GA2ox1 and GA2ox8 ORF’s were isolated from Arabidopsis and sub-cloned under the control of the constitutive ubiquitin or 35S promoters. Co-transfer of constitutive nptII and GA-2 oxidase expression cassettes into seed derived callus cultures from turf-type, apomictic bahiagrass (cv. ‘Argentine’) was carried out according to Altpeter and James (2005). Transgenic nature of the regenerated plants was confirmed by NPTII ELISA (Agdia), PCR and RT-PCR.
We will present Northern and Southern blot data showing line specific transgene intergration and expression. The physiological data obtained under controlled environment conditions of soil or hydroponics grown plants allowed us to identify transgenic bahiagrass lines with a superior phenotype. These transgenic lines will be further analyzed under field conditions at the PSREU near Citra, FL.