GutD gene, encoding a key enzyme (glucitol-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) of sugar alcohol metabolic pathway in E. coli, was transferred into maize. Results of Southern and Western blotting analysis certified that this gene had integrated and been expressed in transgenic maize plants and their progeny. The synthesis and accumulation of sorbitol were detected in transgenic maize plants and a preliminary nutrient solution culture experiment showed that gutD transgenic maize plants had an increased tolerance to salt stress compared with nontransgenic ones. GutD gene, encoding a key enzyme (glucitol-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) of sugar alcohol metabolic pathway in E. coli, was transferred into maize. Results of Southern and Western blotting analysis certified that this gene had integrated and been expressed in transgenic maize plants and their progeny. The synthesis and accumulation of sorbitol were detected in transgenic maize plants and a preliminary nutrient solution culture experiment showed that gutD transgenic maize plants had an increased tolerance to salt stress compared with nontransgenic ones.