Mature embryo-derived wheat transformation for tolerance to moisture stress

We have developed marker-free transgenic wheat using a transcription factor, AtDREB1A cloned from Arabidopsis. Southern hybridization confirmed a transgenic event with a single copy insertion. PCR analysis of the T1 plants showed four were positive only for AtDREB1A. A T1 plant (HRCB3#17-37) was marker-free and had good expression of drought tolerance in comparison with untransformed plants. The leaf relative water content of this T1 transgenic plant was 12-15% higher than that of the wild type during stress with an 8% higher yield under water deficit conditions compared with wild type plants.