Genetic transformation of calli from maize and regeneration of herbicide-resistant plantlets

The herbicide-resistant gene als of Arabidopsis thaliana has been transferred into embryonic calli of maize by microprojectile bombardment. We have obtained chlor-sulfuron-resistant calli and regenerated plantlets through selection by herbicide chlorsulfuron. The results of PCR analysis and Southern blotting indicate that gene als has been transferred into some plantlets. The test of spraying chlorsulfuron indicated that the transgenic plantlets had favorable herbicide-resistant trait. The purpose of the research was to obtain chiorsulfuron-resistant transgenic maize and hope that this kind of high efficient herbicide could be widely used in rotation soil of wheat and maize. In addition, through spraying herbicide, we could eliminate the hybrid plants and thereby increase the purity of F1 seeds.