Genetic Transformation of Carrot (Daucus carota) and Other Apiaceae Species

Carrot (Daucus carota L.) is well known as a model species for plant tissue culture systems. It is also amenable to genetic modifications using both vector and non-vector methods. Several works have been commenced to study factors affecting transgenesis in this species. As a result, optimized transformation protocols have been established. Genetically modified Ammi, Anethum, Apium, Bupleurum, Carum, Centella, Coriandrum, Foeniculum, Levisticum, Petroselinum, Peucedanum and Pimpinella belonging to the Apiaceae family have also been obtained. However, unlike carrot, most of them were mainly used for hairy root development after Agrobacterium rhizogenesmediated transformation. Extensive research in carrot has focused on studying gene function and regulation, and plant metabolism. Applied research includes the development of plants resistant to both abiotic and biotic stresses, and modifications of biosynthetic pathways. As the Apiaceae family is an important reservoir of condiments and medicinal plants, some species were studied for the ability of their hairy roots to produce pharmaceutically principal secondary metabolites as well as for phytoremediation. This review provides an overview on the essential genetic transformation studies conducted in the Apiaceae family with insight into the application of these genetically modified species for basic and applied research.