Project Number: 1920-22000-028-02
Project Type: Specific C/A

Start Date: Sep 01, 2001
End Date: Aug 31, 2005

Objective:
Develop methods for studying molecular and cellular mechanisms regulating plum pox virus (PPV) transmission by aphids. Conduct ultrastructural studies of aphid transmission of PPV using ultra-small gold immunolabeling and silver enhancement techniques to identify sites of virus binding to aphid tissues and specific molecular interactions resulting in virus retention and transmission in efficient vector species. Develop methods of PPV detection and strain identification.

Approach:
Identify migrating aphids found in stone fruit orchards, produce virusfree aphid colonies at PSU, and test aphid populations for vectoring ability at the quarantine facility at Fort Detrick, MD. Aphid probing behaviors on plum and peach and transmission efficiencies of PPV will be determined. Identify alternate hosts of specific aphids that may serve as potential PPV reservoirs. Viruliferous and non-viruliferous aphids will be imbedded, sectioned, and examined by transmission electron microscopy for location of virions. Use of virion enhancement by ultrasmall gold or silver labeling will identify specific cellular binding sites on aphid mouthparts. Specific molecular configurations of natural and genetically engineered plum pox coat proteins and helper component proteins will be investigated for their interactions with aphid mouthpart cells in temporary virus retention in vector and non-vector aphid species.

Project Team

Damsteegt, Vernon - Vern Fred Gildow - Professor, Plant Pathology 301-619-7307

Project Annual Reports

FY 2003   FY 2002

Related National Programs

Plant Diseases (303)