Binary cloning vectors for efficient genetic transformation of rice

The availability of effective vector systems is a prerequisite for genetic manipulation of plants through recombinant DNA technology. We report here construction of a series of binary vectors that have cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter-driven genes encoding either resistance to hygromycin or phosphinothricin for selection of the transformants, and high strength constitutive promoters of either ubiquitin1 or actin1 genes for efficient expression of the transgenes. The efficacy of the constructs is tested in stably transformed Pusa Basmati I rice plants through beta-glucuronidase reporter gene activity. Availability of vectors with variable promoters and selectable marker genes provides flexibility in stacking two genes. The vectors constructed in this study are suitable for both particle gun and Agrobacterium-based transformation protocols.