The specification describes an RNA vector. The vector may be derived from a plant virus or an umbravirus-like associated RNA such as Citrus yellow vein-associated virus (CYVaV). The vector contains a heterologous segment comprising a small interfering RNA (siRNA) that targets Xylella fastidiosa (Xf). In some examples, the heterologous segment may target the Xf PilG and/or TolC gene. The heterologous segment may be in the form of a hairpin structure inserted into a CYVaV-like molecule. A method of treating a plant against a disease caused by Xf includes introducing the vector into a plant before or after the plant is infected by Xf. The specification also describes a plant, or a portion of a plant, containing the vector and/or the heterologous segment. The plant may be a grapevine.

The present invention relates to excision of explant material comprising meristematic tissue from seeds, and storage of such material prior to subsequent use in plant tissue culture and genetic transformation. Methods for tissue preparation, storage, and transformation are disclosed, as is transformable meristem tissue produced by such methods, and apparati for tissue preparation.

The invention relates to a method to inhibit gene expression in bacteria, which is referred to here as Antibacterial Gene Silencing (AGS). In particular embodiments, the method is used to protect plants and animals against pathogenic bacteria by targeting pathogenicity factors and/or essential genes in a sequence-specific manner via small non-coding RNAs. The method can also be used to enhance beneficial effects and/or growth of symbiotic or commensal bacteria. The invention involves the exogenous delivery of small RNA entities onto bacteria, either in the form of RNA extracts or embedded into plant extracellular vesicles (EVs), so as to reduce bacterial growth, survival and/or pathogenicity. The invention also describes a method to identify in a rapid, reliable and cost-effective manner, small RNAs that possess antibacterial activity and that have the potential to be further developed as anti-infective agents. In addition, the latter method is instrumental to rapidly characterize any gene from any bacterial species.

The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to pathogen resistant plants, compositions, organisms, systems, and methods. For example, a composition may comprise a heterologous peptide (e.g., a defensin peptide) and/or a nucleic acid (e.g., a defensin nucleic acid). A pathogen resistant plant may comprise, in some embodiments, a heterologous defensin peptide and/or an expressible nucleic acid encoding a heterologous defensin peptide.

Disclosed herein are methods and materials for editing genes in citrus cells. Specifically exemplified is the implementation of an optimized Cas9 and the CRISPR type II class nuclease. Also exemplified is the use of a U6-1 promoter for driving expressing of editing constructs in citrus cells. Various protocols and sequences for editing genes are disclosed as well.

The present embodiments relate to elite event NS-B50027-4, seeds and oils obtained from NS-B50027-4, progeny derived from NS-B50027-4, the genetic and phenotypic characteristics of NS-B50027-4, and compositions and methods for the identification of elite event NS-B50027-4. In particular, NS-B50027-4 is a transgenic canola line capable of producing at least 5% DHA in its seed oil.

Methods and compositions are provided for preventing or reducing symptoms or disease associated with Xylella fastidiosa or Xanthomonas axonopodis in a plant. The invention provides novel bacteriophages virulent to Xylella fastidiosa or Xanthomonas axonopodis, including XfaMija and XfaMijo, and further provides methods for treating or preventing Pierce's Disease or Citrus Canker in plants.

Provided herein are compounds and methods for increasing disease resistance and/or root length in plants.

An expression increasing element comprising a 36 nucleotide DNA sequence that can be used to increase the expression of genes, and in particular to increase the expression of endogenous plant genes, in plants is disclosed. Also disclosed are plants, plant parts, and commodity plant products comprising the expression increasing element along with related methods of using the expression increasing element and plants comprising the expression increasing element.

Antimicrobial nodule specific cysteine rich (NCR) peptides and proteins are disclosed along with compositions comprising the NCR peptides or NCR proteins and transgenic or genetically edited plants or microorganisms that express the NCR peptides or proteins to inhibit growth of pathogenic microbes. Such NCR peptides, proteins, compositions, plants, and microorganisms can provide for inhibition of fungal and oomycete growth.