Fertile transgenic plants of Nierembergia scoparia Sendtner obtained by a mikimopine type strain of Agrobacterium rhizogenes

Abstract

Hairy roots of Nierembergia scoparia were obtained using a mikimopine type strain of Agrobacterium rhizogenes, A13. These roots grew vigorously and formed shoots on a MS medium containing no phytohormones. The shoot formation was greatly enhanced by the addition of 0.5 to 2.0 mg l −1 BAP. Transgenic plants showed typical hairy root syndromes such as leaf curling, short internodes, small leaves and vigorous root growth. The pollen viability of transgenic plants remained normal and seeds were obtained by pollination with a wild-type plant. Half of the seedlings thus obtained were revealed to be transgenic plants.