Establishment of genetic transformation system of peach callus

Peach (Prunus persica L. Batsch) is an economically important fruit in the Rosaceae family and is favored by consumers for its nutritional value. Genetic transformation is an important way to carry out genetic improvement of peaches and to conduct functional genomics studies. Although many strategies to transform peach have been attempted, there are only a few successful examples. Here we conducted genetic transformation experiments using the peach anther-derived calli from four genotypes and found that ‘ZJB’ peach callus is a unique recipient material for genetic transformation. Based on this, we developed an effective genetic transformation system of peach callus, through transforming carotenoid synthesis genes, RUBY, and GFP, respectively. The present research indicated that this peach callus transformation system exhibits well engineered manipulation capacity for carotenoid and betalain-related metabolites. The present callus genetic transformation system will provide a crucial tool for gene function analysis and bioengineering research in peach.