Evaluation of phenotypic characters and total phenol content in T1 putative transgenic yellow cosmos (Cosmos sulphureus Cav.) with SoSPS1 transgene

Abstract

In this study, phenotypic characters and biochemical analysis observed from leaves were carried out to evaluate the T1 population of transgenic cosmos that had inserted SoSPS1 (Sucrose Phosphate Synthase isoform in sugarcane) by floral dip using A. tumefaciens strain GV3101 carrying the recombinant plasmid pRI101AN-SoSPS1 and nptII gene as a selection marker. Sucrose phosphate synthase plays an essential role in sugar accumulation. Furthermore, the gene insertion is prospectively predicted to influence plant growth characteristics and accumulation of biochemical compounds. Information related to the impact of SoSPS1 overexpression on the accumulation of biochemical compounds in yellow cosmos is still relatively rare. The research material is cosmos seeds that have been transformed in previous research. Phenotypic characters according to UPOV descriptors, confirmation of the presence of the SoSPS1 gene, and biochemical analysis (reduction sugar, total sugar, sucrose, total phenol, and chlorophyll a, and b) were observed in the T1 plant population. The results showed the segregation of growth type, stem anthocyanin, branch density, and an increase in the character of internode length (24.64%) and diameter of the stem (12.21%). The chlorophyll content of leaves of transgenic and wild-type plants showed similar levels: increased phenol content (17.52%), reduced sugar (28.77%), and total sugar (14.71%). The higher phenol content in the transgene cosmos can make this plant a suitable resource for possible production of bioherbicide.