Transformation Studies on Chickpea Embryo Axis

In virro regeneration was achieved in chickpea mature and immature decapitated embryo axis. The cultivars used were BG384, Avrodhi and Anupam. Of the three cultivars used, BG384 gave best response in terms of regeneration efficiency and transformation efficiency using either mature or immature decapitated embryo axes. Mature decapitated embryo axes of the above three cultivars were used for transformation by Agrobacferiurn tumefaciens (LBA4404) having the binary plasmid pBl121. Transformation via electroporation was also performed using plasmid pBl221. The expression of oidA (GUS) gene was checked in the transformants by the histochemical assay. The positive results obtained indicate the suitability of such type of explants for transformation studies in domestic chickpea cultivars.