Abstract: A novel maize variety designated X13M657 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X13M657 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X13M657 through backcrossing or genetic transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are described. Maize variety X13M657, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X13M657 are provided. Methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X13M657 and methods of using maize variety X13M657 are disclosed.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated X08M617 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X08M617 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X08M617 through backcrossing or genetic transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are described. Maize variety X08M617, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X08M617 are provided. Methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X08M617 and methods of using maize variety X08M617 are disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for the use of pollen-inhibitor genes and/or color marker genes in accelerated trait introgression. Compositions and methods are also provided for introducing a pollen-inhibitor gene and/or a color marker gene in close proximity to a trait locus of interest. Breeding methods and methods for selecting plants comprising a trait locus of interest in close proximity to at least one pollen-inhibitor gene and/or color marker gene are also disclosed. The methods and compositions employ at least one pollen-inhibitor gene and/or color marker gene to provide an effective system for accelerated trait introgression in the genome of a plant.