Abstract: Provided is a plant pathogen control agent that is used to control plant pathogens on plants and is a novel method for using cellulose nanofibers. The plant pathogen control agent is a plant pathogen control agent containing plant-derived cellulose nanofibers as active ingredient, in which a surface of a nanofiber-coated layer to be formed by sparging or spraying the plant pathogen control agent onto the foliage or the stems of the plants and then by drying the plant pathogen control agent has hydrophilicity. Examples of the cellulose nanofibers include a plant-derived nanofiber material selected from the group consisting of gramineous plants, broadleaf trees, and needleleaf trees. Examples of the plants to be an application target include cabbage plants, soybean plants, tomato plants, tobacco plants, or coffee tree seedlings. In addition, examples of the plant pathogens to be a control target include causative bacterium, rust fungi, or pathogenic fungi.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for enhancing agronomic properties in plants by down-regulation of a PALM transcription factor. Nucleic acid constructs for down-regulation of PALM are described. Transgenic plants are provided that comprise increased leafy tissue and increased disease resistance. Plants described herein may be used, for example, as improved forage crops or in biofuel production.