Virus-Induced Gene Silencing in Plant Roots

Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) has been used as a quick and easy tool to assess gene function in plants. The virus, carrying a portion of an endogenous gene, triggers a homology-based defense mechanism when introduced into plants. Infection with the modified virus results in gene-specific transcript degradation. Several virus-based vectors have been developed for use in VIGS. One of these virus vectors, tobacco rattle virus (TRV), has a large host range and is transmitted by phytopathogenic nematodes of the genera Trichodorus and Paratrichodorus . TRV has been used in VIGS to study gene function in above-ground parts of plants. This chapter describes a protocol for the use of TRV vector to silence genes in roots.