Plant viruses form a large and divers group of plant pathogens. They are responsible for serious problems in many crops and plant species worldwide. The sometimes wide host range and variety in virus symptoms in different crops and under different conditions can make correct virus identification problematic. Proper identification, however, is paramount to understand virus epidemiology, its main mode of spreading and its potential danger to neighboring crops.
Vectors spread viruses in the field. Understanding vector epidemiology as well as virus-vector interactions provides clues to virus control and the prevention of damage.
Understanding plant-virus interactions is essential to develop more robust methods of control and the effective introduction and utilization of resistance genes through plant breeding.
Once infected with a virus, a plant can not be cured. Preventing infection is therefore crucial. Routine testing of plants, plant-cuttings and seeds using reliable, robust and affordable diagnostics helps to ensure quality. The diagnostics we develop are commercialized worldwide through Prime Diagnostics.
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Virus identification and characterization
Host rage and symptoms on natural host plants and indicator plants
Plant virus collection
Biological characteristics
Structural characteristics (EM)
Development of purification methods
Genomic and molecular characterization
Virus taxonomy
Virus–vector interactions
Vector identification
Virus acquisition and inoculation characteristics
Vector monitoring and control
Virus epidemiology
Virus strains and isolates
Alternative hosts and crops
Virus epidemiology
Virus strains and isolates
Alternative hosts and crops
Plant virus diagnostics
Development, production and commercialization of polyclonal antisera, positive controls and rapid tests.
Development of molecular based diagnostics like virus-specific and virus genus-specific PCR primer sets
Virus–plant interactions
Virus distribution within the plant.
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