Plant Virus-Based Tools for Studying the Function of Gene and Noncoding RNA in Cucurbits

Abstract

Cucurbits are economically important crops worldwide. The genomic data of many cucurbits are now available. However, functional analyses of cucurbit genes and noncoding RNAs have been impeded because genetic transformation is difficult in many cucurbitaceous plants. The cucurbits-infecting plant viruses can be modified into useful tools for functional genomic studies in cucurbits, which provide alternative ways for rapid characterization of gene and noncoding RNA functions. This review will focus on the advancement and application of plant viruses-based gene silencing, gene expressing, and noncoding RNA regulation tools for studying the development, fruits, and stress of cucurbits. The features, advantages, and disadvantages of different plant virus vectors will be discussed in detail. We hope this review will provide guidance for studies on cucurbitaceous plants.