| abstract |
Methods for evolving plant vectors with improved characteristics by recursive recombination are provided. Plant vectors that are RNA or DNA polynucleotides, conjugated-DNA polynucleotides, and plasmids are provided, as are vectors that are agrobacterium strains and plant viruses. Agrobacterium vectors that have evolved such desired properties as broad host range, increased transformation efficiency, insert precision, targeted insertion, and targeting of T-DNA sequences to the chloroplast are provided. Agrobacterium strains, which are amenable to transforming a broad range of host species using simple transformation techniques such as vacuum infiltration or direct infection in planta, are provided. Plant virus vectors are provided that have evolved desired properties, including: rapid systemic spread, reduction of symptoms, and increased protein expression. Use of the evolved vectors to produce transgenic plants is provided. Methods and vectors for producing proteins in transgenic plants and for conferring pathogen-derived resistance are provided. |