The university's tomato virus project has been approved for support

In the project, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Emin Çalışkan from the Department of Agricultural Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture and Technology, and Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Ulubaş Serçe from the Department of Plant Production and Technologies are researchers, while Dr. Emre Aksoy, Assistant Professor from the Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Middle East Technical University, is serving as an advisor. The project also plans to provide support to two graduate students involved in the research.

The project aims to offer an alternative to traditional control methods

Dr. Caner Yavuz, who commented on the project, highlighted that the spread of the Brown Fruit Shrivel Virus (ToBRFV) in tomatoes has reached alarming levels in terms of agricultural economic damage. Initially reported as more of a greenhouse-related virus, its presence has been increasing in all fields where it appears. Yavuz emphasized the importance of developing tomato lines resistant to this virus through genome editing and other innovative approaches in addition to traditional breeding methods. He noted, "This study will open the way for an alternative method to classic control measures against this viral agent."

"The project has the potential to prevent economic losses"

Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Uslu stated that both soil and climatic conditions damage crops, while losses caused by agricultural viruses add an extra burden on farmers. He expressed hope that the project would eliminate financial losses caused by viruses in agricultural activities. Rector Uslu congratulated the faculty members for implementing such an important project and wished them continued success.