THE PHENOTYPIC CHARACTERIZATION OF R(2) GENERATION TRANSGENIC RICE PLANTS UNDER FIELD AND GLASSHOUSE CONDITIONS

The phenotypes of seed progeny (R(2) generation) of Oryza sativa L. cv . Taipei 309, which carried the neomycin phosphotransferase II (npt II ) gene, were compared with those of non-transformed, protoplast-derive d plants of the same generation and non-transformed, seed-derived plan ts under field and glasshouse conditions. Under both conditions the tr ansgenic plants were generally smaller, took longer to flower and had reduced fertility. Significant differences were observed between indiv iduals within the group of transgenic plants. The npt II gene was pres ent in most of the transgenic plants, but NPT II activity was only det ected in a minority of individuals.