Abstract
Maize chlorotic dwarf virus (MCDV) is the causative agent of maize chlorotic dwarf disease. Since it’s discovery, this disease has been prominent throughout corn crops causing damage resulting in lower yields of this staple crop. Within the genome of MCDV there are several genes whose functions are unknown. One way in which gene function can be determined is using various knockout clones. However, before various knockouts could be used, a wild type (WT)-clone of MCDV-S (severe isolate) was tested to see if it could be transmitted by its principal vector, Graminella nigrifrons, and cause infection in healthy test plants. G. nigrifrons were introduced to the WT-clone source plants to acquire the virus before being transferred to healthy maize plants. These plants were then observed for symptoms to determine if infection occurred. G. nigrifrons were able to acquire the WT-clone and cause infection in the maize plants. The infection rate of WT-clone plants was compared to the infection rates of plants that were exposed to the WT-virus in which there was no significant difference between the two groups. This suggests that variants of the WT-clone can be used to determine the functions of unknown genes in the genome of MCDV.
Advisor
Strand, Stephanie
Second Advisor
Stewart, Lucy
Department
Biology
Recommended Citation
Jackson, Evan X., "The Clone Saga: Testing Whether A WT-Clone Of Maize Chlorotic Dwarf Virus (MCDV) Can Be Transmitted By Graminella Nigrifrons" (2020). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 11738.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/11738
Publication Date
2020
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis
© Copyright 2020 Evan X. Jackson