Periodic Reporting for period 2 - VirFree (Virus free Fruit Nurseries)
Período documentado: 2019-01-01 hasta 2022-10-31
More specifically, VirFree has generated optimized pipelines for virus and viroid detection through HTS data. The use of HTS has unveiled the virome of several fruit tree species and grapevine. On some occasions this has led, or will lead, in combination with further biological characterization, to the association of the identified pathogens with diseases of unknown etiology. The data collected will be an important component of the development of serological or molecular tools for the detection of novel or commercially important viral/viroid threats. The knowledge obtained and the experience of partners have been integrated in a best practices protocol to produce virus tested nursery material.
The production of virus tested propagative material is essential for the viability of the production of the crop systems studied in VirFree. This is important at a societal level given that many people in the countries involved in VirFree live on such crops. Moreover, within the frame of the project Early-Stage Researchers have had the chance to spend time with industrial leaders in their field and interact with other groups of Academic excellence. From a financial point of view all companies involved have directly benefited from the activities of VirFree. Protocols for the detection of novel viral/viroid threats are of immediate and high interest to the two nurseries involved but also eventually to all nurseries working with similar plant species. Likewise, the developed serological and molecular tools for new threats, or for threats with increased commercial importance directly interest the two SMEs that produce diagnostic kits. Finally, the company involved with HTS can further promote their activities and gain insight from the cutting edge developments in the plant virus field.