Description:
We have produced a number of transgenic citrus plants via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of seedling stem segments with a vector plasmid containing a β-glucuronidase (GUS) gene. All regenerated green shoots produced in our experiments are assayed histochemically for expression of GUS by cutting a section from the base of the shoot. Many of the shoots express GUS only in sectors, which vary in size from shoot to shoot. Analyses suggest that sectored regenerated shoots are chimeric, consisting of nontransformed cells as well as transformed cells. However, plants derived from shoots with large GUS+ sectors in the original assays do not necessarily contain the GUS gene; conversely, some plants derived from shoots with small sectors appear solidly transformed. Plants that appear solidly transformed have maintained gene expression for up to 5 years. None of the transgenic plants have obviously altered morphologies. It has not been possible to analyze progeny plants because of the long juvenile periods and polyembryony of the primary transformants. However, because citrus is clonally propagated, long-term phenotypic stability of primary transformants is the most important factor in producing useful transgenic plants.