Transgenic plants of Orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) from protoplasts.

We have demonstrated the transfer and expression of a foreign chimeric gene in the grass species, Dactylis glomerata L. This species is a member of the Gramineae sub-family Pooideae, which includes the small grain cereals, from which transformed plants have not yet been obtained. A chimeric hygromycin-resistance gene was introduced into protoplasts isolated from an embryogenic suspension culture, using heat shock followed by electroporation or polyethylene glycol treatment. Cell colonies resistant to 20 μg/ml hygromycin were selected in liquid medium using an agarose bead type culture system. Transformed calli were identified by Southern hybridization. Embryogenic callus was induced to regenerate plants and transformed plants were shown to contain the hygromycin resistance gene.