Potential Selectable Marker for Genetic Transformation in Banana

Successful genetic transformation of banana requires effective selection systems. The effectiveness of kanamycin, neomycin, genetic in G-418, paromomycin, basta and hygromycin as selection agents to inhibit the growth of single meristematic buds of Pisang Rastali (AAB) were evaluated. Due to the potential generation of chimeric plants containing both transformed and non-transformed in meristematic buds, the presence of an efficient refined selection system is essential in transformation studies. Single buds were cultured on solid and liquid MS media supplemented with 5 mg L-1 of BAP for a period of four weeks. Six selection agents tested each at 0, 25, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250 and 300 mg L-1. In preliminary experiment, basta and hygromycin were required at lower concentrations. Therefore, experiment was carried out at 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 mg L-1. Of six compounds tested, basta and hygromycin was suitable selection agent since it inhibits the growth of single buds at lower concentrations. However, hygromycin selection makes it the preferred selection over basta for easily scoreable phenotype and faster inhibition response of explants. Genetic in G-418 is effective than kanamycin, neomycin and paromomycin for selecting transformed plants conferring resistance to npt11 gene. The use of liquid medium containing selection agents showed effective in banana due lower concentrations required and good contact between explants and medium.