INEXTVIR: Phd student research in crop virome sequencing

INEXTVIR proposes a transdisciplinary research and training approach combining applied and fundamental plant virology, ecology, NGS (Next Generation Sequencing) platform development, computer science (bioinformatics), agronomical, socio-economic and regulatory sciences, to better understand, control and exploit the virome of selected agricultural crops and ecosystems across Europe, which will deliver major political, economic, industrial, social and environmental benefits.

These plant viruses cause 50% of the emerging plant diseases and pose an important threat to many agricultural crops worldwide. Whilst in developing countries they impact food security, in developed countries impact is predominantly economic. Globally plant viruses are responsible for production losses estimated at €15 to 45 billion per year through lower yields and reduced product quality.

Therefore, INEXTVIR provides an excellent opportunity to widen the understanding of plant diseases caused by viruses and to improve on their early detection before the occurrence of significant outbreaks.