Nemat Sokhandan Bashir - Australasian Plant Pathology Society

Research funds obtained at University of Tabriz
Detection and molecular characterization of Grapevine fanleaf virus isolates from the northwest region of
Iran (2003-2006)
Expression of Grapevine fanleaf virus coat protein gene in E. coli for antibody preparation (2006-2010).
Executive experience
Head of Department of Plant Protection, University of Tabriz, June 2007- July 2009
Research experiences
Visiting professor in Oklahoma State University, USA
Contributed to further characterization of Ambrossia Asymptomatic virus 1 (AAV-1)
MIF postdoctoral fellow, Research Institute for Bioresources (RIB), Okayama University, Japan
Contributed to the project on “Genetic screen for host factors involved in Cryphonectria parasitica virus
1 replication and symptom expression”.
Taught a “Genomic” course for postgraduate students in RIB.
Postdoctoral scholar, University of Kentucky, USA
Generated transgenic tobacco plants expressing Peanut stunt virus (PSV) or Cucumber mosaic virus
(CMV) satellite and evaluated the transgenic lines for heterologous packaging.
Mapped the unusual ribbon-like inclusions in PSV-infected plants to the viral coat protein gene.
PhD studentship, The University of Sydney
Developed an RT-PCR assay for detecting Passionfruit woodiness virus (PWV) and CMV.
Demonstrated a dual infection with CMV and PWV occurs in passionfruit.
Assessed genetic variation in PWV and CMV isolates from New South Wales.
Generated transgenic Nicotiana benthamiana plants expressing a dual coat protein construct (CMV+PWV
CP) and evaluated the transgenic plants for resistance against the viruses.
Academic awards
Sabbatical Award, University of Tabriz, 2009.
Matsumae International Foundation fellowship, 2005, Japan.
Postdoctoral scholarship, 1999, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.
PhD supplementary scholarship 1997, The University of Sydney, Australia.
Published papers
Koolivand, D., Sokhandan-Bashir, N. and Mozafar, J. 2013. Serological and molecular detection of newly isolated
cucumber mosaic virus variants from Iran. International Journal of Agriculture: Research and Review, 2: 933-
941.
Nourinejhad-Zarghani, S., Shams-Bakhsh, M., Zand, N., Sokhandan-Bashir, N. and Wetzel, T. 2013. Molecular
Characterization of Whole Genomic RNA2 From Iranian Isolates of Grapevine Fanleaf Virus. Journal of
Phytopathology, doi: 10.1111/jph.12089.
2