Papaya (Carica papaya L.)

Area of Science:

• Plant Biotechnology
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Particle bombardment has limitations for efficient, single-copy transgene insertion in papaya.
• Advancements in genomics necessitate improved plant transformation methods for gene function studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a more efficient Agrobacterium-mediated transformation protocol for papaya.
• To facilitate high-throughput genetic analysis and gene function studies in papaya.

Main Methods:

• Agrobacterium-mediated transformation protocol utilizing carborundum-wounded papaya embryogenic calli.
• Co-cultivation of wounded calli with Agrobacterium tumefaciens.
• Regeneration of transgenic plants from transformed callus clusters.

Main Results:

• The protocol achieved transformation in 10–20% of treated callus clusters.
• Successful identification of transgenic plants via PCR, histochemical staining, and Southern blot hybridization.
• Plant regeneration was completed within 9 to 13 months.

Conclusions:

• This carborundum-assisted Agrobacterium transformation method enhances efficiency for generating transgenic papaya.
• The protocol supports high-throughput transformation, crucial for accelerating gene function research in papaya.