Abstract: The invention features duplicated enhancer domains and enhancer cassettes. The invention also features expression constructs having one or more duplicated enhancer domains and a promoter under the regulation of the duplicated enhancer domains. The expression construct is useful for increasing the expression of any nucleic acid molecule that is operably linked to the expression construct. Accordingly, the invention also features a method for expressing a nucleic acid molecule through the use of an expression construct of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an isolated protein or polypeptide corresponding to a protein or polypeptide of a Rupestris stem pitting associated virus. The encoding DNA molecule, either alone in isolated form, in an expression system, a host cell, or a transgenic grape plant, is also disclosed. Other aspects of the present invention relate to a method of imparting Rupestris stem pitting associated virus resistance to grape plants by transforming them with the DNA molecule of the present invention, and a method of detecting the presence of a Rupestris stem pitting associated virus, such as RSPaV-1, in a sample.