Microprojectile and Agrobacterium-Mediated Transformation of Pioneer Elm

Abstract

We have transformed internode sections of the hybrid elm cultivar "Pioneer" to assess the possibilities of introducing significant genes into elms. Foreign DNA encoding beta-glucuronidase (GUS) was introduced into internode sections using microprojectile- or Agrobacterium tumefaciensmediated transformation. Positive signals were detected by Southern analysis. Also, some enzymatic activity was detected in Agrobacterium transformed cultures using a fluorogenic assay.