This volume aims at providing a complete and updated overview of gene downregulation in plants performed through virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS). Chapters guide readers through classical and newly developed protocols of VIGS to allow readers to initiate or optimize their own silencing experiments according to the methods. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.