Maize Transgene User's Guide
The following is an outline of helpful tips for IR stock users.
Requirements to grow transgenic corn plants in the field
An APHIS permit is required to transport and grow transgenic plant material in the field. Current information on the process can be found at biotech@aphis.usda.gov. Notifications are required for interstate movement and for release. These can be contained in the same document, or can be individual documents. Since approval of interstate movement involves multiple state agencies, it is sometimes wise to submit the release document separately so it is not delayed due to the interstate transport request. An interstate movement permit is required to receive seed from the Maize Stock Center. An example interstate movement and release document can be viewed by following the hot link.
Release of transgenic maize also requires implementation of a specific protocol on handling transgenic plants and seeds. An example transgenic field release protocol can be viewed by following the link. Specific information for each gene is in the Transgene Descriptions file.
Using herbicide resistance to follow dominant-negative transgenes
Resistance to the herbicide Basta can be used to follow the transgene in segregating families. The material that we provide to the Maize Stock Center is from a cross of a plant hemizygous for the transgene with B73. Therefore, families are expected to segregate, on average, 1/2 herbicide resistant transgenic plants and 1/2 herbicide sensitive non-transgenic plants.
A procedure for herbicide testing the segregating families can be found by following the hotlink.
Confirming target gene reduction when lines are outcrossed to your genetic stocks
The stocks that we have submitted to the Maize Stock Center have been quality controlled to produce a unique DNA gel blot fingerprint and to assure reduction of the targeted endogenous gene. You can use the diagnostic DNA gel blot to assure that you are using the correct event. This image will be available by linking to on each gene record page.
Reduction of the endogenous target gene has been analyzed using a standard RT-PCR protocol. We recommend that this approach or another alternative is used to confirm that the target transcript is reduced as expected in your experimental system and specific tissue.