Molecular Analysis of Genetically Engineered Tomato with High Salt Tolerance

摘要

To generate salttolerant tomato, total DNA isolated from the sea plant Rhizophora apiculata was introduced into tomato (Lycopersicon eseulentum) via pollen tube path. The transformed plants were grown on beach and irrigated with seawater. After several rounds of singleplant selection, progenies with improved salt tolerance were isolated. These transformed plants were able to blossom and seed, and have propagated to the sixth generation. In contrast, the nontransformed control plants were severely damaged by seawater and died gradually. The sugar, acid, Vitamin C and mineral contents were all increased in the salttolerant tomato, making them a highquality product with a better flavor. Analysis by SDSPAGE, Southern hybridization, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) indicates that the improved salt tolerance of the transformed tomato is related to genomic alteration. Furthermore, the integration position of the exogenous DNA on the chromosomes of the transformed tomato was determined