Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of centipedegrass (Eremochloa ophiuroides [Munro] Hack.)

Centipedegrass (Eremochloa ophiuroides [Munro] Hack.) is an important warm-season turfgrass and pasture grass. Due to availability of an efficient regeneration system, this study was undertaken to develop an Agrobacterium-mediated transformation system for centipedegrass for potential use in its genetic improvements. Embryogenic calli were co-cultivated with Agrobacterium strain EHA105 harboring pCAMBIA1301, followed by selection of hygromycin B (hyg B)-resistant callus and regenerated plantlets. The transformants were analyzed using PCR, DNA blot, RNA blot and semi-quantitative RT-PCR. Two transformant lines, lines 2 and 6, showed integration and expression of the hyg B resistance gene hpt. Line 2 revealed a single integration of the hpt transgene, while line 6 revealed two integration sites of hpt. Both lines exhibited resistance to hyg B, although line 2 showed higher level of expression of hpt.