PRODUCTION OF TRANSGENIC BANANA AND PLANTAIN

Genetic transformation of banana and plantain has been performed in our laboratory by (i) particle bombardment of embryogenic cell suspensions (ECS), (ii) electroporation of protoplasts isolated from ECS, and (iii) cocultivation of meristematic tissues with Agrobacterium tumefaciens. So far, the following cultivars have been transformed successfully: Williams (AAA), Three Hand Planty (AAB), Bluggoe (ABB), Cardaba (ABB), Monthan (ABB) and Tani (BB). Transient expression of the gusA reporter gene has been observed in all these cultivars following at least one of the three transformation techniques. Transgenic plants have been regenerated after particle bombardment of Bluggoe, Three Hand Planty and Williams, representing the three economically important genomic groups in Musa. Molecular and biochemical analysis has confirmed integration and expression of the transgenes in the banana and plantain genome. At present, more than 200 independent transgenic lines, generated from more than 1000 shoots, are growing in the greenhouse. Practical applications of molecular breeding of banana and plantain to create resistance to pathogens and pests are in progress.