CRS 7201 ADVANCED PLANT VIROLOGY
COURSE CODE:
COURSE INSTRUCTOR(S):
Dr. Richard Edema (B.Sc (Agric.) MUK, M.Sc, MUK; PhD (Ohio State University)
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The plant virus genome: genome organization, architecture (gene classes and their functions) and expression.
Molecular basis for vector transmission, movement in plant, symptom development and gene for gene relationships.
Variability in viruses and relationship to disease epidemiology. Emphasis will be on conceptual aspects of plant
virology, molecular and cellular plant virology, and virus interactions with their plant hosts and insect vectors, as well
as conventional and biotechnological approaches to virus disease control
COURSE OBJECTIVE:
1.
To provide an understanding of contemporary plant virology
2.
To provide a specific understanding of modern taxonomy and research efforts in plant virology.
COURSE OUTLINE:
Week 1 Brief introduction and review of plant viruses
Week 2
(2 hrs)
Plant Virus Genomic Organization (i)
(2 hrs)
General properties of plant genome
- Information content, coding and non-coding regions
Week 3 Plant Virus Genomic Organization (ii)
ss (+) RNA viruses
ss(-)RNA and dsRNA viruses
ssDNA and dsDNA viruses
Satellite viruses, satellite RNAs, and viroids
(2 hrs)
Week 4 Replication of viruses
Overview of host and viral components required
(2 hrs)
Week5
(2 hrs)
Replication strategies of
(+) RNA viruses.- ss(-)RNA and dsRNA viruses
ssDNA and dsDNA viruses
Week 6 Mechanisms of virus gene expression (i)
General overview of functions of gene products
Definition of ORFs
(2 hrs)
Week 7 Mechanisms of virus gene expression (ii)
Virus entry and uncoating
(2 hrs)
-
Week 8 Mechanisms of virus gene expression (ii)
(2 hrs)
The eukaryotic protein-synthesizing system, constrains and viral strategies needed
Week 9 Mechanisms of virus gene expression (iii)
Specific examples
(2 hrs)
o
o
ss(+) RNA genomes
ssDNA and dsDNA viruses (Geminiviruses and nanoviruses; Caulimoviruses)
Week 10Mechanisms of virus gene expression (iii)
(2 hrs)
Specific examples
o ss(-)RNA and dsRNA viruses (Rhabdoviruses and reoviruses; Tosposviruses
and tenuiviruses)
o Satellite viruses, satellite RNAs, and viroids
Week 11Response of the host to virus infection (i)
Movement and final distribution
o Cell-to-cell and long distance movement
Effect on plant metabolism
Symptom induction
Virus resistance and interference phenomena
Week 12Virus epidemiology and ecology
The spread of plant viruses within fields
The spread of plant viruses between fields.
Host-range and survival
(2 hrs)
Week 13Virus taxonomy
Classification of viruses and properties of specific virus groups/families
Week 14Strategies to control virus diseases
Virus epidemiology: environmental approaches to the control of virus diseases
Week 15Genetically engineered resistance to viruses
Viruses as biological tools and machines
COURSE STRUCTURE & LOCATION:
3 Credit units comprising 15 lecture hours (2 contact hours per week for 15 study weeks) and 30 practical hours (1
contact hour per week for 15 study weeks)
Lectures and Labs will be conducted from the East Lab, Faculty of Agriculture.
Practical mostly field trips at research facilities near Kampala
CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT
Practical evaluation
Tests
FINAL UNIVERSITY EXAM
(40 %)
(60%)
(10%)
(30%)
RECOMMENDED TEXTBOOKS/READING LIST
Mathews’ Plant Virology (4th Edition) by R. Hull Academic Press (2002)
Fundamentals of Plant Virology R.E.F. Mathews
Plant Pathology (4th Edition) by G.N. Agrios Academic Press (1997)
END