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University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Plant Pathology

R.C. French's Research

Research in Dr. French's laboratory is centered on the study of molecular genetics of plant RNA virus gene expression, replication, and regulation and the interaction of these processes with host plants, particularly wheat and other cereals. He is also interested in the development of molecular-based virus diagnostic tools for plant virus detection and population genetic/epidemiological studies. A third area of research interest is the use of plant RNA viruses as vehicles for transient expression of foreign genes in plants.

Most recent publications  

  • Stenger, D. C., B. A. Young,  and R. French 2006. Random mutagenesis of Wheat streak mosaic virus HC-Pro: noninfectious interfering mutations in a gene dispensable for systemic infection of plants. J. General Virology 87:2741-2747.
  • Stenger, D. C., G. L. Hein, and R. French. 2006. Nested deletion analysis of wheat streak mosaic virus HC-Pro: mapping of domains affecting polyprotein processing and eriophyid mite transmission. Virology 350: 465-474.
  • Robertson, N. L. and R. French. 2006. Genetic analysis of a novel Alaska barley yellow dwarf virus in the family Luteoviridae. Arch. Virol. (accepted 8-7-06).
  • Robertson, N. L. and R. French. 2006. Genetic structure in natural populations of Barley/Cereal yellow dwarf virus isolates from Alaska. (submitted)