Plant resistance genetic manipulation

Once we know the chemical nature of the allelopathic agents and their effects on plant growth dynamics, as well as on health and environment, we can apply genetic manipulation and biotechnology to develop toxin-resistant plants and to reduce the toxin levels frcm the donor plants. These approaches serve a dual purpose because they contribute to increased agricultural productivity and help to minimize the potential risks on health and environment. 

He, X.Z. and Dixon, R.A., Genetic manipulation of isofiavone 7-0-methyltransferase enhances biosynthesis of 4 -0-methylated isofiavonoid phytoalexins and disease resistance in alfalfa. Plant Cell, 12, 1689, 2000. 

Nonetheless, some activities may be mentioned, ranging from phytosanitary improvement to genetic manipulations mainly of fruit trees with the aim of inducing pathogen (virus) resistance [101,102]. Examples are viruses of stone and pome fruit trees (e.g. plum pox virus [103]) and of vine. The complete nucleotide sequence of plum poxvirus has been determined [104]. A second aim is to revitalize old strains of fruit trees and other cultured plants. 

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