A 94 base pair DNA regulatory element that confers anther tapetum-specific gene expression has been discovered, isolated, and characterized. Additional tapetum-specific regulatory elements have been developed by mutating the 94 base pair anther box. These tapetum-specific regulatory elements can be used to control the expression of a foreign gene that disrupts the function of tapetal cells. Similarly, the combination of at least one tapetum-specific regulatory element and at least one anther-specific regulatory element can be used to disrupt pollen production in anthers. Thus, the control of maize pollen production can be achieved by using a tapetum-specific regulatory element to produce male-sterile plants. Various methods can be used to restore male fertility in the F1 generation of such male-sterile plants.