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Development of an Efficient Regeneration and Agrobacterium-Mediated Transformation Protocol for Hosta 'Light Star' Using the RUBY Reporter Gene.

Hosta plantaginea is a perennial shade-tolerant herb of the Liliaceae family, with high ornamental and urban greening value. Hosta 'Light Star' is a newly developed ornamental cultivar with yellow-margined leaves and lilac flowers, but no efficient in vitro regeneration or genetic transformation system has been established for this cultivar to date. In this study, we established a highly efficient in vitro regeneration system for Hosta 'Light Star,' and developed an Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation protocol using the RUBY visual reporter gene for non-invasive screening of positive transformants. The optimal callus induction medium was MS&#x2009;+&#x2009;2&#xa0;mg/L 6-BA&#x2009;+&#x2009;0.3&#xa0;mg/L NAA&#x2009;+&#x2009;0.05&#xa0;mg/L 2, 4-D, with a callus induction rate of 53.33% for leaf explants (the optimal explant for sterile seedlings). The optimal adventitious bud proliferation medium was MS&#x2009;+&#x2009;2&#xa0;mg/L 6-BA&#x2009;+&#x2009;0.1&#xa0;mg/L NAA, with a proliferation coefficient of 5.87. The optimal rooting medium was 1/2 MS&#x2009;+&#x2009;0.5&#xa0;mg/L NAA&#x2009;+&#x2009;0.5&#xa0;mg/L IBA, with a 100% rooting rate. The optimal transplant substrate was perlite:vermiculite&#x2009;=&#x2009;2:1, with a 100% transplant survival rate after acclimatization. For Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, the optimal infection parameters were as follows: Agrobacterium suspension OD600&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.6, infection time of 10&#xa0;min, and 200&#xa0;&#x3bc;M acetosyringone; the optimal selection conditions were 300&#xa0;mg/L cefotaxime for bacteriostasis and 30&#xa0;mg/L hygromycin for transformant screening. The final stable transformation efficiency was 2.50% (95% CI 1.23-3.77%), with an escape rate of 16.13%. Transgenic plants showed distinct purplish-red coloration in roots, stems, and leaves, with significantly higher betacyanin accumulation than wild-type plants (p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.05). Stable integration and expression of the RUBY gene were confirmed by PCR, RT-PCR, and RT-qPCR. This study establishes the first efficient regeneration and Agrobacterium-mediated transformation system for Hosta 'Light Star,' and validates the feasibility of the RUBY reporter gene as a visual marker for Hosta transformation. This system provides a solid technical platform for functional genomic studies, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing, and molecular breeding of ornamental traits in Hosta.

Transformation, Genetic

Rapid Agrobacterium-mediated transformation and high-efficiency regeneration of finger millet (Eleusine coracana) for crop improvement.

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana) is a nutritionally important and climate-resilient cereal cultivated in rainfed regions of India and Eastern Africa, yet its genetic improvement has been limited by the lack of efficient and reproducible transformation systems. In this study, we developed a rapid and efficient Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation and regeneration system using shoot apical meristem (SAM) explants, enabling direct, callus-free shoot organogenesis. Optimal regeneration and shoot elongation were achieved on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 3.5&#xa0;mg L&#x207b;1 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), 1.5&#xa0;mg L&#x207b;1 kinetin, 0.1&#xa0;mg L&#x207b;1 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), and 0.2&#xa0;mg L&#x207b;1 gibberellic acid (GA&#x2083;). Genotype-dependent responses were observed, with PR-202 requiring 2&#xa0;mg L&#x207b;1 AgNO3 to reduce phenolic browning, whereas VL-376 regenerated efficiently without AgNO3. Transformation efficiencies of 30-32% were achieved in PR-202 and VL-376, respectively, by optimising infection and co-cultivation conditions, including reduced MS salt strength and pre-incubation of Agrobacterium. Molecular analyses, including PCR and Southern blot hybridisation, confirmed stable T-DNA integration in independent lines, while segregation analysis of T&#x2081; progenies demonstrated Mendelian inheritance of the transgene. In addition, CRISPR/Cas9 constructs targeting EcCKX2 were successfully introduced via Agrobacterium, demonstrating the suitability of this system for genome engineering applications. Overall, this optimised SAM-based protocol provides a rapid (45-50&#xa0;days), efficient, and reproducible platform for stable genetic transformation in finger millet and establishes a strong foundation for transgenic research and future genome editing studies in this underutilized crop.

Eleusine

Establishment of an efficient Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation protocol for Saccharum officinarum using Black Cheribon as a model genotype.

Efficient Agrobacterium-mediated transformation (AMT) is vital for the biotechnological improvement of sugarcane (Saccharum spp.). Saccharum officinarum is the main ancestor of all modern cultivars, yet little research has been conducted on its AMT system. In this work, an efficient AMT protocol for S. officinarum was developed, with Black Cheribon as the model genotype owing to its superior tissue culture performance and regeneration capacity. The optimized agro-infection protocol comprised the following main parameters: concentration of acetosyringone (AS) in Agrobacterium culture, concentration of AS for infection, Agrobacterium concentration at OD600&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.4, infection time of 30 minutes, vacuum infiltration time of 10 minutes and co-cultivation time of 3 days. To further improve transformation efficiency, 0.5 mg/L thidiazuron and 200 mg/L citric acid were added to the regeneration medium, which enhanced the regeneration of shoots. A modified stage-dependent selection strategy (FlexII) was established by using glufosinate-ammonium at concentrations of 2.0, 1.0, and 0.75 mg/L in the callus proliferation, shoot regeneration, and rooting stages, respectively. This strategy was more successful than the minimum inhibitory concentration-based strategy in S. officinarum transformation. The optimized protocol further boosted the transformation efficiency of Black Cheribon from 1.12% to 7.17%. The resulting transgenic lines were confirmed by PCR amplification of T-DNA regions and immunochromatographic detection of Bar protein expression in primary transformants, respectively. These results provide a sound technical foundation for the functional genomics and biotechnological optimization of S. officinarum germplasm, and may serve as a reference for future transformation studies in other sugarcane germplasm.

Agrobacterium

Genetic transformation of forage crops: comparative barriers, evidence, and emerging strategies.

Forage crops include phylogenetically and biologically distinct legumes and grasses, and their genetic transformation is constrained by different combinations of host response, DNA-delivery efficiency, regeneration competence, genotype dependence, and genome stability. This review critically compares evidence from forage legumes and forage grasses rather than treating these groups as a single transformation category. We evaluate Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, protoplast-based delivery, particle bombardment, CRISPR/Cas-enabled applications, developmental regulators (DRs), viral vectors, and nanomaterial-mediated delivery according to four practical outcomes: reproducibility across genotypes, recovery of regenerated plants, heritable transmission, and genetic stability. Direct evidence in forage crops shows that protocol performance is strongly species-, genotype-, explant-, and endpoint-dependent; efficiencies based on transient reporters or resistant callus therefore cannot be directly equated with stable, fertile events. DR-assisted regeneration has direct proof of concept in recalcitrant forage grasses, whereas stable nanomaterial-mediated transformation and virus-induced heritable editing remain unvalidated in forage crops. We conclude that current progress is best interpreted as the engineering of interacting delivery and regeneration constraints, not as a universal transition to genotype-independent transformation. Priority should be given to standardized outcome reporting, multi-genotype and inter-laboratory validation, controlled DR expression, and rigorous molecular and phenotypic assessment of regenerated plants.

Crops, Agricultural

Magnetic nanoparticle-mediated genetic transformation and gene editing system in loquat (Eriobotrya japonica).

Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) is a valuable subtropical fruit tree whose genetic improvement has been significantly constrained by the absence of an efficient genetic transformation system. Although Agrobacterium-mediated transformation is the most widely used method, it proves ineffective in loquat due to the species' recalcitrance to in vitro regeneration. Pollen-based transformation offers a promising alternative by bypassing the need for tissue culture. However, the pollen wall poses a major physical barrier to the uptake of exogenous DNA. In this study, we investigated magnetic nanoparticle (MNP)-mediated transformation as a novel strategy for loquat. We confirmed that loquat pollen contains tricolporate apertures with diameters ranging from 3.0 to 5.0 &#x3bc;m, which are structurally suitable for the entry of MNPs-DNA. Based on this finding, we developed and optimized a transformation protocol using polyethyleneimine-coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles to deliver genetic material into loquat pollen grains. Using this approach, we successfully generated stable transgenic loquat lines, including both overexpression and gene-edited mutants. To our knowledge, this is the first report of successful MNP-mediated pollen transformation in a woody plant species. This work establishes a robust and efficient genetic transformation platform for loquat, providing a valuable tool for functional genomics and molecular breeding, as well as a potentially applicable strategy for other recalcitrant woody plants.

Eriobotrya

Overexpression of GFP Fusions of Regulators of the SAC from Arabidopsis thaliana.

Cell division is a fundamental biological process, essential for sustaining life on Earth. Accurate replication followed by uniform segregation of the genome is required to ensure cell division is sustainable and reduces the likelihood of aneuploidy. The cell cycle has various checkpoints to safeguard proper replication, for example, the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) which ensures that all chromosomes are correctly aligned and attached to the spindle, before the transition to anaphase. The precise function of the SAC and SAC components in plants is so far unclear. First, the high level of polyploidy in plants raises concerns about the efficacy of the SAC. Second, many plant SAC components are implicated in other cellular processes, such as MAD1, which has been implicated in the reproductive transition of Arabidopsis thaliana. Overexpression of GFP fusions of core SAC components provides a key route to establish the functions of the different SAC components in plants. Here we describe two methods for agrobacterium-mediated transformation of plants.

Arabidopsis

Resistance of Populus davidiana&#x2009;&#xd7;&#x2009;P. bolleana overexpressing cinnamoyl-CoA reductase gene to Lymantria dispar larvae.

Lignin is a crucial defense phytochemical against phytophagous insects. Cinnamoyl-CoA reductase (CCR) is a key enzyme in lignin biosynthesis. In this study, transgenic Populus davidiana&#x2009;&#xd7;&#x2009;P. bolleana overexpressing the PdbCCR gene were generated via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Successful integration of PdbCCR into the poplar genome was confirmed by PCR amplification and quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). The lignin content in the transgenic poplar leaves was significantly higher than that in the wild poplar, and after L. dispar larvae fed on the transgenic poplar, the CCR activity was clearly induced. The L. dispar larvae grew slowly after feeding on transgenic poplar and the laccase, cellulase and three detoxifying enzymes were induced compared with larvae after feeding on wild-type poplar. The bioassay further revealed that transgenic poplar plants overexpressing PdbCCR showed a high level of resistance to L. dispar larvae. These results confirmed that PdbCCR is a candidate gene for breeding insect resistant poplar.

Populus

Plant-derived recombinant macromolecular PAP-IgG Fc as a novel prostate cancer vaccine candidate eliciting robust immune responses.

Prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) is a specific protein that is highly expressed in prostate cancer. In this study, we constructed two recombinant PAP fusion genes: PAP fused to the immunoglobulin G (IgG) Fc fragment (designated PAP-Fc) and PAP-Fc fused to the endoplasmic reticulum retention sequence KDEL (designated PAP-FcK). Transgenic Nicotiana tabacum plants expressing these recombinant macromolecular proteins (MPs) were generated using Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, and the presence of both genes was confirmed through genomic PCR. Western blot analysis validated the expression of PAP-Fc and PAP-FcK MPs, which were successfully purified via protein A affinity chromatography. Size-exclusion high-performance liquid chromatography revealed dimeric peaks for PAP-Fc (PAP-FcP) and PAP-FcK (PAP-FcKP). Bio-transmission electron microscopy demonstrated 'Y'-shaped protein particles resembling antibody structures. Moreover, PAP-FcP and PAP-FcKP exhibited a high association rate with human Fc&#x3b3;R and FcRn. Vaccination of mice with both PAP-FcP and PAP-FcKP resulted in increased total IgG against PAP and enhanced activation of CD4+ T cells, comparable to mice immunized with PAP, which served as a positive control. These findings indicate that both plant-derived MPs can effectively induce adaptive immunity, positioning them as promising candidates for prostate cancer vaccines. Overall, plants expressing PAP-Fc and PAP-FcK represent a viable production system for antigenic macromolecule-based prostate cancer vaccines.

Male

Development of a plant-based vaccine against brucellosis: stable expression of Brucella abortus OMP25 in transgenic tobacco.

Brucellosis, caused by Brucella species, is a global threat to livestock farming, resulting in economic losses and socio-economic challenges, particularly in rural areas. Despite its impact, no licensed human vaccines are available. Animal vaccination remains the most cost-effective control method, but traditional vaccine production is expensive. Edible vaccines, using plants as bioreactors to produce immunogenic antigens, offer a low-cost alternative by eliminating complex purification processes. This study developed a transgenic plant by expressing the Brucella abortus outer membrane protein OMP25 in tobacco plants. OMP25, a conserved transmembrane protein with high immunogenicity, was cloned into a Gateway pDONR vector via a Boundary Pairing reaction and transferred to a binary destination vector via a Left-Right reaction. The destination vector was introduced into Agrobacterium tumefaciens and subsequently used for Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of tobacco plants. Transgenic plants were selected on media containing kanamycin, and the expression of the transgene was verified through the fluorescence of green fluorescent protein. Microcallus formation and shoot development on selective media confirmed kanamycin resistance and the successful integration of the transgene. After phenotypic selection, genomic DNA was extracted from transgenic plants and analyzed by PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) using primers specific to the OMP25 gene. Positive PCR results validated the successful integration of the OMP25 gene into the plant genome. Gene expression was further confirmed at the RNA level through real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) and at the protein level via Western blot analysis. Future studies will evaluate immune responses in animal models. This approach demonstrates the potential for low-cost, effective vaccines to combat brucellosis, addressing critical economic and public health challenges.

Plants, Genetically Modified

The transgenic Vip3A poplar plant confers high resistance against Hyphantria cunea Drury.

Poplar is severely damaged by&#xa0;Hyphantria cunea (fall webworm), which significantly reduces tree productivity. However, conventional pest management methods are largely ineffective against fall webworm infestation. In this study, we demonstrated that the Vip3A protein possesses high insecticidal activity against&#xa0;H. cunea by overexpressing a synthetic&#xa0;THI1-Vip3A gene in poplar plants. A dicot codon-optimized&#xa0;Vip3A gene, fused with the&#xa0;THI1 chloroplast signal peptide sequence, was chemically synthesized and introduced into the poplar cv. '741' genome via&#xa0;Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. PCR, RT-PCR, and ELISA analyses confirmed the integration and successful expression of the transgene at both the mRNA and protein levels. The Vip3A protein concentration in chloroplasts was approximately 4.8-fold higher than in the whole leaf extract, indicating that the Vip3A protein was successfully targeted to and accumulated within the chloroplasts by the THI1 signal peptide. Subsequently, four transgenic lines with high Vip3A expression were subjected to H. cunea infestation. Compared to wild-type plants, these four transgenic lines exhibited significantly higher resistance, resulting in pest mortality rates exceeding 95% and significantly reduced leaf damage. Together, these results indicate that Vip3A possesses high insecticidal activity against&#xa0;H. cunea. Therefore, transgenic&#xa0;THI1-Vip3A poplar plants can serve as valuable germplasm for breeding poplar cultivars with high resistance to&#xa0;H. cunea infestation.

Plants, Genetically Modified

Natural variation in the PmbHLH162 promoter regulates anthocyanin biosynthesis and accumulation in Prunus mume.

Anthocyanin accumulation is a vital agronomic and ornamental trait, as it not only contributes to adaptation to environmental stress but also enhances ornamental value. In this study, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted using 328 accessions of mei (Prunus mume) to identify single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with red pigmentation in petals, filaments, and xylem. Based on these significant SNPs, we defined 2 haplotypes (bHLH162hap1 and bHLH162hap2) and identified PmbHLH162, a bHLH transcription factor gene responsible for anthocyanin biosynthesis regulation. Transient silencing of PmbHLH162 in mei petals via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation resulted in significant color fading, whereas its overexpression dramatically elevated anthocyanin levels. Haplotype analysis showed that 2 promoter variants in bHLH162hap2 (Chr03_2669885 A/C and Chr03_2670272 A/G) alter the binding affinity of transcription factors PmWRKY18 and PmWRKY70. Stronger binding to the G/C alleles gave rise to higher PmbHLH162 expression in bHLH162hap2, thereby promoted red pigmentation in multiple tissues. By contrast, accessions carrying bHLH162hap1 displayed light/colorless phenotype without accumulation of red pigment. Furthermore, PmbHLH162 interacted respectively with PmMYC2, PmTT8, and PmEGL1 to form heterodimers, and markedly enhanced PmMYC2-mediated transcriptional activation of the anthocyanin biosynthetic structural genes PmCHS and PmANS. Geographic haplotype analysis revealed that bHLH162hap2 was predominantly enriched in high-latitude northern populations but was declining markedly at lower latitudes. Collectively, our study reveals the genetic and molecular basis underlying anthocyanin accumulation in mei and identifies a PmbHLH162-PmMYC2 regulatory module in which PmbHLH162 enhances PmMYC2-mediated activation of key anthocyanin biosynthetic genes. The additional interactions of PmbHLH162 with the MBW-associated bHLH factors PmTT8 and PmEGL1 further suggest potential crosstalk between this module and the canonical anthocyanin regulatory network.

Anthocyanins

Efficient and versatile rapeseed transformation for new breeding technologies.

Many gene functions are widely studied and understood in Arabidopsis; however, the lack of efficient transformation systems often limits the application and verification of this knowledge in crop plants. Brassica napus L., a member of the Brassicaceae family, is usually transformed by Agrobacterium-mediated hypocotyl transformation, but not all growth types are equally amenable to transformation. In particular, winter rapeseed, which requires vernalization to initiate flowering, is recalcitrant to in vitro regeneration and transformation. The analysis of gene functions in rapeseed is further complicated by the allotetraploid nature of its genome and the genome triplication within the Brassica genus, which has led to the presence of a large number of gene homologs for each Arabidopsis ortholog. We have established a transformation method that facilitates the regeneration of winter rapeseed by using the WUSCHEL gene from Beta vulgaris. This allowed us to efficiently transform a winter and spring rapeseed genotype in small-scale experiments. As proof of principle, we targeted BnCLV3 and BnSPL9/15 with CRISPR/Cas9 and showed that entire gene families are effectively edited using this transformation protocol. This allowed us to simultaneously study many redundantly acting homologous genes in rapeseed. We observed mutant phenotypes for BnCLV3 and BnSPL9/15 in primary transformants, indicating that biallelic knockouts were obtained for up to eight genes. This allowed an initial phenotypic characterization to be performed already a few months after starting the experiment.

Brassica napus

A genotype-independent and highly efficient Agrobacterium-mediated soybean genetic transformation system.

A stable and efficient transformation system is crucial for functional genomics and trait improvement in soybean. This study developed a tissue culture based genetic transformation system incorporating dual selection (Spectinomycin and RUBY). This system significantly enhances transformation efficiency, shortens the transformation cycle, and demonstrates broad genotype independence, providing a powerful tool for soybean research and breeding.

Glycine max

Cloning, Transformation, and Reporter Gene Analysis of the SalT Promoter in Barley (Hordeum vulgare).

Constitutive gene expression can lead to pleiotropic effects. Therefore, spatial or temporal restriction of expression via specific promoters provides a more targeted approach. This study aimed to clone the SalT promoter and analyze its activity in transgenic barley using GFP and GUS reporter genes. The T-DNA constructs carrying the SalT promoter were introduced into barley cv. Golden Promise, and transgenic plants were confirmed through PCR, hygromycin selection, and Southern hybridization. Both constructs, SalT-GFP and SalT-GUS, were transformed in barley cv. Golden Promise. Here, we characterized the expression pattern of the SalT promoter in barley and utilized it to drive the expression of reporter genes GFP and GUS. The SalT promoter was isolated from rice genomic DNA, cloned into the pNos-AB-M vector, and confirmed through PCR and restriction analysis. Subsequently, GFP and GUS genes were cloned under the SalT promoter in the same vector. The constructs were then subcloned into the p6U vector for plant expression. Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation of barley cultivar "Golden Promise" was conducted, resulting in successful integration of the transgenes. Callus induction, regeneration, and root formation efficiency were assessed, demonstrating the potential of the SalT promoter to drive gene expression during various stages of plant development. Molecular analyses, including PCR and Southern hybridization, confirmed the presence and integration of transgenes in the barley genome. Furthermore, GFP fluorescence and GUS staining analyses revealed strong expression of the respective genes under control of the SalT promoter in different plant tissues. This study provides insights into the application of the SalT promoter for genetic manipulation and functional characterization in barley, offering opportunities for crop improvement and biotechnological applications.

Hordeum

A stable transformation platform in pomegranate uncovers PgMYB10 as a key regulator of anthocyanin biosynthesis.

An efficient genetic transformation platform enables functional validation of PgMYB10, identifying it as a master regulator governing anthocyanin biosynthesis in pomegranate. Limited availability of stable genetic transformation systems restricts functional genomics research in pomegranate. Here, we established efficient in vitro regeneration and Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation systems for 'Taishanhong' pomegranate using stem segment explants. Optimized medium combinations produced high-frequency regeneration: a 93.3% shoot-induction rate on MS medium with 1.5&#xa0;mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), 0.6&#xa0;mg/L 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and 30.0&#xa0;mg/L adenine sulfate (ADS); a proliferation coefficient of 5.4 on MS medium&#xa0;supplemented with 0.8&#xa0;mg/L BAP and 0.3&#xa0;mg/L indole&#x2011;3&#x2011;butyric acid (IBA); effective shoot-strengthening on MS&#xa0;medium containing 1.2&#xa0;mg/L BAP, 0.3&#xa0;mg/L NAA and 0.2&#xa0;mg/L gibberellic acid (GA&#x2083;); and a rooting rate of 95.3% on half-strength MS medium with 1.5&#xa0;mg/L IBA and 0.5&#xa0;mg/L NAA. For transformation, precultured explants were immersed with A. tumefaciens suspension (OD&#x2086;&#x2080;&#x2080; = 0.8) containing 20.0&#xa0;mg/L acetosyringone (AS) for 30&#xa0;min. After four days of dark co-culture, sequential antibiotic screening with 30&#xa0;mg/L kanamycin and bacteriostatic treatment with 400&#xa0;mg/L timentin yielded a stable average transformation efficiency of 17.5% in 'Taishanhong' pomegranate. Subsequent functional analysis revealed that overexpression of PgMYB10 induced pigment accumulation in leaves and stems. In three independent transgenic lines, maximum anthocyanin content and PgMYB10 transcript levels were 5.4-fold and 27.2-fold higher than in wild-type plants, respectively. Six anthocyanin biosynthetic genes (PgCHS, PgCHI, PgF3H, PgDFR, PgANS, and PgUFGT) were markedly upregulated, demonstrating that PgMYB10 positively controls anthocyanin biosynthesis. This transformation system provides a reliable technical platform for functional genomic studies in pomegranate, and PgMYB10 represents as a promising candidate gene for molecular breeding aimed at improving fruit pigmentation.

Anthocyanins

CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Editing of Bsr-d1 and Pi21 Enhances Blast Resistance in a High-Quality Rice Maintainer Line.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a staple food crop worldwide, and improving disease resistance is a core target in rice breeding. In this study, we employed CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing to modify the coding sequence (CDS) of two susceptibility genes, Bsr-d1 and Pi21, in the elite maintainer line Gengxiang B to enhance its blast resistance. We generated Bsr-d1/Pi21 double homozygous mutants via Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation. Quantitative RT-PCR revealed significantly suppressed transcript accumulation of both target genes in the edited lines compared with the wild type Gengxiang B. Upon inoculation with Magnaporthe oryzae, multiple defense-related marker genes were markedly upregulated in the double mutants. Phenotypic assays demonstrated significantly reduced disease severity for both leaf and panicle blast in the edited lines compared with the wild type. Importantly, no statistically detectable differences were found between the double mutants and wild-type plants for key agronomic or grain quality traits. Collectively, these results demonstrate that CRISPR/Cas9-mediated editing of susceptibility loci generates genetically stable blast-resistant rice germplasm without compromising agronomic traits or grain quality, providing valuable genetic resources for future rice varietal improvement.

Bsr-d1

Effect of transgene on salt tolerance of tobacco.

To explore the effects of salt-tolerance gene accumulation on salt tolerance in transgenic plant, we used four types of plant expression vector (N27, N28, N29, and N30) carrying mtlD, mtlD&#x2009;+&#x2009;gutD, mtlD&#x2009;+&#x2009;gutD&#x2009;+&#x2009;BADH, mtlD&#x2009;+&#x2009;gutD&#x2009;+&#x2009;BADH&#x2009;+&#x2009;sacB genes respectively, to transform tobacco through Agrobacterium-mediated method. Transgenic lines were identified through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection. Transgenic lines and non-transgenic plant (CK) were subjected to 6&#x2030; sodium chloride solution stress; then, fluorescence quantitative PCR (FQ-PCR) and salt tolerance indexes were used to assess characteristics. PCR showed the exogenous genes had been integrated into the tobacco genome. FQ-PCR showed under clean water treatment the target genes were expressed in all transgenic plants at the transcriptional level. The transcript abundances of target genes changed with the number of genes increased, and improved following salt stress. Comparative analyses of salt tolerance indexes showed height growth, biomass (except for N29), chlorophyll content, net photosynthetic rate, Fv/Fm, and PI of all transgenic plants and CK were lower under salt stress than under clean water treatment, to varying degrees. However, the descent ratio was smaller in transgenic plants. A comprehensive evaluation of multiple salt-tolerance indicators performed using the membership function method showed the average salt tolerance of each vector transgenic line was higher than that of CK, and salt tolerance was greater in transgenic polyvalent gene lines than in transgenic monovalent gene lines. The average salt tolerance was N29&#x2009;>&#x2009;N28&#x2009;>&#x2009;N30&#x2009;>&#x2009;N27&#x2009;>&#x2009;CK. This study provides a theoretical and practical reference for salt tolerance breeding in other plants.

Plants, Genetically Modified

CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of PsLykX gene of pea (Pisum sativum L.) leads to loss of symbiotic nodules.

Pea (Pisum sativum L.) symbiosis with nodule bacteria supplying plants with additional nitrogen is a very specific plant-microbial interaction. Mutual recognition of the partners occurs through perception of bacterial signal molecules (Nod factors) by plant receptors, enabling bacterial entry via root hairs and formation of nitrogen-fixing nodules. The pea gene Sym2, described but not yet cloned, exists in different allelic forms defining the symbiotic specificity, and is therefore thought to encode a Nod factor receptor. The PsLykX gene is a strong candidate for the Sym2, since its alleles coincide with high or low symbiotic specificity; however, to date, no genetic evidence has been obtained for a role of PsLykX in symbiosis. Here, we knocked-out the PsLykX in European pea cultivar Cam&#xe9;or using Agrobacterium-mediated hairy root transformation and CRISPR-Cas9 editing. The roots with editing events confirmed by sequencing lost the ability to form nodules, providing direct functional evidence that PsLykX is essential, at least, for the symbiosis between pea cultivar Cam&#xe9;or and Rhizobium ruizarguesonis RCAM1026.

Pisum sativum