GENETIC-TRANSFORMATION OF RICE

Rice was the first major monocot crop species to be transformed and re generated. Initially, rice transformation was limited to japonica cult ivars. Subsequently, a number of indica and javanica cultivars have al so been transformed and regenerated into fertile transgenic plants. Mo st transformation studies in rice have used direct DNA uptake into pro toplasts, induced by polyethylene glycol treatment or electroporation. Recently, other transformation methods have been developed that are l ess genotype dependent, such as microprojectile bombardment of cell su spensions and immature embryos. This review summarizes progress in bot h protoplast-based and other transformation methods.