Transformation of Pakchoi (Brassica rapa L. ssp chinensis) by Agrobacterium infiltration

Transgenic pakchoi (Brassica rapa L. ssp. chinensis) plants were obtained i n the progeny of plants infiltrated by an Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain carrying a gene for resistance to the herbicide phosphinotricin (Basta). Ge netic analysis demonstrates the transmission of the herbicide resistant tra it to the progeny. Molecular analyses show that the transgene was inserted in the plant genome and expressed. This work demonstrates that the infiltra tion transformation method originally devised for Arabidopsis thaliana can be adapted for other crucifer species and opens up the possibility of genet ic engineering of pakchoi, an important vegetable plant.