Virus-Aided Gene Expression and Silencing Using TRV for Functional Analysis of Floral Scent-Related Genes

Flower scent is a composite character determined by a complex mixture of low-molecular-weight volatile molecules. Despite the importance of floral fragrance, our knowledge on factors regulating these pathways remains sketchy. Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) and virus-aided gene expression (VAGE) are characterized by a simple inoculation procedure and rapid results as compared to transgenesis, allowing screening and characterization of scent-related genes. Here, we describe methods using TRV as a VIGS/VAGE vector for the characterization of scent-related genes, protein compartmentalization studies, and protein subcellular targeting.