We have developed a reliable and high-frequency genetic transformation and regeneration system via somatic embryogensis of Eleutherococcus sessiliflorus. Embryogenic callus obtained from seed were co- cultivated with Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain E...
We have developed a reliable and high-frequency genetic transformation and regeneration system via somatic embryogensis of Eleutherococcus sessiliflorus. Embryogenic callus obtained from seed were co- cultivated with Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain EHA101/pIG121Hm harboring genes for intron-$\beta$-glucoronidase(GUS), kanamycin and hygromycin resistance. Following co-cultivation, two types of samples(fine embrogenic calli and early globular embryo clusters) were cultivated on Murashige and Skoog(MS) medium containing 1 mg/L2.4-D for 3day in dark. Transient expression of GUS gene was found to be higher in the early globular embryo clusters than in the embryogenic calli. Also, co-cultivated period affected expression of GUS gene; the best result was obtained when globular embryo clusters were co-cultivated with Agrobacterium for 3 days. Subsequently, this callus transferred to selective MS medium containing 1mg/L2.4-D, 50mg/L kanamycin or/and 30mg/L hygromycin and 300mg/L cefortaxime. These embryogenic calls were subcultured to the same selection medium at every 2 weeks intervals. Approximately 24.5% of the early globular embryos co-cultivated with Agrobacterium for 3days produced kanamycin or/and hygromycin-resistant calli. Transgenic somatic embryos were converted into plantlets in half strength MS medium supplemented with 3mg/L GA$_3$ kanamycin and were confirmed by GUS histochemical assay and polymerase chain reaction analysis. Genomic Southem blot hybridization confirmed the incorporation of NPT II gene into the host genome.