Genetic Transformation of Grapevine Using Agrobacterium- Mediated Gene Transfer
TL;DR
By introducing desirable traits into an existing genome while maintaining the plant’s genetic integrity, plant genetic engineering is an effective method for enhancing plants and remains to be seen whether the advantages of reduced chemical use and improved nutritional aspects lead to a world with food security that is environmentally sustainable.
Abstract
By introducing desirable traits into an existing genome while maintaining the plant’s genetic integrity, plant genetic engineering is an effective method for enhancing plants. The introduction of valuable genes encoding traits like disease/insect resistance, herbicide tolerance, enhanced nutritional/medical/commercial properties, improved uptake and utilization of growth agents, and many more traits has been accomplished through the genetic modification of a wide variety of plant species. For reasons discussed later in this chapter, the public’s perception of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is currently negative. However, it remains to be seen whether the advantages of reduced chemical use and improved nutritional aspects lead to a world with food security that is environmentally sustainable. Genetic engineering is especially important because grape is very heterozygous and standard breeding methods fail to produce true-to-type offspring. Grapes are also a commodity driven by consumers, and novel varieties, particularly wine cultivars, have little market acceptance. In order to produce indigenous genotypes with novel characteristics, technological breakthroughs like gene transfer must be utilized because vegetative propagation leaves little room for development.