Abstract: Disclosed herein are plants exhibiting a semi-dwarf phenotype with reduced plant height compared to control wildtype plants. Some of the disclosed semi-dwarf plants comprise at least one non-natural brachytic mutation in which the activity of a BR2 gene is reduced. Also disclosed are methods for producing a semi-dwarf corn plant using a CRISPR based genome editing system.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides novel compositions and methods for collectively transforming or genetically modifying a population of distinct germplasm of different germplasms or having different genotypes. The compositions of the present disclosure may include a population of distinct germplasm, such as embryo explants, and a heterologous polynucleotide molecule, a ribonucleoprotein, or a site-specific nuclease. The methods of the present disclosure may include one or more steps of explant preparation, explant rehydration, Rhizobiales bacterium inoculation and co-culture or particle bombardment, bud induction, extended bud induction, and/or regeneration or development of genetically modified plants or plant parts. The methods provided herein may include transforming at least one plant cell of the embryo explants with a heterologous polynucleotide.

Abstract: Methods for improving the efficiency and productivity of hybrid corn seed production are provided herein. Various methods to improve the transfer of pollen from male corn plants to female corn plants, and thus increase yield, are provided herein. Without being limiting, these methods include varying the height of male and female corn plants in a field, as well as varying the number, arrangement, and ratio of male-to-female rows in a field.

Abstract: Methods for providing compositions to corn fields prior to harvesting are provided herein. These methods provide an extended time period for the use of lower height or standard height farm equipment in-season in corn fields, while reducing the risk of damage to the corn plants. These methods also allow for late season access with lower height or standard height farm equipment, while reducing the risk of damage to the corn plants.

Abstract: The invention provides novel methods to genotype haploid embryos using molecular assays. For example, quantitative methods for genotyping are provided. The methods provided also include providing a plurality of haploid kernels, determining the genotype of the haploid embryo of said kernels by distinguishing its genotype from the endosperm genotype, selecting a kernel having a desired genotype and producing doubled haploid plant from the selected kernel.

Abstract: Methods for improving the efficiency and productivity of hybrid corn seed production are provided herein. Various methods to improve the transfer of pollen from male corn plants to female corn plants, and thus increase yield, are provided herein. Without being limiting, these methods include varying the height of male and female corn plants in a field, as well as varying the number, arrangement, and ratio of male-to-female rows in a field.

Abstract: Methods for providing compositions to corn fields prior to harvesting are provided herein. These methods provide an extended time period for the use of lower height or standard height farm equipment in-season in corn fields, while reducing the risk of damage to the corn plants. These methods also allow for late season access with lower height or standard height farm equipment, while reducing the risk of damage to the corn plants.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for improved plant breeding using gene editing and haploid induction are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides novel methods to genotype haploid embryos using molecular assays. For example, quantitative methods for genotyping are provided. The methods provided also include providing a plurality of haploid kernels, determining the genotype of the haploid embryo of said kernels by distinguishing its genotype from the endosperm genotype, selecting a kernel having a desired genotype and producing doubled haploid plant from the selected kernel.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for improved plant breeding using gene editing and haploid induction are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides novel methods to genotype haploid embryos using molecular assays. For example, quantitative methods for genotyping are provided. The methods provided also include providing a plurality of haploid kernels, determining the genotype of the haploid embryo of said kernels by distinguishing its genotype from the endosperm genotype, selecting a kernel having a desired genotype and producing doubled haploid plant from the selected kernel.

Abstract: Methods for improving the efficiency and productivity of hybrid corn seed production are provided herein. Various methods to improve the transfer of pollen from male corn plants to female corn plants, and thus increase yield, are provided herein. Without being limiting, these methods include varying the height of male and female corn plants in a field, as well as varying the number, arrangement, and ratio of male-to-female rows in a field.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are plants exhibiting a semi-dwarf phenotype with reduced plant height compared to control wildtype plants. Some of the disclosed semi-dwarf plants comprise at least one non-natural brachytic mutation in which the activity of a BR2 gene is reduced. Also disclosed are methods for producing a semi-dwarf corn plant using a CRISPR based genome editing system.

Abstract: Methods for providing compositions to corn fields prior to harvesting are provided herein. These methods provide an extended time period for the use of lower height or standard height farm equipment in-season in corn fields, while reducing the risk of damage to the corn plants. These methods also allow for late season access with lower height or standard height farm equipment, while reducing the risk of damage to the corn plants.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for improved plant breeding using gene editing and haploid induction are provided.

Abstract: An automated small particle distribution system is provided for transferring small particles from source tubes to destination tubes. The system includes a loading deck that is structured and operable to store and provide a plurality of source tube trays and a plurality of destination tube trays. Each source tube tray includes a plurality of source tubes stored therein, and each destination tube tray includes a plurality of destination tubes stored therein. The system additionally includes a work deck is structured and operable to receive selected source tube trays and selected destination tube trays from the loading deck, aspirate various specified amounts of small objects stored in selected source tubes, and deposit the aspirated small objects into selected destination tubes without cross-contamination of small objects.

Abstract: Portable systems and methods for amplifying nucleotides and for detecting nucleotide sequences in a sample are provided. The portable instruments and methods use RPA techniques for DNA amplification and detect sample fluorescence in response to amplification and/or to the presence of specific DNA sequences.

Abstract: Portable systems and methods for amplifying nucleotides and for detecting nucleotide sequences in a sample are provided. The portable instruments and methods use RPA techniques for DNA amplification and detect sample fluorescence in response to amplification and/or to the presence of specific DNA sequences.

Abstract: An automated small particle distribution system is provided for transferring small particles from source tubes to destination tubes. The system includes a loading deck that is structured and operable to store and provide a plurality of source tube trays and a plurality of destination tube trays. Each source tube tray includes a plurality of source tubes stored therein, and each destination tube tray includes a plurality of destination tubes stored therein. The system additionally includes a work deck is structured and operable to receive selected source tube trays and selected destination tube trays from the loading deck, aspirate various specified amounts of small objects stored in selected source tubes, and deposit the aspirated small objects into selected destination tubes without cross-contamination of small objects.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods for improving desirable animal traits including the horned/polled phenotype in bovine animals. Also provided are methods for determining a dairy animal's genotype with respect to multiple markers associated with polled, fitness and/or productivity traits. The invention also provides methods for selecting or allocating animals for predetermined uses such as progeny testing or nucleus herd breeding, for picking potential parent animals for breeding, and for producing improved progeny animals. Also provided are methods for identifying genetic markers associated with polled, fitness and/or productivity traits that are in allelic association with the SNPs disclosed herein.