Co-Infiltration Assay for Screening Pathogen Effectors that Suppress Plant RNA Silencing

Source: Shi, J., et al. Screening and Identification of RNA Silencing Suppressors from Secreted Effectors of Plant Pathogens. J. Vis. Exp. (2020)This video demonstrates a co-infiltration assay for identifying pathogen effector proteins that suppress RNA silencing in Nicotiana benthamiana 16c. A fluorescent reporter and a candidate effector gene are delivered into plant leaves via Agrobacterium. Normally, RNA silencing degrades reporter transcripts, reducing fluorescence. Suppressor effectors block this response, preserving fluorescence. This assay offers a rapid, visual method to screen microbial effectors that interfere with host defense.