Our study of plant viruses includes nucleotide sequencing of pathogenic isolates of the ilarvirus, Prunus necrotic ringspot virus, and introduction of pathogen-derived resistance into cherry.

We have also sequenced and are studying the genome expression of Maize rayado fino virus, the smallest plant virus known to replicate in both its insect vector and plant host. In addition, we have completed cloning and sequence analysis of two potyviruses - the GDD isolate of Bean yellow mosaic virus - and the first complete nucleotide sequence of Beet mosaic virus.

Isolates of Prunus necrotic ringspot virus causing mild to severe symptoms cluster into phylogenetically distinct groups based on sequence analysis of the coat protein gene. abstract

Sugar beet infected with Beet mosaic virus. abstract