Transient expression of uidA constructs in in vitro onion (Allium cepa L.) cultures following particle bombardment and Agrobacterium-mediated DNA delivery

Particle bombardment and Agrobacterium-mediated DNA delivery into immature embryos and microbulbs were used to investigate the expression of the uidA gene in in vitro onion cultures. Both methods were successful in delivering DNA and subsequent uidA expression was observed. Optimal transient β-glucuronidase activity was observed in immature embryos that had been pre-cultured for three days and bombarded at a distance of 3 cm from the stopping plate, under 25 in Hg vacuum, using 900-1300 psi rupture discs. The CaMV35S-uidA gene construct gave five fold higher transient β-glucuronidase activity than the uidA gene construct regulated by any of four other promoters initially chosen for high experession in monocotyledonous tissues.