摘要：AbstractGene function analysis is challenging forLiliumdue to the lack of an efficient method for stable genetic transformation. Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) is an attractive tool for determining gene function in plants. This study reported thatTobacco rattle virus(TRV)-based VIGS of aPHYTOENE DESATURASE(PDS) ortholog (LhPDS) can be achieved inLilium × formolongiseedlings, with a survival rate of 92%, using the inoculation method of rubbing plus injection. Compared with untreated and mock-treated seedlings, the photobleached leaf phenotype of silenced plants significantly correlates with down-regulation of endogenousLhPDS(P ≤ 0.05). In addition, the silencing phenomenon can be observed in the growing points of plants, indicating that systemic viral infection was achieved using the protocol. The results indicate that TRV-based VIGS can be used to characterize gene function inLilium × formolongi. This work lays the foundation for gene function analysis and molecular breeding inLiliumspp.
