Production of transgenic Alstroemeria plants containing virus resistance genes via particle bombardment

Transgenic Alstroemeria plants resistant to Alstroemeria mosaic virus (AlMV) were generated through RNA-mediated resistance. To this end, the friable embryogenic callus (FEC) of Alstroemeria was induced from the leaf axil tissue and transformed with a DNA fragment containing the coat protein gene and 3'-nontranslated region of AlMV through an improved particle bombardment system. The bar gene was used as a selection marker. More than 300 independent transgenic FEC lines were obtained. Among these, 155 lines resistant to phosphinothricin (PPT) were selected under low stringent conditions. After increasing the stringency of PPT selection, 44 transgenic lines remained, and 710 somatic embryos from these lines germinated and developed into shoots. These transgenic shoots were then transferred to the greenhouse and challenged with AlMV. In total, 25 of the 44 lines showed some degree of resistance. PCR analysis confirmed the presence of the viral sequence. Virus resistance was observed at various levels. Establishment of an efficient transformation system for Alstroemeria will allow inserting transgenes into this plant to confer resistance to viral and fungal pathogens. Accordingly, this is the first report on the production of a transgenic virus-resistant Alstroemeria and lays the foundation for alternative management of viral diseases in this plant.