Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated DNA sequences from Arabidopsis encoding proteins for regulating dehiscence of mature fruits and transgenic plants with delayed fruit dehiscence. The invention also relates to methods of preventing dispersal of seeds through the process of dehiscence (pod shattering) by transforming plants with DNA sequences encoding proteins that cause an indehiscent phenotype.

Abstract: The present invention provides genes and encoded proteins that are involved in meiocyte formation during the growth of plants. The transformation of plants and plant-related hosts with these genes in altered or unaltered form, or the mutation of these genes in endogenous form, renders a plant capable during growth of bearing seedless fruits and/or pollenless flowers. The invention further provides methods of producing transgenic plants which are capable of bearing seedless fruits and/or pollenless flowers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the prevention of the dispersal of seeds through the process of dehiscence (pod shattering), which leads to significant seed loss during harvesting of crops. We have identified and characterized the SGT10166 gene in Arabidopsis thaliana and mutations of the gene that prevent dehiscence of the mature fruit. The gene encodes a protein that was found to be similar to the basic Helix-loop-Helix class of transcription factors. The expression pattern of the gene and the phenotype of the mutant plants indicates its likely role in enabling silique dehiscence.

Abstract: The Id gene which controls flower evocation in maize plants is described. The maize nucleic acid is similar to that of genes encoding zinc-finger regulatory proteins in animals. Methods of isolation or preparation of other regulatory protein genes in plants and their uses are disclosed.