Transgenic oat plants via visual selection of cells expressing green fluorescent protein

New selectable markers and selection systems are needed to increase the efficiency and flexibility of plant transformation. The objective of this research was to determine if the green fluorescent protein (gfp) gene could be utilized as a visual selectable marker for transformation of oat (Avena sativa L.). A modified gfp gene was delivered into oat cells by microprojectile bombardment. Cell clusters expressing gfp were visually identified using fluorescence microscopy and physically isolated at each subculture. Eleven independent transgenic cell lines were obtained, and fertile plants regenerated from all lines. Transgene integration and expression were confirmed in transgenic plants and progeny. Transgene expression segregated in a 3:1 ratio in progeny of the majority of the transgenic lines.