IN-VITRO ORGANOGENESIS AND TRANSGENOSIS ASPECTS IN GLOBE-ARTICHOKE (CYNARA-SCOLYMUS L)

The genetic transformation of globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) cel ls is possible. However, the percentage of transformed cells is still low and the regeneration process appeared to be the critical step towa rds the obtention of-transgenic plants. The present work reports the o rganogenesis potentialities from new vegetal materials: cotyledons and leaves from in vitro artichoke plants. The results showed that cotyle dons gave better rates of neoformation than leaves and this was reache d in a shorter time. Regarding the transfer of genetic resistance to g lobe artichoke, a model system was developed using Nicotiana benthamia na as systemic host for artichoke viral diseases. Mutagenized sequence s of the replicase gene of artichoke motteled crinckle virus (AMCV) as transferable genetic material for resistance induction were performed . Transgenic lines of Nicotiana benthamiana were obtained and some of them presented a considerable attenuation of symptoms when challenged with AMCV.