Wheat genetic transformation using mature embryos as explants

Abstract

Feeding the growing population utilizing the limited agricultural resources remains a great challenge. Plant biotechnology plays a vital role in crop improvement by incorporating desired quality traits, tolerance to abiotic stresses and resistance to biotic stresses, which are otherwise tough to achieve by conventional plant breeding methodologies. Genetic engineering is a powerful tool to develop desired traits in selected crops to make the crops suitable for future demand and environment. For genetic engineering of crops like wheat, the development of efficient transformation and regeneration systems has always been a prime requirement. Immature embryo cultures have been used largely for genetic engineering purposes in wheat, but the availability of healthy immature embryos as explant throughout the year is difficult. In contrast, mature embryos are readily available throughout the year. Therefore, it is essential to develop an efficient transformation and regeneration system employing mature embryos as explant. Here, we summarize the recent developments in wheat tissue culture using mature embryos as explants and its use in genetic transformation.