The lab aims at diseases caused by viruses and mycoplasma-like organisms on orchids, lily, cucurbit vegetables, solanaceous vegetables, garlic, onion, dragon fruit, and passion fruit. The research activities encompass pathogen identification and characterization; rapid detection of viruses with monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies, nucleic acid probes and polymerase chain reaction techniques; exploration of spatial-temporal dynamics of viruses in the crop field; establishment of virus-free seedling propagation system; development of virus-resistant varieties through conventional breeding or genetic transformation; and development and deployment of integrated disease management strategies.
