New selectable markers and selection systems are needed to increase the eff
iciency and flexibility of plant transformation. The objective of this rese
arch was to determine if the green fluorescent protein (gfp) gene could be
utilized as a visual selectable marker for transformation of oat (Avena sat
iva L.). A modified gfp gene was delivered into oat cells by microprojectil
e bombardment. Cell clusters expressing gfp were visually identified using
fluorescence microscopy and physically isolated at each subculture. Eleven
independent transgenic cell lines were obtained, and fertile plants regener
ated from all lines. Transgene integration and expression were confirmed in
transgenic plants and progeny. Transgene expression segregated in a 3:1 ra
tio in progeny of the majority of the transgenic lines.