Patent ID: 8138392
Filing Date: 2012-03-20
Classification: A01N,C12N

Abstract:
1. A transgenic alfalfa plant comprising a first selected DNA that down-regulates the activity of caffeic acid 3-O-methyltransferase (COMT) or caffeoyl CoA 3-O-methyltransferase (CCoAOMT) in the plant through inhibition of transcription or translation of a COMT or CCoAOMT gene, wherein COMT or CCoAOMT activity is down-regulated (a) in the roots of the plant, (b) in response to infection by a root-infecting fungal plant pathogen, or (c) during infection by Phymatotrichopsis omnivore or Colletotrichum spp., wherein the first selected DNA is expressed primarily in the roots of the plant, and wherein the plant exhibits resistance to Phymatotrichopsis omnivore or Colletotrichum spp. as a result of the presence of said first selected DNA.