Development of Eucalyptus tissue culture conditions for improved in vitro plant health and transformability

Background Despite its importance as a widely-planted crop tree, eucalypt species and hybrids are relatively difficult to micropropagate, culture and genetically transform in vitro. Compared to other plant species, few non-commercial laboratories are proficient at Eucalyptus tissue culture and transformation. We have undertaken to establish and transform several eucalypt clones in the laboratory. Our main aims include the identification of clones amenable to culturing and transformation, and the development of robust and transferable micropropagation, organogenesis and transformation protocols to enable routine production of transgenic eucalypts for public sector research. Efficient transformation protocols are essential to take full value of the eucalypt genome for functional genomics, ecophysiology, and biotechnology.