Transformation of strawberry (Fragaria ananassa Duch.) with late embryogenesis abundant protein gene

SummaryCalli from anthers of strawberry (Fragaria ananassa Duch.), Toyonaka, were induced on MS medium plus 6-benzylamino-purine and naphthaleneacetic acid and transformed by particle bombardment with plasmid pBY520 containing late embryogenesis abundant protein gene, LEA3, from barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). Hybridization signals were detected by DNA dot blot analysis using a probe labelled with digoxigenin; it indicated foreign gene integration into the strawberry genome. The difference in salt tolerance between transgenic strawberry and controls was proved by salt stress test. Under 50 mmol l–1 and 100 mmol l–1 NaCl salt stress conditions, the wilting rates of controls were 62.2% and 96.0% respectively, compared with 18.6% and 42.8% for transgenic shoots. The results showed that the salt tolerance of the transgenic strawberry had been increased.