This invention involves the introduction of "benign" strains of X. fastidiosa into desirable plants that are normally susceptible to Pierce's disease (PD). In certain embodiments, plants are injected with the benign biocontrol strain prior to transplanting into the vineyard, or immediately after transplanting. Such inoculated plants are, typically, resistant to PD for at least about 3-4 years. Various embodiments of the subject invention also provide for "booster injections" every 3-4 years. The subject invention also provides "benign" bacterial strains suitable for control of PD and compositions comprising the aforementioned "benign" bacterial strains.