A cytoplasmic male sterile plant of the genus Lactuca is provided having low temperature growth ability comparable to that of a plant of the genus Lactuca with a normal cytoplasm, or a progeny thereof. For example, it is possible to alleviate a reduction in the growth ability at low temperature observed in previous CMS plants of the genus Lactuca and provide a CMS plant of the genus Lactuca having low temperature growth ability.

Hybrid cereals are described which are obtained by restoring the pollen fertility for the Pampa cytoplasmic male sterility (P-CMS) and which are characterized by a reduced linkage drag. Plants are provided, in particular rye, which, as the male pollen parent, are capable of restoring the pollen fertility for the P-CMS. Furthermore, the nucleic acid molecule which carries the necessary information for restoring the P-CMS, DNA and vectors which contain such a nucleic acid molecule, corresponding host cells as well as a protein which can be encoded by the nucleic acid molecule and antibodies directed against it are also described. Furthermore, methods for the production of corresponding hybrid plants and transgenic plants are provided.

One embodiment relates to seed and plants of inbred watermelon line WDL0090. Another embodiment relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of inbred watermelon line WDL0090, and to methods for producing a watermelon plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves, with another watermelon plant, such as a plant of another genotype, or with vegetatively propagating said plant. Another embodiment further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. Further embodiments relate to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.

The present disclosure provides a method for selecting a plant comprising a functional restorer gene for maize S-type cytoplasmic male sterility comprising the steps of (a) screening a population of plants for at least one marker nucleic acid, wherein the marker nucleic acid comprises an allele linked to the functional restorer gene for maize S-type cytoplasmic male sterility; (b) detecting the marker nucleic acid; (c) identifying a plant comprising the marker nucleic acid; and (d) selecting the plant comprising the marker nucleic acid, wherein the plant comprising the marker nucleic acid further comprises the functional restorer gene for maize S-type cytoplasmic male sterility. The present disclosure also provides methods for restoring fertility in a progeny of an S-type cytoplasmic male sterile plant and methods for transferring an Rf3 gene into a progeny plant.

The invention discloses a rice temperature sensitive male sterile gene mutant tms18 and its uses. During the study of TMS18 gene, the inventors found that the changing of fertility was related to the structural integrity of the second layer of pollen outer wall. The inventors accidentally found the thermo sensitive male sterile mutant tms18. The fertility of the mutant was affected by different temperatures and can be restored under low temperature treatment. More importantly, the fertility sensitive period of the mutant was different from that of other thermo sensitive male sterile genes. This unique feature of the gene can provide a new theoretical basis and apply value for two-line hybrid rice breeding.

The invention discloses a rice temperature sensitive male sterile gene mutant tms18 and its uses. During the study of TMS18 gene, the inventors found that the changing of fertility was related to the structural integrity of the second layer of pollen outer wall. The inventors accidentally found the thermo sensitive male sterile mutant tms18. The fertility of the mutant was affected by different temperatures and can be restored under low temperature treatment. More importantly, the fertility sensitive period of the mutant was different from that of other thermo sensitive male sterile genes. This unique feature of the gene can provide a new theoretical basis and apply value for two-line hybrid rice breeding.

This invention describes a new method of grain production wherein designated male plant pollen may be selected at anytime before pollination of a designated female plant. In the method, a designated female plant having both female and male components is grown. Furthermore, designated male pollen is selected for use in cross-pollinating the designated female plant. Cross-pollination may occur on one more days, is intentional, and occurs at a time when male components are not shedding pollen. The criteria used for selecting designated male pollen may include, but is not limited to, market information and commodity price information. Moreover, the designated male plant pollen may have a different maturity period compared to the designated female, selection may occur after the female has germinated, and/or result in a higher harvested crop value than other available pollen. Accordingly, the process involves the intentional delivery of designated male plant pollen at will, as available either in a preserved pollen bank or real-time collection from male plants as they become available, in a growth chamber for example. The delivered designated male plant pollen is in such amounts and fortuitously timed that it preferentially cross-pollinates the designated female plant. The invention also permits real-time agronomic decision making to influence grain content and constituents to maximize grain value.

One embodiment relates to seed and plants of inbred watermelon line WDL0090. Another embodiment relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of inbred watermelon line WDL0090, and to methods for producing a watermelon plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves, with another watermelon plant, such as a plant of another genotype, or with vegetatively propagating said plant. Another embodiment further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. Further embodiments relate to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.

Various methods and compositions are provided for identifying and/or selecting a sorghum plant or germplasm with or without a cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) trait. In certain embodiments, the method comprises detecting at least one allele of one or more marker locus within or linked to a QTL associated with CMS. In further embodiments, the method comprises crossing a selected sorghum plant with a recurrent sorghum parent plant and selecting progeny with CMS.

Provided area male sterility maintainer line plant, a method for producing the male sterility maintainer line plant, and use of said plant for propagating a male sterility line plant and the male sterility maintainer line plant. In addition, a nucleic acid molecule, a vector, and a host cell for producing the male sterility maintainer line plant are provided.