Protocol for transformation-free genome editing in plants using RNA virus vectors for CRISPR-Cas delivery

Plant virus vectors have emerged as promising tools for CRISPR-Cas reagent delivery. Here, we present a protocol for DNA-free plant genome editing using an engineered RNA virus vector for the transient delivery of CRISPR-Cas components. We describe steps for viral vector construction, viral vector recovery through agroinoculation of Nicotiana benthamiana, mechanical inoculation of target plant hosts, analysis of somatic mutagenesis frequency, and regeneration of mutant plants. The method achieves high editing efficiency and eliminates the need for stable plant transformation. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Liu et al.¹.