Development of a novel gene delivery system through seed coating

Abstract

This invention describes a novel means of introducing foreign genes and/or viruses, wildtype or recombinant, into plant cells via a seed treatment method using recombinant or wildtype furoviruses and their natural fungal vectors. Because of its ease of application, longevity of the seed treatment product, minimal risk of transmission to subsequent seed generations, specificity, and universality within a species, it offers a significant improvement over prior art techniques for viral mediated gene delivery techniques. The unique and critical aspect of the invention is the use of seed treatment technology for delivering foreign genes or viruses into plants for, for example, the enhancement of agronomic traits and production of desirable products such as pharmaceuticals.