The dividing meristematic cells of maize embryos and seedlings have been found to be the cell-type that is competent for Agrobacterium transformation. The incidence of genetic mutations in these systems is known to be quite low. Seeds of commercial maize cultivars are germinated and the shoot apex removed and inoculated with A. tumefaciens EHA101 or EHA105. Inoculated shoots are subjected to a period of antibiotic selection and then allowed to regenerate. Plant regeneration occurs within 4-6 weeks.
Plants are normal and fertile and produce viable seed.
In summary, this approach to plant transformation is genotype-independent, inexpensive, rapid and produces few mutations. Gould JH, Devey M, Hasegawa O, Ulian EC, Peterson G, Smith. US Patent No.