Abstract: This invention describes a new method to generate hybrid seed in any crop plant while also reducing contamination from out-crossings and self-pollination. In contrast to conventional seed production methods, the method of the invention is not dependent on the use of any form of male sterility in the female parent plants, nor the use of isolation distances from unrelated and undesirable plants of the same species, nor the use of male parent plants in proximity to the targeted females. The process involves the delivery of pollen of the male parent at will, as available either in a preserved pollen bank, or using real-time collection from male plants as they become available. Desired pollen is delivered to fertile females during the period when viable pollen from the females and locally proximal unrelated plants is not being released.

Abstract: This invention describes a new method to increase grain yields in any crop plant by modifying pollination to effect an increase in grain yield, a change in grain content or characteristics, a decrease in contamination, or a combination of these attributes. The process involves the intentional delivery of pollen of the male plant at will, as available either in a preserved pollen bank, or real-time collection from male plants as they become available, in a growth chamber for example. Desired pollen is delivered to fertile females. The delivered pollenM is in such amounts and fortuitously timed that it preferentially pollinates the females and optionally, avoids or enhances self-pollination or pollination from neighboring plants. The intentional delivery of genetically different pollen will result in increased heterosis and accompanying grain yield increases resulting from increased grain size and the potential to influence grain content and constituents.

Abstract: The present invention provides expression vectors comprising polynucleotides encoding chimeric sucrose isomerases, and methods of using the same. In addition, transgenic plants expressing said chimeric sucrose isomerases are provided. Furthermore, methods of increasing average seed weight, seed number and/or seed size of a plant by using said chimeric sucrose isomerases are provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns methods and compositions relating to UXS polypeptides and/or nucleic acids encoding UXS polypeptides. In certain claims, the methods and compositions are of use to improve digestibility and/or ease of grain processing. Such improvements relate to a modulation in arabinoxylan and/or hemicellulose content in transgenic plants. Such plants can, for example, comprise one or more nucleic acid sequences that inhibit expression of one or more UDP-Xylose Synthase (UXS) genes.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for altering the levels of reversibly glycosylated polypeptide (RGP) in plants are provided. The present invention recognizes that by altering the level of expression of RGP, plants and seeds having beneficial qualities can be obtained. The invention involves controlled suppression of RGP expression to obtain plants and seeds having decreased amounts of hemicellulose and arabinose. Controlled suppression of RGP, particularly in vegetative tissues and seeds, leads to plants with desirable characteristics, including altered cell wall structure, reduced grain fiber content, increased seed protein, increased oil content, and altered arabinoxylan or xyloglucan levels. Compositions of the invention include constructs for the suppression of RGP and transformed plants and seeds having the altered phenotype of the invention.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for modulating MIOX activity are provided. Such compositions include nucleotide sequences for novel MIOX sequences obtained from maize, amino acid sequences for the proteins encoded by the nucleotide sequences of the invention, and variants and fragments thereof. Methods of the invention involve introducing into a plant a nucleotide construct comprising a MIOX nucleotide sequence operably linked to a promoter that drives expression in a plant. Expression of the novel nucleotide sequences disclosed herein confers advantageous agronomic properties on a plant. Transformed plants, plant cells, and seeds are additionally provided.

Abstract: The invention alters the physical characteristics of starch granules in a plant. Methods are provided for reducing starch granule size by stably introducing into the genome of the plant or plant cell a DNA construct comprising a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide operably linked to a promoter that drives expression in a plant and operably linked to a plastid transit peptide. Compositions of the invention include transgenic plants and seeds having a reduced starch granule size. Compositions also include starch isolated from these plants and seeds. The modified starch granules find use in a wide range of food, feed, and industrial applications.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for modulating the production and characteristics of oil in a plant or plant part thereof are provided. Compositions of the invention are nucleotide constructs that provide for expression of transcriptional activators that increase lipid biosynthesis in a plant in combination with the inhibition or disruption of starch biosynthesis and/or starch storage, and optionally in combination with expression of another polynucleotide of interest. Compositions also include transformed plants, plant cells, plant tissues, and plant seeds comprising these nucleotide constructs. The methods of the invention comprise introducing a combination of polynucleotides into a plant, wherein the polynucleotides provide for increased lipid biosynthesis and disruption of starch biosynthesis and/or starch storage, and optionally alteration of fatty acid metabolism. The methods and constructs find use in alteration of oil phenotype in a plant or plant part thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of obtaining a greater than normal concentration of oil in the seed of a plant, the method comprising altering the carbon metabolism in the seed leading to an alteration in the partitioning of assimilates from starch biosynthesis to enhance the biosynthesis and accumulation of oil, preferably without significantly affecting the size of the storage organ in a way that adversely impacts the commercial value of the material. Seeds produced by the present methods are also provided.

Abstract: Plants, particularly cereal plants, which have improved ability to synthesise starch at elevated or lowered temperatures and/or to synthesise starch with an altered fine structure are produced by inserting into the genome of the plant (i) a gene(s) encoding a form of an enzyme of the starch or glycogen biosynthetic pathway, particularly soluble starch synthase and/or branching enzyme and/or glycogen synthase, which display an activity which continues to increase over a temperature range over which the activity would normally be expected to decrease, and/or (ii) a gene(s) encoding sense and anti-sense constructs of enzymes of the starch biosynthetic pathway, particularly soluble starch synthase and/or branching enzyme and/or glycogen synthase, which alters the natural ratios of expression of the said enzymes or inserts enzymes with special structural characteristics which alter the natural branching pattern in starch.