Abstract: Expression cassettes causing specific regulatory control of transgene expression in plants, wherein the expression cassettes include regulatory sequences from the MADS gene family for expression of recombinant gene products in the reproductive tissue of plants for the purpose of generating abiotic stress tolerant plants.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for increasing the nutritional value of plants and plant parts. In illustrative embodiments PEAMT and ?PEAMT polynucleotide and polypeptide compositions are disclosed as well as their use in modulating the levels of lipid compounds, and particularly, regulating the level of phosphatidylcholine, and its precursors in plants and seeds derived therefrom. Also disclosed are methods for modulating the level of glycine betaine and choline-O-sulfate in cells, and increasing the tolerance of transformed plants to osmotic and cryogenic stress.