Factors influencing transient and stable gene expression in Sandersonia aurantiaca Hook callus tissue

Abstract

A method for the rapid testing of target transgenes in Sandersonia aurantiaca is developed. Transient expression of the GUS and GFP reporter genes is achieved using biolistic bombardment of embryogenicand organogenictissue. Antibioticresistant stably transformed callus is also generated from embryogenic tissue of Sandersonia aurantiaca using Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Susceptibility to Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer is heavily influenced by the regeneration protocol. Tissue regenerated using thidiazuron is unable to be transformed with Agrobacterium, whereas tissue produced using 2,4-D and BAP is readily transformed with a frequency of up to 40%. This is the first report of stable Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer into the monocot species Sandersonia aurantiaca. © 2011 The Royal Society of New Zealand.