The Olmedo-Velarde Lab for Vector-borne Plant Pathogens
ABOUT THE OLMEDO-VELARDE LAB
In the Olmedo-Velarde lab, we research vector-borne plant pathosystems with a focus on viruses infecting both plant hosts and arthropod vectors. We aim to expand our understanding of complex multi-tropic interactions in these pathosystems and exploit this knowledge to come up with translational solutions for problematic pests (pathogens and insects) in corn, soybean, and some specialty crops.
Vector-borne plant pathogens in corn
Corn is one of the most economically important staple crop worldwide, and represents the main agricultural commodity in the United States (US). Its production is threatened by many insect and pathogen pests, with a notorious but variable prevalence of vector-borne diseases transmitted by aphids and leafhoppers. Mainly, we work plant pathogens (viruses and bacteria) and insect viruses associated with the corn leafhopper (Dalbulus maidis) and cereal aphids . The corn leafhopper has been a threat to corn production in South America, and is emerging as a notorious pest in the American corn production, due to its recent report and finding in the corn belt in the US. We aim to characterize plant pathogens and insect viruses associated with the corn leafhopper and exploit virus components for vector population and vector transmission control.