Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided which allow for the production of an inverted repeat in a plant or plant part, which, when transcribed as an RNA can be used in some examples to decrease expression of a target polynucleotide of interest. The methods and composition provide precursor inverted repeat cassettes that are not capable of producing a hairpin RNA polynucleotide, and plants and plant parts comprising such precursor inverted repeat cassettes. The precursor inverted repeat cassettes are altered in planta by using a recombination system to produce a inverted repeat. Plants, plant parts, and seeds comprising the various components are also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to a reproducible system for the production of stable, genetically transformed maize cells, and to methods of selecting cells that have been transformed. One method of selection disclosed employs the Streptomyces bar gene introduced by microprojectile bombardment into embryogenic maize cells which were grown in suspension cultures, followed by exposure to the herbicide bialaphos. The methods of achieving stable transformation disclosed herein include tissue culture methods and media, methods for the bombardment of recipient cells with the desired transforming DNA, and methods of growing fertile plants from the transformed cells. This invention also relates to the transformed cells and seeds and to the fertile plants grown from the transformed cells and to their pollen.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided which allow for the production of an inverted repeat in a plant or plant part, which, when transcribed as an RNA can be used in some examples to decrease expression of a target polynucleotide of interest. The methods and composition provide precursor inverted repeat cassettes that are not capable of producing a hairpin RNA polynucleotide, and plants and plant parts comprising such precursor inverted repeat cassettes. The precursor inverted repeat cassettes are altered in planta by using a recombination system to produce a inverted repeat. Plants, plant parts, and seeds comprising the various components are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for reducing the level of expression of a target polynucleotide in an organism. The methods and compositions selectively silence the target polynucleotide through the expression of a chimeric polynucleotide comprising the target for a sRNA (the trigger sequence) operably linked to a sequence corresponding to all or part of the gene or genes to be silenced. In this manner, the final target of silencing is an endogenous gene in the organism in which the chimeric polynucleotide is expressed. In a further embodiment, the miRNA target is that of a heterologous miRNA or siRNA, the latter of which is coexpressed in the cells at the appropriate developmental stage to provide silencing of the final target when and where desired. In a further embodiment, the final target may be a gene in a second organism, such as a plant pest, that feeds upon the organism containing the chimeric gene or genes.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions that allow for the modulation of the level of at least two polynucleotides or the polypeptides encoded thereby in a plant or plant part. Specifically, the present invention relates to recombinant polynucleotides that are designed to allow for the overexpression of a polynucleotide of interest and also elicits a specific silencing effect on a second polynucleotide of interest. In specific embodiments, the level of at least two agronomically important sequences is modulated. Recombinant polynucleotides capable of eliciting these effects, as well as, plants, plant parts, seeds and grain having the recombinant polynucleotides are also provided.

Abstract: Recombinant constructs useful for reducing the expression of endogenous mRNA and any substantially similar endogenous mRNA are disclosed. In particular, a recombinant construct comprising, inter alia, a suitable nucleic acid sequence and its reverse complement can be used to alter the expression of any homologous, endogenous RNA (i.e., the target RNA) which is in proximity to this suitable nucleic acid sequence.