Molecular cloning and functional characterization of dihydroflavonol-4-reductase gene from Calibrachoa hybrida

We constructed 35S::CaDFR overexpression vector and transformed it into three cultivars of Petunia hybrida using the Agrobacterium-mediated method. Multiple transformants were selected in the presence of 50 mg/l kanamycin antibiotic and further verified by polymerase chain reaction and Southern blotting analyses. We observed that the bud and flower color of transgenic petunia altered comparing with that of control plants. The DFR activities varied in most color-changed transgenic petunias. These results confirm the identity and function of CaDFR and further suggest that integration of the CaDFR can be used to change flower color of transgenic plants.