Wenping Qiu

Dr. Wenping Qiu is a Research Professor and Director of the Center for Grapevine Biotechnology at the William H. Darr College of Agriculture, Missouri State University. He leads the Midwest Center of the National Clean Plant Network-Grapevine, focusing on virus-tested grapevine services and disease resistance research. His work addresses significant losses in the grape industry through molecular biology and biotechnology.

Education:

• PhD in Plant Pathology/Biotechnology, North Carolina State University (1997)
• MS in Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (1988)
• BS in Biology, Henan Teacher’s University, China (1985)

Research Interests: Molecular and genetic mechanisms of disease resistance in grapevines, virus discovery (e.g., Grapevine vein clearing virus), vector transmission, and breeding resistant cultivars like Norton-Cabernet Sauvignon hybrids. His team also evaluates virus suppression strategies and genomic approaches in grapevine.

Awards and Honors:

• Recipient of the MSU Foundation Award in Research (2020)
• Clif & Gail Smart Endowed Professorship (2012–2019)
• Named one of the 100 Talents in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China (2010)

Advising and Mentorship: Trained numerous students in plant science, biotechnology, and transferrable career skills. Collaborates with industry to advance sustainable grape cultivation.

Labs & Affiliations: Directs the Center for Grapevine Biotechnology and collaborates with the National Clean Plant Network. Engages in international research networks like the International Council for the Study of Virus and Virus-like Diseases of Grapevine.