Overexpression of improves shoot proliferation in transgenic banana lines.

UNLABELLED

Augmenting shoot multiplication through genetic engineering is an emerging biotechnological application desirable in optimizing regeneration of genetically modified plants on selection medium and rapid clonal propagation of elite cultivars. Here, we report the improved shoot multiplication in transgenic banana lines with overexpression of , a drought-associated transcription factor in banana. Overexpression of induces hypersensitivity of transgenic banana lines toward 6-benzylaminopurine ensuing higher shoot number on different concentrations of 6-benzylaminopurine. Altered transcript levels of multiple genes involved in auxin signaling ( and ) and cytokinin signaling pathways () in banana plants overexpressing corroborate the hypersensitivity of transgenic banana plants toward 6-benzylaminopurine. Modulation in expression of reported to be involved in ABA-hypersensitivity and closure of stomatal aperture correlates with the function of as a drought-responsive transcription factor. Present study suggests a prospective cross talk between shoot multiplication and drought responses coordinated by in banana plants.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-021-02744-5.