Molecular Testing for Crop Viruses

This unit, developed by ABE Ireland Master Teacher Fellow Tracey  Mason, includes five lessons that provide theoretical  and hands-on applications to understand plant-virus-vector relationships that enable scientists to design resistant plant varieties, develop diagnostic kits, and implement more-effective pest management strategies. Students implement PCR to amplify aphid and viral-specific genes from plant extracts and then gel electrophoresis to visualize PCR products and identify affected plant samples. Primer descriptions, PCR methods, and example assessment questions are included.