Abstract: The present invention is directed to promoter fragments isolated from maize and particularly to a 4.7 kbp upstream promoter region designated ZRP2 of a ZRP2 genomic DNA clone, specific fragments thereof designated ZRP2(2.0) and ZRF2(1.0) and functional equivalents thereto. The promoter has particular utility in driving root preferential expression of heterologous genes that impart increased agronomic, horticultural and/or pesticidal characteristics to a given plant. This invention is also directed to DNA molecules including said promoters and transformed plant tissue including a DNA molecule comprising a promoter of the invention operably linked to a heterologous gene or genes and the seeds thereof.