Ipomoea aquatica Transformation

Ipomoea comprising at least 600 species is the largest genus in Convolvulaceae. Both water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica) and sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) belong to Ipomoea and are the only two food crops in Convolvulaceae. Water spinach is an amphibious, sprawling herb containing a milky white sap. It is rich in carbohydrates, dietary fiber, minerals, vitamin C, and all essential amino acids. Due to its high nutritional value, it is considered one of the most essential vegetables in Southeast Asia. Water spinach also has important medicinal value. In addition, due to its rapid growth and efficient absorption of various substances, it is believed to be used to isolate environmental pollutants and provide a source of medical materials.

Fig. 1. Transformation of Ipomoea aquatica. (Khamwan K, et al, 2003)

Solutions

Lifeasible is an industry leader in the field of plant genetic transformation and is proud to offer cutting-edge genetic transformation services for Ipomoea aquatica. Water spinach genetic transformation faces unique challenges, largely due to its limited genomic information and lack of established transformation methods. Our experts develop innovative approaches to overcome these obstacles, ensuring efficient gene delivery, stable integration, and sustained expression of exogenous genes.

We utilize cutting-edge technologies, particularly Agrobacterium-mediated transformation methods. By evaluating various factors, such as bacterial cell density, growth period, and acetosyringone concentration, we provide a robust transformation protocol for Ipomoea aquatica. By infecting cut cotyledons with Agrobacterium tumefaciens bearing the GUS gene as a model, we establish a stable transformation system.

We provide polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis and histochemical analysis of reporter genes, such as the GUS gene, to carefully assess the presence and activity of the introduced gene. By evaluating the phenotypic and growth performance of transgenic plants, we validate the stability and efficiency of the genetic transformation of water spinach.

Applications of Ipomoea aquatica Transformation

• Improved crop quality and yield: By introducing genes responsible for improving nutrient composition, disease resistance, or growth characteristics, we can optimize various agronomic traits in Ipomoea aquatica.
• Environmental remediation: We aim to develop transgenic Ipomoea aquatica varieties with enhanced pollutant uptake and metabolism through genetic modification.
• Pharmaceutical applications: By genetically modifying Ipomoea aquatica, we aim to increase the production of valuable medicinal compounds and expand the potential therapeutic benefits of this versatile vegetable.

Lifeasible provides comprehensive genetic transformation services for Ipomoea aquatica. By improving crop quality, promoting environmental remediation, and exploring new pharmaceutical applications, we strive to positively impact agriculture and human health. If you are interested in our solutions, please contact us for technical consultation and quotation.