Embryonic explant and plumular meristem transformation methods for development of transgenic pigeon pea

Abstract

A reliable pigeon pea transformation system can assist the rapid improvement of this important grain legume through transgenic development. Here we describe two methods of Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated pigeon pea transformation. In the tissue culture based embryonic explant transformation method, microshoot grafting was included to obtain rapid root induction, while the other method was culture independent and designated as plumular meristem transformation. Both methods drastically enhanced the transformation frequency and have the potential to provide reasonable solutions for maximum transgenic recovery in biotechnological breeding programs.