DSU Professor finds a way to stop viruses from infecting cash crops and plants

DOVER, Del. –  A Delaware State University professor has recently made a huge breakthrough that will help crops fight a sting of viruses that can infect almost every crop.

We’re told Dr. Vincent Fondong research specifically deals with the geminivirus, which robs the plant’s natural defenses and inhibits the plant’s multiplication growth. After 20 years of research, dr. Fondong tells us he has figure out a way to take a small part of the virus and actually incorporate it into the plant, which prevents the geminivirus from infecting it.

Dr. Fondong says, “The procedure that we developed is applies to all geminiviruses, all kinds of crops. Because the mechanism that we use is used by all crops to defend themselves, we are just enhancing the ability for this crop to defend themselves.”

Fondong says he hopes to explain to local farmers, who are skeptical, about their latest discovery. He says he also hopes to take his research out the lab and greenhouse and begin applying it in the field.