transformation-methods
Transformation methods in plant science refer to techniques used to introduce foreign DNA into plant cells, enabling stable or transient expression of new genetic material within the plant genome. These methods, which include Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, biolistic particle delivery, and protoplast-based approaches, are foundational tools for functional genomics, allowing researchers to study gene function and regulatory networks. Advances in transformation efficiency and specificity have been critical for accelerating crop improvement, enabling precise gene editing, and developing plants with novel agronomic or metabolic traits.
PubMed · 2026-04-07
Scientists developed a better method for using gene-editing tools in a high-yield rice variety that is notoriously difficult to modify, potentially accelerating the development of improved rice crops.
The improved method targets elite indica rice, a subspecies historically resistant to standard genetic transformation techniques
The technique uses Agrobacterium bacteria as a delivery vehicle combined with CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing, improving efficiency of successful edits
The advance could significantly shorten the timeline for developing stress-tolerant or higher-yielding rice varieties
