We’re delighted that our brand new Nikon microscope is here (finally!). We look forward to capturing some cool bug pics with it.
Nikon Ti2E has arrived!
Novel resistance-breaking strains of tomato spotted wilt virus reported
Our lab reported the emergence of tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) resistance-breaking (RB) strains in pepper (access full note here: https://doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-09-22-2274-PDN) and tomato (https://doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-11-22-2699-PDN) for the first time in Texas. These strains were capable of disrupting single-gene resistance in all tested TSWV resistant cultivars (eight each) of tomato (Sw-5b gene) and pepper (Tsw gene). They appear to lack all previously reported RB mutations in TSWV proteins and pose a significant threat to tomato and pepper production in Texas. Extensive studies on characterization and transmission of these strains are currently underway.
Dr Chinnaiah joins the lab
Senthil joined our lab as a postdoctoral researcher in August 2022. He obtained his PhD in plant pathology from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University in 2017. His prior research was focused on characterization of tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) and its interactions with thrips in chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora). Welcome Senthil!
