Improved genetic transformation protocol for cork oak (Quercus suber L.)

An optimized protocol for Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation of mature Quercus suber L. embryogenic masses is reported. In this work several variables were tested. Plant genotype, explant type and time elapsed between the last subculture and inoculation, i.e. the explant preculture period, were found to be very important. Interaction between inoculum density and cocultivation period influenced the transformation efficiency as well. A transformation efficiency (i.e. percentage of the inoculated explants that yielded independent transgenic embryogenic lines) of up to 43% was obtained, greatly improving the previously described method for plant transformation of adult-selected cork oak. It was also shown that this protocol could be applied to various genotypes.