The current invention provides methods and compositions for producing an eliteline of Zea mays enhanced for transformability. Compositions comprising anelite germplasm exhibiting increased transformability are disclosed. Furtherprovided are methods for breeding maize such that enhanced transformabilitytraits may be transferred to a desired germplasm. The plants and methods ofthe invention represent a valuable new tool for the creation of elitetransgenic plants, preferably having one of more added beneficialcharacteristics.
