Virus-Induced Gene Silencing (VIGS) and Foreign Gene Expression in Pisum sativum L. Using the “One-Step” Bean pod mottle virus (BPMV) Viral Vector

Plant viral vectors have been developed to facilitate gene function studies especially in plant species not amenable to traditional mutational or transgenic modifications. In the Fabaceae plant family, the most widely used viral vector is derived from Bean pod mottle virus (BPMV). Originally developed for overexpression of foreign proteins and VIGS studies in soybean, we adapted the BPMV-derived vector for use in other legume species such as Phaseolus vulgaris and Pisum sativum. Here, we describe a protocol for efficient protein expression and virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) in Pisum sativum leaves and roots using the one-step Bean pod mottle virus (BPMV) viral vector.