Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of ornamental species: A review

Abstract

Integration of desirable traits into commercial ornamentals using genetic engineering techniques is a powerful tool in contemporary biotechnology. However, these techniques have had a limited impact in the domain of ornamental horticulture, particularly floriculture. Modifications of the color, architecture or fragrance of the flowers as well as an improvement of the plant tolerance/resistance against abiotic and biotic stresses using plant transformation techniques, is still in its infancy. This review focuses on the application of Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, a major plant genetic engineering approach to ornamental plant breeding and the impact it has had to date. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. TR 31019]