Transgenic tall fescue containing the Agrobacterium tumefaciens ipt gene shows enhanced cold tolerance

Embryogenic calli of Festuca arundinacea were transformed with the Agrobacterium tumefaciens isopentenyl transferase (ipt) gene driven by a maize ubiquitin promoter. Tillering ability, levels of chlorophyl aa and b, and cold tolerance were greatly increased in the transgenic turfgrass, which resulted in the plants remaining more vigorous and staying green longer under lower temperatures.