Comparative field performance over 3 years and two sites of transgenic wheat lines expressing HMW subunit transgenes.
A series of transgenic wheat lines expressing additional high molecular weight (HMW) subunit genes and the corresponding control lines were grown in replicate field trials at two UK sites (Rothamsted Research, approximately 50 km north of London and Long Ashton, near Bristol) over 3 years (1998, 1999, 2000), with successive generations of the transgenic lines (T3, T4, T5) being planted. Four plots from each site were used to determine grain dry weight, grain nitrogen, dough strength (measured as peak resistance by Mixograph analysis) and the expression levels of the endogenous and "added" subunits. Detailed statistical analyses showed that the transgenic and non-transgenic lines did not differ in terms of stability of HMW subunit gene expression or in stability of grain nitrogen, dry weight or dough strength, either between the 3 years or between sites and plots. These results indicate that the transgenic and control lines can be regarded as substantially equivalent in terms of stability of gene expression between generations and environments.
Shewry
Peter R
PR
Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, Hertfordshire AL5 2JQ, UK. peter.shewry@bbsrc.ac.uk
Powers
Stephen
S
Field
J Michael
JM
Fido
Roger J
RJ
Jones
Huw D
HD
Arnold
Gillian M
GM
West
Jevon
J
Lazzeri
Paul A
PA
Barcelo
Pilar
P
Barro
Francisco
F
Tatham
Arthur S
AS
Bekes
Frank
F
Butow
Barbara
B
Darlington
Helen
H
D001947:Breeding; D015870:Gene Expression; D042822:Genomic Instability; D005983:Glutens / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics; D008970:Molecular Weight; D030821:Plants, Genetically Modified; D021122:Protein Subunits; D012639:Seeds / Q000737:chemistry / Q000254:growth & development; D014908:Triticum / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics* / Q000254:growth & development
D021122:Protein Subunits; D005983:Glutens; C037302:glutenin