Abstract
Solanum rostratum is a “super weed” that grows fast, is widespread, and produces the toxin solanine, which is harmful to both humans and other animals. To our knowledge, no study has focused on its molecular biology owing to the lack of available transgenic methods and sequence information for S. rostratum. Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) is a powerful tool for the study of gene function in plants; therefore, in the present study, we aimed to establish tobacco rattle virus (TRV)-derived VIGS in S. rostratum. The genes for phytoene desaturase (PDS) and Chlorophyll H subunit (ChlH) of magnesium protoporphyrin chelatase were cloned from S. rostratum and used as reporters of gene silencing. It was shown that high-efficiency VIGS can be achieved in the leaves, flowers, and fruit of S. rostratum. Moreover, based on our comparison of three different types of infection methods, true leaf infection was found to be more efficient than cotyledon and sprout infiltration in long-term VIGS in multiple plant organs. In conclusion, the VIGS technology and tomato genomic sequences can be used in the future to study gene function in S. rostratum.
Highlights
Solanum rostratum is a native North American plant species whose range extends from central Mexico northward across the Great Plains of the United States [1]
Taking into account that effective viral infection is a prerequisite for Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) in plants, we first tested whether the tobacco rattle virus (TRV) virus can efficiently infect S. rostratum
We observed no visible virus symptoms in TRV-infected plants when compared to the wild type, suggesting that the TRV symptoms did not interfere with the gene silencing phenotype in S. rostratum plants
Summary
Solanum rostratum is a native North American plant species whose range extends from central Mexico northward across the Great Plains of the United States [1]. Its seeds can grow in extreme drought conditions, rapidly spread in a variety of environments, and produce the toxic glycoalkaloid compound solanine that is harmful to humans and other animals [2]. Many countries have invested in multiple efforts to control the hazards posed by this plant species. Research at the molecular level is limited in S. rostratum because of the lack of transgenic techniques and the availability of related genome sequences [3]. Improving the genetic information and molecular tools in S. rostratum would drive research in controlling/cultivating this species forward. Confirming the molecular and physiological information that is shared among members of the Solanaceae family will provide new directions for the research of S. rostratum
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
