Researchers find threatening virus on Washington grape farm
Researchers found the soil contaminated with Tobacco Ringspot Virus.
“That was a huge surprise,” Naidu Rayapati, an associate professor at WSU said in a statement. “It was a revelation that we have a new problem here.”
The virus was originally discovered 90 years ago in Virginia. It's a problem that affects several crops, like grapes, apples, cherries and common weeds.
After 10 years, the land becomes useless, Rayapati said. Usually, viruses can be gotten rid of by removing the crops. But not TRSV.
“TRSV has a broad host range, and can jump easily from one plant species to another. That’s why we’re trying to alert growers,” Rayapati said. “If you’re planning to switch crops, it’s a good idea to get your soil tested to see if you’re at risk of these nematode vectors.”
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