2010 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) Our objective is to uncover the molecular pathways necessary for causing developmental transitions in maize and manipulate them to improve crop plants. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) 1. Examine the response of the miR172 gene family and its targets to gibberellic acid (GA). 2. Determine the function of target genes of the miR172 gene family member, tasselseed4 (ts4), and their interactions with GA. 3. Identify downstream targets of select target genes. 4. Determine the effects of altering miR172 expression. 5, Create gain-of-function phenotypes for select target genes by altering the miR172 binding site. Documents Reimbursable with AFRI. Log 39512. 3.Progress Report This is a new agreement and we are waiting for Budget and Fiscal to set up the account. The main objective is to uncover the molecular pathways necessary for causing developmental transitions in maize and manipulate them to improve crop plants. Crosses are in progress to develop the material needed for the experiments. 302 1 A 2004