Transient expression of beta-glucuronidase reporter gene in embryogenic callus cultures of an elite indica basmati rice (Oryza sativa L)

Various parameters for the introduction of beta-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene driven by actin-l promoter into embryogenic callus cultures of an elite indica basmati rice cultivar (Basmati 370) through biolistic delivery method were studied. Helium gas pressure of 900 psi, arrangement of the callus at the centre of the plate or 1100 psi helium pressure and arrangement of the callus at the innermost concentric ring of the plate along with 6 cm distance from the microcarrier produced best results in terms of transient GUS expression, but with moderate callus survival, However, better survival of the callus with moderate GUS expression was observed when the callus was placed at the centre or the innermost concentric ring of plate with a distance of 9 and 6 cm using 900 and 1100 psi, respectively; and these parameters may be useful in recovering transgenics. These parameters will now be employed for the development of fertile transgenic basmati rice harbouring agronomically useful genes.