Genetic and morphological transformation of rice with the rolA gene from the Ri TL-DNA of Agrobacterium rhizogenes

We examined the morphological effects in rice of the coding region of rolA from-Agrobacterium rhizogenes, using the doubled cauliflower mosaic virus ( CaMV) 35S promoter (P-35S). The P-35S-rolA gene produced an aberrant phenot ype that in some ways resembles that associated with rolA in dicots. Transf ormed rice plants had dark green leaves with surface modifications (includi ng wrinkling); they had altered root morphology; and they exhibited differe nces in vegetative growth and development. We conclude that rolA can alter phenotype in rice and discuss the possible evolutionary significance of thi s finding. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.