Our department’s faculty member, Prof. Dr. Çiğdem ULUBAŞ SERÇE, is supervising the project titled "Investigation of the Effects of Chitosan and Thyme Oil-Containing Chitosan Nanocapsules on the Transmission of Potato Y Virus by Aphids", led by our PhD student and 100/2000 priority area scholarship recipient, Muhammet EKEMEN. The project has been awarded funding under the TÜBİTAK 1002-A Rapid Support Program.

It is essential to research and implement plant protection methods that do not negatively impact human and environmental health in agricultural production. In this regard, this project has been designed to reduce and/or inhibit viral infections in potatoes—an important staple in human nutrition—using environmentally friendly materials.

This study aims to investigate the transmission of the Potato Y Virus (PVY) by Myzus persicae (aphids) in potatoes by combining the elicitor properties of chitosan (Kts) and lecithin (Ls), which help reduce the systemic spread of viral diseases, with the insect-repellent effect of thyme oil (Ky). There is a limited number of studies in the literature regarding the effects of chitosan on viruses. Although research exists on the impact of thyme oil on insects, the combination of chitosan, thyme oil, and lecithin has not yet been examined in the context of the potato-PVY-M. persicae relationship. Additionally, based on preliminary results, the effect of Kts+Ky+Ls nanocapsules under field conditions will be investigated for the first time.

The findings of this research will provide insights into the feasibility of using new technologies that do not pose risks to environmental, animal, and human health in combating viral diseases within sustainable agriculture. In this way, valuable knowledge will be gained regarding the reduction and/or inhibition of viral infections using environmentally friendly materials. Furthermore, the study will contribute to the scientific understanding of the potential of eco-friendly materials in mitigating viral infections.