The Dahlia Resource center, supported by the Scheetz-Chuey Charitable Foundation, seeks to be the leading center of excellence in the identification and development of technologies useful to dahlia growers and to evolve to be a source of clean dahlia stock. Research activities at the center include detection and diagnosis of dahlia-infecting viruses, developing integrated disease management programs that are eco-friendly and improving dahlia productivity through collaboration and communication with the American Dahlia Society (ADS), researchers, growers, and other stakeholders.
Mission statement:
to stay current in providing technological solutions to existing and future challenges/problems to the dahlia industry
Vision:
to be a leading center in the technological advancement, and in maintaining sustainability and economic viability of the dahlia industry
The center in action
Detection and Diagnosis
- Immunostrips and ELISA – immunostrips may be used onsite
- PCR and isothermal amplification techniques
- Next-generation sequencing
Samples can be sent to our lab for virus detection and diagnosis
Virus-induced symptoms
Virus-induced symptoms include:
- Mosaic pattern on the leaves – presence of a mixture of dark green and light green ‘islands’ or patches on leaves.
- Necrotic spots/ringspots on leaves
- Chlorotic, yellow spots on leaves
- Wilting
- Stunting and leaf distortion
- Flower color-breaking
Some infections may be symptomless depending on the virus-host combination
How to manage viruses
Once a plant is infected, it cannot yet be cured of virus infection. The only way to control plant viruses is to avoid virus introduction and prevent secondary spread to more plants. The following approaches can be used to manage viruses:
- Plant virus-free material
- Eliminate infected plants and tubers
- Disinfect tools using 10% bleach or Virkon S
- Use detergent and water to remove virus on hands and tools
- Pest management – prevent the spread of the virus by vectors