Evaluation of cry1Ab Gene in Different Segregating Populations of Rice

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Abstract

Through an application of genetic engineering, genes from a soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) which confer resistance to pests were transferred into rice. Successful employment of genetic engineering in traditional breeding programs is dependent upon stable transmission of transgene in transgenic varieties. Three different segregating F2 populations were developed from a cross between each one of the transgenic lines namely: Tarom Molaii, Neda and Nemat and Sang Tarom while the segregation mode of cry1Ab gene being studied in these populations. The results of phenotypic assay in field and genotypic analysis (employing PCR in laboratory on the different F2 populations) revealed monogenic segregation ratio for cry1Ab gene. The results indicated single copy integration of cry1Ab gene in the genomes of transgenic Tarom molaii, Neda and Nemat. This illustrates predictable segregation pattern of cry1Ab gene in transgenic plants. In addition, the data obtained imply that integration of cry1Ab gene in the genome of the studied transgenic lines is stable and can be successfully transmitted to successive generations. So, these transgenic lines could be well employed for improving pest tolerance of varieties in integrated pest management programs

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