Genetic tranformation of cotyledon explants of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) using Agrobacterium tumefaciens

Mature de-embryonated cotyledons with intact proximal end of Vigna unguiculata were cultured on B5 basal medium containing varying concentrations of BAP. Thirty-six percent of the explants produced shoots on B5 medium supplemented with 8× 10^–6 M BAP. Cotyledon explants were pre-incubated for 24 h, inoculated with A. tumefaciens pUCD2614 carrying pUCD2340, co-cultivated for 48 h and transferred to hygromycin-B (25 mg/l) containing shoot induction medium. Approximately 15–19% of the explants produced shoots on the selection medium. The elongated shoots were subsequently rooted on B5 basal medium containing hygromycin. The transgenic plants were later established in pots. The presence of hpt gene in the transgenic plants was confirmed by Southern blot hybridization.Abbreviations BAP 6-Benzylaminopurine - 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - hpt hygromycin phosphotransferase - IAA Indole-3-acetic acid - NAA 1-naphthaleneacetic acid