Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for making a dicotyledonous plant that is susceptible to Phymatotrichopsis Root Rot (PRR) more resistant to PRR, by metabolic engineering of the plant's flavonoid and isoflavonoid biosynthetic pathways. Thus, methods for increasing the synthesis and accumulation of medicarpin and/or 7,4?-dihydroxyflavone in plants such as alfalfa are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for making a dicotyledonous plant that is susceptible to Phymatotrichopsis Root Rot (PRR) more resistant to PRR, by metabolic engineering of the plant's flavonoid and isoflavonoid biosynthetic pathways. Thus, methods for increasing the synthesis and accumulation of medicarpin and/or 7,4?-dihydroxyflavone in plants such as alfalfa are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides novel methods and compositions for modulating gene function in plants. In particular, the invention provides methods and compositions that allow efficient induction of virus-induced gene silencing in plants. The invention is significant in that it allows high throughput analysis of gene function in plants.

Abstract: Methods and compositions to increase Agrobacterium transformation efficiency (frequencies) in both dicot and monocot host plants include adding histones to the host plant at most transiently, and using histones and L-cysteine at certain stages in monocot transformation.

Abstract: Adding at least one gene involved in plant host cell T-DNA integration enhances transformation by Agrobacterium. The histone H2A gene encoded by the Arabidopsis RAT5 gene increases transformation frequencies of plants, most likely by causing overexpression of a product needed for T-DNA integration. Agrobacterium tumefaciens genetically transforms plant cells by transferring a portion of the bacterial Ti-plasmid, designated the T-DNA, to the plant, and integrating the T-DNA into the plant genome. However, not all plants are transformable by Agrobacterium and transformation frequencies may be too low to be useful. Little is known about the T-DNA integration process, and no plant genes involved in integration have been identified prior to the present invention.

Abstract: Adding at least one gene involved in plant host cell T-DNA integration enhances transformation by Agrobacterium. The histone H2A gene encoded by the Arabidopsis RAT5 gene increases transformation frequencies of plants, most likely by causing overexpression of a product needed for T-DNA integration. Agrobacterium tumefaciens genetically transforms plant cells by transferring a portion of the bacterial Ti-plasmid, designated the T-DNA, to the plant, and integrating the T-DNA into the plant genome. However, not all plants are transformable by Agrobacterium and transformation frequencies may be too low to be useful. Little is known about the T-DNA integration process, and no plant genes involved in integration have been identified prior to the present invention.

Abstract: Methods and compositions to increase Agrobacterium transformation efficiency (frequencies) in both dicot and monocot host plants include adding histones to the host plant at most transiently, and using histones and L-cysteine at certain stages in monocot transformation.

Abstract: Adding at least one gene involved in plant host cell T-DNA integration enhances transformation by Agrobacterium. The histone H2A gene encoded by the Arabidopsis RAT5 gene increases transformation frequencies of plants, most likely by causing overexpression of a product needed for T-DNA integration. Agrobacterium tumefaciens genetically transforms plant cells by transferring a portion of the bacterial Ti-plasmid, designated the T-DNA, to the plant, and integrating the T-DNA into the plant genome. However, not all plants are transformable by Agrobacterium and transformation frequencies may be too low to be useful. Little is known about the T-DNA integration process, and no plant genes involved in integration have been identified prior to the present invention.

Abstract: Adding at least one gene involved in plant host cell T-DNA integration enhances transformation by Agrobacterium. The histone H2A gene encoded by the Arabidopsis RAT5 gene increases transformation frequencies of plants, most likely by causing overexpression of a product needed for T-DNA integration. Agrobacterium tumefaciens genetically transforms plant cells by transferring a portion of the bacterial Ti-plasmid, designated the T-DNA, to the plant, and integrating the T-DNA into the plant genome. However, not all plants are transformable by Agrobacterium and transformation frequencies may be too low to be useful. Little is known about the T-DNA integration process, and no plant genes involved in integration have been identified prior to the present invention.