Abstract: The present invention exploits the discovery that certain single base changes in the gacA gene coding sequence, which result in certain single amino acid changes in the encoded GacA protein, render it LemA-independent. The present invention therefore provides DNA that encodes mutant GacA proteins that do not require phosphorylation by LemA in order to be active as transcriptional activators.

Abstract: Strains of Pseudomonas have been genetically engineered to have enhanced biocontrol properties. The strains of the invention are particularly effective against plant pathogenic fungi such as species of Rhizoctonia and Pythium, because the strains produce enhanced amounts of antifungal metabolites such as pyrrolnitrin that are active against these fungal pathogens. Both the genetically modified biocontrol strains and the antifungal metabolites can be used as active agents for biocontrol compositions.

Abstract: Gene activating sequences which activate the expression of other bacterial genes, which are latent or expressed at low levels, are provided. The gene activating sequences confer the ability to produce several metabolites and may be transferred to bacterial strains. The transformed biocontrol agents are active to inhibit the growth of the fungal pathogens.

Abstract: Gene activating sequences which activate the expression of other bacterial genes, which are latent or expressed at low levels, are provided. The gene activating sequences confer the ability to produce several metabolites and may be transferred to bacterial strains. The transformed biocontrol agents are active to inhibit the growth of the fungal pathogens.

Abstract: Gene activating sequences which activate the expression of other bacterial genes, which are latent or expressed at low levels, are provided. The gene activating sequences confer the ability to produce several metabolites and may be transferred to bacterial strains. The transformed biocontrol agents are active to inhibit the growth of the fungal pathogens.

Abstract: Gene activating sequences which activate the expression of other bacterial genes, which are latent or expressed at low levels, are provided. The gene activating sequences confer the ability to produce several metabolites and may be transferred to bacterial strains. The transformed biocontrol agents are active to inhibit the growth of the fungal pathogens.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for enhancing colonization of desired microorganisms in a localized environment comprising introducing into said localized environment a genetically engineered microorganism comprising a gene comprising a DNA sequence coding for one or more substrate utilizing protein, wherein said substrate utilizing protein confers a competitive effective ability to utilize a substrate by a microorganism in which it is genetically engineered, as well as the isolated genes and the genetically engineered microorganisms of such a method.

Abstract: The invention is a method for identifying and cloning bacterial genes that are responsive to the presence of a plant host, comprising mutating a bacterial culture with a transposon containing a promoterless marker gene, exposing the bacterial mutants to root exudates, other plant-derived substances or plants, and identifying mutants that have a transposon-associated gene inducible by the plant. These mutants may be used to clone and characterize the promoters and the associated wild-type bacterial genes responsive to the plant.

Abstract: Purified bacterial strains that are effective for the inhibition of plant pathogens, including the fungi Rhizoctonia solani and Pythium ultimum have been isolated. These strains are useful as biocontrol agents, and can be used to produce antifungal metabolites, such as antibiotic compounds, active against the plant pathogenic fungi Rhizoctonia solani and Pythium ultimum. Both the purified bacterial strains and the antibiotic compounds can be used as active agents for biocontrol compositions.