A graft-transmissible RNA from tomato rootstock changes leaf morphology of potato scion

Abstract

Heterografting experiments were conducted using potato (Solanum tuberosum) as scion and tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) as stock to test whether an RNA molecule responsible for changing leaf shape can be transported and function across the grafting junction. Results showed that a graft-transmissible RNA from the tomato rootstock without any leaves can indeed change leaf morphology of the potato scion. Therefore, if a transgenic stock plant with acquired RNA transport competence could be constructed, it would provide an effective system for transformation of scion plants. This combination of grafting and RNA transport could provide a novel technique for cultivar improvement in horticultural crops.