Biolistic transformation of Cercospora caricis, a specific pathogenic fungus of Cyperus rotundus

Cercospora caricis is being considered as a bioherbicide agent for use against purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus), one of the world's worst weeds. However, first its efficiency must be improved, for example by genetic transformation. By optimizing physical and biological parameters, the particle gun acceleration method (biolistics) has been adapted to transform mycelial cells of C. caricis. Two genes were expressed in C. caricis by biolistic transformation. The β-glucuronidase gene (GUS) fused to the GDP1 promoter of Cochliobolus hetrostrophus and the hygromycin B resistance gene under control of the PtrpC promoter of Aspergillus nidulans. Although the transformation frequency was not high, all transformants were stable when they were propagated on a selective medium after eight subsequent transfers.