Constitutive promoter expression of transgenes in wheat (Triticum aestivum)

Particle bombardment is a routine method of transformation for wheat (Triti cum aestivum L). Particle bombardment parameters, explant tissue and cultur e, and the choices of DNA constructs are factors that affect successful tra nsformation. This study focuses on the DNA construct. The DNA construct mus t have a promoter that will function properly in the plant genome for gene expression to occur. Constitutive promoters were evaluated for gene express ion in a population of stably transformed wheat callus lines and plants. Th e promoters were fused to the beta -glucuronidase gene and evaluated for ex pression by histochemical and chemiluminescent assays. The maize ubiquitin promoter caused significantly higher levels of beta -glucuronidase expressi on in populations of callus lines and plants than the other promoters evalu ated.