About

Dr. Samar Sheat is a researcher in the Plant Virus Department at the Leibniz Institute DSMZ – German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures. Working with a globally diverse collection of cassava virus isolates from South America, Africa, Brazil, and Asia, Dr. Sheat contributes to international efforts to understand and combat cassava viral diseases through innovative diagnostics, resistance discovery, and translational research. Dr. Sheat’s research focuses on the identification and molecular characterization of viruses causing major cassava diseases, including cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) and cassava mosaic disease (CMD), as well as the discovery of pathogens associated with root rot, witches’ broom, and frog skin diseases. Her work sits at the intersection of fundamental and applied plant virology, investigating both the virus and the host plant to understand mechanisms of resistance and susceptibility. A central focus of her research is to dissect the molecular basis of plant resistance by examining gene function, cellular localization, and protein–protein interactions from both the plant and virus perspectives. Using advanced techniques such as confocal microscopy, transcriptomics, proteomics, and other multi-omics tools, she explores how viral effectors interact with host defense pathways and how resistant cassava lines counteract infection. Dr. Sheat also leads high-throughput screening of cassava germplasm to identify sources of natural virus resistance. Her translational research includes strategies for virus exclusion and elimination to ensure plant health, as well as evaluation of virus resistance under field conditions. A significant outcome of her work has been the discovery of South American cassava lines with high and broad-spectrum resistance against viruses causing CBSD and the deployment of this material to help combat the disease in Eastern and Central Africa—supporting food security for millions of people who rely on cassava as a daily staple. Her ongoing projects aim to broaden the genetic base of resistance, identify novel resistance mechanisms, and enhance cassava’s adaptability to diverse environmental challenges. Beyond her research, Dr. Sheat is actively engaged in international plant-health leadership: she is the Councillor for Europe and North America in International Society for Tropical Root Crops (ISTRC) and member of Global Cassava Breeding Network and leads the DPG Working Group Phytomedicine in the Tropics and Subtropics). Through these roles and her collaborations with global research networks and stakeholders, she contributes to the development of durable virus resistance, improved diagnostic systems, and integrated management strategies for cassava and other tropical crops.

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