Abstract: A novel method for prediction of the degree of heterotic phenotypes in plants is disclosed. Structural variation analyses of the genome are used to predict the degree of a heterotic phenotype in plants. In some examples, copy number variation is used to predict the degree of heterotic phenotype. In some methods copy number variation is detected using competitive genomic hybridization arrays. Further, methods for optimizing the arrays are disclosed, together with kits for producing such arrays, as well as hybrid plants selected for development based on the predicted results.

Abstract: Compositions and methods useful in identifying and selecting maize plants with increased ear weight and yield are provided herein. The methods use molecular genetic markers to identify and/or select maize plants with increased ear weight and increased yield or to identify and counter-select maize plants with decreased ear weight and decreased yield.

Abstract: A novel method for prediction of the degree of heterotic phenotypes in plants is disclosed. Structural variation analyses of the genome are used to predict the degree of a heterotic phenotype in plants. In some examples, copy number variation is used to predict the degree of heterotic phenotype. In some methods copy number variation is detected using competitive genomic hybridization arrays. Further, methods for optimizing the arrays are disclosed, together with kits for producing such arrays, as well as hybrid plants selected for development based on the predicted results.

Abstract: Compositions and methods useful in identifying and selecting maize plants with increased ear weight and yield are provided herein. The methods use molecular genetic markers to identify and/or select maize plants with increased ear weight and increased yield or to identify and counter-select maize plants with decreased ear weight and decreased yield.

Abstract: This invention relates to isolated nucleic acid fragments encoding polypeptides involved in post-transcriptional gene silencing. The invention also relates to construction of a recombinant DNA construct encoding all or a portion of the polypeptide involved in post-transcriptional gene silencing, in sense or antisense orientation, wherein expression of the recombinant DNA construct results in production of altered levels in a transformed host cell of the the polypeptide involved in post-transcriptional gene silencing.

Abstract: This invention relates to isolated nucleic acid fragments encoding polypeptides involved in post-transcriptional gene silencing. The invention also relates to construction of a recombinant DNA construct encoding all or a portion of the polypeptide involved in post-transcriptional gene silencing, in sense or antisense orientation, wherein expression of the recombinant DNA construct results in production of altered levels in a transformed host cell of the polypeptide involved in post-transcriptional gene silencing.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for identifying and for selecting maize plants with mechanical stalk strength characteristics. The methods use molecular markers to identify and select plants with increased mechanical stalk strength or to identify and counter-select plants with decreased mechanical stalk strength. Maize plants generated by the methods of the invention are also a feature of the invention.

Abstract: A novel method for prediction of the degree of heterotic phenotypes in plants is disclosed. Structural variation analyses of the genome are used to predict the degree of a heterotic phenotype in plants. In some examples, copy number variation is used to predict the degree of heterotic phenotype. In some methods copy number variation is detected using competitive genomic hybridization arrays. Further, methods for optimizing the arrays are disclosed, together with kits for producing such arrays, as well as hybrid plants selected for development based on the predicted results.

Abstract: A novel method for prediction of the degree of heterotic phenotypes in plants is disclosed. Structural variation analyzes of the genome are used to predict the degree of a heterotic phenotype in plants. In some examples, copy number variation is used to predict the degree of heterotic phenotype. In some methods copy number variation is detected using competitive genomic hybridization arrays. Further, methods for optimizing the arrays are disclosed, together with kits for producing such arrays, as well as hybrid plants selected for development based on the predicted results.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for identifying and for selecting maize plants with mechanical stalk strength characteristics. The methods use molecular markers to identify and select plants with increased mechanical stalk strength or to identify and counter-select plants with decreased mechanical stalk strength. Maize plants generated by the methods of the invention are also a feature of the invention.

Abstract: This invention relates to isolated nucleic acid fragments encoding polypeptides involved in post-transcriptional gene silencing. The invention also relates to construction of a recombinant DNA construct encoding all or a portion of the polypeptide involved in post-transcriptional gene silencing, in sense or antisense orientation, wherein expression of the recombinant DNA construct results in production of altered levels in a transformed host cell of the polypeptide involved in post-transcriptional gene silencing.

Abstract: This invention relates to isolated nucleic acid fragments encoding polypeptides involved in post-transcriptional gene silencing. The invention also relates to construction of a recombinant DNA construct encoding all or a portion of the polypeptide involved in post-transcriptional gene silencing, in sense or antisense orientation, wherein expression of the recombinant DNA construct results in production of altered levels in a transformed host cell of the polypeptide involved in post-transcriptional gene silencing.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase nucleic acids and their encoded polypeptides. The present invention provides methods and compositions relating to altering pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase levels in plants. The invention further provides recombinant expression cassettes, host cells, transgenic plants, and antibody compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for identifying and for selecting maize plants with mechanical stalk strength characteristics. The methods use molecular markers to identify and select plants with increased mechanical stalk strength or to identify and counter-select plants with decreased mechanical stalk strength. Maize plants generated by the methods of the invention are also a feature of the invention.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase nucleic acids and their encoded polypeptides. The present invention provides methods and compositions relating to altering pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase levels in plants. The invention further provides recombinant expression cassettes, host cells, transgenic plants, and antibody compositions.

Abstract: This invention relates to isolated nucleic acid fragments encoding polypeptides involved in post-transcriptional gene silencing. The invention also relates to construction of a recombinant DNA construct encoding all or a portion of the polypeptide involved in post-transcriptional gene silencing, in sense or antisense orientation, wherein expression of the recombinant DNA construct results in production of altered levels in a transformed host cell of the polypeptide involved in post-transcriptional gene silencing.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase nucleic acids and their encoded polypeptides. The present invention provides methods and compositions relating to altering pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase levels in plants. The invention further provides recombinant expression cassettes, host cells, transgenic plants, and antibody compositions.

Abstract: This invention relates to isolated nucleic acid fragments encoding polypeptides involved in post-transcriptional gene silencing. The invention also relates to construction of a recombinant DNA construct encoding all or a portion of the polypeptide involved in post-transcriptional gene silencing, in sense or antisense orientation, wherein expression of the recombinant DNA construct results in production of altered levels in a transformed host cell of the polypeptide involved in post-transcriptional gene silencing.

Abstract: This invention relates to isolated nucleic acid fragments encoding polypeptides involved in post-transcriptional gene silencing. The invention also relates to construction of a recombinant DNA construct encoding all or a portion of the polypeptide involved in post-transcriptional gene silencing, in sense or antisense orientation, wherein expression of the recombinant DNA construct results in production of altered levels in a transformed host cell of the polypeptide involved in post-transcriptional gene silencing.

Abstract: This invention relates to isolated nucleic acid fragments encoding polypeptides involved in post-transcriptional gene silencing. The invention also relates to construction of a recombinant DNA construct encoding all or a portion of the polypeptide involved in post-transcriptional gene silencing, in sense or antisense orientation, wherein expression of the recombinant DNA construct results in production of altered levels in a transformed host cell of the polypeptide involved in post-transcriptional gene silencing.