USE OF VIRUS-INDUCED GENE SILENCING (VIGS) TO DOWN-REGULATE GENES IN PLANTS

摘要

The present invention provides nucleic acid molecules and methods to down-regulate by virus- induced gene silencing (VIGS) vernalization genes in winter annuals, specifically the Flowering Locus C (FLC) gene in Brassica napus. Down-regulation of FLC allows winter annuals to flower without vernalization or with reduced vernalization. This, in turn, provides a shorter breeding cycling and the opportunity for enhanced genetic gain.