Stable expression of plant ferredoxin like protein (pflp) in pomegranate (cv. bhagwa) for activation of plant immunity

An in vitro regeneration protocol was standardized for the commercial pomegranate cv. Bhagwa using cotyledonary explants in combination of N6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 1-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) supplemented in MS medium. Stable transformants were developed in pomegranate cv. Bhagwa through Agrobacterium tumefaciens mediated transformation to impart resistance against bacterial leaf blight caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. punicae through pathogen associated molecular pattern (PAMP) and triggering plant immunity. Transgene integration was confirmed by southern analysis which showed single copy insertion. Further RT-PCR and western blotting showed the stable Pflp gene expression in two transgenic lines. Transgenic plants bio assayed with the bacterial pathogen Xanthomonas axonopodis pv punicae showed significant differences in enhancing the resistance than wild type (untransformed control) plants. Bio assay results correlated with the copy number of transgene and transgene expression. To manage the bacterial leaf blight in pomegranate, Pflp mediated activation of plant immunity may play a major role in integrated disease management.