Abstract: Compositions and methods for modulating flower organ development, leaf formation, phototropism, apical dominance, fruit development, initiation of roots, and for increasing yield in a plant are provided. The compositions include a ZmPKT sequence. Compositions of the invention comprise amino acid sequences and nucleotide sequences selected from SEQ ID NOS: 1 and 2 as well as variants and fragments thereof. Nucleotide sequences encoding the ZmPKT polypeptides are provided in DNA constructs for expression in a plant of interest are provided for modulating the level of a ZmPKT sequence in a plant or a plant part are provided. The methods comprise introducing into a plant or plant part a heterologous polynucleotide comprising a ZmPKT sequence of the invention. The level of the ZmPKT polypeptide can be increased or decreased. Such method can be used to increase the yield in plants; in one embodiment, the method is used to increase grain yield in cereals.

Abstract: This invention relates to isolated polynucleotides encoding WUS polypeptides. The invention further provides isolated WUS polypeptides. The invention also provides methods of using the polynucleotides to modulate the level of WUS, improve transformation efficiency, to stimulate plant cell growth, including stem cells, to stimulate organogenesis, to stimulate somatic embryogenesis, to induce apomixis, and to provide a positive selection for cells comprising the polynucleotide. The invention also relates to cells, plants and seeds comprising the polynucleotides of the invention or produced by the methods of the invention.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for modulating development and/or developmental pathways are provided. The compositions of the present invention comprise nucleic acid and amino acid sequences. Particularly, the nucleotide sequence (SEQ ID NO:1, 3, 4 or 7) and amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:2 or 8) for a maize CLAVATA3-like (CLV3-like) polypeptide are provided. Methods are provided for the expression of the CLV3-like sequences in a host plant or plant cell to modulate plant development and/or developmental pathways. The methods of the invention find use in controlling or modulating cell division, differentiation and development. In particular, the sequences of the present invention find use in modulating meristem development. Transformed plants, plant cells, tissues, and seed are also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to isolated polynucleotides encoding WUS polypeptides. The invention further provides isolated WUS polypeptides. The invention also provides methods of using the polynucleotides to modulate the level of WUS, improve transformation efficiency, to stimulate plant cell growth, including stem cells, to stimulate organogenesis, to stimulate somatic embryogenesis, to induce apomixis, and to provide a positive selection for cells comprising the polynucleotide. The invention also relates to cells, plants and seeds comprising the polynucleotides of the invention or produced by the methods of the invention.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for modulating development and/or developmental pathways are provided. The compositions of the present invention comprise nucleic acid and amino acid sequences. Particularly, the nucleotide sequence (SEQ ID NO:1, 3, 4 or 7) and amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:2 or 8) for a maize CLAVATA3-like (CLV3-like) polypeptide are provided. Methods are provided for the expression of the CLV3-like sequences in a host plant or plant cell to modulate plant development and/or developmental pathways. The methods of the invention find use in controlling or modulating cell division, differentiation and development. In particular, the sequences of the present invention find use in modulating meristem development. Transformed plants, plant cells, tissues, and seed are also provided.