Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for producing a transgenic plant that exhibits altered characteristics resulting from over expression or under expression of a novel polypeptide PtM3 or its homolog PtM4. The altered characteristics resulting from over-expression include at least one of the ability to convert axillary meristem to floral meristem; to accelerate flowering i.e., early flowering; to increase fruit production; to increase nut production; to increase seed output; to increase branching; to increase flower production; to increase fruit yield; to increase flower yield and a combination thereof. The altered characteristics resulting from suppressed expression include at least one of complete sterility; partial sterility (sterility of only one sex of a bisexual plant); reduced pollen production; decreased flowering; increased biomass and combinations thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to plants having modified reproductive capacity. In particular, it relates to a plant reproductive tissue specific promoter, the PrAG1 promoter isolated from Pinus radiata, and its use in promoting transcription/expression of associated sequences in plant reproductive tissue, including for the purpose of producing plants which have diminished reproductive capacity or which are sterile.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for producing a transgenic plant that exhibits altered characteristics resulting from over expression or under expression of a novel polypeptide PtM3 or its homolog PtM4. The altered characteristics resulting from over-expression include at least one of the ability to convert axillary meristem to floral meristem; to accelerate flowering i.e., early flowering; to increase fruit production; to increase nut production; to increase seed output; to increase branching; to increase flower production; to increase fruit yield; to increase flower yield and a combination thereof. The altered characteristics resulting from suppressed expression include at least one of complete sterility; partial sterility (sterility of only one sex of a bisexual plant); reduced pollen production; decreased flowering; increased biomass and combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to transgenic trees having increased resistance to an imidazolinone herbicide. In particular, the present invention relates to larch and poplar trees transformed with an altered AHAS gene, wherein such transformation results in the trees' increased resistance to an imidazolinone herbicide.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of elm tree which produces leaves which are somewhat larger than other Chinese Elm cultivars with which it is most closely similar and which further exhibits cold hardiness to Zone 6 under typical environmental conditions.