A Genetic Transformation System of Sweet Potato ‘Fushu 604’

Objective A comprehensive genetic transformation system for ‘Fushu 604’ was established to facilitate function identification and validation of a sweet potato germplasm.

Methods Non-embryogenic cells carrying the expression vector, pCAMBIA1301-proFLS-GUS, in ‘Fushu 604’ sweet potato were transformed with Agrobacterium tumefaciens. By studying the key factors affecting the sweet potato genetic transformation, a system for genetic improvements was established.

Results For inducing embryogenic callus, MS medium supplemented with 2 mg·L⁻¹ of 2,4-D, 30 g·L⁻¹ of sucrose, and 3 g·L⁻¹ of a plant gel was chosen. The suspension of cell aggregates was pre-cultured for 4−5 days for the transformation. Hygromycin (Hyg) at the concentration of 5 mg·L⁻¹ was used to screen for resistant plants. Somatic embryos were then induced to regenerate onto whole plants after co-cultivation and selection to obtain 15 rooted seedlings. By PCR detection, 7 positive seedlings were confirmed positive, at a rate of 46.7%.

Conclusion A genetic transformation system was successfully established for ‘Fushu 604’ to facilitate the function identification and validation on key genes so that improvement on the germplasm could be precisely achieved.