The present invention is directed to the prevention of the dispersal of seed s 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 dehiscenc e.
