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Detection and Partial Characterization of Pelargonium Viruses with Emphasis on Pelargonium Flower Break Virus Progress Report — March 1993

Date February 25, 1993

Title of Project Detection and Partial Characterization of Pelargonium Viruses with Emphasis on Pelargonium Flower Break Virus

Institution where work is being conducted The Ohio State University

Amount of Endowment Grant $ 15,000.00
Covering Period 1993 to 1996

Anticipated Date of Project Completion/Final Report Fall 1995

Individual(s) Conducting Project:

(List Project Leader First)

Dr. Stephen T. Nameth - Title Associate Professor

Telephone Number (614) 292-1375

Ms. Marie Anderson - Title Graduate Research Associate

Detection and Partial Characterization of Pelargonium Viruses with Emphasis on Pelargonium Flower Break Virus

Stephen T. Nameth and Marie Anderson


Ohio State University

Progress Report to the American Floral Endowment, 2/25/93

A. Project Objectives:
1. Initiate a detalied study on pelargonium flower break virus (PFBV) in an effort to better

characterize this virus.

2. To continue developing state-of-the-art methods of virus detection, identification and

characterization and to apply those methods to a detailed evaluation of viruses or virus-like

agents that infect geranium.

B. Summary of Work Conducted:
Pelargonium flower break virus has been purified in quantity from Chenopodium tissue. RNA has

been extracted and is in the process or being cloned. Detailed work has started with Pelargonium

line pattern/ring pattern virus in an effort to compare the U.S. isolates against those from Europe.

Purification of tomato ringspot virus has started with a geranium isolate of TomRSV.

C. Results to Date:
Pel. FBV has been purified and RNA extracted. Plants are infected with U.S. and European

isolates of Pel Line Pattern/Ring Pattern Virus. Purification of TomRSV has started.

D. Future Plans Covered by the Endowment Grant:
Work will continue on all objectives as outlined.
E. Anticipated Benefits for Floral Industry:
More sensitive and more accurate diagnostic techniques will be developed allowing for earlier

detection of pelargonium viruses.