Plant Viruses in GSMNP
Plant Viruses in GSMNP
The project proposes an organized investigation on viruses infecting succulent and lesser woody vegetation present in the Park. Plenty of plant species/varieties present in the Park represent an excellent substrate for initiating such research.
This proposal is based upon some preliminary data on plant viruses present in the GSMNP generated during the last year’s DLIA-funded project. Although the focus of that project was on ferns, several viruses were detected in some other plant species collected in the late stages of the project (including Rubus spp., Rhododendron, etc) indicating that viruses may be more widespread than thought. Some of detected viruses are very likely new viral species to science.
This project will enrich the All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory (ATBI) of the GSMNP and may have larger scientific impact by discovering yet undescribed plant virus species indigenous to this forest ecosystem.
A survey was conducted in order to identify plant viruses present in the Great Smoky National Park (GSMNP). Several locations/trails were visually scouted at different times of the vegetative season (June-October 2007) and 35 samples displaying virus-like symptoms (or in some instances without any visible symptom) were collected. Thirty one samples out of 35 collected were processed so far in the Plant Virology laboratory of Mississippi State University and a number of undescribed plant viral species were detected, which further characterization is underway (for details see the Report). accepted for publication in peer-reviewed journals, thus publicizing DLIA/ATBI activities to the scientific community.
In addition, part of the time was dedicated to finalize characterization of Black raspberry necrosis virus (BRNV) and Rhododendron virus A (RhVA), a new viral species in Rhododendron (both discovered during the survey in 2006). Research papers on these two viruses are already
I foresee at least another 2 or papers to come out from the 2007 survey. Preliminary results are encouraging and the further characterization of novel viral entities discovered in 2007 is needed prior to publication.
