WELCOME ADDRESS BY THE CONVENER OF THE XVII INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON VIRUS AND VIRUS-LIKE DISEASES OF TEMPERATE FRUIT CROPS

It is my great pleasure to welcome everyone to the 17th International Symposium on Virus and Virus-like Diseases of Temperate Fruit Crops. This is the first time that this Symposium is being held in the United States, and it is the last Symposium of this century and millennium. We have scientists attending from 30 countries from around the world. They represent Australia, Europe, Asia, North and South America, Africa, and the Middle East.

At this Symposium we have 150 scientific presentations, the largest number of presentations of any temperate fruit crop virology symposium to date. These presentations represent the most recent advances in fruit crop virology. Moreover, this Symposium is an excellent opportunity for us to get to know one another, to encourage international collaboration and cooperation, and to solve problems of significant importance.

We hope that everyone finds our Symposium both scientifically rewarding and enjoyable. We also hope that old friendships are renewed and that new ones are made.

I would like to thank everyone for making the effort in coming to the Symposium and for contributing to its success.

Cordially,

Ahmed Hadidi
Convener of the Symposium