Genetic Transformation of Setaria: A New Perspective

Abstract

Setaria italica and its wild progenitor Setaria viridis, collectively called Setaria, have recently emerged as promising translational research models for studying stress resistance, domestication, C4 grass biology, and bioenergy traits. However, genetic engineering of Setaria remains challenging without the availability of robust transformation methods. Their recalcitrance to in vitro manipulation and transformation restricts the use of transgenesis and contemporary genome editing tools for crop functional genomics research. Not much work on transgenesis in Setaria has been reported. In the present chapter we aim at updating available information related to Setaria tissue culture and genetic transformation. In addition, we discuss different factors and methods to ease the transformation studies in Setaria. The advanced or alternative gene transformation methods with respect to Setaria are also discussed.