Dr. Rosemarie W. Hammond

Phone: (301)-504-5203    E-mail: hammondr@ba.ars.usda.gov

My laboratory studies interactions between viroids or viruses and their plant hosts, with the aim of designing strategies to control plant diseases. Potato spindle tuber viroid is one of our model systems. Currently, we are studying the relationship between viroid structure and viroid function; for example, replication, movement, and pathogenesis. To do this, we employ site-directed mutagenesis, secondary-structure prediction, and various methods for studying RNA/protein interactions. Recently, we have identified interactions between viroid RNA and host protein kinases. The relationship between these interactions and the cascade of gene induction pathways leading to pathogenesis is under investigation.       Our study of plant viruses includes nucleotide sequencing of pathogenic isolates of the ilarvirus, prunus necrotic ringspot virus, and introduction of pathogen-derived resistance into peach. We are also sequencing and studing the expression of maize rayado fino virus, the smallest plant virus known to replicate in both its insect vector and plant host.       A new research focus of my laboratory is the design and use of novel virus-based vectors for expression of foreign genes having potential for pest control in plants. To date, the vectors have been used to transiently express sequences to facilitate the study of various aspects of viroid/host interactions, including movement and pathogenesis. We are also utilizing plant viral-based vectors to produce subunit vaccines and diagnostic reagents for animal diseases.       I am also an Adjunct Associate Staff Scientist at the Center for Agricultural Biotechnology, University of Maryland, College Park.

Selected Publications