Title:

Genetic Transformation of Kentucky Bluegrass

Objectives:

1. Optimize methods for growth and regeneration of embryogenic cultures of Kentucky bluegrass.
2. Define sensitivity of cultured cells of Kentucky bluegrass to selective agents.
3. Develop microprojectile bombardment as a method of DNA delivery to regenerable cell cultures of Kentucky bluegrass.

Investigator:

Jeff Griffin , Asst. Professor Grass Molecular Physiology
Dept. Plant, Soil, and Entomological Sciences, University of Idaho

Cooperators:

Robert Zemetra, Assoc. Professor Wheat Genetics and Breeding
Dept. PSES. University of Idaho

Philip Berger, Assoc. Professor Plant Virology Dept. PSES, University of Idaho

Abstract:

Our continued efforts to develop more efficient methods to grow healthy bluegrass callus cultures have taught us that various media additives that have a positive effect in other species have no significant, positive, effect in Kentucky bluegrass. Microprojectile bombardment of large numbers of regenerable calli have, as yet, yielded no transgenic plants. Studies of promoter function in transient expression assays indicate that, under some conditions, the maize ubiquitin promoter may be a good choice for selection of transgenic bluegrass plantlets.

Justification:

A well-defined system for generating transgenic bluegrass plants will make it possible to genetically engineer plants with specific genes that confer these resistance to diseases and pests. These bluegrass varieties should yield more consistently as part of a non-burning management regime. Bluegrass turf with resistance to diseases and pests also will be of value to the end users of the seed produced in the Northwest. Finally, plant transformation is an essential research tool for the analysis of plant development. Complete analysis and manipulation of the physiological processes and the genes responsible for flowering will require a plant transformation capability.