Research Projects

Project Summary Stone fruits, including peach, plum, cherry, apricot, almond, and nectarine, represent key temperate crops cultivated extensively in the Indian Himalayan region and worldwide. These crops face significant threats from viral pathogens, notably Prunus necrotic ringspot virus (PNRSV), which alone can cause yield reductions of up to 33%. When co-infected with other viruses such as Plum pox virus (PPV), Prune dwarf virus (PDV), and Apple necrotic mosaic virus (ApNMV), losses may exceed 55%, severely impacting fruit quality and productivity. The disease manifests through characteristic symptoms including ring spots, chlorotic mottling, and delayed fruit maturation, ultimately diminishing both yield and market value. Management of PNRSV remains problematic due to the lack of effective chemical control options. Consequently, early identification and eradication of infected planting materials constitute the primary strategies to mitigate virus dissemination. While RT-PCR-based diagnostic methods provide high sensitivity and specificity, their dependence on advanced laboratory facilities limits their application for rapid, in-field detection, particularly in geographically isolated horticultural zones. In addition to diagnostic challenges, there is a substantial gap in understanding the molecular dynamics between PNRSV and its stone fruit hosts. The host transcriptomic alterations induced by viral infection, especially those related to stress and defense pathways, remain largely unexplored. Unraveling these molecular responses is critical for pinpointing candidate genes associated with viral resistance or susceptibility, thereby facilitating the breeding of resilient cultivars. The present study proposes a comprehensive approach to overcome these limitations. It involves the development of a rapid, sensitive Recombinase Polymerase Amplification (RPA) assay integrated with a Lateral Flow Assay (LFA) for on-site detection of PNRSV, enabling nursery operators, phytosanitary inspectors, and growers to promptly identify and remove infected plants. Concurrently, the project will perform transcriptome-wide profiling of naturally infected stone fruit cultivars using RNA sequencing to characterize host defense and stress-response gene networks. The insights derived will provide a molecular framework to guide breeding programs aimed at enhancing resistance to PNRSV. Collectively, these dual objectives aim to revolutionize PNRSV management in India and other affected regions by improving early diagnostic capabilities and deepening the understanding of host-virus interactions. This integrative strategy will support the establishment of virus-free planting material programs, contribute to sustainable orchard productivity, and ultimately enhance the economic viability of stone fruit cultivation.