Symptoms of emaravirus infection on sage and wild blackberry (Rubus sp.)
Symptoms of plum pox virus (PPV) infection on plum leaves
Symptoms of Xanthomonas campestris pv. Campestris infection on cabbage
Bacteriophages of Xanthomonas campestris pv. Campestris
Tumor on grapevine caused by Agrobacterium vitis infection
The Virology and Bacteriology Laboratory
Our laboratory focuses on research and diagnostics of plant diseases caused by plant viruses and bacteria. A significant part of our research is directed towards organic farming and to development of different strategies for controlling plant disease agents. Our team combines experts with many years of experience and modern analytical methods for identifying and controlling plant-pathogenic viruses and bacteria. Our work includes field inspections, laboratory analyses, preparation of expert reports with recommendations, and various research activities. We collaborate with agricultural advisors, research institutions, and other professionals in the fields of plant protection and agriculture. The goal of our work is to support plant health while encouraging sustainability in agriculture.
Expert work
- Diagnostics of plant viruses and bacteria – in addition to classical microbiological methods and the ELISA serological method, we also perform various molecular diagnostic techniques (RT-PCR, PCR, qPCR)
- Implementation of survey programs, with a focus on systematic monitoring of the presence of viral and bacterial plant pathogens
- Monitoring of selected economically important viruses in fruit trees, field crops, small fruits and grapevine
- Monitoring of selected economically important bacteria
- Analysis of viral and bacterial infections for certification bodies (grapevine, fruit trees, potato)
- Risk assessments
- Consulting and preparation of expert opinions and recommendations
- Maintenance of reference and working collection of viruses and selected bacteria
Research activities
- Detection and characterization of novel viruses
- Epidemiology of viruses and viroids
- Research on viruses of berry crops
- Study of interactions between viruses and host plants, including effects on plant physiology
- Study of interactions between viruses and vectors (insects, nematodes, fungi)
- Organic farming and studies on effective viral biotic agents against bacterial plant pathogens
- Research on bacteriophages of Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris and their use as biocontrol agents
- Participation in various research projects
Contact
If you have questions or would like to collaborate with us, please write to: irena.mavricplesko@kis.si.
Our laboratory is located at Hacquetova ulica 17 in Ljubljana. Visits are possible by prior arrangement.
Team members:
Dr. Irena Mavrič Pleško
Dr. Eva Kovačec
Dr. Janja Lamovšek
Aljoša Beber
Barbara Grubar
Nika Krivec
Tanja Kokalj
Links
Plant viruses and their nomenclature