Developing a Genetic Transformation Protocol for American Grapes (Vitis X Lambruscana) and Transforming Vitis to Produce Parthenocarpic Fruits

The main goal of this research was to transform Vitis. x labruscana L. H. Bailey ('Fredonia' and 'Niagara') and a seedling of a complex hybrid of 'Melody' (='Melody Seedling') with the gene Agl-iaaM (Agl = flower specific and developing fruit specific promoter; iaaM = indoleacetamide monooxygenase gene), which should induce seedlessness in these grape cultivars. To achieve this goal, three experiments were designed. In the first experiment, a method for the establishment and maintenance, as well as the regeneration and conversion of grapevine embryogenic cultures was established. In the second experiment, an efficient transformation method for 'Fredonia' and 'Melody Seedling' grapes, based on an Agrobacterium tumefaciens vector system, was developed. Finally, in the third experiment, 'Melody Seedling' was successfully transformed with the Agl5-iaaM gene. This is the first report of successful embryogenesis and genetic transformation with recovery of transgenic plants in V. x labruscana and 'Melody Seedling'. The techniques developed in this research will facilitate the genetic manipulation of the American grapes (V. x labruscana) and open a new scope to study and understand seedlessness in grapevines.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Natural Resrouces and Environmental Sciences

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2015

Author dc:creator

• Motoike, Sergio Yoshimitsu

Contributors dc:contributor

• Skirvin, Robert M.

• Agriculture, Plant Culture

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

(MiAaPQ)AAI3023147

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/83077