Conditions were established for the optimum transient expression of be
ta-glucuronidase and neomycin phosphotransferase II genes introduced i
nto zygotic embryos of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L. 6153 and CM72) by
accelerated tungsten particles. Plasmid DNA at a concentration of 12 m
icrogram per milligram of tungsten particles when accelerated with an
inflow of helium gas at 60 kilogram per square centimeter through a di
stance of 24 centimeter in a chamber maintained at a negative pressure
of 71.12 centimeter of mercury, resulted in optimal transient express
ion of the beta-glucuronidase gene in chickpea embryos. However, the e
xpression of the marker genes was 20-40% higher under a cauliflower mo
saic virus promoter in comparison to the Win6 and actin promoters. Whe
n Agrobacterium tumefaciens was used to transfer marker genes into zyg
otic embryos and the resultant plants were analysed for activity of th
e beta-glucuronidase and neomycin phosphotransferase II genes, both of
these genes were expressed in tumorous tissues. When a disarmed strai
n of Agrobacterium was used, normal shoots were regenerated in which t
he lower parts showed expression of both genes at a frequency of 20%.