AI Summary & Key Takeaways
AI InsightThese results suggest that the chimeric Bt gene was functional in the transgenic groundnut and was being expressed.
📌 3 Key Takeaways
Abstract
The transgenic plants of the groundnut (Arachis hypogeae) cv. TMV-2 expressing a chimeric Bt gene, cry1X, were generated using an Agrobacterium tumefaciens - mediated transformation system. A tissue culture-independent transformation method, in planta which targets the A. tumefaciens to the apical meristem was used in this study. The protocol involves in planta inoculation of the embryo axes of the germinating seeds and allowing them to grow into seedlings ex vitro. PCR analysis indicated the putative transgenic nature of the T1 generation plants. Bioassays against two major pests of the groundnut, Helicoverpa armigera and Spodoptera litura revealed several T1 plants that perform well against both the larvae. This revealed that 22% of T1 plants harbor the transgene. The seeds of 27 T1 plants when allowed to continued into the next generation amplified the gene of interest in most of the plants tested. Enzyme Linked-Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA) was used to identify the high expressing plants. The appearance of the protein band in the quickstix confirmed the expression of the chimeric Bt toxin. Southern analysis of 10 high expressing plants confirmed the integration of the transgene. These results suggest that the chimeric Bt gene was functional in the transgenic groundnut and was being expressed. The study also showed that the groundnut plants harboring the cry1X gene were resistant to two major insect defoliators of the groundnut.