Dr. Stephan Winter is the Head of the Plant Virus Department and Chief Plant Virologist at the Leibniz Institute-DSMZ, German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures. The DSMZ plant virus department houses an extensive collection of plant virus isolates and antisera for reference and diagnostic purposes, offering diagnostic services for virus identification, ranging from bioassays to next-generation sequencing.
Dr. Winter’s research focuses on characterizing plant diseases caused by viruses, particularly those affecting tropical root and tuber crops. His specific interest lies in Bemisia tabaci vector-transmitted viruses and virus diseases of cassava. Translational research projects in his laboratory connect fundamental studies on virus discovery, gene function analysis, and identification of virus resistance with field research on virus epidemiology and ecology in Africa and other tropical regions. His group played a crucial role in identifying virus resistance against cassava mosaic viruses in Africa, and recent breakthroughs led to the discovery of resistance against the severe cassava brown streak viruses. The new sources of virus resistance developed in his lab now offer broad-spectrum protection, and Dr. Winter actively contributes to their implementation in the field.
Dr. Winter maintains global connections with agencies focused on plant health, collaborating with international research partners on virus resistance deployment, diagnostic protocols, emerging diseases, and plant health issues. He has served as an expert on the Plant Health Panel of the European Food Safety Authority and offers consultancy, support, and advice to both public and private institutions.