Genetic transformation via particle bombardment of Catharanthus roseus plants through adventitious organogenesis of buds

In vitro propagation of Catharanthus roseus was achieved using nodal explan ts. Bud induction was best on medium containing 1.0 mg benzyl aminopurine l (-1). Hardening of rooted shoots to soil was very successful with 98% survi val. Genetically transformed C. roseus plantlets were obtained after bombar dment of nodal explants, which were then micropropagated, with DNA coated p articles with green fluorescent protein (GFP) or beta-glucuronidase (GUS) r eporter genes. Histological studies showed that the gene insertion method p roved effective with many cells and different tissues displaying the report er gene signals, showing that gene expressions were rather stable.