Viral Qenome Delivery into Detached and Intact Leaf Tissues of Vigna unguiculata by RNA-coated Gold Particles Using the Improved Particle Gun

Successful delivery of genomic RNA of sweet clover necrotic mosaic virus to detached and intact leaf tissues of Vigna unguiculata cv. California Black Eye, has been demonstrated by using a simple biolistic device equipped with a polyacetal macroprojectile with RNA-coated gold particles, driven by gas pressure from a nitrogen cylinder controlled by a solenoid valve. The device is free of explosive heat and thus cell damage due to delivery operation is minimized.