Development of Resistance to Tomato Spotted Wilt and Similar Viruses inFloral Crops Progress Report — December 1994
Date December 30, 1994
Title of Project Development of Resistance to Tomato Spotted Wilt and Similar Viruses in Floral Crops
Institution where work is being conducted North Carolina State University
Amount of Endowment Grant $ 15,000.
Covering Period 1/1/94 to 12/31/95
Anticipated Date of Project Completion/Final Report 12/31/95
Individual(s) Conducting Project:
(List Project Leader First)
James W. Moyer - Title Professor
Telephone Number 919/515-5802
Margaret E. Daub - Title Professor
Development of Resistance to Tomato Spotted Wilt and Similar Viruses in Floral Crops
James W. Moyer and Margaret E. Daub
North Carolina State University
- A. Project Objectives:
- To use chrysanthemum as a model system to test the efficacy ofgenetically engineered floral crops for resistance to tomato spotted wilt-like viruses.
- B. Summary of Work Conducted:
- Over the past five years we have been engaged inresearch designed to characterize the tomato spotted wilt-like viruses which infect floral
crops. This research led to the discovery that more than one virus is responsible for this
disease in floral crops and to the development of a serological assay for accurate diagnosis
which is now the industry standard. Although accurate diagnosis has helped reduce the
viruses from planting stock, they will probably never be eliminated from the production
cycle and thus other measures are necessary to provide adequate levels of control. during
the past two years we have focused our research on the development of techniques for
genetic engineering of resistant plants. We began our investigation with chrysanthemum,
since this crop is economically important, is highly susceptible to TSWV, and extensive
information is available on techniques for growing these plants in tissue culture. We are
thus using chrysanthemum as the experimental model for transformation of floral crops.
- C. Results to Date:
- Significant progress has been made over the past year in developingtransformation protocols and TSWV resistance. In September, two patent disclosures
were filed through NCSU Research Administration on these findings. These disclosures
are currently being pursued jointly with the American floral Endowment.
- D. Future Plans Covered by the Endowment Grant:
- We will continue with the objectives outlined in our recent grantapplication. Emphasis will be on expanding applicability of these processes and testing
of TSWV resistant germplasm.
- E. Anticipated Benefits for Floral Industry:
- Through our studies we are producing TSWV-resistant plantsin chrysanthemum that can be used as breeding stock. The development of gene transfer
protocols developed through this work can also be used for transfer of other
horticulturally relevant genes such as ones which alter flower color or retard senescence.
