Identification of transgenic wheat plants by dot blot hybridization

Plant transformation requires a method far an early detection of transgenic plants. A strategy based in dot blot hybridization is described for that p urpose. Two to five genes were introduced into wheat genome by microparticl e bombardment. DNA was obtained and purified from 1-month-old experimental plants and was fixed onto membranes and hybridized with radioactive probes, labeled by random priming or PCR. Fifty-six transgenic plants were identif ied out of almost 1,300 analyzed. Dot blot was also used to analyze the pro genies of transgenic plants. The integration and expression of transgenes w ere confirmed by Southern hybridization and enzyme activity suggesting that the method is suitable for the described purpose.