Abstract: Chimeric GRF-GIF polypeptides that can be used to improve the capacity of plant cells to regenerate embryogenic plant tissues, plant organs, and whole plants are disclosed. Also disclosed are plant cells comprising the chimeric polypeptides and related methods for improving the capacity of the plant cells to regenerate embryogenic plant tissues, plant organs, and whole plants.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods of preparing soybean explants. During explant preparation, mature seeds are typically first imbibed in water. Instead of using dry seeds directly for imbibition, the moisture content of the seeds is first partially increased. The provided methods significantly diminish imbibition-caused soybean seed cracking and improve explant viability.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the production of soybean embryogenic callus and somatic embryos. The invention further provides methods of transforming explants that includes generating somatic embryo tissue. The transgenic somatic embryos produced can be used for regenerating stable transgenic plants.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the Agrobacterium-mediated germline transformation of soybean, comprising infecting split soybean seeds, with a portion of the embryonic axis, with Agrobacterium tumefaciens containing a transgene. The method can further comprise regenerating the explants produced from the transformation of the split soybean seeds comprising a portion of embryonic axis in vitro on selection medium.