Genetic resources and genetic transformation in bermudagrass–a review

Abstract

Bermudagrass is widely distributed as a warm-season turf and forage grass in the temperate and tropical zones around the world. Its strong vegetative reproduction and ability to withstand drought make it an ideal species as a most used warm-season forage grass and turfgrass. Genetic transformation is an important tool for the study of gene function and for germplasm improvement in bermudagrass. This paper attempts to present a recent review on genetic resources, plant regeneration and genetic transformation in bermudagrass. We first review the various genetic resources and collection of bermudagrass. Then the explants, basal medium and the effect of different cultivars and plant growth regulators on plant regeneration in bermudagrass are also summarized. Last, we outline the main areas of progress in genetic transformation with either the biolistic or Agrobacterium-mediated method in bermudagrass, and discuss various factors that influence Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. However, the question that still remains is why there have been no genetic modification reports on bermudagrass for 10 years.