A method of genetic transformation of Xizang medical plants without tissue culture

Mirabilis himalaica, known for its medicinal properties and limited distribution in the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, is under conservation pressure due to high market demand. Traditional transformation methods are inefficient for this species, prompting the development of a non-tissue culture approach. This study utilized mature leaves as explants and employed a cut-dip-budding (CDB) system to transform fluorescence and betacyanin reporter systems in M. himalaica, successfully transforming a high-altitude Xizang medicinal plant. The study found that mature leaves exhibited robust regeneration potential, making them ideal for large-scale transformation. The transformation system achieved approximately 76% positive rooting rate and a 2% positive transgenic plant rate. This method overcomes challenges associated with Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation and lays the foundation for future genetic research and industrial applications of Xizang medicinal plants.