Agrobacterium-Mediated Transformation of Common Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon)

Common bermudagrass, Cynodon dactylon, is a widely used warm-season turf and forage species in the temperate and tropical regions of the world. We have been able to transform the species using Agrobacterium-mediated approach. In seven experiments reported here, a total of 67 plates of calluses and suspensions were infected with Agrobacterium tumefaciens strains, and nine hygromycin B resistant calluses were obtained after selection. Among them two green independent transgenic plants were recovered. The plants growing in pots looked relatively compact at the beginning, but the ploidy level of the plants, as determined by nuclear DNA content, was not altered.