Optimize the Genetic Transformation Method of Rhododendron yunnanense Franch. with Transient Expression of GUS Gene

The experiment was conducted to investigate the transient expression mediated by Agrobacterium tumefaciens using sterile leaves and calli of Rhododendron yunnanense as receptor materials. Effects of pre-culture length, A. tumefaciens concentration, infection time and co-culture length on transient expression of GUS gene were studied by tissue staining method. The results showed that leaf was the optimal receptor material for genetic transformation in R. yunnanense, while the highest transient expression rate(70%) of GUS gene was obtained as pre-culture for 0 day, OD600 value of A.tumefaciens for infection 0.5, infection for 40 min, and co-culture for 5 days. The results provided a fast and reliable method for genetic transformation of R.yunnanense.