RESEARCH PROJECTS
Plant viruses give rise to devestating crop diseases. Viruses are obligatory parasites, which exploit cellular plant mechanisms to spread and propagate. Our lab studies the complex interactions between plants and viruses. We are interested in the ways by which viruses affect plant development, physiology and defense pathways.
THE ROLE OF THE PLANT ROOT SYSTEM DURING VIRAL INFECTION
Viruses are systemic diseases, which affect the entire plant. While viral symptoms are well-characterized at the aerial portions of plants, very little is known on how viruses affect the root system. We study how viruses affect root structure and function. Our aim is to understand the relative contribution of the root system to the viral disease at the whole plant level.
INTERACTION BETWEEN VIRAL MOVEMENT PROTEINS AND THE PLANT IMMUNE SYSTEM
Viral-encoded movement proteins (MPs) are essential for cell-to-cell transport of the virus. viral movement occurs via plasmodesmata, membrane-lined channels connecting between adjacent plant cells. Interestingly, MPs can be recognized by plant immune receptors, such as Tm-22, to trigger a resistance response against the virus and limit its spread. SThe emerging tomato virus ToBRFV MP is able to evade this recognition system (DOI: 10.1094/MPMI-01-21-0023-R). We explore the molecular mechanism underlying these processes to develop new strategies for coping with resistance-breaking viruses.
INDUCED RESISTANCE AND RECOVERY FROM PLANT VIRUSES
Induced resistance is the preconditioning of the plant defense system to cope with a subsequent challenge by a pathogen. Several chemical, biological and physical inducers are known to be useful against various pathogens and pests. We are currently screening for protocols for crop plants to better cope with agriculturally relevant viruses.
DEVELOPMENT OF VIRUS RESISTANCE IN PLANTS USING CRISPR/CAS9
Genome editing using CRISPR/Cas9 is a powerful tool that allows the substantial improvement in plant traits in addition to those provided by traditional breeding. Our group a uses this technology to produce novel recessive resistance genes against agriculturally relevant plant viruses.
