Team Research
Developing a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach to manage emerging viral diseases in Georgia agricultural systems
Developing a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach to manage emerging viral diseases in Georgia agricultural systems
Viral diseases in agriculture pose a significant threat to global food security, and Georgia’s crops are no exception. The complexity of these diseases, which involves interactions between the virus, plant host, and insect vectors, all influenced by a dynamic environment, makes it difficult to predict and prevent their spread. Our project addresses this challenge by providing a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach to managing viral diseases. We’re using the cotton leafroll dwarf virus (CLRDV) as a model system to develop solutions that can be applied to other emerging viral diseases.
Our interdisciplinary team, composed of experts in nano-sensor technology, epidemiology, entomology, molecular breeding, and pesticide/antiviral peptide development, aims to mitigate the threat of viral diseases in agriculture. Our approach includes four key objectives: Early Detection: The engineer (Dr. Liang Dong) will develop a novel nano-sensor system for the rapid and sensitive detection of CLRDV in cotton plants. This technology will enable farmers to identify infections early, allowing for timely intervention and preventing widespread damage. Disease & Vector Monitoring: The entomologists (Drs. Rajagopalbabu Srinivasan and Apurba Barman) will conduct epidemiological studies to understand the spread and dynamics of CLRDV and its insect vector, cotton aphids. The data collected will inform the development of an alert system, guiding farmers on when to apply pesticides for effective vector control. This targeted approach will minimize unnecessary pesticide use. Disease Prevention: The cotton breeder (Dr. Peng Chee) will use both traditional and molecular breeding techniques to develop new cotton cultivars with enhanced resistance to CLRDV, which will provide a long-term, sustainable solution for farmers. Novel Treatments: The plant virologists (Drs. Sudeep Bag and Yongduo Sun) will develop innovative treatment strategies, including antiviral peptides and targeted pesticides, to combat CLRDV and its insect vectors. These treatments will offer new tools for managing outbreaks and protecting crop yields.
The successful completion of this project will provide a comprehensive and actionable blueprint for managing CLRDV and serve as a model for tackling other emerging viral diseases in agricultural systems. The knowledge and tools developed from our research will offer a robust framework for predicting, preventing, and treating viral threats, ultimately safeguarding Georgia’s agricultural economy and ensuring food security.
Team Lead
Sun, Yongduo
yongduo.sun@uga.edu
College: College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences
Department: Department of Plant Pathology
Team Members
Dong, Liang
Liang.Dong@uga.edu
College: College of Engineering
Department: School of Electrical & Computer Engineering
Chee, Peng
pwchee@uga.edu
College: College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences
Department: Department of Crop & Soil Sciences
Srinivasan, Rajagopalbabu
babusri@uga.edu
College: College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences
Department: Department of Entomology
Bag, Sudeep
Sudeepbag@uga.edu
College: College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences
Department: Department of Plant Pathology
Barman, Apurba
abarman@uga.edu
College: College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences
Department: Department of Entomology