Transformation of microspore-derived embryos of winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) by using Agrobacterium tumefaciens

Haploid microspore-derived embryos (MDEs) constitute a unique material for the introduction of new traits into winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus). MDEs have been transformed by using Agrobacterium tumefaciens strains EHA 105 and LBA4404, both carrying the binary vector pKG1B containing the uidA gene encoding --glucuronidase (GUS) and the bar gene as a marker of resistance to phosphinotricin. Transformed embryos expressed GUS and regenerated plants that here resistant to herbicide Basta, as confirmed by a leaf-painting test. Progeny plants of the transformant T-39 were all transgenic, as they inherited T-DNA from their doubled haploid parental plant. Southern-blot analysis confirmed the integration and transmission of T-DNA into T, plants. Trans formation of MDEs facilitates the obtaining of winter oilseed rape homozygous for the introduced genes.