Genetic transformation of the vegetable pea has been tested by three wild strains of
Agrobacterium rhizogenes. The steadily growing hairy roots of the acacia-shaped mutant
were obtained free from the vector. PCR analysis showed the presence of rol C gene in
hairy roots with a total protein content of 46.38%. The amino acid score protein
identified seven essential amino acids. Tryptophan was absent in the culture, limiting the
fullness of the protein. The vegetable sugar pea transformant was received, the offspring
of which was also free from the vector. Plants PCR analysis showed the presence of rol
D gene in progeny, including the control variant. It is assumed that the control identified
the appropriate homolog as a possible result of natural transformation, which occurred
in natural conditions. The offspring of the transformant was characterized by both an
increase in overall antioxidant activity and heat resistance in temperature stress
(25°≤t≤49 °C), which was assessed by direct method for the absence of leaves necrosis
in comparison with control. Transformant’s offspring was characterized by smaller leafs
sizes and a decrease in the stem length, the lower bean height, the number of knots up to
the lower bean and the dry mass of the plant. The results indicate an increase in the rate
of reaction of the transformant offspring, which has become consistent with the
mesothermophyte (heat-loving) ecogroup in comparison with control. This adaptation
may be based on the active expression of the rol D gene, which is known to encode an
enzyme that synthesizes proline, an amino acid with antioxidant, anti-denature osmo-
regulating properties and membrane-protective properties that adapt to stress. It is
assumed that the mechanism of increasing the antioxidant activity of transformants is
associated with an increase in the number of copies of the rol D gene.