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Pakistan-US Science and Technology Cooperation Program                                                            
Phase 1 (2005 Deadline)

Understanding and Control of Plant Viral Disease Complexes in Pakistan

Claude M. Fauquet, Donald Danforth Plant Science Center
Shahid Mansoor, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering
Pakistani Funding (MoST): $142,000
US Funding:   $175,000 
Project Dates on US Side: January 1, 2006 - December 15, 2009 (Completed)

Project Overview

Plant viruses are becoming increasingly widespread and virulent in Pakistan, leading to reduced yields for food and fiber crops. This project aimed to enhance the laboratory infrastructure at the National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering and improve the expertise of its researchers in molecular virology techniques to understand and control plant viruses. Specifically, the researchers on the project worked to develop new diagnostic tools such as DNA chip technology for the detection of multiple plant viruses and their recombinants. Through their collaborative efforts, they increased their understanding of host-virus interactions and viral proteins that overcome host defense responses.

Major Results

  • Conducted the first complete molecular survey for begomovirus diversity infecting wild cotton species in Pakistan
  • Obtained the complete nucleotide sequences for CLCuD associated components
  • Shed new light on the role of alpha satellites that possibly play a role in maintaining infectious molecules at very low levels in reservoir plants
  • Hosted two young Pakistani scientists for long-term training on modern genetic techniques
  • Prepared four papers for publication in 2009

Progress Report Summaries

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