| abstract |
Plant transcription factors and genes encoding the transcription factors are disclosed. Methods to enhance characteristics in a plant by downregulating the genes encoding the transcription factors also are disclosed. The enhanced characteristics can include higher photosynthesis rates, reduced photorespiration rates, higher biomass yield or content, higher seed yield, improved harvest index, higher oil content, improved nutritional composition, improved nitrogen use efficiency, drought resistance, flood resistance, disease resistance, faster seed germination and plant emergence, improved seedling vigor, salt tolerance, higher CO 2 assimilation rate, and lower transpiration rate. Modified plants in which the genes encoding the transcription factors are downregulated also are disclosed. Compositions of the invention comprise polynucleotide sequences, polypeptide sequences, variants, orthologs, and fragments thereof. Methods comprise introducing into plants systems that reduce or eliminate the expression of transcription factors. Methods and compositions also provide plants with enhanced seed yield and/or seed oil content. |