Agrobacterium Mediated Genetic Transformation in Rice using CRY 1AC & CRY 1B Genes

Present investigation was carried out to transform indica rice with Bt genes. Two indica genotypes viz., Swarna and APMS6B were used for tissue culture and transformation experiments. Callus induction frequency in MS medium in light was higher than in dark in both the genotypes. Callus was induced early in light incubated cultures. However no significant difference in plant regeneration was observed irrespective of callus source used. Calli derived from mature seeds of two genotypes were subjected to Agrobacterium mediated transformation using two gene constructs-EHA105/pCAMBIA Ac with cry 1 Ac and EHA105/pCAMBIA 1300 UBI-1B with cry 1B. The transient gus expression was more in Swarna. Successful transformation depended on factors including concentration of acetosyringone, concentration of Agrobacterium cells in culture, infiltration time and hygromycin in selection medium.