This invention relates to a reproducible system for the production of
stable, genetically transformed maize cells, and to methods of selecting
cells that have been transformed. One method of selection disclosed
employs the Streptomyces bar gene introduced by microprojectile
bombardment into embryogenic maize cells which were grown in suspension
cultures, followed by exposure to the herbicide bialaphos. The methods of
achieving stable transformation disclosed herein include tissue culture
methods and media, methods for the bombardment of recipient cells with the
desired transforming DNA, and methods of growing fertile plants from the
transformed cells. This invention also relates to the transformed cells
and seeds and to the fertile plants grown from the transformed cells and
to their pollen.
