An Protocol for Genetic Transformation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Catharanthus roseus</Emphasis> by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Agrobacterium rhizogenes</Emphasis> A4

Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don is a plant species known for its production of a variety of terpenoid indole alkaloids, many of which have pharmacological activities. Catharanthine can be chemically coupled to the abundant leaf alkaloid vindoline to form the valuable anticancer drug vinblastine. To study and extract catharanthine and other metabolites from C. roseus, a technique was developed for producing hairy root cultures. In this study, the Agrobacterium rhizogenes A4 was induced in the hairy roots from leaf explants, and the concentration of antibiotics (100 mg/L kanamycin) was elucidated for selection after transformation. The polymerase chain reaction amplification of rol genes results revealed that transgenic hairy roots contained rol genes from the root induced (Ri)-plasmid. Catharanthine from C. roseus hairy roots was separated and analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography. Over-expression of CrOrca3 (octadecanoid-responsive Catharanthus AP2/ERF domain), and cytohistochemical staining methods were used to validate transgenic hairy roots from C. roseus. Hairy root culture of C. roseus is a valuable approach for future efforts in the metabolic engineering of terpenoid indole alkaloids in plants.     

Polyphenol Rich Ajuga bracteosa Transgenic Regenerants Display Better Pharmacological Potential

Ajuga bracteosa Wall. ex Benth. is an endangered medicinal herb traditionally used against different ailments. The present study aimed to create new insight into the fundamental mechanisms of genetic transformation and the biological activities of this plant. We transformed the A. bracteosa plant with rol genes of Agrobacterium rhizogenes and raised the regenerants from the hairy roots. These transgenic regenerants were screened for in vitro antioxidant activities, a range of in vivo assays, elemental analysis, polyphenol content, and different phytochemicals found through HPLC. Among 18 polyphenolic standards, kaempferol was most abundant in all transgenic lines. Furthermore, transgenic line 3 (ABRL3) showed maximum phenolics and flavonoids content among all tested plant extracts. ABRL3 also demonstrated the highest total antioxidant capacity (8.16 ± 1 μg AAE/mg), total reducing power, (6.60 ± 1.17 μg AAE/mg), DPPH activity (IC50 = 59.5 ± 0.8 μg/mL), hydroxyl ion scavenging (IC50 = 122.5 ± 0.90 μg/mL), and iron-chelating power (IC50 = 154.8 ± 2 μg/mL). Moreover, transformed plant extracts produced significant analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, and antidepressant activities in BALB/c mice models. In conclusion, transgenic regenerants of A. bracteosa pose better antioxidant and pharmacological properties under the effect of rol genes as compared to wild-type plants.     

Transgenic Artemisia dubia WALL showed altered phytochemistry and pharmacology

The rol genes have been shown to enhance the production of secondary metabolites in plants. This report examines the effect of trans-genes (rol ABC) on possible high production of biologically important phytochemicals and enhanced pharmacological activities. Three transgenic lines (1, 2 and 3) of Artemisia dubia WALL (transformed with Agrobacterium tumefaciens harboring rol ABC genes) were subjected to phytochemical analysis and pharmacological studies. A great variation in phytochemistry and the pharmacological activities was observed not only between the transgenic and non-transgenic control plants but also among the transgenic lines itself. Comparative chemical profile obtained via HPLC, TLC and spectrophotometry showed high degree of variations in the quantity of phytochemicals. An increased production of total flavonoids (71.1% in transgenic line 2) and total phenolics (110.8% in transgenic line 1), increase in caffeic acid and catechin and a decrease in gallic acid content in the extracts of transformed plants compared to the untransformed control plants was decreased. In case of pharmacological activities, moderate to high level increase in antimicrobial (antibacterial and antifungal) activities, cytotoxicity (14.1%), antitumor (29%) and antioxidant activities (23.9%) was observed (in transgenic line 2). In general all the three transgenic lines under study showed improvement in their pharmacological activities in the order of transgenic line 2 > 1 > 3 > control. The implication of these findings will help to meet the increasing demand of pharmacologically important compounds.     

Agrobacterium-Mediated Gene Transfer in Plants and Biosafety Considerations

Agrobacterium, the natures?? genetic engineer, has been used as a vector to create transgenic plants. Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer in plants is a highly efficient transformation process which is governed by various factors including genotype of the host plant, explant, vector, plasmid, bacterial strain, composition of culture medium, tissue damage, and temperature of co-cultivation. Agrobacterium has been successfully used to transform various economically and horticulturally important monocot and dicot species by standard tissue culture and in planta transformation techniques like floral or seedling infilteration, apical meristem transformation, and the pistil drip methods. Monocots have been comparatively difficult to transform by Agrobacterium. However, successful transformations have been reported in the last few years based on the adjustment of the parameters that govern the responses of monocots to Agrobacterium. A novel Agrobacterium transferred DNA-derived nanocomplex method has been developed which will be highly valuable for plant biology and biotechnology. Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation is known to be the preferred method of creating transgenic plants from a commercial and biosafety perspective. Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer predominantly results in the integration of foreign genes at a single locus in the host plant, without associated vector backbone and is also known to produce marker free plants, which are the prerequisites for commercialization of transgenic crops. Research in Agrobacterium-mediated transformation can provide new and novel insights into the understanding of the regulatory process controlling molecular, cellular, biochemical, physiological, and developmental processes occurring during Agrobacterium-mediated transformation and also into a wide range of aspects on biological safety of transgenic crops to improve crop production to meet the demands of ever-growing world??s population.     

Drybonioside,a new glucoside from the Drynaria bonii H. Christ Rhizomes

Drynaria bonii H. Christ, a Vietnam traditional medicinal plant, is used for the treatment of osteoporosis, bone fractures, tinnitus, etc. (Ho PH. 2002. Vietnamese plants. Hanoi: Publisher of Young; Loi DT. 2004. Medicinal plants and remedy of Vietnam. Hanoi: Publisher of Medicine). Based on column chromatography, a new glucoside named drybonioside (5) and four known compounds α-tocopherol (1), 24-methylencycloartan-3β-ol (2), triphyllol (3) and ethyl β-d-fructopyranoside (4) were isolated and identified from hexane and methanol extracts of D. bonii. The structures of new compound were elucidated on the basis of NMR and MS spectroscopic analysis.     

Transgenic Tobacco Expressing <Emphasis Type="Italic">Zephyranthes grandiflora</Emphasis> Agglutinin Confers Enhanced Resistance to Aphids

Plant lectins have been reported as transgenic resistance factors against a variety of insect pests. Herein, homologous analysis demonstrated that Zephyranthes grandiflora agglutinin (ZGA) exhibited high similarity with other monocot mannose-binding lectins (MBLs). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that it had taxonomical relationships with insecticidal MBLs. Subsequently, a plasmid expression vector pBI121 containing zga gene (pBIZGA) was constructed using the zga sequence, under the control of CaMV35S promoter and nos terminator. pBIZGA was then integrated into the genome of Nicotiana tabacum L. Polymerase chain reaction and Southern blot analysis demonstrated that this zga gene was integrated into the plant genome. Western blotting and agglutinating activity analysis also showed that transgenic tobacco plants expressed different levels of ZGA. Carbohydrate inhibition analysis indicated that recombinant ZGA and the native shared the same carbohydrate-binding specificity. Moreover, genetic analysis confirmed Mendelian segregation (3:1) of the transgenic in T1 progenies. In planta bioassays on T0 plants and their progenies indicated that expressed ZGA had an effect on reducing the survivability and fecundity of tobacco aphids (Myzus nicotianae). These findings demonstrate that the novel zga gene of ZGA can be expressed in crop plants susceptible to various sap-sucking insects.     

Effect of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rol</Emphasis> Genes on Polyphenols Biosynthesis in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Artemisia annua</Emphasis> and Their Effect on Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Potential of the Plant

Flavonoids are famous for their antioxidant capacity and redox potential. They can combat with cell aging, lipid peroxidation, and cancer. In the present study, Artemisia annua hybrid (Hyb8001r) was subjected to qualitative and quantitative analysis of flavonoids through HPLC. Rol genes transgenics of A. annua were also evaluated for an increase in their flavonoid content along with an increase in antioxidant and cytotoxic potential. This was also correlated with the expression level of flavonoids biosynthetic pathway genes as determined by real-time qPCR. Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase and chalcone synthase genes were found to be significantly more highly expressed in rol B (four to sixfold) and rol C transgenics (3.8–5.5-fold) than the wild-type plant. Flavonoids detected in the wild-type A. annua through HPLC include rutin (0.31 mg/g DW), quercetin (0.01 mg/g DW), isoquercetin (0.107 mg/g DW) and caffeic acid (0.03 mg/g DW). Transgenics of the rol B gene showed up to threefold increase in rutin and caffeic acid, sixfold increase in isoquercetin, and fourfold increase in quercetin. Whereas, in the case of transgenics of rol C gene, threefold increase in rutin and quercetin, 5 fold increase in isoquercetin, and 2.6-fold increase in caffeic acid was followed. Total phenolics and flavonoids content was also found to be increased in rol B (1.5-fold) and rol C (1.4-fold) transgenics as compared to the wild-type plant along with increased free radical scavenging activity. Similarly, the cytotoxic potential of rol gene transgenics against MCF7, HeLA, and HePG2 cancer cell lines was found to be significantly enhanced than the wild-type plant of A. annua. Current findings support the fact that rol genes can alter the secondary metabolism and phytochemical level of the plant. They increased the flavonoids content of A. annua by altering the expression level of flavonoids biosynthetic pathway genes. Increased flavonoid content also enhanced the antioxidant and cytotoxic potential of the plant.     

Expression of UDP-glucose dehydrogenase reduces cell-wall polysaccharide concentration and increases xylose content in alfalfa stems

The primary cell-wall matrix of most higher plants is composed of large amounts of uronic acids, primarily d-galacturonic acid residues in the back-bone of pectic polysaccharides. Uridine diphosphate (UDP)-glucose dehydrogenase is a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of uronic acids. We produced transgenic alfalfa (Medicago sativa) plants expressing a soybean UDP-glucose dehydrogenase cDNA under the control of two promoters active in alfalfa vascular tissues. In initial greenhouse experiments, enzyme activity in transgenic lines was up to seven-fold greater than in nontransformed control plants; however, field-grown transgenic plants had only a maximum of 1.9-fold more activity than the control. Cell-wall polysaccharide content was lower and Klason lignin content was higher in transgenics compared to the nontransformed control. No significant increase in pectin or uronic acids in the polysaccharide fraction was observed in any line. Xylose increased 15% in most transgenic lines and mannose concentration decreased slightly in all lines. Because of the complexity of pectic polysaccharides and sugar biosynthesis, it may be necessary to manipulate multiple steps in carbohydrate metabolism to alter the pectin content of alfalfa.     

Expression of a Chitinase Gene from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Metarhizium anisopliae</Emphasis> in Tobacco Plants Confers Resistance against <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rhizoctonia solani</Emphasis>

The chit1 gene from the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae, encoding the endochitinase CHIT42, was placed under the control of the CaMV 35S promoter, and the resulting construct was transferred to tobacco. Seventeen kanamycin-resistant transgenic lines were recovered, and the presence of the transgene was confirmed by polymerase chain reactions and Southern blot hybridization. The number of chit1 copies was determined to be varying from one to four. Copy number had observable effects neither on plant growth nor development. Substantial heterogeneity concerning production of the recombinant chitinase, and both general and specific chitinolytic activities were detected in leaf extracts from primary transformants. The highest chitinase activities were found in plants harboring two copies of chit1 inserts at different loci. Progeny derived from self-pollination of the primary transgenics revealed a stable inheritance pattern, with transgene segregation following a mendelian dihybrid ratio. Two selected plants expressing high levels of CHIT42 were consistently resistant to the soilborne pathogen Rhizoctonia solani, suggesting a direct relationship between enzyme activity and reduction of foliar area affected by fungal lesions. To date, this is the first report of resistance to fungal attack in plants mediated by a recombinant chitinase from an entomopathogenic and acaricide fungus.     

Enhanced expression of B-subunit of Escherichia coli heat-labile enterotoxin in tobacco by optimization of coding sequence

Escherichia coli heat-labile toxin (LT) is a potent mucosal immunogen and immunoadjuvant for coadministered antigens. We synthesized a gene encoding the B-subunit of LT(LTB) adapted to the coding sequence of tobacco plants and fused to the endoplasmic reticulum retention signal SEKDEL to enhance its level of expression in plants. The synthetic LTB gene was cloned into a plant expression vector adjacent to the CaMV 35S promoter and was introduced into tobacco by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. The amount of LTB protein detected in transgenic tobacco leaves was 2.2% of the total soluble plant protein, which is approx 200-fold higher than in previous reports of native LTB gene expression in transgenic plants. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay indicated that plant-synthesized LTB protein bound specifically to G_M1-ganglioside, suggesting that the LTB subunits formed active pentamers.     

Expression of Trichoderma reesei exo-cellobiohydrolase I in transgenic tobacco leaves and calli

Expression of Trichoderma reesei exo-cellobiohydrolase I (CBHI) gene in transgenic tobacco was under the control of CaMV 35S promoter. In transgenic leaf tissues, CBHI activity up to 66.1 μmol/h/g total protein was observed. In transgenic calli, the highest CBHI activity was 83.6 μmol h/g total protein. Protein immunoblot analysis confirms the presence of CBHI enzyme in both transgenic calli and leaf tissues. CBHI expression levels accounted for about 0.11% and 0.082% of total protein in transgenic leaf tissues and calli, respectively, Furthermore, expression of CBHI gene did not affect normal growth and development of transgenic plants.     

Multicomponent synthesis of novel thiazolo[3,2-a]pyridin-8-yl-phosphonates as a model of plant growth regulator

A series of thiazolo[3,2-a]pyridin-8-yl-phosphonate derivatives have been obtained by the reaction of diethyl (E)-((4-oxothiazolidin-2-ylidene)methyl)phospohonate, malononitrile and two equivalent of various aromatic aldehydes in a multicomponent reaction with good yields. The structures of the new compounds are confirmed by spectroscopic methods (IR, ¹H, ¹³C, ³¹P NMR and HRMS). Compound diethyl-(Z)-(5-amino-6-cyano-2-(4-nitrobenzylidene)-7-(4-nitrophenyl)-3-oxo-3,7-dihydro-2H-thiazolo[3,2-a]pyridin -8-yl)phosphonate (4k) at 1?mM concentration enhanced biomass plant height, number of branches and leaf area of tomato plants of at least two-fold compared to the control plants. In common bean plants, this compound enhanced the chlorophyl content and delayed senescence in comparison to the control plants. Therefore, in future studies, the compound(s) would be further tested to evaluate deeply their mode of action at physiological, biochemical and molecular level to finally enhance crop productivity of various plants.     

Alkali Cation Ligating Chains and Sheets of the Macrocycle 1, 7‐Dithia‐18‐Crown‐6 with Bridging Iodo‐ and Thiocyanatocuprate(I) Units

Treatment of an acetonitrile solution of CuI with 1, 7‐dithia‐18‐crown‐6 (1, 7‐DT18C6) at 100°C affords the coordination polymer ¹[(CuI)₂(1, 7‐DT18C6)₂] ( 1 ) in which 1, 7‐DT18C6 ligands bridge (CuI)₂ rings into double chains. 1D polymers of the type ¹[M{(Cu₃I₄)(1, 7‐DT18C6)}] (M = K, 2 ; M = Cs, 3 ) can be isolated under similar conditions in the presence of respectively KI and CsI. Both contain bridging heptacyclic [Cu₆I₈]^2— units but crystallise in different space groups, namely P1 and C2/m. The cesium cation of 3 is markedly displaced from the best plane through the thiacrown ether donor atoms. Reaction of 1, 7‐DT18C6 with CuSCN in the presence of NaSCN yields ²[{Na(CH₃CN)₂} {(CuSCN)₂(1, 7‐DT18C6)}][Cu(SCN)₂] ( 4 ), in which ¹[(CuSCN)₂] double chains are linked through macrocycles into sheets. Infinite ¹[{Cu(SCN)₂}^—] chains compensate the charge of the Na⁺ cations. Complex 1 can imbibe 0.90 mol CsNO₃ per mol of 1, 7‐DT18C6 pairs.     

Lamellar Copper(I) Thiocyanate‐Based Coordination Polymers containing the Alkali Cation ligating Thiacrown Ether 1,10‐Dithia‐18‐crown‐6

The lamellar coordination polymer [(CuSCN)₂(μ‐1,10DT18C6)] (1,10DT18C6 = 1,10‐dithia‐18‐crown‐6), in which staircase‐like CuSCN double chains are bridged by thiacrown ether ligands, may be prepared in two triclinic modifications 1 a and 1 b by reaction of CuSCN with 1,10DT18C6 in respectively benzonitrile or water. Performing the reaction in acetonitrile in the presence of an equimolar quantity of KSCN leads, in contrast, to formation of the K⁺ ligating 2‐dimensional thiocyanatocuprate(I) net [{Cu₂(SCN)₃}^–] of 2 , half of whose Cu(I) atoms are connected by 1,10DT18C6 macrocycles. The potassium cations in [{K(CH₃CN)}{Cu₂(SCN)₃(μ‐1,10DT18C6)}] ( 2 ) are coordinated by all six potential donor atoms of a single thiacrown ether in addition to a thiocyanate S and an acetonitrile N atom. Under similar conditions, reaction of CuI, NaSCN and 1,10DT18C6 affords [{Na(CH₃CN)₂}{Cu₄I₄(SCN)(μ‐1,10DT18C6)}] ( 3 ), which contains distorted Cu₄I₄ cubes as characteristic molecular building units. These are bridged by thiocyanate and thiacrown ether ligands into corrugated Na⁺ ligating sheets. In the presence of divalent Ba²⁺ cations, charge compensation requirements lead to formation of discrete [Cu(SCN)₃(1,10DT18C6‐κS)]^2– anions in [Ba{Cu(SCN)₃(1,10DT18C6‐κS)}] ( 4 ).     

Screening of Rubiaceae and Apocynaceae extracts for mosquito larvicidal potential

Rubiaceae and Apocynaceae families are well known for the expression of cyclotides having insecticidal properties. Leaves and flowers extracts of plants from the families Rubiaceae (Ixora coccinea) and Apocynaceae (Allamanda violacea) were evaluated for mosquito larvicidal effect against early IVth instars of Aedes aegypti and Anopheles stephensi. Two forms of plant extracts, one untreated and the other treated with heat and proteolytic enzyme were used for assay. After primary assay, the extract showing more than 50% inhibition was further used for quantification purpose. LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ values of all the extracts were found to be reduced with the treated form. Phytochemical analysis of plant extracts was performed. Primary confirmation for the presence of cyclotides was done by Lowry test, thin layer chromatography and haemolytic assay. This novel approach merits use of plant extracts in mosquito control programmes.     

Detection and characterization of recombinant DNA expressing <Emphasis Type="Italic">vip3A</Emphasis>-type insecticidal gene in GMOs—standard single,multiplex and construct-specific PCR assays

Vegetative insecticidal protein (Vip), a unique class of insecticidal protein, is now part of transgenic plants for conferring resistance against lepidopteron pests. In order to address the imminent regulatory need for detection and labeling of vip3A carrying genetically modified (GM) products, we have developed a standard single PCR and a multiplex PCR assay. As far as we are aware, this is the first report on PCR-based detection of a vip3A-type gene (vip-s) in transgenic cotton and tobacco. Our assay involves amplification of a 284-bp region of the vip-s gene. This assay can possibly detect as many as 20 natural wild-type isolates bearing a vip3A-like gene and two synthetic genes of vip3A in transgenic plants. The limit of detection as established by our assay for GM trait (vip-s) is 0.1%. Spiking with nontarget DNA originating from diverse plant sources had no inhibitory effect on vip-s detection. Since autoclaving of vip-s bearing GM leaf samples showed no deterioration/interference in detection efficacy, the assay seems to be suitable for processed food products as well. The vip-s amplicon identity was reconfirmed by restriction endonuclease assay. The primer set for vip-s was equally effective in a multiplex PCR assay format (duplex, triplex and quadruplex), used in conjunction with the primer sets for the npt-II selectable marker gene, Cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter and nopaline synthetase terminator, enabling concurrent detection of the transgene, regulatory sequences and marker gene. Further, the entire transgene construct was amplified using the forward primer of the promoter and the reverse primer of the terminator. The resultant amplicon served as a template for nested PCR to confirm the construct integrity. The method is suitable for screening any vip3A-carrying GM plant and food. The availability of a reliable PCR assay method prior to commercial release of vip3A-based transgenic crops and food would facilitate rapid and efficient regulatory compliance. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users. An application for an Indian patent (1891/DEL2006/17.08.07) comprising a substantive part of this study has been filed. ITRC communication no. 2516.     

Expression of Rice Thaumatin-Like Protein Gene in Transgenic Banana Plants Enhances Resistance to Fusarium Wilt

The possibility of controlling Fusarium wilt—caused by Fusarium oxysporum sp. cubensec (race 4)—was investigated by genetic engineering of banana plants for constitutive expression of rice thaumatin-like protein (tlp) gene. Transgene was introduced to cauliflower-like bodies’ cluster, induced from meristemic parts of male inflorescences, using particle bombardment with plasmid carrying a rice tlp gene driving by the CaMV 35S promoter. Hygromycin B was used as the selection reagent. The presence and integration of rice tlp gene in genomic DNA confirmed by PCR and Southern blot analyses. RT-PCR revealed the expression of transgene in leaf and root tissues in transformants. Bioassay of transgenic banana plants challenged with Fusarium wilt pathogen showed that expression of TLP enhanced resistance to F. oxysporum sp. cubensec (race 4) compared to control plants.     

Chemical characterisation and hepatoprotective potential of Cosmos sulphureus Cav. and Cosmos bipinnatus Cav.

This study was conducted to validate the hepatoprotective activity of Cosmos sulphureus and Cosmos bipinnatus. Aqua-methanolic extracts of both plants were evaluated for the presence of various phyto-constituents through HPLC. Different doses of both plant extracts were administered to rats for nine days. Standard control was silymarin 100 mg/kg. Paracetamol 1 gm/kg was administered 3 h post treatment on 9th day for induction of hepatotoxicity. Blood was collected for the evaluation of liver biochemical markers and livers were removed for histopathological evaluation 24 h post-paracetamol treatment. HPLC analysis revealed the presence of quercetin, gallic acid, caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid in both plant extracts. The extracts of both plants decreased the level of alanine aminotransaminase and total bilirubin significantly (p < 0.05), dose dependently and protected hepatocytes from paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity. It can be concluded that both plants may possess hepatoprotective activity possibly due to the presence of quercetin and phenolic compounds.     

Effects of ammonia fiber explosion treatment on activity of endoglucanase from Acidothermus cellulolyticus in transgenic plant

A critical parameter affecting the economic feasibility of lignocellulosic bioconversion is the production of inexpensive and highly active cellulase enzymes in bulk quantity. A promising approach to reduce enzyme costs is to genetically transform plants with the genes of these enzymes, thereby producing the desired cellulases in the plants themselves. Extraction and recovery of active proteins or release of active cellulase from the plants during bioconversion could have a significant positive impact on overall lignocellulose conversion economics. The effects of ammonia fiber explosion (AFEX) pretreatment variables (treatment temperature, moisture content, and ammonia loading) on the activity of plant-produced heterologous cellulase enzyme were individually investigated via heat treatmett or ammonia treatment. Finally, we studied the effects of all these variables in concert through the AFEX process. The plant materials included transgenic tobacco plants expressing E1 (endoglucanase from Acidothermus cellulolyticus). The E1 activity was measured in untreated and AFEX-treated tobacco leaves to investigate the effects of the treatment on the activity of this enzyme. The maximum observed activity retention in AFEX-treated transgenic tobacco samples compared with untreated samples was approx 35% (at 60°C, 0.5∶1 ammonia loading, and 40% moisture). Based on these findings, it is our opinion that AFEX pretreatment is not a suitable option for releasing cellulase enzyme from transgenic plants.     

UVB Radiation Induced Increase in Quercetin: Kaempferol Ratio in Wild-Type and Transgenic Lines of Petunia

The use of genetically modified plants offers unique opportunities to study the role of specific flavonoids in plant UVB protection. Along with a parental wild-type Mitchell Petunia, two transgenic lines with altered flavonoids were also examined; Lc with enhanced levels of antho-cyanins due to the action of a maize flavonoid regulatory gene Leaf color, and AFLS that carries an antisense fla-vonol synthase construct and is known to have reduced flavonol levels in flowers. All three lines were grown in near ambient sunlight, sunlight lacking UVB (280–320 nm) radiation and sunlight with 25% added UVB. Ultra-violet-B radiation induced significant reductions in the rates of leaf expansion and seedling growth in all three lines. The presence of anthocyanins did not appear to afford Lc plants any special protection from UVB. Ul-traviolet-B treatment induced increases in total flavonol content in young plants of all three lines, and this effect decreased with increasing leaf age. Notably, increasing UVB levels led to an increase in the ratio of quercetin: kaempferol with all three cultivars. The AFLS transgenic, contrary to expectations based on its genetic construction, had normal levels of flavonols in the leaves and the highest Q:K ratio of the three cultivars. This transgenic was the least susceptible to UVB, which may indicate an enhanced protective role for quercetin. Because both quercetin and kaempferol have similar UVB screening properties, quercetin may exert this role by other means.