Genetic transformation of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var. Botrytis) by Agrobacterium rhizogenes.

Cauliflower plantlets were inoculated with different Agrobacterium rhizogenes strains. Numerous hairy roots were induced on cauliflower hypocotyls by agropine-type strains. Fewer roots were obtained with mannopine-type strains. In vitro cultures were established both from normal and hairy roots. Plant regeneration occured spontaneously from normal and transformed roots. Regenerated plants contained the same opines (if present) as root cultures. Some mannopine-positive regenerants displayed a modified phenotype. Relationships between phenotype, opine content, T-DNA content and/or expression are discussed.