Factors affecting delivery of DREB1A gene in maize B73 split-seeds via biolistic system

Immature embryos as a choice tissue for genetic transformation of maize have a few limitations, such as genotype dependence, time-consuming and requiring a well-equipped greenhouse for access, at any time. in the present study, the split-seed explants were used for genetic transformation of maize, b73 line. the transformation of maize split-seed explants from the inbred line b73, for resistance to abiotic stresses was carried out via particle bombardment using pca-35s-dreb construct, carrying arabidopsis transcription factor dreb1a under the control of the camv 35s promoter and the selectable marker bar. for the optimization of gene-gun transformation parameters, we used two distances, 6 and 9 cm, one or double shooting and pre-treatment culturing of explants. the results showed that double shooting in 9 cm under pre -treatment conditions can improve transient expression of gus gene in split-seed explants. pcr analysis confirmed the presence of dreb1a and bar genes in one out of 11 transformants. the results showed that split-seeds of b73 line can be used as a suitable explant for maize transformation.