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Progress of tissue culture and genetic transformation research in pigeon pea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.]

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Abstract

Pigeon pea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] (Family: Fabaceae) is an important legume crop cultivated across 50 countries in Asia, Africa, and the Americas; and ranks fifth in area among pulses after soybean, common bean, peanut, and chickpea. It is consumed as a major source of protein (21%) to the human population in many develo** countries. In India, it is the second important food legume contributing to 80% of the global production. Several biotic and abiotic stresses are posing a big threat to its production and productivity. Attempts to address these problems through conventional breeding methods have met with partial success. This paper reviews the chronological progress made in tissue culture through organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis, including the influence of factors such as genotypes, explant sources, and culture media including the supplementation of plant growth regulators. Comprehensive lists of morphogenetic pathways involved in in vitro regeneration through organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis using different explant tissues of diverse pigeon pea genotypes are presented. Similarly, the establishment of protocols for the production of transgenics via particle bombardment and Agrobacterium-mediated transformation using different explant tissues, Agrobacterium strains, Ti plasmids, and plant selectable markers, as well as their interactions on transformation efficiency have been discussed. Future research thrusts on the use of different promoters and stacking of genes for various biotic and abiotic stresses in pigeon pea are suggested.

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Abbreviations

2-iP:

N6-[2-Isopentenyl]adenine

2S2:

Arabidopsis thaliana 2S2 promoter

ABA:

Abscisic acid

Ads:

Adenine sulphate

BAP:

6-Benzylaminopurine

Bt cry1Ab :

Bacillus thuringiensis crystal protein 1Ab

CaMV35S :

Cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter

CaMV35SDE :

Cauliflower mosaic virus 35S double-enhanced promoter

CPI :

Cowpea protease inhibitor

cry1A(b) :

Crystal protein 1A(b)

cry1E-C:

Crystal protein 1E-C

dhdps :

dhdps promoter

DNA:

Deoxyribonucleic acid

GA3:

Gibberellic acid 3

Gfp :

Green fluorescent protein

GS-TAP1:

Glutamine synthetase and tobacco anodic peroxidase

IAA:

Indole-3-acetic acid

IAA-l-AA:

IAA-l-aspartic acid

IBA:

3-Indolebutyric acid

KIN:

Kinetin

NAA:

α-Naphthalene acetic acid

Phas :

Phaseolin promoter

PPRV-HN:

Hemagglutinin neuraminidase gene of Peste des petits ruminants’ virus

RChit :

Rice chitinase gene

RVPH :

Hemagglutinin protein of Rinder pest virus

TDZ:

Thidiazuron

uid A :

β-Glucoronidase gene

ZEA:

Zeatin

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Acknowledgments

Authors extend their thanks to Shri P.S. Dravid (President, JK Agri Genetics Ltd, Hyderabad, India), Mr. S.K. Gupta (CEO, JK Agri Genetics Ltd, Hyderabad, India), Dr. Jawahar Lal (Former Head, Department Biotechnology-Tissue Culture, Allahabad Agricultural Institute, Deemed University, Allahabad, India), Mr. U.S. Vaish (Garden Head, Botanical Survey of India, Central Circle, Allahabad, India) for providing necessary facilities, guidance, valuable suggestions, and Dr. B.U. Singh (Advisor, JK Agri Genetics Ltd., Hyderabad, India) for all the help extended in the preparation of the manuscript. The author G.K. is thankful to Mrs. Shilpi Kesarwani for continuous encouragement.

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  1. College of Biotechnology and Allied Sciences, Allahabad Agricultural Institute Deemed University, Allahabad, 211 007, UP, India

    Gaurav Krishna & P. W. Ramteke

  2. Biotechnology Division, JK Agri Genetics Ltd., 1-10-177, 4th Floor, Varun Towers, Begumpet, Hyderabad, 500 016, AP, India

    Gaurav Krishna, P. Sairam Reddy & P. S. Bhattacharya

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  1. Gaurav Krishna
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Correspondence to Gaurav Krishna.

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Krishna, G., Reddy, P.S., Ramteke, P.W. et al. Progress of tissue culture and genetic transformation research in pigeon pea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.]. Plant Cell Rep 29, 1079–1095 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00299-010-0899-4

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