Regulation of plant fertility by modulation of GABA levels in flowers

The invention provides methods for the alteration of fertility in plants through modulation of floral GABA levels. The techniques of the invention may find use in plant breeding techniques. Also provided by the invention are assays for the screening of candidate modulators of GABA metabolism or GABA analogs through the identification of affects on fertility following application of the candidate modulator to a plant. The technique provides an alternative to animal testing and is amenable to large scale application.