Iron accumulation and enhanced growth in transgenic lettuce plants expressing the iron- binding protein ferritin

We have produced transgenic lettuce plants accumulating the iron storage pr otein ferritin. The integration of the ferritin gene and expression levels in leaves were examined by Southern- and Western-blot analysis, respectivel y. It was shown that transgenic lettuce plants contained iron levels rangin g from 1.2 to 1.7 times that of the control plants, however, the manganese content in transgenic lettuce plants was similar to that in the control. En hanced growth of transgenic lettuces was observed at the early developmenta l stages, resulting in weights 27-42% greater than those of control plants. Transgenic lettuce had photosynthesis rates superior to those of the contr ols, and F-e vv larger and faster compared with the controls during the per iod of 3 months from germination. These results demonstrate the possibility of producing lettuce plants with high yield, high iron content and rapid g rowth rate.