Genetically manipulated pineapple: transgene stability, gene expression and herbicide tolerance under field conditions

• Published in: Plant breeding Vol. 125; no. 4; pp. 411 - 413
• Main Authors: Sripaoraya, S, Keawsompong, S, Insupa, P, Power, J.B, Davey, M.R, Srinives, P
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Oxford, UK : Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.08.2006; Blackwell Publishing Ltd; Blackwell
• Subjects: Agronomy. Soil science and plant productions; Ananas comosus; bar gene stability; bialaphos resistance and expression; Biological and medical sciences; field evaluation; fruit quality; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Genetics and breeding of economic plants; glufosinate ammonium; Ananas comosus; Monocotyledones; Production quality; Organic phosphinate; Study under natural conditions; Angiospermae; Bromeliaceae; Pineapple; Pesticide resistance; fruit quality; glufosinate ammonium; Stability; Fruit; Pesticides; field evaluation; Organic phosphonate; Gene expression; Herbicide; Genetic transfer; bar gene stability; Fruit crop; bialaphos resistance and expression; Genetic improvement; Spermatophyta; Field study
• ISSN: 0179-9541; 1439-0523
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0523.2006.01229.x

Pineapple plants transformed with the bar gene for bialaphos resistance were evaluated for transgene stability, gene expression and tolerance to glufosinate ammonium, the active ingredient of the herbicide Basta® X, under field conditions. Genetically modified plants of the cv. Phuket were micropropagated, rooted and established in a shade house before transfer to an experimental plot. Seven months after transfer to the field, plants were tolerant to 1600 ml/rai of the herbicide Basta® X (stock concentration 15% w/v glufosinate ammonium), this being twice the dose recommended for field application of the herbicide. Genetically modified plants remained green and healthy following spraying with the herbicide. In contrast, non-transformed pineapple plants of the same cv. became necrotic and died within 21 days of spraying with the herbicide at a reduced concentration of 800 ml/rai. Bar gene stability and expression in clonally-derived plants were assessed by PCR, RT-PCR and Southern analyses at 120, 210, 240, 270 and 380 days following transfer of the plants to the field. The bar gene was stable and expressed in transgenic plants throughout the duration of the trial. Fruit characteristics and yield were not affected by transgene introduction and expression. Transgenic plants tolerant to glufosinate ammonium should facilitate more effective weed control in pineapple plantations without damage to the crop.