Genetic Transformation and Somatic Embryogenesis in Lathyrus sativus

Direct somatic embryogenesis and genetic transformation has been achieved in Lathyrus sativus. The genetic transformation was achieved by Agrobacterium tumefaciens and biolistic methods of gene transfer. Somatic embryogenesis was obtained from immature leaflets and nodal segments by using 2,4-0 in the induction medium. Somatic embryos formed germinated on growth regulator-free medium. The transgenic nature of the transformants was confirmed by GUS expression assay. The transgenic shoots/plantlets were obtained only from tissue transformed with biolistic method of gene transfer.