An Efficient Hairy Root Transformation Method for Common Bean based on Petiole Explants

Abstract

Background: Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is a major food legume with high nutritional value and economic importance globally. A remarkable attribute of this plant is its propensity to generate adventitious roots from petioles of detached leaves when moisture is appropriate. This distinctive feature presents promising prospects for harnessing petioles in the facilitation of transgenic hairy root production. Methods: We achieved the successful induction of transgenic hairy roots from common bean petioles through the utilization of Agrobacterium rhizogenes strain K599. Our experimentation encompassed a diverse array of common bean varieties and leaves of varying ages. Subsequently, we refined and optimized the procedure for hairy root induction. Result: Our investigations have revealed that the most conducive conditions for hairy root transformation with K599 are attained using 5-day-old leaves from the cultivar ‘Honghuaqingjia’, exhibiting a remarkable induction efficiency of 59%. The usefulness of this system was demonstrated through a subcellular localization analysis of the transcription factor PvTCP2 protein in combination with GFP (Green Fluorescent Protein).