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: This invention relates to the isolation and characterization of a novel gene from Arabidopsis with maternal gametophyte control of pollen tube development and sperm release. The novel gene and gene product may be used to manipulate the function of gametophytes, fertilization and pollination for the generation of apomixis in Arabidopsis and other plant types. Novel sequences, polypeptides and methods of use for the same are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to the isolation and characterization of a Polycomb gene from Arabidopsis with maternal control of embryogenesis. The novel gene and gene product may be used to manipulate embryo and endosperm cell proliferation for the generation of parthenocarpy, seed specific characteristics, inhibition of propagation of undesirable plants or apomixis in Arabidopsis and other plant types. Two mutations of this gene have also been identified which identify maternal effect embryo lethality.