New Virus Discovered in Iranian Saffron Fields

BIRJAND, Iran - Researchers from the University of Birjand, in collaboration with the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD), have identified and named a new virus affecting saffron plants in Iran. The virus, dubbed "saffron-associated mastrevirus 1," is the first of its kind to be discovered in Iran and has been linked to significant yield reductions in this economically important crop.
The research, conducted between 2022 and 2024, aimed to identify and study the most significant viruses impacting saffron production. Dr. Seyedeh Atefeh Hosseini, a faculty member in the Department of Plant Protection at the University of Birjand, led the study, which resulted in the identification and naming of the new virus.
According to Dr. Hosseini, the virus has been observed in saffron fields for several years, causing symptoms such as stigma twisting and severe yield decline. However, the exact cause of these symptoms remained unknown until this recent discovery. The findings of this research have been published in the journal Plant Disease, a highly regarded publication in the field of plant pathology.
Dr. Hosseini's work has also been recognized through prestigious scholarships, including awards from the Agropolis Foundation in France and the University of Montpellier and CIRAD for her research on plant viruses. These accolades highlight the significance of her contributions to the field of plant virology and her dedication to advancing scientific knowledge.