Abstract: Disclosed herein is a solid phase matrix comprising a layer of lignocellulosic fibers that can be used as effective cargo delivery for crop protection. Also disclosed is a mechanized planter for wrapping or encasing a plant seed, seed piece, seedling, or slip into the disclosed solid phase matrix. Also disclosed is a method for protecting a plant or plant that involves wrapping or encasing the plant or plant part in the disclosed solid phase matrix.

Abstract: Nematode-resistant transgenic plants are disclosed. The plants comprise plant cells containing a DNA construct comprising a transcription cassette, which construct comprises, in the 5' to 3' direction, a promoter operable in the plant cells, and a DNA comprising at least a portion of a DNA sequence encoding a nematode-inducible transmembrane pore protein in either the sense or antisense orientation. Intermediates for producing the same along with methods of making and using the same are also disclosed. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the sense or antisense DNA is replaced with a DNA encoding an enzymatic RNA molecule directed against the mRNA transcript of a DNA sequence encoding a nematode-inducible transmembrane pore protein.

Abstract: Recombinant pathogen-resistant plants comprise transformed plant cells, with the transformed plant cells containing a heterologous DNA construct comprising an expression cassette. The construct comprises a promoter, a structural gene positioned downstream from the promoter, and a termination sequence such as the nos terminator positioned downstream from the structural gene. The promoter is one which is activated by a plant pathogen which attacks the plant, such as the RB7 nematode-responsive element. The structural gene encodes a product such as Barnase which is toxic to the plant cells.