Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) is one of important forage crop grass widely cultivated in Korea. The genetic manipulation of Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) necessitates a reliable and efficient, genotype-independent method of transformation. We are interested in developing molecular breeding methods to improve its nutritional quality and abiotic stress resistance. Development of a rapid and efficient transformation system is the basis for genetic manipulation of Italian ryegrass. In order to establish an efficient Agrobacterium-mediated transformation system was applied to transfer genes into seven genotypes of Italian ryegress, namely cv. 'Kogreen', 'Kopeed', 'Kowinearly', 'Kowinmaster', 'Hwasan 101', 'Hwasan104' and 'Kowinner.' The transformation system developed in this study would be useful for Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation of Italian ryegrass plants with genes of agronomic importance.

• Sang-Hoon Lee(Grassland & Forages Division, National Institute of Animal Science, (RDA).) Corresponding author
• Ki-Won Lee(Grassland & Forages Division, National Institute of Animal Science, (RDA).)
• Ki-Yong Kim(Grassland & Forages Division, National Institute of Animal Science, (RDA).)
• Hee Chung Ji(Grassland & Forages Division, National Institute of Animal Science, (RDA).)
• Sei Hyung Yoon(Grassland & Forages Division, National Institute of Animal Science, (RDA).)
• Gi Jun Choi(Grassland & Forages Division, National Institute of Animal Science, (RDA).)
• Young Chul Lim(Grassland & Forages Division, National Institute of Animal Science, (RDA).)