Development of an in planta soybean transformation method

This research project aims at establishing a cheap and simple alternative genetic transformation method for soybean termed in planta. Three in planta methods, named (i) tissue-culture independent callus and adventitious buds generation (TCICABG), (ii) sonication and in vivo selection/regeneration (SivSR) and (iii) in vitro embryonic axis sonication and direct regeneration (EAR), will be tested to evaluate their efficiencies, success rates and levels of difficulty. The development of this method would enable us to perform high-throughput gene editing with CRISPR-cas9 and confirm the functions of candidate genes involved in a plethora of important field traits. Currently, there is no Canadian research institution that have found a high-throughput method for plant transformation in soybean although the crop is one of the most important for Canadian farmers. Consequently, the development of this protocol could be a major stepping-stone in the support of Canadian agriculture and would contribute to the expansion of the soybean sector.

Faculty Supervisor:

Valerio Hoyos-Villegas

Student:

Partner:

CÉROM

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Agriculture and Food; Biotechnology

University:

McGill University

Program: