Arabidopsis and Orthologous Genes Are Key Regulators of Somatic Embryogenesis in Cassava.

High genotype-dependent variation in friable embryogenic callus (FEC) induction and subsequent somaclonal variation constitute bottlenecks for the application and scaling of genetic transformation (GT) technology to more farmer- and industry-preferred cassava varieties. The understanding and identification of molecular factors underlying embryogenic development in cassava may help to overcome these constraints. Here, we described the LEAFY COTYLEDON (LEC) and orthologous genes in cassava, designated as and , respectively.

The overexpression of RXam1, a cassava gene coding for an RLK, confers disease resistance to Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. manihotis.

The overexpression of RXam1 leads to a reduction in bacterial growth of XamCIO136, suggesting that RXam1 might be implicated in strain-specific resistance. Cassava bacterial blight (CBB) caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. manihotis (Xam) is a prevalent disease in all regions, where cassava is cultivated.

Molecular analysis of the expression of a crtB transgene and the endogenous psy2-y and psy2-y genes of cassava and their effect on root carotenoid content.

A conventional breeding program was established to transfer the bacterial phytoene synthase transgene-crtB-from a transgenic, white-rooted cassava to yellow-rooted cassava plants carrying the endogenous phytoene synthase alleles named psy2-y and/or psy2-y . Combining endogenous phytoene synthase enzymes (PSYs) with CRTB in a single cassava plant would allow the molecular dissection of individual allele contributions to carotenoid synthesis and/or accumulation in cassava roots. The simultaneous expression of the crtB transgene and psy2-y in individuals planted in the field coincided with higher total, HPLC-quantified carotenoid content in roots, although the variability among replications (plants) precluded the detection of statistically significant differences.

The potential of using biotechnology to improve cassava: a review.

The importance of cassava as the fourth largest source of calories in the world requires that contributions of biotechnology to improving this crop, advances and current challenges, be periodically reviewed. Plant biotechnology offers a wide range of opportunities that can help cassava become a better crop for a constantly changing world. We therefore review the state of knowledge on the current use of biotechnology applied to cassava cultivars and its implications for breeding the crop into the future.