Optimizing selectable marker systems for Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of Theobroma cacao

Emilio Ciervo

The Theobroma cacao tree, used to make chocolate, struggles with diseases: a problem that could be alleviated through breeding for new varieties. As a tropical tree crop, its long time to maturity and limited geographic range restrict breeding efforts. Genetic engineering could be a faster approach, although current protocols using the Agrobacterium-mediated transformation method have low efficiencies. This project aims to optimize the existing protocol by comparing ptxD and SulR to nptII as selectable marker genes for transformed cells.

Major: 
Plant Science
Exhibition Category: 
Health and Life Sciences
Exhibition Format: 
Poster Presentation
Campus: 
University Park
Faculty Sponsor: 
Siela Maximova
Poster Number: 
220