A method of in vitro fucosylation of selectin ligands on cord blood-derivedhematopoietic stem cells for bone marrow transplantation is disclosed. In thismethod, an effective amount of an .alpha.1,3-fucosyltransferase, e.g.,.alpha.1,3-fucosyltransferase VI, is used in vitro to treat cord blood-derivedhematopoietic stem cells to convert non-functional PSGL-1 or other ligands onthe cell surface into functional forms that bind selectins, especially P-selectin or E-selectin. The treated cells have enhanced effectiveness inreconstituting bone marrow in patients in need of such therapy.