Current status and outlook on genetic transformation of fruit trees in Korea
Abstract The paper reviewed research status and outlook of genetic transformation in fruit trees in Korea. Genetic transformation has been long considered as an alternative technique overcoming limitation of conventional breeding and conducted since early 1990’s. An efficient genetic transformation was established with major cultivars of apple, even in Fuji and Gamhong, and some transgenic apple plants have been transferred into the greenhouse for further analysis of gene expression. A few successes of genetic transformation have been reported and application to a variety of cultivars tried in citrus and kiwifruit. Successful genetic transformation has not been reported in the other fruit trees including grapevine, yet and it is considered being at the level of research. Those factors including replacement of antibiotics as a selective agent, use of transgenic rootstocks and manipulation of gene expression at proper parts and developmental stages have been prerequisites for the rapid commercialization of transgenic fruit plants.