increased expression of the APC7 gene, as well as to identify APC7 homologs in other unlisted species. EXAMPLE 11 OBTAINING ARABIDOPSIS THALIANA PLANTS WITH DOUBLE MODIFICATION: OVEREXPRESSION OF THE APC7 GENE AND SILENCING OF THE AIP10 GENE.

[0136] This draft deals with the results obtained by combining the overexpression of the APC7 gene and silencing of the AIP10 gene described in detail in the patent application PCT / BR2024050215 (WO 2024 / 174016). Plants were generated by combining the overexpression of APC7 and the silencing of AIP10.

[0137] From the A. thaliana APC7 cDNA sequence cloned into the Gateway entry vector pDONR221 used for the previous construction, the AtAPC7 gene was transferred to another Gateway vector through a recombination reaction called LR as mentioned in Example 1. For this construction, the destination vector pB7WG2 (VIB, Belgium) was used, generating the 35S:APC7 construct as shown in Figure 16A. The transformation cassette presents the AtAPC7 gene under the control of the 35S promoter of the cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV), which, due to several regulatory elements, is an efficient tool for obtaining a high rate of constitutive transcription. The bar gene was used as marker gene for in vitro selection using the herbicide Liberty (200g / L). A. tumefaciens (strain GV3101 - RifR, pTI GmR) containing the plasmid pB7WG2-35S:APC7 was used for transformation of wild-type plants (to obtain APC7 control lines OEbar) and in aiplko plants (to obtain double mutant APC7 lines OE aip10ko). Transgenic plants were screened in sprayed soil using Liberty (200g / L) and genotyped by PCR with specific primers during generational progression. Five independent transgenic events (for control lines APC7 OE bar) and nine independent transgenic events (for double mutant APC7 OE aip10ko) had their generations advanced until homozygous lines were obtained. EXAMPLE 12 CULTIVATION OF PLANT MATERIAL

[0138] For in vivo cultivation, seeds of A. thaliana of the wild-type ecotype Columbia (Col-0), aiplOko, APC7 OE and the double mutant lines were grown in pots containing a soil:vermiculite mixture (3:1), kept in a growth room at 22°C with a light intensity of 100 pmol photons nrr 2 s' 1, in a photoperiod of 16 h of light / 8 h of dark. For gene expression analysis by RT-qPCR, the seeds were grown on plates containing MS medium >2 strength (Murashige and Skoog, 1962) supplemented with 0.8% agar and 1% sucrose (w / v), and kept in the dark for three days at 4°C for stratification. The plants were maintained in a growth room at 22°C with a light intensity of 100 pmol photons m' 2 s' 1 , in a photoperiod of 12h light / 12h dark. EXAMPLE 13 GENE EXPRESSION ANALYSIS

[0139] Leaf samples of A. thaliana Col-0 aiplOko, APC7 plants OEand double mutant strains were harvested and total RNA was isolated using the lithium chloride method as described by Logemann et al. (1987). RNA concentration was estimated using a NanoDrop 2000 spectrophotometer (ThermoFisher Scientific, Massachusetts, USA) and integrity was assessed by agarose gel electrophoresis. RNA samples were treated with Rnase-free Dnase I (Promega, Madison, Wisconsin, USA). Then, 500 ng of Dnase-treated RNA was used as template for cDNA synthesis using oligo-(dT) 20 primer and the Superscript III RT kit (ThermoFisher Scientific). cDNA samples were diluted 1:1 (v:v) with nuclease-free water. Real-time PCR assays were performed on an Applied Biosystems 7500 Real-Time PCR System (Applied Biosystems, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA) using 10 mM primer (Supplementary Table S1), 2 pL of diluted cDNA, and SYBR Green PCR Master Mix (Applied Biosystems). The different genotypes were characterized for the expression of APC7 and AIP10 using specific primers, and the relative expression was normalized with the Ubiquitin 14 (AtUbi14) and AtGAPDH genes as endogenous reference genes. The relative expression of the genes AtABAPI, AtCYCB1;1, AtCDTIA, and AtCDTIB was also normalized with the reference genes AtUbi14 and AtGAPDH. Gene expression levels were represented as values ​​calculated with the formula 2 A ' ACt or 2 A ' AACt(Livak and Schmittgen, 2001). All samples and cDNA were performed in technical triplicates. Primer efficiencies and target-specific amplification were confirmed by a single, distinct peak in the melting curve analysis.

[0140] As shown in Figure 17, they show increased expression of the APC7 gene in lines that overexpress only APC7 (APC7 OE ) and in the APC7 double mutant lines OE aipl Oko. Figures 17C and 17D show the expression of the AIP10 gene in the APC7 lines. OE and in the APC7 double mutant lines OEaiplOko, indicating that the nine double mutant lines disrupt the AIP10 gene, as observed in the aiplOko line, but this does not occur in the Col-0 lines and the lines that overexpress only APC7. The data confirm that the double mutant lines disrupt the AIP10 gene and overexpress the APC7 gene in Arabidopsis thaliana (members of two regulatory networks that control cell division in plants). Figure 17E shows the expression level results of genes involved in the ABAP1 regulatory pathway, including AtABAPI, AtCDTIA, AtCDTIB, and AtCYCB1;1 in Arabidopsis thaliana plants (Col, aiplOko, APC7). OE and APC7 OE aip10ko). APC7 Plants OE aip10ko have lower expression of the ABAP1 gene and higher significant expression of the other genes compared to the control and similar to that observed in aiplOko and APC7 plants OEindicating that AIP10 silencing and APC7 overexpression together do not negatively affect the cell cycle, showing that there is an increase in cell divisions. EXAMPLE 14 PHENOTYPIC ANALYSIS

[0141] Plants of A. thaliana Col-0 aiplOko, APC7 OE and double mutant lines were evaluated for rosette area using plants grown in pots containing a soil:vermiculite mixture (3:1) and maintained under growth room conditions (n ​​= 10 plants). Plants were photographed and rosette area was measured with ImageJ software (Rueden et al., 2017). The number of leaves per rosette was also counted at the same developmental stage (n = 10 plants). For biomass yield measured in terms of dry weight, Col-0 aiplOko, APC7 plants OEand the double mutant lines were grown in a growth room under a 16h / 8h photoperiod and evaluated after 25 DAG. Fresh weight was determined from 5 plants of each genotype and dry weight was calculated by weighing the dry mass at 60°C for 2 days (n = 5 plants).

[0142] In Figure 19, the length of the main inflorescence was determined from plants grown in pots containing a soil:vermiculite mixture (3:1) in growth room conditions with a 16 / 8h photoperiod until the end of development (n = 15 plants). The seed yield per plant of each line was determined (n = 15 plants).

[0143] As shown in Figure 18 and 19, Col-0 aiplOko, APC7 plants OEand double mutant lines exhibit greater and faster growth, without causing damage or imbalance in the cellular processes that promote growth. Double mutant lines exhibit greater growth, revealing greater real biomass and faster development of the reproductive part, resulting in greater seed weight. EXAMPLE 15 ANALYSIS OF PIGMENT CONTENT AND PHOTOSYSTEM II EFFICIENCY (PV / FM)

[0144] Chlorophyll a, b, and carotenoids were extracted with 1 mL of DMSO and kept in the dark for 48 h as described (NI et al., 2009). For analysis in young plants, samples were collected from wild-type plants and lines aiplOko, APC7 OE and double mutant (APC7 OEaiplOko) grown in vivo under a 12h / 12h photoperiod at 11 DAG (days after germination) (n = 10 plants). Pigments were quantified by absorbance in a NanoDrop 2000 spectrophotometer (ThermoFisher Scientific). The absorbance wavelengths used were A665 for chlorophyll a, A649 for chlorophyll b, and A480 for carotenoid measurements, as described by Wellburn (1994). The final quantification data were presented as the ratio between pigment mass (µg) versus tissue mass (g), calculated using the following equations: for chlorophyll a (pg ml-1) = 12.19 x A665 - 3.45 x A649; for chlorophyll b (pg mL-1) = 21.99 x A649 - 5.32 x A665; and for carotenoids (pg mL-1 ) = [(1000 x A480) - (2.14 x chlorophyll a) - (70.16 x chlorophyll b)] / 220, according to Wellburn (1994).

[0145] The entire rosette of the col-0, aiplOko, APC7 plants OE and double mutant (APC7 OEaiplOko) (n = 10 plants) was evaluated using a FluorCam 800 MF (Photon Systems Instruments, Drásov, Czech Republic) enclosed chlorophyll fluorescence imaging device as described in Example 4.

[0146] Results are shown in Figure 20. As shown in Figure 18, double mutant Arabidopsis thaliana plants, overexpressing AtAPC7 and silencing AIP10, present a higher content of pigments involved in photosynthesis, such as total chlorophyll and carotenoids when compared to Col-0 and aiplOko, which may be higher than that observed in APC7 OE in the APC7 lineage OE aip10ko_2.8. Furthermore, still in Figure 20, double mutant Arabidopsis thaliana plants, overexpressing AtAPC7 and silencing AIP10, present a higher Fv / Fm ratio when compared to Col-0 and remaining similar to aiplOko or APC7 OE, depending on the lineage in question, indicating the greater flow of absorbed energy for photochemical reactions, and thus, greater photosynthetic efficiency.

[0147] Figure 20 demonstrates that increased photosynthesis in APC7 double mutant plants OE a / p70ko is associated with greater accumulation of biomass and the efficient conversion of carbon into carbohydrates. This physiological increase is reflected in accelerated growth and a significant increase in plant dry weight. Furthermore, it is observed that the development of APC7 plants OE aiplOko is faster than that of individual APC7 lines OE and aiplOko, with the double mutants showing the highest growth percentages at the end of the vegetative stage. EXAMPLE 16 GENE EXPRESSION ANALYSIS OF PHOTOSYNTHETIC GENES

[0148] Leaf samples of A. thaliana Col-0 aiplOko, APC7 plants OEand double mutant lines were harvested and total RNA was isolated and treated for cDNA synthesis as described in Example 13. The genotypes were characterized for the expression of the photosynthesis-related genes, AtLHCBI, AtPSAD-2, and AtLHCB6, and primary metabolism-related genes, AtQQS and AtSTPI, and the relative expression was normalized with A. thaliana Ubiquitin 14 (AtUbi14) and AtGAPDH as endogenous reference genes. Gene expression levels were represented as values ​​calculated with the formula 2 A ' ACt or 2 A ' AACt (Livak and Schmittgen, 2001). All cDNA samples were performed in technical triplicates. Primer efficiencies and target-specific amplification were confirmed by a single, distinct peak in the melting curve analysis.

[0149] As shown in Figure 21, analysis of 3 genes involved in photosynthesis, LHCB1, LHCB6, and PSAD2, showed that these are more expressed in double mutant plants (APC7OE aip10ko). Taken together, these data corroborate the physiological data and demonstrate that these plants are photosynthetically more active and efficient than wild-type plants, as well as more photosynthetically active than the individual APC7 lines. OE and aiplOko.

[0150] As shown in Figure 22, the analysis of 2 genes involved in primary metabolism, QQS and STP1, being related to protein synthesis and sugar transport respectively, showed that these are more expressed in double mutant plants ( / PC7 OE aip10ko), the most striking being QQS, which in all double mutant lines showed almost twice the increase in expression when compared to those already observed in APC7 OEand aiplOko. Taken together, these data corroborate the physiological data and demonstrate that these plants are metabolically more active and efficient than wild-type plants, as well as more metabolically active than the individual APC7 lines. OE and aiplOko. TABLE 1 HOMOLOGOUS SEQUENCES OF APC7 IN DICOTYLEDONIANS TABLE 2 HOMOLOGOUS SEQUENCES OF APC7 IN DICOTYLEDONIANS

[0151] The sequences in Tables 1 and 2 can be used as a reference to determine whether a plant protein is an APC7 protein and, consequently, whether the gene encoding the same is an APC7 gene according to the present invention using techniques known to the person skilled in the art.

[0152] All products disclosed and claimed herein can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. Although the products of this invention have been described in terms of the foregoing illustrative embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variations, changes, modifications, and alterations can be applied to the compositions described herein without departing from the true concept, essence, and scope of the disclosure. More specifically, it will be apparent that certain agents that are chemically and physiologically related can be substituted for the agents described herein while achieving the same or similar results. All such similar substitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are considered to be within the essence, scope, and concept of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0153] All publications and patent documents published in the specification are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically or individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. BIBLIOGRAPHY AKAD, F.; E.TEVEROVSKY; A. DAVID, HC; GIDONI, D. et al. A cDNA from tobacco codes for an inhibitor of virus replication (IVR)-like protein. Plant Molecular Biology, 40, p. 969-976, 1999. CARNEIRO, Aline Kõhn. The role of anaphase-promoting complex subunit seven (APC7) in response to abiotic stress. Thesis (doctor) -- UFRJ, IBqM, Graduate Program in Biological Chemistry, 2021 . CARNEIRO, AK; MONTESSORO, P. d. F.; FUSARO, AF; ARAÚJO, BG et al. Plant CDKs — Driving the Cell Cycle through Climate Change. Plantas, 10, n. 9, p. 1804, 2021. CLOUGH, S.J., BENT, A.F. Floral dip: A simplified method for Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of Arabidopsis thaliana. Plant Journal, 16, 735-743, 1998. DE FREITAS LIMA, M.; ELOY, N. B.; BOTTINO, M. C.; HEMERLY, A. S. et al. Overexpression of the anaphase-promoting complex (APC) genes in Nicotiana tabacum promotes increasing biomass accumulation. Mol Biol Rep, 40, n. 12, p. 7093-7102, 2013. DI TOMMASO, P., MORETTI, S., XENARIOS, I., OROBITG, M., MONTANYOLA, A., CHANG, J.M., TALY, J.F., NOTREDAME, C. T-Coffee: a web server for the multiple sequence alignment of protein and RNA sequences using structural information and homology extension. Nucleic Acids Research, 39, W13-17, 2011. ELOY, N. B.; COPPENS, F.; BEEMSTER, G. T.; HEMERLY, A. S. et al. The Arabidopsis thaliana anaphase promoting complex (APC): regulation through subunit availability in plant tissues. Cell Cycle, 5, n. 17, p. 1957-1965, Sep 2006. ELOY, N. B.; DE FREITAS LIMA, M.; VAN DAMME, D.; VANHAEREN, H. et al. The APC / C subunit 10 plays an essential role in cell proliferation during leaf development. The Plant Journal, 68, n. 2, p. 351 -363, 2011. ELOY, N. B.; DE FREITAS LIMA, M.; FERREIRA, P. C. G.; INZÉ, D. The role of the anaphase-promoting complex / cyclosome in plant growth. Critical Reviews in Plant Sciences, 34, n. 5, p. 487-505, 2015. GOODSTEIN, D M., SHU, S., HOWSON, R., NEUPANE, R., HAYES, R D., FAZO, J., MITROS, T., DIRKS, W., HELLSTEN, U., PUTNAM, N., ROKHSAR, D.S. Phytozome: a comparative platform for green plant genomics. Nucleic Acids Research, 40, D1178-D1186, 2012. IPCC: Global Warming of 1.5°C.An IPCC Special Report on the impacts of global warming of 1.5°C above pré-industrial levels and related global greenhouse gas emission pathways, in the context of strengthening the global response to the threat of climate change, sustainable development, and efforts to eradicate poverty [Masson-Delmotte, V., P. Zhai, H.-O. Portner, D. Roberts, J. Skea, P.R. Shukla, A. Pirani, W. Moufouma-Okia, C. Péan, R. Pidcock, S. Connors, J.B.R. Matthews, Y. Chen, X. Zhou, M.l. Gomis, E. Lonnoy, T. Maycock, M. Tignor, and T. Waterfield (eds.)]. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK and New York, NY, USA, 616 pp. https: / / doi.org / 10.1017 / 9781009157940, 2018. KARIMI, M., DEPICKER, A., HILSON, P. Recombinational cloning with plant gateway vectors. Plant Physiology 145, 1144-1154, 2007. LAMESCH, P., BERARDINI, T.Z., LI, D., SWARBRECK, D., WILKS, C., SASIDHARAN, R., MULLER, R., DREHER, K., ALEXANDER, D.L., GARCIA-HERNANDEZ, M., KARTHIKEYAN, A S., LEE, C.H., NELSON, W.D., PLOETZ, L, SINGH, S., WENSEL, A., HUALA, E. The Arabidopsis Information Resource (TAIR): improved gene annotation and new tools. Nucleic Acids Research, 40, D1202-D1210, 2011. LICHTENTHALER H.K., BABANI F., LANGSDORF G. Chlorophyll fluorescence imaging of photosynthetic activity in sun and shade leaves of trees. Photosynth Res. 93(1-3):235-244, 2007. LIVAK, K.J., SCHMITTGEN, T.D. Analysis of relative gene expression data using real-time quantitative PCR and the 2-AACT method. Methods, 25, 402-408, 2001 . LOGEMANN, J., SCHELL, J., WILLMITZER, L. Improved method for the isolation of RNA from plant tissues. Analytical Biochemistry 163, 16- 20, 1987. LORENZO-ORTS, L; WITTHOEFT, J.; DEFORGES, J.; MARTINEZ, J. et al. Concerted expression of a cell cycle regulator and a metabolic enzyme from a bicistronic transcript in plants. Nature Plants, 5, no. 2, p. 184-193, 2019. MONTESSORO, Patricia Da Fonseca. Evaluation of the biotechnological potential of AtAPC7 overexpression in transgenic tobacco plants. Dissertation (master's degree) - UFRJ, Postgraduate Program in Plant Biotechnology and Bioprocesses, 2020. MURASHIGE, T., SKOOG, F. A revised medium for rapid growth and bioassays with tobacco tissue cultures. Plant Physiology, 15, 473-497, 1962. POMPELLI, MF, FERREIRA, PPB, CHAVES, AR M., FIGUEIREDO, RCQQ, MARTINS, AO, JARMA-OROZCO, A., BATISTA- SILVA, W., ENDRES, L, ARAÚJO, WL Physiological, metabolic and stomatal adjustments in response to salt stress in Jatropha curcas. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, 168, 116-127, 2021. POMPELLI, M.F., FRANÇA, S.C., TIGRE, R.C., OLIVEIRA, M.T., SACILOT, M., PEREIRA, E.C. Spectrophotometric determinations of chloroplastidic pigments in acetone, ethanol and dimethylsulphoxide. Brazilian Journal of Biosciences, 11 , 52-58, 2013. ROJAS, C. A.; ELOY, N. B.; DE FREITAS LIMA, M.; RODRIGUES, R. L. et al. Overexpression of the arabidopsis anaphase promoting complex subunit CDC27a increases growth rate and organ size. Plant Molecular Biology, 71 , n. 3, p. 307-318, 2009. RUEDEN, C.T., SCHINDELIN, J., HINER, M.C., DEZONIA, B E., WALTER, A.E., ARENA, E.T., ELICEIRI, K.W. lmageJ2: ImageJ for the next generation of scientific image data. BMC Bioinformatics, 18, 529, 2017. SCHWEDERSKY, R. P.; SALEME, M. d. L. S.; ROCHA, I. A.; MONTESSORO, P. d. F. et al. The Anaphase Promoting Complex / Cyclosome Subunit 11 and Its Role in Organ Size and Plant Development. Frontiers in Plant Science, 12, 2021. UNITED NATIONS ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME. Emissions Gap Report 2022: The Closing Window — Climate crisis calls for rapid transformation of societies. Nairobi, https: / / www.unep.org / emissions-gap- report-2022 WELLBURN, A.R. The spectral determination of chlorophylls a and b, as well as total carotenoids, using various solvents with spectrophotometers of different resolution. Journal of Plant Physiology, 144, 307-313, 1994.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A plant having at least one improved agronomic trait, wherein said plant comprises a genetic modification that results in increased expression of the APC7 gene relative to a plant that is identical except for the presence of said genetic modification, wherein the improved agronomic trait is selected from the group consisting of increased photosynthetic efficiency, increased carbon fixation, increased internal water use efficiency, increased heat stress resistance relative to a plant that is identical except for the presence of said genetic modification.

2. The plant of claim 1, wherein the APC7 gene encodes a protein comprising an amino acid sequence having at least about 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 100% sequence identity to an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1-74.

3. A plant with at least one improved agronomic trait, wherein said plant comprises a genetic modification that results in increased expression of the APC7 gene encoding a full-length APC7 protein relative to a plant that is identical except for the presence of said genetic modification, wherein the improved agronomic trait is selected from the group consisting of increased photosynthetic efficiency, increased carbon fixation, increased internal water use efficiency, increased heat stress resistance, increased biomass, earlier flowering, increased number of flowers, fruits and seeds, as well as increased seed size and mass relative to a plant that is identical except for the presence of said genetic modification.

4. The plant of claim 1 or 3, wherein the APC7 gene encodes a protein comprising an amino acid sequence having at least about 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 100% sequence identity to an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1, 2 and 4-73.

5. Plant according to claim 1 or 3, wherein the genetic modification is the insertion of an exogenous polynucleotide, mutagenesis or genome editing to increase the expression of the endogenous APC7 gene.

6. The plant of claim 5, wherein the mutagenesis is random or directed.

7. The plant of claim 6, wherein the mutagenesis is selected from the group consisting of chemical mutagenesis, radiation mutagenesis, and transposon mutagenesis.

8. The plant of claim 5, wherein the genetic modification is genomic editing to increase the expression of the endogenous APC7 gene.

9. The plant of claim 8, wherein the genome editing is performed using a technique selected from the group consisting of transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs), RNA-guided Fokl nucleases, homing endonucleases, CRISPR-Cas9, and CRISPR-Cas12a(Cpf1).

10. Plant with at least one improved agronomic characteristic, wherein said plant comprises a genetic modification as defined in any one of claims 1 to 9 and a genetic modification that leads to the total or partial silencing of a native plant gene belonging to the AIP10 / ABAP1 regulatory network.

11. Plant according to claim 10, characterized in that the native plant gene belonging to the AIP10 / ABAP1 regulatory network is the AIP10 gene.

12. Plant according to claim 10, characterized in that the native plant gene belonging to the AIP10 / ABAP1 regulatory network is the ABAP1 gene.

13. The plant of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the plant is selected from the group consisting of rice, sugarcane, corn, sorghum, ryegrass, oats, wheat, rye and barley.

14. The plant according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the plant is selected from the group consisting of apple, lettuce, sunflower, coffee, olive, soybean, eucalyptus, canola, red clover, chickpea, beans, cowpeas, tomatoes, strawberries, cashews, grapevines, cassava, cocoa and cotton.

15. Genome of a plant as defined in any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. A method for producing a plant with an improved agronomic characteristic, wherein the method comprises crossing a plant as defined in any one of claims 1 to 14 with a second plant to produce progeny plants with an improved agronomic characteristic.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising backcrossing or self-fertilizing the progeny to produce a new generation of plants homozygous for the genetic modification.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein the second plant comprises a genetic modification that leads to the total or partial silencing of a native plant gene belonging to the AIP10 / ABAP1 regulatory network.

19. Method according to claim 18, characterized in that the native plant gene belonging to the AIP10 / ABAP1 regulatory network is the AIP10 gene.

20. Method according to claim 18, characterized in that the native plant gene belonging to the AIP10 / ABAP1 regulatory network is the ABAP1 gene.

21. Method for producing a plant with an improved agronomic characteristic, wherein the method comprises introducing a genetic modification that results in an increased expression of the APC7 gene relative to a plant that is identical except for the presence of said genetic modification, wherein the improved agronomic characteristic is selected from the group consisting of increased photosynthetic efficiency, increased carbon fixation, increased resistance to heat stress relative to a plant that is identical except for the presence of said genetic modification.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the APC7 gene encodes a protein comprising the amino acid sequence having at least about 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 100% sequence identity to an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1-74.

23. Method for producing a plant with an improved agronomic trait, wherein the method comprises introducing a genetic modification that results in an increased expression of the APC7 gene encoding a full-length APC7 protein relative to a plant that is identical except for the presence of said genetic modification, wherein the improved agronomic trait is selected from the group consisting of increased photosynthetic efficiency, increased carbon fixation, increased internal water use efficiency, increased heat stress resistance, increased biomass, earlier flowering, increased number of flowers, fruits and seeds, as well as increased seed size and mass relative to a plant that is identical except for the presence of said genetic modification.

24. The method of claim 21 or 23, wherein the APC7 gene encodes a protein comprising the amino acid sequence having at least about 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 100% sequence identity to an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1-73.

25. The method of claim 21 or 23, wherein the genetic modification is the insertion of an exogenous polynucleotide, mutagenesis, or genomic editing to increase the expression of the endogenous APC7 gene.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the mutagenesis is random or targeted.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein the mutagenesis is selected from the group consisting of chemical mutagenesis, radiation mutagenesis, and transposon mutagenesis.

28. The method of claim 21 or 23, wherein the genetic modification is to increase the expression of the endogenous APC7 gene introduced by genome editing.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the editing Genomics is performed using a technique selected from the group consisting of transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs), RNA-guided Fokl nucleases, homing endonucleases, CRISPR-Cas9, and CRISPR-Cas12a(Cpf1).

30. Method for producing a plant with improved agronomic characteristics, wherein the method comprises introducing a genetic modification that results in increased expression of the APC7 gene in relation to a plant that is identical except for the presence of said genetic modification and a genetic modification that leads to total or partial silencing of a native plant gene belonging to the AIP10 / ABAP1 regulatory network.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein the native plant gene belonging to the AIP10 / ABAP1 regulatory network is the AIP10 gene.

32. Method according to claim 30, characterized in that the native plant gene belonging to the AIP10 / ABAP1 regulatory network is the ABAP1 gene.

33. The method of claim 30, wherein the improved agronomic trait is selected from the group consisting of increased photosynthetic efficiency, increased carbon fixation, increased heat stress resistance, increased biomass, earlier flowering, increased number of flowers, fruits, and seeds, increased seed size and mass, increased nutritional value, increased resistance to pest nematodes, and increased responsiveness to beneficial bacteria.

34. The method of any one of claims 21 to 33, wherein the plant is selected from the group consisting of rice, sugarcane, corn, sorghum, ryegrass, oats, wheat, rye, and barley.

35. Method according to any one of claims 21 to 33, wherein the plant is selected from the group consisting of apple, lettuce, sunflower, coffee, olive, soybean, eucalyptus, canola, red clover, chickpea, bean, cowpea, tomato, strawberry, cashew, grapevine, cassava, cocoa and cotton.

36. A method of cultivating plants with at least one improved agronomic characteristic comprising cultivating one or more plants of any one of claims 1 to 14.

37. A method of capturing atmospheric carbon comprising cultivating a plant with a genetic modification of any one of claims 1 to 14.

38. Use of a plant, plant seed or plant part of any one of claims 1 to 14 for planting or growing a field of plants having at least one improved agronomic characteristic.

39. A method of producing a plant product comprising producing a plant product from a plant as defined in any one of claims 1 to 14.

40. A plant product obtainable from a plant as defined in any one of claims 1 to 14.

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