Antifungal Gene (Rs-AFP) Introduction into Rehmannia glutinosa and Gene Expression Mediated by Agrobacterium tumefaciens

摘要

Rehmannia glutinosa is one of the most important medicinal crops in Korea. However, various plant pathogens, including Fusarium spp., cause great damage on R. glutinosa and result in enormous economic losses. This study was conducted to breed Fusarium-resistent plants by using Agrobacterium tumefaciences and AFP (anti-fungal protein) gene. The plant material used was a native accession of R. glutinosa. The PCR analysis was conducted to verify transgenicity. Based on the PCR analysis, nptII band was observed in transgenic plant genome. Southern blot and AFP protein analyses also showed the expression of this gene in transgenic plants. Expression of AFP in transgenic plants offers the possibility of developing resistance to fungal infection.