Abstract: A Geminivirus based expression construct being capable of systemic symptomeless spread in a plant host is provided as well as methods of utilizing same for plant gene expression, gene silencing and plant protection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of seed treatment and introduction of nucleic acid particles into intact seeds. In particular, the methods are non-priming seed treatment protocols capable of delivering naked DNA plasmids into seeds, without the use of microorganism or any additional means, and which are not plant species limited.

Abstract: Methods of expressing a molecule of interest in a plant are disclosed. One method comprises contacting roots of the plant in a solution comprising at least one Geminivirus based expression construct so as to allow the at least one Geminivirus based expression construct to be absorbed by the roots, the expression construct comprising a polynucleotide encoding the molecule of interest, and further the expression construct being capable of systemic symptomless spread in a plant host, thereby expressing a molecule of interest in a plant. Expression constructs capable of systemic symptomless spread in a host plant are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of expressing a molecule of interest in a plant are disclosed. One method comprises contacting roots of the plant in a solution comprising at least one Geminivirus based expression construct so as to allow the at least one Geminivirus based expression construct to be absorbed by the roots, the expression construct comprising a polynucleotide encoding the molecule of interest, and further the expression construct being capable of systemic symptomless spread in a plant host, thereby expressing a molecule of interest in a plant. Expression constructs capable of systemic symptomless spread in a host plant are also disclosed.