This is part of the Leiboff Lab maize transformation protocol for somatic embryogenesis of B104 immature embryos. This protocol is a combination of Chen et al. 2022 and Kang et al. 2022 with some modifications based on material availability. This protocol is intended for the GRF-GIF/BBM somatic embryogenesis transformation strategy with the LBA4404 Met- auxotrophic Agrobacterium strain.
Embryos will be transferred (scutellum side up) from Co-cultivation Medium 562V-MSM to Resting Medium 605CefT, 3 days after infection (DAI). Prompt transfer from 562V-MSM to 605CefT will help suppress Agrobacterium contamination, which is extremely difficult to combat once it is noticeable. 605CefT should be used for 7 days, before moving embryos to Resting Medium (with selection) 605CefTB. Resting Medium contains added synthetic auxin (2,4-D) to encourage callus and shoot growth. 605CefT is high in sucrose and uses a small amount of glucose to encourage rapid plant growth. 605CefT contains no plant selective agent, and uses both Cefotaxime and Timentin to control Agrobacterium contamination. The antibiotic concentrations used here are sufficient to control the LBA4404 Met- auxotrophic strain, but were not sufficient to control wild-type LBA4404 in 3 prior trials.
605CefT solid media should be prepared in 15x100 (standard) petri plates, planning for ~20 embryos per plate. Material grown on 605CefT will be sealed with micropore tape and be incubated at 28C in the dark. Embryos are ready to move off 605CefT after 1 week. There may be noticeable growth on the scutellum side of the embryo at this time, but do not be alarmed if this is not obvious.