title: Transformation of peas (Pisum sativum L.) using immature cotyledons.
abstract: A reliable Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation method has been developed for peas (Pisum sativum) using immature cotyledons as the explant source. Transgenic plants were recovered from the four cultivars tested: Bolero, Trounce, Bohatyr and Huka. The method takes approximately 7 months from explant to seed-bearing primary regenerant. The binary vector used carried genes for kanamycin and phosphinothricin resistance. Transformed pea plants were selected on 10 mg/l phosphinothricin. The nptII and bar genes were shown to be stably inherited through the first sexual generation of transformed plants. Expression of the phosphinothricin-resistance gene in the transformed plants was demonstrated using the 'Buster' (='Basta') leaf-paint test and the phosphinothricin acetyl transferase enzyme assay.
authors.affiliation: New Zealand Institute for Crop & Food Research Limited, Private Bag 4704, Christchurch, New Zealand.
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Grant
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Cooper
authors.forename: A E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: McAra
authors.forename: T J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Frew