Regeneration and transformation of the premier UK apple (Malus × pumila Mill.) cultivar Queen Cox

Summary

A number of factors were assessed for their effects on in vitro shoot proliferation and adventitious shoot regeneration. More in vitro leaves of a quality suitable for use in regeneration and transformation experiments were obtained from shoots on DKW proliferation medium compared with MS medium, and also on MS and DKW media containing phloroglucinol. Compared with MS medium, shoot proliferation was greater on MS with halved levels of NH₄NO₃ and KNO₃. Adventitious shoots were hyperhydric on MS-based but not on DKW-based regeneration medium. More adventitious shoots regenerated on media solidified with Sigma Agargel than on media with Sigma Phytagel or Gelcarin (FMC). Viable transformed shoots were recovered on Sigma Agar or Agargel but not Phytagel. Wounding of leaf explants by stabbing with needles, and stabbing combined with scoring with a scalpel, increased the number of calli regenerating, and these methods, as well as solely scoring with a scalpel, increased the number of calli regenerating shoots compared with the control. Combined stabbing and scoring resulted in more calli producing shoots than solely scoring or stabbing. Vortexing leaf explants with silicon carbide whiskers increased the percentage of subsequently formed calli that regenerated shoots compared with the control. Transformed shoots were regenerated following co-cultivation with Agrobacterium tumefaciens EHA101 harbouring the binary vector pSCV1.6 (with selectable marker gene npt II and GUS reporter gene uid A). The number of transformed shoots as a percentage of explants varied from 0.5% to 2.2%. Molecular analysis of the four extant transformed lines confirmed integration of the transgene and indicated that in three lines there was one integration site, and in one line there were four sites of integration.     

Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of Asarina procumbens Mill.

Summary

This paper reports on protocols for plant regeneration and transformation of Asarina procumbens Mill. (syn. Antirrhinum asarina L.). Asarina is an ornamental plant, in this study we successfully achieved shoot regeneration from stem explants on MS medium supplemented with zeatin. Furthermore, the transformation system was established via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation with stem segments. The A. tumefaciens strains EHA105, GV2260 and GV3101 each harbouring binary vector pSMAK251 containing uidA and npt II genes were used in this establishment. Kanamycin-resistant shoots regenerated directly on the selection medium containing 2 mg l^–1 zeatin, 100 mg l^–1 kanamycin, and 250 mg l^–1 cefotaxime six weeks after co-cultivation. Fifty to 73% of regenerated shoots showed GUS expression through the histochemical GUS expression analysis. PCR and Southern blot analysis confirmed the existence of npt II and uid A genes in these GUS expressed transformed plants. This is the first report of successful genetic transformation in Asarina procumbens Mill.     

Production of four commercially cultivated Echinacea species by different methods of in vitro regeneration

Summary

Efficient in vitro procedures for mass propagation of four commercially important Echinacea species have been deveoped. Plants of E. angustifolia, E. pallida, E. paradoxa and E. purpurea were regenerated by three methods, namely axillary bud proliferation, adventitious shoot formation and somatic embyrogenesis. Shoot tips obtained from in vitro germinated seedlings, adventitious shoots or somatic embryo-derived plantlets, when cultured on Murashige and Skoog medium enriched with 1 μM 6-benzylaminopurine, 2 μM kinetin, 0.5 μM indole-3-butyric acid and 4 mg^–1 paclobutrazol multiplied three-fold within 3–4 weeks in culture. Incorporation of paclobutrazol in the shoot multiplication medium was necessary to recover healthy and robust shoots suitable for rooting. Direct, high-frequency shoot formation on intact leaves of shoots grown on 6-benzylaminopurine and kinetin-supplemented media, an unusual and novel observation made in this study, occurred in all the species studied. Rooting of in vitro developed shoots was achieved relatively easily with Murashige and Skoog basal medium rather than with auxin-enriched media. Culturing of hypocotyl explants on medium containing 3,6-dichloro-o-anisic acid (commonly known as dicamba), or 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, resulted in direct somatic embryogenesis in all the species examined. The presence of cytokinin was required for somatic embryo germination, but further development of germinated somatic embryos into normal plantlets occurred in Murashige and Skoog medium. We conclude that the procedures described here could be used for rapid propagation as well as genetic transformation of commerically cultivated Echinacea species.     

Development and bioassay of Cry1Ac-transgenic eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) resistant to shoot and fruit borer

Summary

Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is an important fruit vegetable, commercially cultivated in the tropics and subtropics. However, the most serious constraint on eggplant production is damage caused by eggplant shoot and fruit borer (ESFB). The development of resistant transgenic plants, using an insecticidal crystal protein gene, is an available crop protection option. A Cry1Ac gene obtained from the National Research Center for Plant Biotechnology (NRCPB), New Delhi, India, was transformed via Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer into an improved inbred line of eggplant (IVBL-9). Hypocotyls proved to be the most effective and suitable explants, with a transformation frequency of 17.3% and 2.9 shoots per explant. PCR and Southern blot analyses confirmed the presence of a single copy insertion of the Cry1Ac gene in seven independent transgenic plants. The insertion of a single copy of the gene was also confirmed by segregation analysis of T₁ seed from T₀ plants. ELISA analyses revealed the presence of the Cry1Ac protein, and quantitative estimates confirmed significant levels of Cry1Ac protein (2.46 – 4.33 ng ml^–1 leaf extract) expressed in all seven transformed plants. High levels of expression of this insecticidal protein resulted in significant larval mortality and in the reduced growth of any surviving larva on transformed eggplant tissue.     

Rapid plant regeneration protocol for cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L. Taub.)

Summary

An efficient in vitro regeneration procedure using thidiazuron (TDZ) has been developed to allow high frequency, multiple shoot induction from cotyledonary node explants of cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba). Shoot bud induction occurred on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium after 4 weeks in the presence of TDZ, followed by transfer onto shoot multiplication and elongation media containing MS salts, B5 vitamins, and different combinations of auxins and cytokinins. Multiple shoots were induced at all levels of TDZ in the medium, but the best proliferation capacity occurred at 5 µM TDZ. Combinations of auxins and cytokinins showed a stimulatory effect on shoot multiplication and also on the length of the newly formed shoots. Maximum shoot induction [i.e., the highest number of shoots (16.0 ± 0.94) per explant] was obtained on agar-solidified medium containing 5 µM benzyladenine (BA) with 0.5 µM indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). Rooting of in vitro-regenerated shoots was achieved in ex vitro conditions by a pulse treatment with 300 µM indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) for 15 min. Rooted plantlets were transferred to soil where 70 – 75% attained sexual maturity and produced viable seeds under greenhouse conditions. The present regeneration system is efficient and can be used in various in vitro manipulation studies.     

Evaluation of an alternative D-amino acid/DAAO selection system for transformation in apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.)

Summary

The conventional selection system for apple transformation is based on the selectable marker gene, nptII, encoding antibiotic resistance against kanamycin. We tested an alternative selection system based on the use of D-amino acids using the gene, D-amino acid oxidase 1 (dao1) as the selectable marker, in order to avoid the presence of antibiotic resistance genes in the resulting transgenic apple plants. In addition, dao1 allowed the selection as well as the elimination of dao1-transgenic plants, based on differences in the toxicity of different D-amino acids. Regeneration experiments using apple leaf explants revealed that 2 mM D-serine or D-alanine inhibited shoot regeneration. We performed transformation experiments using the apple cultivars ‘Gala’, ‘Holsteiner Cox’, and a progeny of the apple cultivar ‘Pinova’, and the vector p35S::dao1-intron, containing the dao1 and nptII selectable marker genes. Several shoots regenerated successfully on selection media containing various concentrations of D-serine or D-alanine, but transgenic shoots were not obtained. However, three dao1/nptII transgenic apple lines were obtained after selection with kanamycin, indicating that the vector was functional. Furthermore, we showed that 20 mM D-serine could be used to select dao1-transgenic shoots from non-transgenic in vitro shoots, whereas 13 mM D-isoleucine had the opposite effect.     

Clonal propagation of Poncirus trifoliate through culture of shoot primordia

Summary

In Poncirus trifoliate, a highly efficient clonal propagation system for the culture of shoot primordia was devised. Shoot primordia were induced at the base of hypocotyl tissue cultured on MS medium supplemented with 44.4 µM BA, 3% sucrose and 0.8% agar. In MS liquid medium (44.4 µM BA, 3% sucrose) on a rotary shaker at two revolutions per minute, shoot primordia of Poncirus grew in size and number. Plant regeneration occurred on MS solid medium. Frequency of regeneration was highest on MS basal medium containing 3% sucrose and 0.8% agar. About 75 shoot buds regenerated from one shoot primordium. Histological observations showed that shoot buds arose from cells in the hypodermal layers of the shoot primordium. The shoot bud developed a vascular system, which became connected to the shoot primordium tissue. Regenerated shoots rooted on 1/2 MS basal medium or 1/2 MS medium supplemented with 0.5 or 5.0 µM IBA. These rooted shoots were acclimatized easily under intermittent mist.     

Adventitious shoot regeneration and Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation of leaf explants of sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.)

Sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) remains recalcitrant for genetic transformation due to the lack of efficient plant regeneration systems via organogenesis or somatic embryogenesis. In this study, in vitro shoot cultures were derived from a single mature embryo (open pollinated) of ‘Selah’ sweet cherry. Leaf explants were cultured on Woody Plant Medium supplemented with different plant growth regulators to induce shoot regeneration. The optimal regeneration at a frequency of 32.5% and an average of 1.1 shoots per explant occurred on the medium containing 4.54 µM thidiazuron (TDZ) and 2.95 µM indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). Transient transformation showed an efficient delivery of the β-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene (gusA) using Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain EHA105. Under the optimal gene delivery conditions, stable transformations were conducted using pGA643 and pBI-VcFT containing a blueberry FLOWERING LOCUS T (VcFT). A total of 500 leaf explants, 250 for each construct, were used for transformation. After 10-week selection, three leaf explants transformed with the pGA643 produced four kanamycin-resistant shoots, in which stable integration and expression of the nptII were confirmed by Southern blot and RT-PCR analysis, respectively. This study demonstrated that it was possible to produce stable transgenic sweet cherry using Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation of leaf explants.     

Introduction of Xa21, a Xanthomonas-resistance gene from rice,into ‘Hamlin’ sweet orange [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck] using protoplast-GFP co-transformation or single plasmid transformation

Summary

Plasmid DNA (pARS108) containing the non-destructive selectable marker Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) gene, and a plasmid containing a cDNA of the Xa21 gene from rice (pXa21-mtaq) were co-transformed into ‘Hamlin’ orange protoplasts using polyethylene glycol (PEG). Alternatively, plasmid DNA (pAO3), containing both genes (GFP and Xa21) was directly transformed into ‘Hamlin’ orange protoplasts. Over 1,000 transgenic plantlets were regenerated from approx. 80 independent transformation events. The transgenic plants showed normal growth and stable GFP expression over more than 2 years in the greenhouse. This is the first report of a large population of transgenic ‘Hamlin’ sweet orange plants containing one or more target gene(s), using a protoplast-GFP transformation system. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) revealed the presence of the Xa21 cDNA and the GFP genes in all single plasmid transformed plants, and in 35% of the co-transformed plants. Southern blot analysis showed the integration of the cDNA into one-to-five different sites per plant.Western blot analysis showed the accumulation of the rice XA21 protein in the transgenic sweet orange plants. This is the first time that a gene from rice has been stably integrated and expressed in sweet orange plants. Using the protoplast-GFP transformation system, it is possible to avoid the use of Agrobacterium, antibiotic resistance genes, and destructive assay systems.     

High frequency multiplication of Phalaenopsis gigantea using trimmed bases protocorms technique

This study was conducted to determine the effects of coconut water (CW) and activated charcoal (AC) on multiplication of Phalaenopsis gigantea protocorms. The protocorms used for this study were obtained by germinating seeds in vitro. Protocorms with trimmed and untrimmed bases were cultured on XER basal medium containing 0, 10, 15 or 20% (v/v) CW; and 0, 1, 2 or 2.5 g AC l⁻¹. Trimmed protocorms exhibited the highest percentage of proliferation on a medium containing 15% (v/v) CW and 2.5 g AC l⁻¹ (56.82 ± 38.86%) with an average of 4.24 ± 2.89 protocorms formed per protocorm. Untrimmed protocorms cultured on a medium containing 20% (v/v) CW without AC produced the highest percentage of new protocorms (6.93 ± 6.28%) with an average of 0.72 ± 0.57 per protocorm. When CW was added to a medium singly, 10% (v/v) CW induced a higher degree of proliferation on trimmed protocorms (5.68 ± 10.14%) with an average 0.50 ± 0.84 new protocorms per protocorm. Untrimmed protocorms proliferate to a much lower extent (2.57 ± 2.74%) with an average of 0.72 ± 0.57 protocorms per protocorm when cultured on a similar medium. A high concentration of CW enhanced proliferation on untrimmed protocorms, but increased mortality of trimmed protocorms. The addition of CW with AC to media increased protocorm proliferation and survival of both trimmed and untrimmed protocorms. When cultured on all media, trimmed protocorms produced a higher number of new protocorms (an average 0.5–7.0) as compared to untrimmed protocorms (0.3–1.9). Comparative studies showed that trimmed protocorms produced up to 10 times more new protocorms than untrimmed ones. Altogether this study showed that trimmed protocorms cultured on a medium containing CW and AC can be used for high-frequency multiplication of P. gigantea seedlings.     

Integration of the rolA gene into the genome of the vigorous apple rootstock A2 reduced plant height and shortened internodes

Summary

The aim of this work was to dwarf the vigorous apple rootstock A2 by insertion of the rolA gene. To optimize conditions for a successful transformation, regeneration tests were carried out. The use of sucrose in the regeneration medium gave higher regeneration frequency than sorbitol in some cases and the shoot number per regenerated leaf was higher at 10 |j.M TDZ compared with 2.5 |j.M TDZ on the sucrose medium. Two transgenic clones, verified by PCR and Southern analysis, have been obtained on the sucrose medium together with 2.5 |j.M TDZ and 1.0 or 2.5 |j.M NAA and wounding by forceps. The two clones, named LAI and LA2, contained both the rolA and nptll genes. The results of in vitro rooting showed that LAI had a lower rooting percentage and a reduced root number per rooted shoot than the untransformed control shoots and the clone LA2 on the rooting medium containing 5 |JLM IBA. Growth analysis revealed that both transgenic clones had a reduced plant height and a shortened internode length compared with the control plants. However, the node number and the stem diameter were significantly larger for clone LAI than clone LA2 and the control plants.     

Genetic transformation of Prunus domestica L. using the hpt gene coding for hygromycin resistance as the selectable marker

The study and development of transformation technology with new selection schemes is important for various fundamental studies and for crop trait improvement via genetic engineering. Here we have shown that hygromycin resistance is an effective system for plum genetic transformation. Embryonic axes of mature seeds were co-cultivated with Agrobacterium strain LBA4404 containing the pC1381 plasmid carrying the hygromycin phosphotranferase gene (hpt) and β-glucuronidase (GUS) gene or with strain EHA105 containing the plasmid pC1301 carrying the same marker and reporter genes. The latter strain containing a pC2301 plasmid carrying the neomycin phosphotransferase gene (nptII) gene was used as a control. Infected explants were placed on shoot induction medium containing either 5 mg L⁻¹ hygromycin or 75 mg L⁻¹ kanamycin for selection. Green shoots developed from the explants under hygromycin pressure. These shoots showed continued and vigorous growth and development upon transfer onto fresh hygromycin medium. PCR using hpt sequence primers, and Southern blot analysis using a probe from the hpt gene, confirmed the presence of the transgenes and their stable integration in regenerated plants. Full transgenic plants were obtained in a greenhouse. Hygromycin selection was very effective and no escapes were observed. The study demonstrated that hygromycin resistance can be used as an effective selectable marker for plum transformation. The new system developed here is important and useful for multiple gene transformation in plum.     

红龙草叶片的组织培养及其植株再生

 建立了红龙草叶片再生体系。叶片外植体在培养基MS + 6-BA 1.0 mg/L + 4-PU 1.0 mg/L +NAA 0.1 mg/L上形成浅绿色愈伤组织, 20 d后愈伤组织诱导率达100%。约45.31%的愈伤组织在添加6-BA 1.0 mg/L和NAA 0.4 mg/L的MS培养基上分化出紫红色的不定芽, 约6%的愈伤组织在该培养基上产生出细小叶片和绿色变异幼芽。所产生的紫红色不定芽在1/2MS +NAA 0.4 mg/L的培养基上可全部生根,长成完整植株。再生植株的移栽成活率达85%以上。     

Rapid regeneration of plants of Dendrobium lituiflorum Lindl. (Orchidaceae) by using banana extract

Effects of banana extract (BE) and 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) were evaluated on asymbiotic seed germination and an early differentiation of protocorms and plant regeneration of Dendrobium lituiflorum Lindl. High percentage germination was achieved by culturing seeds on modified Knudson C medium supplemented with 10% (v/v) BE. Rapid regeneration was observed within 60 days of culture on 10% (v/v) BE supplemented KC medium where maximum percentage propagules showed development of leaves and root formation. Propagules on BAP supplemented KC medium showed no further development beyond one leaf stage. In another experiment, culture of shoots on 12.5% (v/v) BE supplemented KC medium led to multiplication, shoot elongation as well as vigorous rooting. Shoots cultured on 10 μM BAP supplemented MS medium showed maximum multiplication but these were stunted. Plants with well expanded deep green leaves and elongated roots from BE media were first hardened in vitro followed by ex vitro hardening on cocopeat:perlite (9:1) in the greenhouse conditions and exhibited 90% survival. The study emphasizes the role of BE as a natural additive at different stages of development from seed germination to plant regeneration.     

Callus induction and plant regeneration from cotyledonary explants of ash gourd (Benincasa hispida L.)

A protocol for the production of complete plantlets through multiple shoots from the cotyledon-derived calli of ash gourd (Benincasa hispida L.) is described. The embryos were excised from mature seeds and cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 6-benzylaminopurin (BAP, 1–5 μM). After 10 days the well-developed green cotyledons from the growing embryos were isolated and cultured on MS medium fortified with 2,4-D (1–6 μM). The cultured cotyledons gave rise to luxuriantly growing calli after 6 weeks. These calli were subcultured on MS medium supplemented with various concentrations of BAP (1–6 μM) alone or in combination with naphthalene acetic acid (NAA, 0.2 and 0.5 μM) for regeneration. The regenerated shoots were multiplied and rooted on quarter strength MS medium supplemented with indole-3-butyric acid or NAA (1–5 μM). The rooted shoots were transplanted to soil with 90% success.     

苹果MdFT基因对番茄的遗传转化

 通过RT2PCR扩增, 从苹果叶片cDNA中克隆了^FT基因的同源基因^MdFT, 构建了花椰菜病毒35S启动子驱动的MdFT植物表达载体35S: : MdFT, 并利用根癌农杆菌介导法将其导入番茄栽培品种‘中蔬四号’; 同时转化拟南芥A tFT基因作为阳性对照。从添加卡那霉素的筛选培养基上再生了抗性植株,PCR扩增证明, 外源基因MdFT和AtFT已经整合到转基因番茄的基因组, 半定量RT-PCR则证明它们已经在转基因番茄中得到异位过量表达。形态鉴定发现, 转基因番茄植株比非转基因对照植株开花早, 表明成功地从苹果中克隆了成花素基因MdFT, 该基因具有通过转基因缩短苹果树童期的潜在价值。     

Culture of triploid tissue from the endosperm of an endangered Chilean tree species Gomortega keule

The endangered Chilean tree species Gomortega keule (Mol.) Baillon produces an edible fruit, but is not cultivated at present. Recent advances in micropropagation may allow the further development of this species as a fruit crop. Triploid plants have been regenerated from the endosperm of seed of a number of species. This is the first report on in vitro culture of the seed endosperm of G. keule in order to obtain triploid plants. Callus was formed from endosperm after 1.5 months on 1.0× Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 6-(γ,γ-dimethylallylamino) purine. Shoot primordia developed and produced shoots that could be cultured on Rugini medium containing 0.1 mg l^–1 α-naphthaleneacetic acid and 1 mg l^–1 6-benzyladenine. Shoot primordia cultured on Rugini medium containing 2 g l^–1 activated charcoal produced longer shoots and longer leaves compared to diploid genotypes. Flow cytometry and chromosome observations indicated that the callus tissue and plantlets derived from the seed endosperm were triploid. Endosperm culture represents a feasible method to regenerate triploid plantlets of this tree species within 18 months. Such material may be of value for the genetic improvement and future development of G. keule as a commercial fruit tree species.     

Symbiotic seed germination of Grammatophyllum speciosum Blume and Dendrobium draconis Rchb. f., native orchids of Thailand

In vitro symbiotic seed germination is an important tool not only for the study of orchid-fungus specificity but also for the production of mycobiont-infected healthy seedlings that could be valuable for both horticultural and conservation purposes. The current study compared effectiveness of eight putative orchid mycorrhizal fungi obtained from mature orchids in the genera Paphiopedilum, Cymbidium and Dendrobium, in promoting in vitro seed germination and protocorm development of Grammatophyllum speciosum Blume and Dendrobium draconis Rchb. f., native Thai orchids. The developmental stages of seeds and protocorms cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium, oat meal agar (OMA), or OMA inoculated with one of the eight fungal isolates were evaluated weekly. Two isolates of Epulorhiza repens (Bernard) Moore (=anamorphic species of Tulasnella calospora (Boud.) Juel), Da-KP-0-1 and Pv-PC-1-1, were found to be the most effective fungi in promoting protocorm development of G. speciosum. At week 13, protocorms co-cultured with either one of these two fungal isolates, on the average, were significantly more advanced than those sown on OMA. Protocorms co-cultured with isolate Pv-PC-1-1 were also significantly more advanced than those cultured on MS medium. For D. draconis seed germination, three fungal isolates of different anamorphic species of Tulasnella, C1-DT-TC-1, Pv-PC-1-1, and C3-DT-TC-2, were found to be the most effective fungi in promoting protocorm development. However, none of these fungal isolates outperformed MS medium. Additionally, the compatibility between the fungal isolates tested and the two orchid species was discussed.     

In vitro plantlet regeneration from protocorms of Dendrobium lituiflorum Lindl. and Cymbidium bicolor Lindl. and their acclimatisation: effect of salts,sucrose, and banana extract

Summary

The salts present in modified Knudson C (KC) medium (1946), 2% (w/v) sucrose, and a natural banana extract (BE) [1 – 20% (v/v)] were studied singly, or in combination, for their effects on the regeneration of protocorms of the orchid species, Dendrobium lituiflorum and Cymbidium bicolor. The incorporation of KC salts along with higher percentages of BE [10% or 20% (v/v)] promoted protocorm development as well as shoot and root formation. The presence of 2% (w/v) sucrose in the medium further enhanced root lengths and the rooting percentage, irrespective of the presence of KC salts. Incorporation of both KC salts and 2% (w/v) sucrose was found to be obligatory, in conjunction with BE (a cost-effective natural additive) for plantlet regeneration. In vitro-raised plantlets of both orchid species exhibited high rates of survival under greenhouse conditions. Scanning electron microscopy revealed elliptical stomata and epicuticular granular wax deposits on their abaxial leaf surfaces after acclimatisation.     

Micropropagation of bay laurel (Daphne gnidium L.)

Summary

Procedures have been developed for the micropropagation of Daphne gnidium, a shrub species of ecological interest, using explants of juvenile and adult origin. Shoot proliferation rates were significantly affected by both salt formulation and benzylade- nine concentration. Best results were obtained on WP medium with 5 µM BA. The presence of indoleacetic acid in the induction medium improved BA-induced axillary bud proliferation from juvenile explants. Rooting of shoots produced in culture was difficult, especially those of adult origin. Besides an absolute requirement for auxin, calcium concentration and the pH of the medium affected the formation of adventitious roots from regenerated shoots of D. gnidium.