Stable expression of AtGA2ox1 in a low‐input turfgrass (Paspalum notatum Flugge) reduces bioactive gibberellin levels and improves turf quality under field conditions

摘要: Summary Bahiagrass ( Paspalum notatum Flugge) is a prime candidate for molecular improvement of turf quality. Its persistence and low input characteristics made it the dominant utility turfgrass along highways in south-eastern USA. However, comparatively poor quality due to reduced density prolific production unsightly inflorescences currently limits widespread use bahiagrass as residential turf. Alteration endogenous gibberellin (GA) levels by application growth regulators or transgenic strategies has modified plant architecture several crops. GA catabolizing AtGA2ox1 was subcloned under control constitutive maize ubiquitin promoter Nos 3’UTR. A minimal expression cassette lacking vector backbone sequences stably introduced into apomictic biolistic gene transfer confirmed Southern blot analysis. Expression indicated reverse transcription– polymerase chain reaction Northern analysis resulted significant reduction bioactive 1 compared wild type. Interestingly, plants displayed an increased number vegetative tillers which correlated with level enhanced field conditions. This indicates that GAs contribute signalling outgrowth axillary buds this perennial grass. Transgenic also showed decreased stem length delayed flowering controlled environment Consequently, following weekly mowing improved bahiagrass. Transgene phenotype were transmitted seed progeny. Argentine produces seeds asexually apomixis, reduces risk unintended transgene dispersal pollen results uniform