Category Archives: Uncategorized

Here, we identify viral suppressors of RNA silencing (VSRs) encoded by grapevine fanleaf virus (GFLV). Using transgenic Nicotiana benthamiana plants, GFLV RNA1-encoded protein 1A and protein 1B^Hel reverse systemic RNA silencing either individually or as a fused form, 1AB^Hel. These VSRs also differenitally altered the expression of plant host genes involved in RNA silencing. This is the first report of VSRs encoded by RNA1 of a nepovirus and of two VSRs acting individually or in a fused form.

Choi  et al. (2023) MPMI

In this work, Jess publishes the first study of the virome of pawpaw. Trees exhibiting foliar mosaic, chlorosis, or distortions in New York prompted high-throughput sequence (HTS) analysis of total RNA of symptomatic and asymptomatic pawpaw plants. The presence of tobacco ringspot virus and tomato ringspot virus in symptomatic samples as well as those collected in Maryland were confirmed by RT-PCR, Sanger sequencing, and DAS-ELISA.

Choi et al. (2022) Plants

Here, Brandon summarizes the use of herbaceous hosts in the research of grapevine viruses including a historical perspective, pathogenesis studies, diagnostic assay development, vector-mediated transmission, and resistance engineering. When compared to the difficulties in working with grapevine, herbaceous hosts have proved critical in important discoveries on the biology of grapevine viruses.

Roy and Fuchs (2022) JPP

Jess Choi was awarded the 2022 Outstanding Service Award given by the Plant Pathology Graduate Student Association at Cornell University. Jess was chosen to receive this award by her peers to acknowledge her selfless commitment to serving the interests of the PPPMB graduate student body and her significant contributions to the advancement of the interests of PPPMB graduate students through her extensive work with diversity and inclusion within Cornell University.

Here we discuss the potential for free-living vines as a source for the GRBV inoculum that is transmissible by S. festinus to other free-living vines and a wine grape cultivar, illustrating the interconnected roles of the two virus hosts in riparian areas and commercial vineyards, respectively, for virus spread. These new insights into red blotch disease epidemiology will inform the implementation of disease management strategies.

Hoyle et al. (2022) Viruses

Congratulations to Marc being announced 2021 APS Fellow!

“The society grants this honor to a current APS member in recognition of distinguished contributions to plant pathology or to The American Phytopathological Society. Fellow recognition is based on significant contributions in one or more of the following areas: original research, teaching, administration, professional and public service, and/or extension and outreach.”

Here we describe the circulative, nonpropagative mode of transmission of GRBV by the three-cornered alfalfa hopper (Spissistilus festinus). We also noted the the extended acquisition access period compared with other viruses in the family Geminiviridae and marked differences in transmission efficiency between grapevine, the natural host, and snap bean, an alternative herbaceous host.

Flasco et al. (2021) Phytopathology

To date, 86 viruses have been isolated from grapevines worldwide. Some of these viruses are associated with economically damaging diseases. Management primarily relies on preventive measures and specific disease scenario-based strategies are implemented in the vineyard to mitigate their impact. These solutions are simple but their adoption is low. Some of the uncertainties that hinder their endorsement are captured here, and options to refine them and to enhance their adoption are discussed.

Fuchs 2020 JPP

We describe how critical it is to embrace ‘believing is seeing’ in the case of emerging grapevine viruses to remain relevant and impactful in providing research-based management solutions,while leading a sustained dialogue with grape grower’s communities, extension educators, policy makers and regulatory authorities.

Cieniewicz2020_Article_BelievingIsSeeingLessonsFromEm

We review here the most recent literature describing plant virus symptom determinants. Emerging trends, and how they might inform the future of plant virus symptomatology research, arediscussed.

Osterbaan & Fuchs JPP 2019