Abstract: Methods and compositions for modulating Slm1 are provided. Methods are provided for modulating the expression of Slm1 in a host plant or plant cell to modulate agronomic characteristics.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for identifying and selecting maize plants that have reduced grain moisture. Maize plants generated by the methods of the invention are also a feature of the invention.

Abstract: Nucleotide sequences, amino acid sequences, and an associated promoter sequence are useful in methods of controlling male fertility in plants. Recombinant expression cassettes, vectors, plant cells, and plants comprise a disclosed nucleotide sequence and may encode a disclosed amino acid sequence. The recombinant expression cassettes are useful in controlling fertility, especially male fertility of annual crops. The promoter is useful in driving expression of an operably-linked heterologous polynucleotide. Constructs comprising homology to the promoter sequence are useful for downregulation of a polynucleotide associated with the promoter.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for identifying and selecting maize plants with enhanced resistance to northern leaf blight. Maize plants generated by the methods of the invention are also a feature of the invention.

Abstract: Computational analysis of hundreds of RNA-seq libraries enabled the identification of novel transcripts in maize. The novel transcripts are provided herein, as are recombinant DNA constructs comprising such, transgenic plants or cell thereof comprising the recombinant DNA constructs, and methods for generating transgenic seed and plants with improved agronomic characteristics.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for identifying maize plants that have newly conferred tolerance or enhanced tolerance to, or are susceptible to, Gray Leaf Spot (GLS). The methods use molecular genetic markers to identify, select and/or construct tolerant plants or identify and counter-select susceptible plants. Maize plants that display newly conferred tolerance or enhanced tolerance to GLS that are generated by the methods of the invention are also a feature of the invention.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for increasing a plant's resistance to an insect pest such as the corn rootworm are provided. Methods are provided for overexpression of Crw2, or variants thereof, in a host plant or plant cell to increase resistance to an insect pest in a plant such as maize. Methods are also provided for identifying variants of Crw2 that when incorporated into a plant via transgenic or traditional breeding means increase resistance to an insect pest in a plant such as maize. Also provided are methods for increasing resistance by overexpressing Crw1 and Crw2.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for identifying and selecting maize plants with enhanced resistance to northern leaf blight. Maize plants generated by the methods of the invention are also a feature of the invention.

Abstract: Nucleotide sequences and amino acid sequences may be useful in methods mediating male fertility in plants, particularly maize, rice, or sorghum. Wild-type and mutant forms are useful for various purposes. Vectors, plant cells, and plants comprise the nucleotide sequences or amino acid sequences. A promoter sequence operably linked to a polynucleotide of interest provides expression preferentially in male reproductive tissue.

Abstract: A nuclear maize gene is mutated to result in dominant male sterility. Two mutants are provided which impact signal peptide processing. Restoration constructs and methods are provided for use of the dominant male-sterile mutants in producing hybrid seed for male-sterile hybrid plants. Other signal-peptide modifications are provided. Orthologs of the wild type or mutated gene in various species are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for identifying and selecting maize plants with enhanced resistance to northern leaf blight. Maize plants generated by the methods of the invention are also a feature of the invention.

Abstract: Genetic male sterile plants are provided in which complementing constructs result in suppression of a parental phenotype in the progeny. Methods to generate and maintain such plants and methods of use of said plants, are provided, including use of parental plants to produce sterile plants for hybrid seed production.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for identifying maize plants that have newly conferred tolerance or enhanced tolerance to, or are susceptible to, Gray Leaf Spot (GLS). The methods use molecular genetic markers to identify, select and/or construct tolerant plants or identify and counter-select susceptible plants. Maize plants that display newly conferred tolerance or enhanced tolerance to GLS that are generated by the methods of the invention are also a feature of the invention.

Abstract: Head smut is one of the most devastating diseases in maize, causing severe yield loss worldwide. The present invention describes the fine-mapping of a major QTL conferring resistance to head smut. Markers useful for breeding, and methods for conferring head smut resistance are described. Nucleic acid sequence from the genetic locus conferring head smut resistance is disclosed. Genes encoding proteins conferring head smut resistance are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for identifying and selecting maize plants with enhanced resistance to Exserohilum and/or northern leaf blight. Maize plants generated by the methods of the invention are also a feature of the invention.

Abstract: Head smut is one of the most devastating diseases in maize, causing severe yield loss worldwide. The present invention describes the fine-mapping of a major QTL conferring resistance to head smut. Markers useful for breeding, and methods for conferring head smut resistance are described. Nucleic acid sequence from the genetic locus conferring head smut resistance is disclosed. Genes encoding proteins conferring head smut resistance are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for identifying maize plants that have newly conferred tolerance or enhanced tolerance to, or are susceptible to, Gray Leaf Spot (GLS). The methods use molecular genetic markers to identify, select and/or construct tolerant plants or identify and counter-select susceptible plants. Maize plants that display newly conferred tolerance or enhanced tolerance to GLS that are generated by the methods of the invention are also a feature of the invention.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to the detection of genetic differences among soybeans. More particularly, the invention relates to soybean quantitative trait loci (QTL) for tolerance to protoporphyrinogen oxidase inhibitors, to soybean plants possessing these QTLs, which map to a novel chromosomal region, and to genetic markers that are indicative of phenotypes associated with protoporphyrinogen oxidase inhibitor tolerance. Methods and compositions for use of these markers in genotyping of soybean and selection are also disclosed.

Abstract: Nucleotide sequences of a Msca1 gene, critical to male fertility in plants are described, with DNA molecule and amino acid sequences set forth. Promoter sequences and their essential regions are also identified. The nucleotide sequences are useful in impacting male fertility in plants.

Abstract: Nucleotide sequences of a Msca1 gene, critical to male fertility in plants are described, with DNA molecule and amino acid sequences set forth. Promoter sequences and their essential regions are also identified. The nucleotide sequences are useful in impacting male fertility in plants.