When you pop a grape into your mouth, you probably aren’t thinking about the DNA of the plant. You’re thinking about the flavor, color and juiciness. But if you grow grapes and begin to see a decline in the quantity or quality, you might need to investigate what is going on at the cellular level.  Dr. Wenping Qiu, research professor in the William H. Darr School of Agriculture at Missouri State University, discovered the first DNA virus ever reported in grapevines, named the Grapevine vein clearing virus (GVCV). He and graduate student Michael Kovens discuss current research projects relating to this virus.

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About the Darr School of Agriculture
The William H. Darr School of Agriculture integrates excellence in teaching, service and research into each of the nine undergraduate and three graduate programs. Within the school, there are four units: general agriculture; agribusiness, agricultural education and communications; animal science; and environmental plant science and natural resources. Each program has unique research facilities that allow for hands-on research.