| The Corn & Soybean Virus Lab |
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The virus research team was originally formed in the 1960s in response to dual epidemics of maize chlorotic dwarf virus (MCDV) and maize dwarf mosaic virus (MDMV) that devastated Ohio's cornfields. The group originally consisted of a plant pathologist, a virologist, an entomologist, and a maize breeder. The ARS group collaborated with Ohio State University faculty in Entomology, Plant Pathology, and Crop Science to identify the two viruses and their vectors. Since then, the group has studied viruses that limit maize production across the U.S. and worldwide. The lab is an internationally recognized center of expertise in maize virus identification, characterization, and epidemiology, and functions as an important early warning system for exotic viruses and vector-transmitted pathogens that threaten corn production in the U.S. Over the past 15 years, the group’s research has broadened to include the control of emerging virus diseases and insect pests that threaten soybean production.
Our Mission is to understand viruses and insect-transmitted pathogens that infect maize and soybean, their transmission and biology, and develop management strategies through host resistance and other technologies.
Past accomplishments include:
- Characterized "new" and emerging corn viruses and their vectors
- Developed antisera for identification of 17 corn-infecting viruses
- Developed mechanical and insect transmission protocols to evaluate virus resistance in corn, including vascular puncture inoculation, which allows for the transmission of hitherto non-mechanically transmissible viruses
- Identified and released virus resistant germplasm, and mapped virus resistance genes for more than 7 viruses, including maize chlorotic mottle virus (MCMV), maize dwarf mosaic virus (MDMV), sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV), and wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV)
- Published more than 250 research and review articles
Recent accomplishments include:
- Developed primers for the official seed health test for High Plains wheat mosaic virus
- Described host and vector range and developed antisera and diagnostics for the emerging maize yellow mosaic virus (MaYMV)
- Identified and mapped resistance genes for maize chlorotic mottle virus (MCMV)
- Released a maize synthetic population with elite resistance to maize lethal necrosis (MLN) disease that will aid breeders in developing resistant varieties
- In collaborative research, developed a remote sensing model for the detection of sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV) in corn fields
Current capabilities & resources:
- Rapid identification and characterization of viral pathogens of corn and soybean
- Development of viral genome sequence resources and diagnostic tools for newly discovered viruses
- Identification of virus resistant germplasm and mapping of virus specific resistance genes in corn and soybean
- Investigation of virus interactions with plant hosts and insect vectors
- Vast collection of virus species and isolates from maize and soybean
- Live insect colonies for the top 11 arthropod vector species for corn and soybean viruses
- Specialized techniques and equipment for the study of virus-host-vector interactions such as microinjection and electropenetrography (EPG)
Current objectives:
- Identify and characterize endemic and emergent viruses in corn and soybean, and develop sequence and detection resources
- Develop genetic markers and germplasm associated with corn virus resistance genes, and transfer information for practical management solutions
- Fine map, clone, and characterize virus resistance genes, facilitating the investigation of host-pathogen interactions
