Genetic Transformation of Sugarcane: Method and Application

Traditional plant breeding techniques, together with chemical, biotechnological approaches, have been extensively used to increase crop yields which are more productive and resistant to diseases and pathogens. However, conventional breeding is a lengthy process. Incorporation of desired gene(s) from foreign source is the prime needs to overcome the bottleneck. Genetic transformation of sugarcane deserve the due research attention for the purpose. Agrobacterium- mediated genetic transformation in differents sugarcane varieties and regeneration of plantlets from transformed explants were discussed. The transformation efficiency in callus, organogenic pre-treated callus and meristematic spindle leaf segments at different infection time by five Agrobacterium strains containing GUS marker gene and Stress resistance genes (CIPK, CBL and Gly1) were explained. PCR based confirmation of GUS reporter gene was done using DNA isolated from plantlets regenerated from transformed explants. Phenotypic expression of resistance genes also explained with the different regeneration medium containing selective stresses.