Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation in Indian spinach (Beta palonga)

Abstract

An efficient and reproducible protocol for Agrobacterium-mediated plant transformation has been standardized in Indian spinach (Beta palonga) with a standard vector (pCambia 1304). Passage wise subculture in medium containing hygromycin, the selection agent, eventually resulted in survival of two percent (eleven in number) of originally infected explants showing continuous organogenesis. Of those eleven lines only three showed GUS amplification after PCR analysis followed by GUS positive histochemical assay. Those three confirmed transgenics were multiplied followed by successful rooting in liquid medium with coir as alternative matrix.