Project Number: 5358-21000-037-28
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Sep 15, 2010
End Date: Sep 27, 2012

Objective:
The major objectives of this proposal are to: 1. Develop improved virus elimination procedures for the berry crops. 2. Perform virus elimination therapy and produce virus-tested material. 3. Establish a foundation block in a screenhouse with virus-tested planting. 4. Develop laboratory-based diagnostic tests for uncharacterized viruses of the berry crops. 5. Develop a diagnostic membrane-based macroarray procedure for the simultaneous detection of berry crop viruses; either a single array or a separate array for each crop genus. 6. Develop serological (ELISA) assays for key viruses that are most easily vectored in different regions of the US. 7. Inform nurseries and growers about clean plant activities and promote clean plants and the NCPN activities through a website to reach out to a broader audience, including stakeholders throughout the US.

Approach:
Extract dsRNAs will be converted to cDNA and will be deep sequenced. Sequence analysis will be performed and primers will be designed and macroarray developed. Detection primers for RT-PCR will be evaluated for viruses under permit and in Oregon and Arkansas for viruses present in the area. Virus clean-up will be performed and virus-free plants will be maintained in Oregon.