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Title: Foxtail mosaic virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) in switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.)

Journal Article · · Plant Methods

Abstract Background Although the genome for the allotetraploid bioenergy crop switchgrass ( Panicum virgatum ) has been established, limitations in mutant resources have hampered in planta gene function studies toward crop optimization. Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) is a versatile technique for transient genetic studies. Here we report the implementation of foxtail mosaic virus (FoMV)-mediated gene silencing in switchgrass in above- and below-ground tissues and at different developmental stages. Results The study demonstrated that leaf rub-inoculation is a suitable method for systemic gene silencing in switchgrass. For all three visual marker genes, Magnesium chelatase subunit D ( ChlD ) and I ( ChlI ) as well as phytoene desaturase ( PDS ), phenotypic changes were observed in leaves, albeit at different intensities. Gene silencing efficiency was verified by RT-PCR for all tested genes. Notably, systemic gene silencing was also observed in roots, although silencing efficiency was stronger in leaves (~ 63–94%) as compared to roots (~ 48–78%). Plants at a later developmental stage were moderately less amenable to VIGS than younger plants, but also less perturbed by the viral infection. Conclusions Using FoMV-mediated VIGS could be achieved in switchgrass leaves and roots, providing an alternative approach for studying gene functions and physiological traits in this important bioenergy crop.

Research Organization:
Univ. of California, Davis, CA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Science (SC); German Research Foundation (DFG)
Grant/Contract Number:
SC0019178; TI 1075/1-1
OSTI ID:
1870352
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 1904359
Journal Information:
Plant Methods, Journal Name: Plant Methods Vol. 18 Journal Issue: 1; ISSN 1746-4811
Publisher:
Springer Science + Business MediaCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United Kingdom
Language:
English

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