Abstract: The present invention pertains to genetically modified plants, particularly maize, sorghum and rice, with an all pistillate or all staminate phenotype and methods of the same. The survival of functional pistils in maize requires the action of the sk1 gene. SK1 encodes a glycosyltransferase (GT) that protects pistils from tasselseed-mediated cell death. sk1-dependent pistil protection at a developing floret gives rise to stamen arrest at the same floret, and so determines the pistillate floral fate. This is the first single gain-of-function gene known to control sexuality. The present invention further provides a direct strategy to extend hybrid technologies to related cereals such as sorghum and rice. Tasselseed and silkless genes represent major sex determination genes in maize, a pathway that permits the efficient production of hybrid seed and the associated benefits of heterosis-increased yield, resistance to pathogens, etc.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of controlling the sexuality of a plant comprising treating the plant with a composition comprising a compound selected from the group consisting of jasmonic acid, a jasmonic acid derivative, and a salt thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of controlling the sexuality of a plant comprising treating the plant with a composition comprising a compound selected from the group consisting of jasmonic acid, a jasmonic acid derivative, and a salt thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of controlling the sexuality of a plant comprising treating the plant with a composition comprising a compound selected from the group consisting of jasmonic acid, a jasmonic acid derivative, and a salt thereof.

Abstract: Genetic constructs and methods are disclosed for the production, maintenance and control of transgenes in transgenic eukaryotic organisms that undergo meiosis in which pollen or sperm can be outcrossed; this includes: transgenic animals, plant cells, plant tissues and whole plants. More specifically, this invention relates to the control of transgene transmission by male and/or female gametes or gametophytes using a gametophytic sterility trait (GST). The genetic constructs and methodologies of the present invention provide the ability to control the undesired spread of transgenes. In addition, this invention also provides the tools and methodologies to enrich a plant or other eukaryotic genome for dispersed and/or stable transposition events.

Abstract: Genetic constructs and methods are disclosed for the production, maintenance and control of transgenes in transgenic eukaryotic organisms that undergo meiosis in which pollen or sperm can be outcrossed; this includes: transgenic animals, plant cells, plant tissues and whole plants. More specifically, this invention relates to the control of transgene transmission by male and/or female gametes or gametophytes using a gametophytic sterility trait (GST). The genetic constructs and methodologies of the present invention provide the ability to control the undesired spread of transgenes. In addition, this invention also provides the tools and methodologies to enrich a plant or other eukaryotic genome for dispersed and/or stable transposition events.

Abstract: The present invention provides a highly-efficient method for the selection and identification of insertional mutants. In the technique, a non-selective amplification is used to isolate a plurality of insertion events from a population of individuals comprising insertion mutations. Specific insertion events can then be identified from the population by the use of gene specific probes or primers. Through the identification of mutants for a particular gene, data may be obtained regarding the function and phenotypic effects of that gene, and thereby, the gene can be employed in the creation of novel biotechnological products.

Abstract: Genetic constructs and methods are disclosed for the production, maintenance and control of transgenes in transgenic eukaryotic organisms that undergo meiosis in which pollen or sperm can be outcrossed; this includes: transgenic animals, plant cells, plant tissues and whole plants. More specifically, this invention relates to the control of transgene transmission by male and/or female gametes or gametophytes using a gametophytic sterility trait (GST). The genetic constructs and methodologies of the present invention provide the ability to control the undesired spread of transgenes. In addition, this invention also provides the tools and methodologies to enrich a plant or other eukaryotic genome for dispersed and/or stable transposition events.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the unexpected observation that DNA methylation, particularly at cytosine residues, regulates the rate of development of a plant. Based on this observation, the present invention provides methods of increasing or decreasing the rate of development of a plant by either increasing or decreasing the amount of methylated DNA found in the plant. The present invention further provides plants that have been altered such that their rate of maturation is either increased or decreased relative to the rate of maturation of a non-altered plant.

Abstract: The present invention provides a highly-efficient method for the selection and identification of insertional mutants. In the technique, a non-selective amplification is used to isolate a plurality of insertion events from a population of individuals comprising insertion mutations. Specific insertion events can then be identified from the population by the use of gene specific probes or primers. Through the identification of mutants for a particular gene, data may be obtained regarding the function and phenotypic effects of that gene, and thereby, the gene can be employed in the creation of novel biotechnological products.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the unexpected observation that DNA methylation, particularly at cytosine residues, regulates the rate of development of a plant. Based on this observation, the present invention provides methods of increasing or decreasing the rate of development of a plant by either increasing or decreasing the amount of methylated DNA found in the plant. The present invention further provides plants that have been altered such that their rate of maturation is either increased or decreased relative to the rate of maturation of a non-altered plant.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the amino acid and nucleotide sequence of the TS2 protein. The present invention provides isolated nucleic acid molecules that encode the TS2 protein, vectors containing the TS2 encoding nucleic acid molecules and hosts transformed to express the TS2 protein, particularly plant hosts.