Project Number: 1931-21000-017-30
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Oct 01, 2010
End Date: Sep 30, 2011

Objective:
The objectives of this project will be to: 1) collect data on siRNA expression needed for the successful development, submission, and shepherding of a deregulation dossier for 'HoneySweet' plum in Europe; 2) organize a workshop entitled, "The deregulation of genetically engineered Plum pox virus resistant 'HoneySweet' plum in the U.S. and the potential impacts on regulatory approval and plum cultivation in Europe"; and 3) support the exchange of information necessary for the successful development, submission, and shepherding of a deregulation dossier for 'HoneySweet' plum in Europe.

Approach:
'HoneySweet' siRNA will be purified and sequenced using next generation sequencing technologies to identify the specific species of siRNAs produced. Candidate siRNAs will be confirmed via conventional molecular approaches and assessed for potential animal toxicity via bioinformatic analyses. A visiting scientist from the Crop Research Institute, Drnovska, Czech Republic, will conduct the research at the Appalachian Fruit Research Station. This person will be educated and trained in 'HoneySweet' molecular characterization and U.S. regulatory policy to serve as a technical liaison between the U.S. and EU partner laboratories. Meetings will be organized with the specific purpose of developing a dossier on 'HoneySweet' plum for the submission to the European Food Safety Association by the Crop Research Institute, Drnovska, Czez Republic (a European public institution), and meetings at regular intervals to monitor the progress of that dossier and to address roadblocks that may develop in the progress of the dossier.