Methods and compositions for use in reducing biotic stress in plants by providing recombinant DNA molecules encoding methkyletone thioesterase into the cells of a plant in order to achieve a reduction in infestation by nematodes, insects and other pests are described. The plant cells in some cases produce one or more of 2-nonanone, 2-undecanone, 2-tridecanone and 2-pentadecanone. Also described are methods for making transgenic plants that express the recombinant DNA molecule for use in protecting plants from pest infestations.
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