Efficient transient expression of the beta-glucuronidase reporter gene in garlic (Allium sativum L.)

A biolistic particle delivery system was used to introduce DNA containing a P-glucuronidase (gus) reporter gene under the control of the CaMV35S promo ter in three different garlic (Allium sativum L.) tissues: embryogenic call i, leaves and basal plate discs. Expression of the reporter gene was assaye d histochemically and fluorimetrically when the tissues were bombarded with 1 mum diameter gold particles coated with DNA, at a distance of 3 cm from the stopping plate and using 1100 psi rupture discs. Following bombardment, high levels of beta -glucuronidase (GUS) were found without the need for t reatment to block previously reported putative endogenous nuclease activity .