Agrobacterium-mediated transformation and gene editing of kohlrabi ( Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes )

Abstract

Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes (kohlrabi) is an economically important vegetable with edible stems. Due to the complicated in vitro regeneration, biotechnological cultivars with useful traits do not yet exist. This plant have never been subjected to genetic transformation of any kind. Therefore, the development of appropriate methods is an important task of modern plant science. A genetic construct targeting BoCPC gene have been introduced to Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain Agl0 in order to produce knockout mutants of kohlrabi. Addition of AgNO3 to the culture medium allowed to reduce browning after inoculation. Three glufosinate-resistant, PCR-positive transformants were obtained from cultivar Vienna White. In two of them expression level of target gene was significantly reduced. The described protocol allows for genetic transformation and genome editing of kohlrabi. This research opens up prospects for generation of new cultivars with improved agricultural traits such as stress tolerance, increased yields and altered metabolite content. According to the results of various studies, Vienna White can be used as a model cultivar of kohlrabi.