Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 5, 2026
10:28
Agrobacterium-Mediated Immature Embryo Transformation of Recalcitrant Maize Inbred Lines Using Morphogenic Genes
Published on: February 14, 2020
25.3K
Attempted "egg transformation" in Zea mays L., using irradiated pollen
J C Sanford1, Y S Chyi, B I Reisch
1Department of Horticultural Sciences, New York State Agricultural Experiment Station, Cornell University, 14456, Geneva, NY, USA.
Summary
Egg transformation in corn (Zea mays L.) was investigated using various pollination treatments. The study found that induced egg transformation is an extremely rare event, making it unlikely to be useful for corn improvement.
Area of Science:
- Plant Genetics
- Molecular Biology
- Agricultural Science
Background:
- The phenomenon of "egg transformation" was previously described in Nicotiana L.
- Investigating genetic modification in Zea mays L. is crucial for crop improvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if "egg transformation" can be induced in Zea mays L.
- To assess the frequency and potential utility of egg transformation in corn.
Main Methods:
- Utilized multiple marker stocks (recessive and dominant) and specific tester/donor lines for the "En" transposable element.
- Applied diverse pollination treatments including irradiated pollen (various doses), mixed pollen, and delayed self-pollination.
- Screened over 59,000 potential transformation events.
Main Results:
- No seed were produced from pollinations using solely irradiated pollen.
- Pollinations with irradiated donor plus self pollen yielded over 21,300 seeds, with 3 unexpected outcomes (contamination, pre-meiotic mutation, endosperm sector mutation).
- Non-irradiated pollen mixtures produced over 5,000 seeds, with 7 unexpected results (heterofertilization, spontaneous recessive endosperm mutations).
Conclusions:
- Induced egg transformation in Zea mays L. is an exceptionally rare occurrence.
- The low frequency suggests that egg transformation is not a practical method for corn improvement.
