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Abstract The production of embryogenic callus and somatic embryos is integral to the genetic improvement of crops via genetic transformation and gene editing. Regenerable embryogenic cultures also form the backbone of many micro‐propagation processes for crop species. In many species, including maize, the ability to produce embryogenic cultures is highly genotype dependent. While some modern transformation and genome editing methods reduce genotype dependence, these efforts ultimately fall short of producing truly genotype‐independent tissue culture methods. Recalcitrant genotypes are still identified in these genotype‐flexible processes, and their presence is magnified by the stark contrast with more amenable lines, which may respond more efficiently by orders of magnitude. This review aims to describe the history of research into somatic embryogenesis, embryogenic tissue cultures, and plant transformation, with particular attention paid to maize. Contemporary research into genotype‐flexible morphogenic gene‐based transformation and genome engineering is also covered in this review. The rapid evolution of plant biotechnology from nascent technologies in the latter half of the 20th century to well‐established, work‐horse production processes has, and will continue to, fundamentally changed agriculture and plant genetics research.
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PlantGENE: Advancing plant transformation through community engagement
SUMMARY Plant transformation is an important part of plant research and crop improvement. Transformation methods remain complex, labor intensive, and inefficient. PlantGENE is a community of scientists from academia, industry, non‐profit research institutes, and government organizations working to improve plant transformation. PlantGENE hosts virtual training, interactive webinars, and a website with career opportunities, directories, and more. The plant science community has shown great interest and support for PlantGENE.
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- Award ID(s):
- 2210962
- PAR ID:
- 10578668
- Publisher / Repository:
- Wiley-Blackwell
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- The Plant Journal
- Volume:
- 121
- Issue:
- 3
- ISSN:
- 0960-7412
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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