Biolistic Gun-Mediated Maize Genetic Transformation

Biolistic gun-mediated transformation is one of the two most effective and popular methods for introducing genes into maize. In this chapter, we describe a detailed protocol for genetic transformation of the maize genotype, Hi II. The protocol uses 0.6-μm gold particles as microcarriers and the herbicide resistance bar gene as a selective marker. Both immature zygotic embryos and immature embryo-derived callus cultures can be transformed using this protocol. To ensure successful reproduction of this protocol, we provide step-by-step laboratory transformation procedures as well as details on growing and caring for transgenic plants in the greenhouse.