Journal of Biotechnology & Biomaterials
Open Access

Abstract

Genetic engineering plays a unique and important role in improving crop traits. We are developing an engineering approach to improve biofuel production as an alternative source of energy. Two of the most important crops to be engineered in our laboratory are switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor). To be successful in engineering these crops, it is essential to develop an efficient Agrobacterium-mediated transformation process in each of these crops. The Agrobacterium-mediated T-DNA transfer offers several advantages over other transformation systems. However, in spite of previous reports, Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of these two crops has been proven to be difficult. Therefore, since our project started we have optimized a number of critical conditions affecting sorghum and particularly switchgrass transformation. These conditions included the genotypes, cocultivation temperatures and medium salt concentrations, Agrobacterium strains, transformation vectors, selection system and selective agents. These works have laid good foundations for improved transformation of these two crop species via Agrobacterium. Since improved transformation systems were well established in our laboratory, they have been used for research and transformation services. For more information on how to request switchgrass and sorghum transformation services, please contact Dr. Zhanyuan Zhang.

Biography

Zhanyuan J. Zhang has completed his Ph.D. at the age of 40 years from University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Nebraska, USA, and postdoctoral studies from the same university. He is the director of Plant Transformation Core Facility at University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA. He has published more than 22 papers in reputed journals and has been selected as a permanent member of Madison Who?s Who, USA.