Agrobacterium-mediated Genetic Transformation of Cassava

Area of Science:

• Plant Biotechnology
• Crop Improvement
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is crucial for tropical food and economic security.
• Genetic improvement is vital to address evolving agricultural challenges like climate change and pests.
• Limited access to robust transformation methods has hindered genetic modification in cassava.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a detailed protocol for Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of cassava.
• To enable regeneration of genetically modified cassava plants.
• To facilitate genetic studies and development of improved cassava varieties.

Main Methods:

• Establishment and micropropagation of in vitro cassava plantlets.
• Agrobacterium-mediated transformation protocol for the model variety 60444.
• Adaptation of transformation methods for additional cassava cultivars and regeneration of plants in soil.

Main Results:

• A comprehensive protocol for cassava genetic transformation and plant regeneration is detailed.
• The methods are applicable to over a dozen cassava genotypes.
• Transgenic and gene-edited cassava plants can be produced for various research and development purposes.

Conclusions:

• The provided protocols overcome a key bottleneck in cassava genetic modification.
• These methods support the development of improved cassava for experimental, field, and potential commercial use.
• This work advances the genetic improvement of cassava, a vital crop for global food security.