Production of engineered long-life and male sterile Pelargonium plants

The pSAG12::ipt transgenic plants showed delayed leaf senescence, increased branching and reduced internodal length, as compared to control plants. Leaves and flowers of the pSAG12::ipt plants were reduced in size and displayed a more intense coloration. In the transgenic lines carrying the PsEND1::barnase construct no pollen grains were observed in the modified anther structures, which developed instead of normal anthers. The locules of sterile anthers collapsed 3–4？days prior to floral anthesis and, in most cases, the undeveloped anther tissues underwent necrosis.The chimaeric construct pSAG12::ipt can be useful in Pelargonium spp. to delay the senescence process and to modify plant architecture. In addition, the use of engineered male sterile plants would be especially useful to produce environmentally friendly transgenic plants carrying new traits by preventing gene flow between the genetically modified ornamentals and related plant species. These characteristics could be of interest, from a commercial point of view, both for pelargonium producers and consumers.The genus Pelargonium (family Geraniaceae), with more than 200 species, represents one of the most popular garden plants around the world, having a considerable economic importance in the market of ornamental plants. The vegetative-propagated bedding plants from the two groups Pelargonium zonale (syn. Pelargonium x hortorum) and Pelargonium peltatum hybrids are the most cultivated potted plants. In addition, species of Pelargonium are important in the perfume industry and are cultivated and distilled for their scent.Pelargonium spp. grow as annuals in temperate climates. Leaves are usually alternate and palmately lobed or pinnate, often on long stalks and sometimes with light or dark patterns. The erect stems bear five-petaled zygomorphic flowers in umbel-like clusters (pseudo umbels). These plants have been bred to produce a variety of flower shapes, ranging from star-shaped to funnel-shaped, and colors,