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Project update on
'Developing cowpea transformation systems'
by Dr. T. J. Higgins
, CSIRO
, Australia, Email: info@pi.csiro.au
The
aim of this project is to develop a genetic transformation system for
cowpeas. The longer-term goal is the introduction of insect resistance
genes into cowpea.
A
wide range of cowpea genotypes, including large seeded- and forage
types, were multiplied in order to have sufficient seeds for tissue
culture purposes. Compared to the old seed batches, newly grown seeds
showed high germination rates (up to 96%) and no microbial contamination
when germinated in-vitro. The old seed batches germinated very poorly,
if at all, and usually led to tissue cultures that were 100%
contaminated.
Over
20 different cowpea genotypes are being analysed for their their tissue
culture response in-vitro. Regeneration of multiple shoots is set
as a prerequisite for genetic transformation experiments. Based on early
results, several cultivars look promising for further work and will be
used for transformation experiments mediated by Agrobacterium
tumefaciens.
Gene
vectors are being constructed with a suitable selectable marker gene and access to insecticidal genes is at an advanced
stage of negotiation.
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