Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for improving the transformation frequency of Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of maize embryos. A preferred method for transforming maize using Agrobacterium comprises the steps of: contacting at least one immature embryo from a maize plant with Agrobacterium capable of transferring at least one gene to said embryo; co-cultivating the embryos with Agrobacterium; culturing the embryos in medium comprising N6 salts, an antibiotic capable of inhibiting the growth of Agrobacterium, and a selective agent to select for embryos expressing the gene; and regenerating plants expressing the gene.

Abstract: A method for the production of transgenic plants is provided in which a vector carrying a gene encoding the green fluorescent protein is introduced into cells, the cells are screened for the protein and transformed cells are selected and regenerated. The cellular toxicity of the green fluorescent protein is circumvented by regulating expression of the gene encoding the protein or directing the protein to a subcellular compartment where it is not toxic to the cell. DNA constructs are provided for cell transformation in which the expression of a gene encoding the green fluorescent protein is placed under the control of an inducible promoter. In addition, DNA constructs are provided in which a nucleotide sequence encoding the green fluorescent protein is operably linked to a signal sequence which directs the expressed protein to a subcellular compartment where the protein is not toxic to the cell.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the efficient transformation of sorghum is provided. The method involves infection with Agrobacterium, particularly those comprising a super-binary vector. In this manner, any gene of interest can be introduced into the sorghum plant. The transformed gene will be flanked by at least one T-DNA border and present in the transformed sorghum in low copy number. Transformed sorghum, cells, tissues, plants, and seed are also provided. The invention encompasses regenerated, fertile sorghum plants, transgenic seeds produced therefrom, T1 and subsequent generations.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the efficient transformation of sorghum is provided. The method involves infection with Agrobacterium, particularly those comprising a super-binary vector. In this manner, any gene of interest can be introduced into the sorghum plant. The transformed gene will be flanked by at least one T-DNA border and present in the transformed sorghum in low copy number. Transformed sorghum, cells, tissues, plants, and seed are also provided. The invention encompasses regenerated, fertile sorghum plants, transgenic seeds produced therefrom, T1 and subsequent generations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for improving the transformation frequency of Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of maize embryos. A preferred method for transforming maize using Agrobacterium comprises the steps of: contacting at least one immature embryo from a maize plant with Agrobacterium capable of transferring at least one gene to said embryo; co-cultivating the embryos with Agrobacterium; culturing the embryos in medium comprising N6 salts, an antibiotic capable of inhibiting the growth of Agrobacterium, and a selective agent to select for embryos expressing the gene; and regenerating plants expressing the gene.

Abstract: A family of genes has been found in plants, said genes encoding a family of developmental proteins that have homologous structures to the mammalian QM genes. Recombinant molecules which include the QM genes in plants are useful to transform cells and regenerate plants that, as a result, have altered developmental pathways. Methods of producing male sterile plants use recombinant molecules containing either the QM sense genes or antesense genes with appropriate promoters.

Abstract: A family of genes has been found in plants, said genes encoding a family of developmental proteins that have homologous structures to the mammalian QM genes. Recombinant molecules which include the QM genes in plants are useful to transform cells and regenerate plants that, as a result, have altered developmental pathways. Methods of producing male sterile plants use recombinant molecules containing either the QM sense genes or antesense genes with appropriate promoters.

Abstract: A method of maintaining sterility in plants is disclosed. The method comprises genetic transformation of parental plant lines with a sterility gene that is genetically linked to a resistance gene which confers resistance to a selective agent, increasing the transgenic parental line and coating the seed of the increased transgenic parental line with a composition comprising the selective agent to which the resistance gene confers resistance. The resistance gene can be under the control of an inducible gene, or, alternatively, under the control of constitutive or tissue specific, including seed-specific, promoters.

Abstract: A family of genes has been found in plants, said genes encoding a family of developmental proteins that have homologous structures to the mammalian QM genes. Recombinant molecules which include the QM genes in plants are useful to transform cells and regenerate plants that, as a result, have altered developmental pathways. Methods of producing male sterile plants use recombinant molecules containing either the QM sense genes or antesense genes with appropriate promoters.

Abstract: Recombinant plasmids adopted for transformation of prokaryotic and eukaryotic hosts having an insertion site for at least one DNA fragment are provided. In a preferred embodiment, nucleotide sequences coding for methotrexate-resistant dehydrofolate reductase and a nucleotide sequence, a portion thereof coding for a promoter, are ligated into the insertion site.