Abstract: Methods and compositions used to prevent or decrease reduction, or reduction and recombination, during meiosis in female sporocyte, female gametophytes, or female gametes are described herein. The compositions and methods may include silencing elements and/or use gene-editing technology to decrease or inhibit Nrf4 expression levels or activity. Further provided are compositions and methods for the production of a plant that has ovules comprising non-reduced, or non-reduced and non-recombined, gametes, and/or seeds that contain clonal maternal embryos.

Abstract: Nucleotide sequences mediating male fertility in plants are described, with DNA molecule and amino acid sequences set forth. Promoter sequences and their essential regions are also identified. The nucleotide sequences and promoter sequences are useful in methods mediating male fertility in plants, as described. Vectors, plant cells, and plants comprising the nucleotide sequences and/or promoter regions are also provided.