Genetic Transformation of Sinorhizobium meliloti by Agrobacterium tumefaciens Plasmids Using Conjugation Technique

Abstract

The present study included isolation of Sinorhizobium meliloti bacteria from the root nodules of Alfalfa plants, Transformation process was conducted by conjugation with transformed bacteria Agrobacterium tumefaciens. The results showed the efficiency of the process, where the antibiotic tests acquire two genetic labels, resistance to chloramphenicol and rifampicin on the conjugated strain, proved that Ti plasmid (Tumorinducing Plasmid) transferred from the A. tumefaciens as well as that the conjugated strain produces melanin pigment. For more assurance, Alfalfa plants were inoculated with the conjugated strain, and the results showed the success of conjugation via crown gall formation on stem which formed by Ti plasmid in addition to root nodules in same plant. These results indicate the capability of performing conjugation technique between different species of Rhizobiaeceae to acquire new isolates carrying beneficial characteristics that are able to be transfer to plants and produce a new desired genetic transformed plants.