Methods and compositions for improving engineered microbes

A bacterial composition, comprising:

• a bacterial strain, wherein said strain has been remodeled to increase colonization of said bacterial strain on a plant.

The bacterial composition of claim 0, wherein said genetic modification is in a gene selected from the group consisting of bcsII, bcsIII, and yjbE.

The bacterial composition of claim 0, wherein said genetic modification is in a fhaB gene.

The bacterial composition of claim 0, wherein said genetic modification is in a pehA gene.

A method of increasing the colonization of a bacterial strain on a plant, said method comprising:

• introducing into said bacterial strain a genetic modification in a gene involved in a pathway selected from the group consisting of:
• exopolysaccharide production, endo-polygalaturonase production, and trehalose production.

17-18. (canceled)

A method of increasing nitrogen available to a plant, said method comprising:

• applying a plurality of remodeled bacteria onto a plant, said plurality of remodeled bacteria having an increased amount of at least one nitrogenase cofactor within said remodeled bacteria.