Microprojectile Bombardment Transformation of Date Palm Using the Insecticidal Cholesterol Oxidase (ChoA) Gene

Abstract

The overall objective of this work is to optimize the transformation system for date palm as a first step toward production of date palm clones resistant to noxious pests. A construct harboring the cholesterol oxidase (ChoA) gene, which renders plant resistance against insect attack, is introduced into embryogenic date palm callus using the PDS-1000/He particle bombardment system. The process involves the establishment of embryogenic callus cultures as well as immature embryo-derived microcalli that are used as target tissues for shooting and optimization of transformation conditions. This chapter in addition explains molecular and histochemical assays conducted to confirm gene integration and expression.

Genetic Improvement of Tropical and Subtropical Fruit Trees via Biolistic Methods

“…Recently, we introduce an efficient and optimized protocol for stable transformation of date palm Estamaran (Sayer) cultivar through biolistic transformation method [39]. Also, [40] developed a procedure for delivering the insecticidal cholesterol oxidase (ChoA) gene to embryogenic callus of Siwy cultivar through particle bombardment ( Table 1). They transferred ChoA gene along with gus marker gene under control of 35S promoter and confirmed the insertions by gus assay, ELISA, and PCR.…”