Multi-User Equipment approved in grant 2014/0845809: scanning electron microscope JEOL JSM IT300LV, with attachment for EDAX

Abstract

Brevipalpus-transmitted viruses (BTV) are known since early XXth century, but detailed knowledge about them only became available in the last 15 years. Great efforts were made especially on the most economically important among BTV, the Citrus leprosis virus C (CiLV-C) which resulted in the understanding of its molecular nature, relationship with the host plants and the vector and its epidemiology. Consequently, a rapid and precise method for virus detection and more efficient and economical management of these viruses were developed. One important finding about BTV was that there are at least two distinct types of BTV: the cytoplasmic (BTV-C) and nuclear type (BTV-N) and that these viruses cause consistently only localized infection, without becoming systemic in the infected plant. It became also clear the existence of numerous plant species, naturally infected by BTV. However, these advances brought up new challenges, as to understand the level of diversity of these BTV-C and BTV-N, and also to understand the taxonomy and diversity of Brevipalpus populations, the mechanisms of virus transmission, management of the mite by biological control, etc. This project intends to solve some of these questions, through an integrated action, with the participation of a group of researchers of different specialities, from several institutions, expecting to give an additional and significative advance on the knowledge of this important and peculiar group of plant viruses. The Scanning electron microscope (SEM) to be purchased allows the examination of surface details using an eléctron probe, with suitable resolution (50A) and generating 3D images, It will be installed in the Core Center for Eléctron Microscopy (Núcleo de Microscopia Eletrônica-NAP/MEPA) of Esalq/USP.In the approved project, it will be used for: a. Analysis of the external morphology of diferent populations of Brevipalpus mites, for their identification and anatomical studies (subprojects 3-7); b. Anatomical studies on the leaf lesions caused by viroses transmitted by Brevipalpus (subproject 5).The SEM to be purcahsed is JEOL JSM IT300LV, a new and basic model, which will serve for the planned works in the Project, and has be smaller price among the budgets presented by 3 companies. A corrente stabilizar is included in the budget. Furthermore, JEOL maintains in Brazil a team of trained engineers for the maintenance of JEOL equipments here installed. NAP/MEPA of Esalq operates in a multiusuer system and this new SEM will also be available for the scientific community of ESALQ and other research institutions as well as for the private sector (university/enterprise interface). A training course will be offered for the users. (AU)