Development of a New Genetic Transformation System for Sorghum using Agrobacterium and Immature Inflorescences

摘要

Genetic improvement of sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moencfa] has depended on conventional plant breeding methods. As a result, sorghum insect management has mainly relied on the development of pest resistant varieties through traditional breeding andimproved cultural management practices. In recent years, there has been increased pressure to sustain, and even enhance, crop productivity with less use of chemicals. Conventional breeding has made a great contribution to sorghum production in the pastand will continue to be an important component of future sorghum improvement programs, but traditional breeding has some inherent limitations due to natural barriers (i.e. sexual incompatibility) and the narrow genetic variability (limited gene pool) that is available (Able et al. 2001).