Efficient <Emphasis Type="Italic">Agrobacterium</Emphasis>-mediated transformation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Vigna mungo</Emphasis> using immature cotyledonary-node explants and phosphinothricin as the selection agent

Herbicide (Basta®)-tolerant Vigna mungo L. Hepper plants were produced using cotyledonary-node and shoot-tip explants from seedlings germinated in vitro from immature seeds. In vitro selection was performed with phosphinothricin as the selection agent. Explants were inoculated with Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain LBA4404 (harboring the binary vector pME 524 carrying the nptII, bar, and uidA genes) in the presence of acetosyringone. Shoot regeneration occurred for 6 wk on regeneration medium (MS medium with 4.44 μM benzyl adenine, 0.91 μM thidiazuron, and 81.43 μM adenine sulfate) with 2.4 mg/l PPT, explants being transferred to fresh medium every 14 d. After a period on elongation medium (MS medium with 2.89 μM gibberellic acid and 2.4 mg/l PPT), β-glucuronidase-expressing putative transformants were rooted in MS medium with 7.36 μM indolyl butyric acid and 2.4 mg/l PPT. β-Glucuronidase expression was observed in the primary transformants (T₀) and in the seedlings of the T₁ generation. Screening 128 GUS-expressing, cotyledonary-node-derived, acclimatized plants by spraying the herbicide Basta® at 0.1 mg/l eliminated nonherbicide-resistant plants. Southern hybridization analysis confirmed the transgenic nature of the herbicide-resistant plants. All the transformed plants were fertile, and the transgene was inherited by Mendelian genetics. Immature cotyledonary-node explants produced a higher frequency of transformed plants (7.6%) than shoot-tip explants (2.6%).     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Agrobacterium</Emphasis>-mediated transformation of niger [<Emphasis Type="Italic">Guizotia abyssinica</Emphasis> (L. f.) Cass.] using seedling explants

A protocol was developed for Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation of niger [ Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) Cass.] using hypocotyl and cotyledon explants. Hypocotyls and cotyledons obtained from 7-day-old seedlings were co-cultivated with Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain EHA101/pIG121Hm that harbored genes for beta-glucuronidase (GUS), kanamycin, and hygromycin resistance. Following co-cultivation, the hypocotyl and cotyledon explants were cultivated on MS medium containing 1 mg/l 6-benzylaminopurine (BA) for 3 days in darkness. Subsequently, hypocotyl and cotyledon explants were transferred to selective MS medium containing 1 mg/l BA, 10 mg/l hygromycin, 10 mg/l kanamycin, and 500 mg/l cefotaxime. After 6 weeks, hypocotyls and cotyledons produced multiple adventitious shoot buds, and these explants were subcultured to MS medium containing 1 mg/l BA, 30 mg/l hygromycin, and 30 mg/l kanamycin. After a further 3 weeks, the explants (along with developing shoot buds) were subcultured to MS medium containing 1 mg/l BA, 50 mg/l kanamycin, and 50 mg/l hygromycin for further selection. Transgenic plants were obtained after rooting on half-strength MS medium supplemented with 0.1 mg/l alpha-naphthaleneacetic acid, 50 mg/l kanamycin, and 50 mg/l hygromycin and were confirmed by GUS histochemical assay and polymerase chain reaction analysis. Genomic Southern blot hybridization confirmed the incorporation of the neomycin phosphotransferase II gene into the host genome.     

In vitro plantlet regeneration and Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated genetic transformation of Indian Kino tree (Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb.)

The objective of the present study was to develop a protocol for in vitro plantlet regeneration and Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated genetic transformation using immature cotyledon explants of Indian Kino tree (Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb.). Immature cotyledon explants excised from 9-day-old axenic seedlings produced optimal callus on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 1.07 μM α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), after 2 weeks of culture. When the above said callus was incubated on MS + 8.90 μM 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) + 1.07 μM NAA, a regeneration frequency of 60.41 % with shoot number and length 12.2 ± 0.85 and 1.4 ± 0.13, respectively, was observed. For further shoot multiplication and elongation, these cultures were transferred onto MS + 4.40 μM BAP. Elongated shoots dipped in 19.60 μM indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) for 24 h and then cultured on ½MS + 2.85 μM IBA, 75 % shoots developed roots and 95 % of plantlets survived in field condition. Organogenic callus was co-cultivated with the A. tumefaciens strain LBA4404 harboring the binary plasmid pCAMBIA1301with ß-glucuronidase (uidA) and hygromycin phosphotransferase (hpt) genes and grown on MS + 8.90 μM BAP + 1.07 μM NAA (RM) + 200 μM acetosyringone for 2 days and then transferred to MS + 8.90 μM BAP + 1.07 μM NAA + 20 mg/l hygromycin + 250 mg/l cefotaxime (SIM) and 4.40 μM BAP + 15 mg/l hygromycin + 200 mg/l cefotaxime (SEM). The putatively transformed shoots were subsequently rooted on ½MS + 2.85 μM IBA + 20 mg/l hygromycin (SRM), after pulse treatment for 24 h with 19.60 μM IBA. Successful gene transfer into putatively transformed plantlets was confirmed by histochemical GUS assay, PCR and RT-PCR analysis. Southern blot analysis of regenerated plantlets confirmed the integration of hpt gene in transgenic plantlets. In the present study, a rate of 20.92 % transformation frequency was achieved and the genetic transformation protocol presented here may pave way for genetic manipulation of this multipurpose legume tree.     

Molecular and chemical characterization of plants regenerated from Ri-mediated hairy root cultures of Rauwolfia serpentina

Hairy root lines were induced from leaf explants of Rauwolfia serpentina known to contain high levels of reserpine (0.0882 % DW) content. Out of five high yielding hairy root lines, three (R1, R14 and R15) exhibited spontaneous regeneration of shoots after 6–8 weeks in liquid B5 medium. Excised regenerated shoots underwent robust shoot proliferation when cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 0.1 mg/l naphthanleneacetic acid (NAA) and 1.0 mg/l 6-benzyladenine. When shoots were transferred to a root induction medium, consisting of MS basal medium and 1.0 mg/l NAA, all rooted within 2–3 weeks. Of a total of 45 plants developed from three different hairy root lines, 30 were successfully acclimatized and transferred to the green house. Almost 90 % of these plants grown in the green house showed no observed phenotypic differences, while 10 % were stunted and grew poorly, in comparison to non-transformed plants. Phenotypic assessment of regenerated plants for plant length, number of nodes and intermodal lengths, number of leaves per node, leaf color, leaf size, number of flowering shoots, flower size, fruit size, lateral root branching and root biomass was conducted. Polymerase chain reaction and Southern blot hybridization revealed that all plants derived from hairy roots carried the Ri T_L-DNA fragment. Moreover for plants derived from transgenic hairy root line R14, presence of more than a single transgene copy number was observed, and this might have contributed to observed abnormal phenotypes. Analysis of reserpine content revealed that roots of regenerated plants had similar levels (0.0889 % DW) to those of their corresponding hairy roots.     

Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation of Elatior Begonia (Begonia×hiemalis Fotsch)

We report a method for Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of Elatior Begonia (Begonia×hiemalis Fotsch). Young leaf discs were infected with Agrobacterium tumefaciens strains AGL0 and LBA4404. Each strain has a binary vector plasmid, pIG121Hm that includes the β-glucuronidase (GUS) gene with an intron as a reporter gene, and both the neomycin phosphotransferase II and the hygromycin phosphotransferase genes as selection markers. Explants were cultured on modified MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/l BA, 0.5 mg/l IAA, 300 mg/l ticarcillin, and either 100 mg/l kanamycin and 5 mg/l hygromycin, or 300 mg/l kanamycin for selection and regeneration. Out of 500 explants infected with AGL0, 16 plantlets were regenerated, and out of 628 explants infected with LBA4404, two plantlets were regenerated after 4 months of culture. Transformation was confirmed by Southern blot analysis of the GUS gene and by histochemical assays of GUS activity in plant tissues. Ten in vitro transgenic plants were obtained from AGL0 infected explants only.     

In vitro propagation of Hedychium coronarium Koen. through axillary bud proliferation

This report describes an efficient and reproducible protocol for large-scale multiplication of Hedychium coronarium plantlets. Axillary bud explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 3 mg/l benzylaminopurine, 3 mg/l kinetin (KIN), and 0.2 mg/l thidiazuron, yielding a maximum of 13.2 ± 0.3 number of shoots. Sub-culturing of shoots every 4 weeks on fresh multiplication medium yielded a consistent proliferation rate. Shoot clusters containing three to five shoots were successfully rooted in KIN (3 mg/l) and indole acetic acid (0.5 mg/l), yielding a maximum of 6.3 ± 0.5 number of roots. Plantlets grown in vitro were acclimatized and subsequently transferred to the field for phenotypic evaluation. Random amplified polymorphic DNA and inter-simple sequence repeat analysis has confirmed the genetic uniformity of in vitro plantlets up to 2 years. After 2 years, these plantlets were transplanted to field, and evaluation of phenotypic characteristics was done. This study is of high significance as these could be commercially utilized for large-scale production of true-to-type plantlets.     

Plant regeneration and genetic transformation of C. canadensis: a non-model plant appropriate for investigation of flower development in Cornus (Cornaceae)

Key message

Efficient Agrobacterium -mediated genetic transformation for investigation of genetic and molecular mechanisms involved in inflorescence architectures in Cornus species.

Abstract

Cornus canadensis is a subshrub species in Cornus, Cornaceae. It has recently become a favored non-model plant species to study genes involved in development and evolution of inflorescence architectures in Cornaceae. Here, we report an effective protocol of plant regeneration and genetic transformation of C. canadensis. We use young inflorescence buds as explants to efficiently induce calli and multiple adventitious shoots on an optimized induction medium consisting of basal MS medium supplemented with 1 mg/l of 6-benzylaminopurine and 0.1 mg/l of 1-naphthaleneacetic acid. On the same medium, primary adventitious shoots can produce a large number of secondary adventitious shoots. Using leaves of 8-week-old secondary shoots as explants, GFP as a reporter gene controlled by 35S promoter and hygromycin B as the selection antibiotic, a standard procedure including pre-culture of explants, infection, co-cultivation, resting and selection has been developed to transform C. canadensis via Agrobacterium strain EHA105-mediated transformation. Under a strict selection condition using 14 mg/l hygromycin B, approximately 5 % explants infected by Agrobacterium produce resistant calli, from which clusters of adventitious shoots are induced. On an optimized rooting medium consisting of basal MS medium supplemented with 0.1 mg/l of indole-3-butyric acid and 7 mg/l hygromycin B, most of the resistant shoots develop adventitious roots to form complete transgenic plantlets, which can grow normally in soil. RT-PCR analysis demonstrates the expression of GFP transgene. Green fluorescence emitted by GFP is observed in transgenic calli, roots and cells of transgenic leaves under both stereo fluorescence microscope and confocal microscope. The success of genetic transformation provides an appropriate platform to investigate the molecular mechanisms by which the various inflorescence forms are developed in Cornus plants.     

Optimization of factors for efficient recovery of transgenic peanut (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Arachis hypogaea</Emphasis> L.)

De-embryonated cotyledon explants of peanut were co-cultivated under different conditions with Agrobacterium tumefaciens harbouring pIG121hm plasmid carrying intron-containing β-glucuronidase as a reporter while hygromycin phosphotransferase and neomycin phosphotransferase as selectable marker genes. Co-cultivation duration and temperature, various antioxidants and their concentrations, bacterial strains and explant characteristics (incised and non-incised) were examined either alone or in combinations for optimization of transient expression of the reporter gene. Up to 81% transformation was recorded when non-incised explants were co-cultivated with strain EHA101 for 5 days at 21°C on shoot induction medium containing 100 mg/L l-cysteine. Addition of the optimized concentration of augmentin (200 mg/L) along with cefotaxime (200 mg/L) to the shoot induction medium not only effectively eliminated bacterial growth, but also facilitated high frequency of shoot induction. The 40 mg/L hygromycin concentration prevented complete shoot regeneration of non-transgenic explants thus considered for the regeneration of transgenics. Resistant shoots were successfully transferred to soil either by grafting or in vitro rooting. Survival rate of the grafted shoots was nearly 100% in glass-house conditions. The optimized protocol took around 3 months to generate healthy plants. Polymerase chain reaction, Southern blot hybridization, histochemical tests, segregation and hygromycin-leaf assays of selected transgenic plants showed integration of the transgene into peanut genome. No chimeras were noticed during the study.     

A system for the transformation and regeneration of the recretohalophyte Limonium bicolor

Limonium bicolor, a typical recretohalophyte, has a specialized salt-secreting structure in the epidermis called the salt gland and plays a significant role in improving saline land. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of salt secretion and salt gland development requires an efficient L. bicolor transformation system, which is described in this report. Leaf explants were incubated with Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain EHA105 harboring the plasmid pTCK303 containing the β-glucuronidase gene (GUS) as the transgene reporter and the hygromycin B resistance gene as a selectable marker. Up to 96.9% of leaves were induced to regenerate shoots on an Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 4.4 μM 6-benzyladenine and 1.1 μM α-naphthaleneacetic acid; roots were induced on the MS medium containing 2.5 μM indole-3-butyric acid. This tissue culture system was suitable for Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of L. bicolor. Pre-cultivated explants (2 d old) were incubated with Agrobacterium (0.6–0.7 at OD₆₀₀) in a shaking culture for 20 min; the explants and bacterium were co-cultivated for 4 d in the dark before the explants were transferred to a selection medium containing 8 mg/L hygromycin B and 600 mg/L piperacillin sodium (added to prevent continued Agrobacterium growth). Histochemical assays and PCR to detect the GUS gene showed that transformation frequency was 4.43%. Quantitative PCR and Northern blotting further verified the integration and presence of the GUS gene in L. bicolor. This is the first report of an Agrobacterium-based transformation system for L. bicolor. The system will facilitate a research on the identity and function of genes involved in salt gland development and salt secretion.     

Efficient plant regeneration via direct organogenesis and Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated genetic transformation of Picrorhiza kurroa: an endangered medicinal herb of the alpine Himalayas

Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex. Benth. is a medicinal herb of immense therapeutic value with restricted geographic distribution. Efficient plant regeneration via direct organogenesis and Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated genetic transformation was developed for this plant. Multiple shoot bud induction was achieved from leaf explants cultured in Gamborg??s B₅ medium containing 3?% (w/v) sucrose, 3?mg/l kinetin and 1?mg/l indole-3-butyric acid. More than 90?% of leaf explants formed shoot buds leading to whole plant regeneration. An Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation protocol was developed using A. tumefaciens strain GV3101 harboring binary vector pCAMBIA1302 containing the green fluorescent protein and hygromycin phosphotransferase genes. Leaf explants precultured for 2?d were the most suitable for co-cultivation with Agrobacterium and transformation efficiency was enhanced with 200???M acetosyringone. Putative transformants were selected using media containing 15?mg/l hygromycin. Transformation was verified by detection of the green fluorescent protein using fluorescence microscopy and by polymerase chain reaction. Approximately 56?% of the explants were transformed with an average of 3.4?±?0.4 transgenic plantlets per explant. An efficient regeneration and transformation protocol thus developed enabling a fresh perspective of metabolic engineering in P. kurroa using an Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. This is the first report of direct organogenesis from leaf explants and genetic transformation of P. kurroa.     

In vitro morphogenic response of different explants of Gentiana kurroo Royle from Western Himalayas—an endangered medicinal plant

Micropropagation offers a great potential to produce millions of clonal individuals through tissue culture via induction of morphogenesis. The aim of this work was to obtain an efficient protocol for callus regeneration for Gentiana kurroo Royle. The morphogenic response of different explants (leaves, petioles, roots) varied and responded differently for regeneration according to combinations of growth regulators. The petiole explants were best responding for callus induction and subsequently for indirect and direct regeneration. The callus induction was achieved on MS basal + 1.0 mg/l benzyladenine (BA) and 3.00 mg/l naphthalene acetic acid (NAA). MS medium supplemented with 0.10 mg/l NAA and 1.0 mg/l thidiazuron (TDZ) was recorded as the best medium for indirect regeneration. However, for direct regeneration the maximum number of shoot emergence was observed on MS basal fortified with 0.10 mg/l NAA + 0.75 mg/l TDZ. Half strength MS basal supplemented with indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) 1.00 mg/l gave best response for root induction. Subsequently, the plantlets were transferred and 100 % survival rate was recorded only on autoclaved cocopeat. No morphological variations were recorded in the callus regenerated plantlets.     

Regeneration of pineapple (Ananas comosus L.) plant through somatic embryogenesis

An efficient protocol for a complete plant regeneration by somatic embryogenesis was developed with Smooth Cayenne pineapple (Ananas comosus L.). Previous works showed that this species is responsive to somatic embryogenesis. In the present work the influence of components of culture medium in the induction, development and conversion of somatic embryos was investigate in order to establish a somatic embryogenesis protocol. Nodular callus (83.67%) was initiated from leaf explants of young plants on CIM₃ medium. The highest frequency (37.6%) of embryogenic callus induction was obtained from 4-week-old calluses on EIM₃ medium supplemented with 3.0 mg/l picloram. The highly organized callus induction and the development of somatic embryos were achieved after the transfer of callus clumps onto EIM₃ medium containing 1.0 mg/l BAP + 0.1 mg/l NAA. The frequency of somatic embryo formation was of 39.5?±?2.45 embryos per callus. Up to 97% of the somatic embryos were converted into complete plants within 4 week on MSB medium with 1.0 mg/l BAP + 0.05 mg/l GA₃ + 500 mg/l glutamine. The continuation of the elongation of the shoots occurred on this medium). Shoots obtained from all the above methods were rooted in MSB medium with activated charcoal. Complete plantlets were transferred onto specially made polyethylene bags containing soil mixture and transferred to the greenhouse. Survival rate of the plantlets under ex vitro conditions was 98% and maximum average number of plantlets (80?±?0.6). The well-developed plantlets were transferred to an open field where the plants produced normal fruits.     

Plant regeneration from leaf explants of Aloe barbadensis Mill. and genetic fidelity assessment through DNA markers

An efficient plant regeneration protocol was developed from leaf explants of Aloe barbadensis Mill on Murashige and Skoog’s (MS) medium supplemented with 2.0 mg/l 6-benzyladenine (BA) or Kinetin (Kn), 0.25–0.5 mg/l NAA (1-napthalene acetic acid) and 3 % (w/v) sucrose within 4 weeks of culture. The maximum number of shoot buds were obtained on MS medium supplemented with 2.0 mg/l BA, 0.5 mg/l NAA, 40 mg/l Ads (adenine sulphate) within 4–6 weeks of subculture. Inclusion of 0.25–0.50 mg/l gibberellic acid into the medium, the shoot buds became elongated. Repeated subculture on regeneration medium induces higher rate of shoot regeneration. The root induction from excised microshoots was achieved on half-strength MS medium supplemented with 0.25–1.0 mg/l NAA or indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and 2 % (w/v) sucrose. Maximum percentage of rooting was achieved on medium having 0.5 mg/l NAA with 3 % (w/v) sucrose. About 80 % of in vitro raised plantlets were hardened in the greenhouse and successfully established in the soil. Both Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) markers were used to detect the variability among the regenerated plants developed in vitro. The results showed that there was no polymorphism among the regenerated plantlets. This study will help for propagation of quality planting material of Aloe barbadensis for commercialization.     

Mass propagation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Plectranthus bourneae</Emphasis> Gamble through indirect organogenesis from leaf and internode explants

The present study describes the plant propagation via indirect organogenesis from in vitro derived leaf and internode explants of Plectranthus bourneae, an endemic plant to south India. Leaf and internodal explants successfully callused on Murashige and Skoog medium (MS) supplemented with different concentrations of auxins [2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid), NAA (α-naphthalene acetic acid), IAA (indole-3 acetic acid), IBA (indole-3-butyric acid) and PIC (Picloram); 0.1–2.0 mg/l] in combination with BA (6-benzyladenine) (0.5 mg/l). Maximum callus induction (98 %) was achieved from leaf explant followed by internodal explant (89 %) at 1.0 mg/l NAA, 0.5 mg/l BA. Leaf derived callus showed better shoot regeneration (29.71 shoots) on MS medium containing 1.0 mg/l KN (kinetin), 0.7 mg/l NAA, and 50 mg/l CH (casein hydrolysate) followed by internodal callus (19.71). A maximum of 19.14 roots/shoot was observed at 1.0 mg/l IBA. The rooted plantlets were successfully hardened and transferred to greenhouse condition with 80 % survival. This system could be utilized for large-scale multiplication of P. bourneae by tissue culture.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Agrobacterium</Emphasis>-mediated genetic transformation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Perilla frutescens</Emphasis>

A reproducible plant regeneration and an Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated genetic transformation protocol were developed for Perilla frutescens (perilla). The largest number of adventitious shoots were induced directly without an intervening callus phase from hypocotyl explants on MS medium supplemented with 3.0 mg/l 6-benzylaminopurine (BA). The effects of preculture and extent of cocultivation were examined by assaying -glucuronidase (GUS) activity in explants infected with A. tumefaciens strain EHA105 harboring the plasmid pIG121-Hm. The highest number of GUS-positive explants were obtained from hypocotyl explants cocultured for 3 days with Agrobacterium without precultivation. Transgenic perilla plants were regenerated and selected on MS basal medium supplemented with 3.0 mg/l BA, 125 mg/l kanamycin, and 500 mg/l carbenicillin. The transformants were confirmed by PCR of the neomycin phosphotransferase II gene and genomic Southern hybridization analysis of the hygromycin phosphotransferase gene. The frequency of transformation from hypocotyls was about 1.4%, and the transformants showed normal growth and sexual compatibility by producing progenies.     

Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation of SOD gene to Trichoderma harzianum

Trichoderma harzianum is a soil-borne filamentous fungus that exhibits biological control properties because it parasitizes a large variety of phytopathogenic fungi. In this study the SOD gene was successfully transferred into the bio-control fungus Trichoderma harzianum with an efficiency of 60–110 transformants per 10⁷ spores by using Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation. Putative transformants were analyzed to test the transformation by the southern blot. Antifungal activities of the transformants were examined under abiotic stresses. The transformants were exposed to 40°C for three days and 2 mol/l NaCl at 27°C for 5–10 days to assay antifungal activities with Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. The inhibition rates of the transformants, comparing to Trichoderma harzianum with no SOD gene transferred, were respectively 83.96% after 40°C and 60.13% after 2 mol/l NaCl. The results showed that the SOD transformants had significantly higher resistance to heat and salt stress.     

In vitro regeneration and genetic transformation of the berberine-producing plant,Thalictrum flavum ssp. glaucum

Protocols have been developed for the in vitro regeneration and Agrobacterium -mediated genetic transformation of meadow rue, Thalictrum flavum ssp. glaucum . Ten-day-old seedlings were bisected along the embryonic axis and the cotyledons were co-cultured with various Agrobacterium tumefaciens strains for 3 days. The cotyledons were cultured on a shoot induction medium (B5 salts and vitamins, 30 g l⁻¹ sucrose, 2 mg l⁻¹ kinetin, and 3 g l⁻¹ Gelrite) containing 25 mg l⁻¹ hygromycin B as the selection agent and 250 mg l⁻¹ timentin to facilitate the elimination of Agrobacterium . Only the oncogenic A. tumefaciens strains A281 and C58 produced transgenic T. flavum callus tissues. A281 was the most effective strain producing hygromycin-resistant callus on 85% of the explants. Transgenic callus was subcultured on the shoot induction medium every 2 weeks. After 12 weeks, hygromycin-resistant shoots that formed on explants exposed to strain A281 were transferred to a root induction medium (B5 salts and vitamins, 25 mg l⁻¹ hygromycin B, 250 mg l⁻¹ timentin, and 3 g l⁻¹ Gelrite). Detection of the β -glucuronidase ( GUS ) gene using a polymerase chain reaction assay, the high levels of GUS mRNA and enzyme activity, and the cytohistochemical localization of GUS activity confirmed the genetic transformation of callus cultures and regenerated plants. The transformation process did not alter the normal content of berberine in transgenic roots or cell cultures; thus, the reported protocol is valuable to study the molecular and metabolic regulation of protoberberine alkaloid biosynthesis.     

RNA virus accumulation is inhibited by ribonuclease activity of 3D8 scFv in transgenic Nicotiana tabacum

A mannose selection system was adapted for Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of plum (Prunus domestica L.) hypocotyl explants and the recovery of transgenic plants. Adventitious regeneration from non-transformed hypocotyl sections was inhibited when 3 mg/l mannose, combined with 10 mg/l sucrose, was added to the medium. Mature seed hypocotyl slices from the cultivar ‘Claudia Verde’ were infected with A. tumefaciens AGL1, carrying the pNOVgus vector, and placed onto different selective media with mannose. A low mannose selection (1.5 g/l, regeneration below the inhibitory concentration) applied for 16 weeks led to the regeneration of escapes. However, when mannose at 1.5 g/l or at 3 g/l (the regeneration-inhibiting concentration) was applied for 6 weeks from the beginning of the experiments and, after that, was increased to 5 g/l, several independent transgenic lines were obtained. The transformation events were monitored by detection of the GUS enzymatic activity at different stages of the process. Nevertheless, stable integration of transgenes into the genome of the plum plants was confirmed by PCR and Southern blot analysis. The transformed shoots were rooted on a medium supplemented with 10 g/l sucrose and 4 g/l mannose. The transformation procedure described here, using the pmi/mannose system for selection of transgenic plum plants, represents an alternative for the production of transgenic plum plants under conditions that are safe regarding human health and the environment, and would permit the insertion of more transgene/s in a pre-existing transgenic line.     

Micropropagation of Capparis decidua through In Vitro Shoot Proliferation on Nodal Explants of Mature Tree and Seedling Explants

In vitro clonal propagation of Capparis decidua was achieved using nodal explants from mature trees, and cotyledonary node, cotyledon and hypocotyl explants taken from the seedlings. Explants cultured on MS medium supplemented with BAP showed differentiation of multiple shoots and shoot buds in 4–5 weeks in the primary cultures. The medium with BAP (5 mg/l) was the best for shoot bud proliferation from the nodal as well as seedling explant. Shoot multiplication was best on cotyledonary node. In the nodal explants shoot multiplication was best on medium supplemented with 5 mg/l BAP and after second subculturing further multiplication of shoot buds was highest on the medium containing 3 mg/l BAP. Shoots were separated from mother cultures in each subculturing for rooting. Rooting was best achieved using 1 mg/l IBA in the medium. Rooted plantlets were transferred td earthen pots with garden soil and peat moss mixture.