Transgenic Oilseed Rape ( Brassica napus )

Today plant transformation is a core research tool in plant biology and a practical tool for cultivar improvement. There are verified methods for stable introduction of novel genes into the nuclear genomes of over 120 diverse plant species (Birch 1997). More than 3000 field trials of transformed plants are in progress or have been completed in at least 30 countries. These trials involve over 40 plant species modified for various economic traits (Dale 1995).