An examination of factors affecting the efficiency ofAgrobacterium-mediated transformation of tomato

Abstract
An improved protocol forAgrobacterium-mediated transformation of the tomato cultivar Moneymaker was developed by examining the effects of six different factors on the efficiency of transformation. Explant size, explant orientation, gelling agent and plate sealant were found to affect transformation efficiency. Two other factors, type of explant (hypocotyl or cotyledon) and frequency of transfer to fresh selective regeneration medium, did not have any effect on transformation efficiency. By combining the best treatments for each factor, an average transformation efficiency of 10.6% was obtained for Moneymaker.