Optimization of kanamycin dose for in vitro Camelina sativa transformation

Abstract

Camelina sativa is an underutilized oilseed crop that can be grown under different climate conditions. As its requirements for growth are relatively low with a short life cycle, it can be utilized in marginal lands for crop rotations. Camelina shows great promise as a source of food, feed, chemicals, and biofuel. Enabling the genetic transformation of C. sativa would facilitate the fast incorporation of new characteristics into this growing crop. Moreover, genetic and metabolic engineering can be applied to decrease unwanted secondary metabolites as well as boost the beneficial products. Kanamycin is one of the most used antibiotics in plant transformation. Here, the effects of kanamycin on the seeds of Camelina were analyzed by observing different parameters such as germination, seedlings, shoot, and root growth as well as its fresh and dry weight. Prevalent effects of kanamycin were shortening of root and shoot length, thinning of shoots, and discoloration. Also, true leaves could not grow in the presence of the antibiotic. Based on these results using 100mg/L kanamycin as an additive to the growth media in tissue culture would allow the selection of transformant plants and allow them to grow as transgenic plants for desired purposes.