Genetic transformation of date palm via microprojectile bombardment

Abstract

Efficient protocols for date palm embryogenic callus and somatic embryo transformation with uidA gene are described in this chapter. The embryogenic callus transformation procedure is 1.6 μm gold particle size coated with 2.5 μg DNA (pAct1-D plasmid), 1100 psi helium pressure, 9 cm target distance, 26 inHg vacuum pressure, 3 mm distance between the rupture disk and macrocarrier, and osmotic pretreatment with 0.4 M mannitol followed by 60 min air desiccation. The somatic embryo transformation procedure is 0.6 μm gold particle size coated with 2.5 μg DNA (pAct1-D plasmid), 1350 psi helium pressure, 6 cm target distance, 28 inHg vacuum pressure, 3 mm distance between the rupture disk and macrocarrier, and osmotic pretreatment with 0.4 M mannitol followed by 60 min air desiccation. Protocols for analysis of the transgenic plantlets have also been described.