Transformation of taro (Colocasia esculenta Schott) using particle bombardment

Transgenic tare (Colocasia esculenta Schott) plants were obtained by high-v elocity particle bombardment. The plasmid pREXHGUS, carrying the hygromycin resistance gene, was used as a selection marker. Highly regenerative tare callus was obtained from the apical meristem, and maintained in liquid cult ure. The callus was chopped into small Fragments with a forceps, then trans formed and selected on LS medium containing BA, NAA and hygromycin. Since t he transformed calli obtained showed vigorous growth on LS-BN medium with 2 0 mg/L hygromycin, this concentration was considered to be suitable for the selection of transgenic tare. The transformants were confirmed by amplific ation of the GUS gene, and Southern hybridization. The expression of the fo reign gene was demonstrated by the GUS activity.