Abstract: An apparatus for preparing multiple plant embryos for plant production includes a first station having a first rack system configured to support at least one incubation vessel, a second station having an automated member configured to manipulate the at least one incubation vessel and a third station having a second rack system configured to support the at least one incubation vessel after being manipulated by the automated member. The second station can be selectively adjusted to perform more than one operation required in the development of plant embryos.

Abstract: Novel isolated vascular tissue-specific plant polynucleotide promoter sequences are provided, together with genetic constructs comprising such polynucleotides. Methods for using such constructs in modulating the transcription of DNA sequences of interest are also disclosed, together with transgenic plants comprising such constructs.

Abstract: Novel isolated polynucleotides and polypeptides associated with the lignin biosynthetic pathway are provided, together with genetic constructs including such sequences. Methods for the modulation of lignin content, lignin structure and lignin composition in target organisms are also disclosed, the methods comprising incorporating one or more of the polynucleotides of the present invention into the genome of a target organism.