Abstract:

The present study describes the transfer of a Bacillus subtilis SacB gene, with vacuolar targeting signal sequences and driven by constitutive promoters, by Agrobacterium tumefaciens into poplar( Populus alba×P. glandulosa ). From about \{1 000\} leaf discs used for transformation,102 Km resistant plants were obtained, and 97 proved to be true transgenic plants. The transgenic nature of these plants was confirmed by PCR amplification and Southern dot hybridization. The expression of the chimeric Sac B genes in transgenic plants was confirmed by RT-PCR. The performance of some transgenic lines maintained under a normal watering regime was evaluated over 5 months in greenhouse. These plants showed no significant stable morphological differences from the untransformed plants. The growth of some plants was apparently inhibited, while most of the plants grew at least as well as the control when water is non limiting. This material may be the basis for obtaining a more drought-resistant poplar.

Key words: Populus alba ×, P. glandulosa, SacB, transgenic, Agrobacterium mediated