Establishment of a Genetic Transformation System for Bletilla formosana
A stable genetic transformation platform for Bletilla formosana, a native Taiwanese medicinal orchid, has been successfully established. To the best of our knowledge, there have been no previous reports describing a stable genetic transformation system for Bletilla species. In this study, we developed a complete transformation and plant regeneration protocol, including explant selection, Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, selection of transformants, and plant regeneration. This platform provides a robust foundation for functional genomics, molecular breeding, and biotechnological improvement of B. formosana. PCR-based molecular analysis confirmed the successful integration of the transgene into multiple independent transformants, demonstrating the reliability and effectiveness of the transformation system. The established platform will facilitate functional characterization of genes associated with important agronomic and medicinal traits and enable the introduction of genes conferring disease resistance, abiotic stress tolerance, enhanced biosynthesis of bioactive compounds, and improved plant growth and development. Overall, this transformation platform represents a valuable tool for both basic research and applied biotechnology, accelerating the genetic improvement and breeding of B. formosana and supporting the sustainable development of medicinal orchid resources.
