Somatic embryo induction and Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of embryonic callus tissue in Phoebe bournei, an endangered woody species in Lauraceae

Wenting Xu,Xiongzhen Lou,Miao Zhang,Chen Wang,Yuting Zhang,Junhong Zhang,Zaikang Tong,Xiao Han

doi:10.15835/nbha48211946

Wenting Xu, Xiongzhen Lou + Show 6 more

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https://doi.org/10.15835/nbha48211946

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Abstract

Phoebe bournei, a plant species endemic to China, is a precious timber tree and widely used in landscaping. This tree contains numerous secondary metabolites, underscoring its potential economic value. However, studies on this species, including molecular genetic research, remain limited. In this study, both a somatic embryogenesis (SE) technical system and Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation were successfully employed in P. bournei for the first time. The SE technical system was constructed using immature embryos as original material. The primary embryo and embryonic callus induction rates were 30.66% and 41.67%, respectively. The highest rate of embryonic callus proliferation was 3.84. The maximum maturity coefficient and germination rate were 53.44/g and 39%, respectively. Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation was performed using the SE technical system, and the highest transformation rate was 11.24%. The results presented here are the first to demonstrate an efficient approach to achieve numerous P. bournei plantlets, which serves as the basis for artificial cultivation and resource conservation. Furthermore, the genetic transformation platform constructed in this study will facilitate assessment of gene function and molecular regulation.

Highlights

Phoebe bournei (Hemsl.) Yang, a woody plant species endemic to China, was historically named “Golden Phoebe” wood in China (Chen et al, 2017)
The results provided an approach with which to achieve numerous P. bournei plantlets for artificial cultivation and protection of natural resources
The somatic embryogenesis (SE) system developed in our study provides a feasible approach for vegetative propagation, which could satisfy the needs of artificial cultivation

Summary

Introduction

Phoebe bournei (Hemsl.) Yang, a woody plant species endemic to China, was historically named “Golden Phoebe” wood in China (Chen et al, 2017). Timber of this woody plant was preferred by royalty and aristocrats for its light fragrance, gorgeous golden lustre, and non-perishable hard material (Chen et al, 2015). Since the Qin Dynasty in China, “Golden Phoebe” wood has been used in the construction of main pillars in audience halls and thrones for supreme rulers in numerous palaces. P. bournei is still famous for its excellent performance. Received in revised form: 24 Jun 2020.

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