Transformation of apple ( Malus domestica Borkh.) with the stilbene synthase gene from grapevine ( Vitis vinifera L.) and a PGIP gene from kiwi ( Actinidia deliciosa )

Abstract

The objective of the present research was to introduce genes with antifungal potential into the commercially important apple cvs. Elstar and Holsteiner Cox in order to establish resistance against fungal diseases. The gene encoding the stilbene synthase (Vst1) from Vitis vinifera L., responsible for the synthesis of the phytoalexin resveratrol in grapevine, and the gene for a polygalacturonase-inhibiting protein (PGIP) from kiwi ( Actinidia deliciosa) were transferred into Holsteiner Cox and Elstar via Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation. A total of nine transgenic Holsteiner Cox clones and one transgenic E clone carrying the stilbene-synthase gene as well as three transgenic Holsteiner Cox lines harbouring the polygalacturonase-inhibiting protein from Kiwi were identified via polymerase chain reaction and Southern blot analysis. High performance liquid chromatography analysis revealed the accumulation of a resveratrol-derivate, a glycoside, in transgenic Vst1 plants.

Physiology & Molecular Biology of Grapevine Stilbenes: An Update

“…In particular, StSy gene over-expression in tobacco caused altered flower pigmentation and male sterility, probably due to the competition between the exogenous StSy and CHS for shared substrates (Fischer et al 1997). Various studies, regarding the expression of an introduced StSy gene, also revealed the accumulation of the resveratrol-glycoside piceid in kiwifruit (Kobayashi et al 2000), in apple (Szankowski et al 2003) and in white poplar (Giorcelli et al 2004). Even if kiwifruit and apple did not show an increased disease resistance, they may have some beneficial effects on human health.…”

Promoters for Transgenic Horticultural Plants

“…Vst1 transcription was detected after induction of the VvVst1 promoter by wounding or UV irradiation (Szankowski et al 2003 ). Molecular analysis revealed that stilbene synthase is expressed in transgenic plants and in the skin and fl esh of transgenic apple fruit.…”

Highly scab-resistant transgenic apple lines achieved by introgression of HcrVf2 controlled by different native promoter lengths

“…'Elstar' and 'Gala' was done as described by Szankowski et al (2003). In brief, the middle part of the four youngest unfolded leaves from 4-week-old micropropagated shoots was excised and inoculated with agrobacteria (grown overnight in YEP medium, centrifuged, and resuspended in liquid MS medium to an OD of 0.8) and co-cultivated in the kanamycin for selection of transgenic cells.…”