With the completion of crop genome sequencing， a large number of genes' functions affecting important agronomic traits of crops are waiting to be discovered. Due to the lack of genetic transformation methods， the research on gene function of most crops is progressing slowly. Virus-induced gene silencing （VIGS） technology does not rely on genetic transformation. Through virus vector inoculation， efficient silencing of targeted genes can be achieved in contemporary plants. VIGS technology is increasingly used in reverse genetics for analysis of gene functions and metabolic pathways in different crops due to its fast onset time， high silencing efficiency， low operating cost， high-throughput and wide application of plants. This article introduced the technical principles and development process of VIGS， systematically summarized the application of VIGS in different crop research， and then summarized and discussed the limitations of existing VIGS applications and several key factors affecting its silence efficiency， and finally the application in future plant biology research was prospected， which would provide reference for its further application and development.