Biotech Updates

Research Team to Map Global Distribution of Tomato Virus

November 21, 2012

Scientists from Cornell University's Boyce Thompson Institute (BTI) and the United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) are set to generate a comprehensive global virus distribution map for tomatoes and develop breeders' tools to develop tomatoes and related fruits and vegetables with enhanced virus resistance.

Specifically, the research team will develop detection methods for new and emerging tomato viruses, identify the tomato genes responsible for virus resistance, and make this information available to plant breeders. The researchers hope that this will dramatically increase people's understanding of how the virus is distributed globally and provide tools to predict and limit future epidemics.

View BTI's press release at http://bti.cornell.edu/scientists-from-bti-and-usda-ars-work-together-to-develop-global-distribution-map-of-tomato-virus/.