Agrobacterium-mediated transformation and regeneration of cotton

The development of transgenic cotton requires an efficient means for the transformation and regeneration of fertile plants. Despite the commercial success of genetically modified cotton, the transformation and regeneration of cotton is still challenging relative to other crop species. The efficiency of somatic embryogenesis and somaclonal variation are among the most often cited problems encountered in the regeneration of cotton. In the last decade, numerous innovations have been incorporated to improve the recovery and germination of high quality somatic embryos, increase transformation efficiency by reducing regeneration time, and that virtually eliminates somaclonal variation. These improvements and modifications are reported here for the first time in detail in a step-by-step procedure for cotton transformation and regeneration that includes commentary for trouble-shooting problems.