Callus Induction from Diverse Explants and Genotypes Enables Robust Transformation of Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.)

Abstract

Genetic transformation of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) is critical for fundamental and translational research in this important grass species. It often relies on Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of callus tissue. However, callus induction is restricted to a few genotypes that respond well to tissue culture. Here, we report callus induction from different perennial ryegrass genotypes and explants, such as shoot tips, seeds, and anthers, which were transformed with several plasmids for functional genomics. β-glucuronidase (GUS) histochemical staining showed the LmdsRNAbp promoter sequence was active in stigmas, spikelets, anthers, and leaves. We also transformed calli with plasmids allowing gene silencing and gene knock-out using RNA interference and CRISPR/Cas9, respectively, for which genotypic and phenotypic investigations are ongoing. Using 19 different constructs, 262 transgenic events were regenerated. Moreover, the protocol regenerated a doubled haploid transgenic event from anther-derived calli. This work provides a proof-of-concept method for expanding the range of genotypes amenable to transformation, thus, serving research and breeding initiatives to improve this important grass crop for forage and recreation.