Stewart Gray

There are two main areas of research ongoing in the lab; an investigation of the mechanisms regulating circulative virus transmission by aphids, and the biology and management of Potato virus Y in potato. The circulative viruses we study belong to the Luteoviridae. We have identified two structural virus proteins and one nonstructural protein that regulate the movement of virus through plant hosts and aphid vectors. Transmission is also genetically regulated in aphids in an additive manner by a number of aphid and symbiont genes. Our recent efforts are focused on the aphid and symbiont proteome and discovery of virus interacting proteins. Interestingly it also appears that host proteins may also influence virus uptake by aphids. Potato virus Y is the major disease problem affecting seed potato production in North America and it is responsible for huge economic loss each year. The genetic diversity within this virus is extreme and we are monitoring a major shift in virus strain populations as well as an increase in overall disease levels and the emergence of tuber necrotic strains. Working with growers and the national potato industry, a multi-institutional, multi-disciplinary team of researchers are using fundamental and applied studies to develop and implement a comprehensive virus management plan that is economically and environmentally sustainable.