In a world where the global food supply is already under pressure from climate change and increasing demand, a new threat looms on the horizon, one that could potentially wipe out a fruit deemed as one of the world’s most powerful sources of antioxidants.
Scientists have raised the alarm about a fungus rapidly spreading worldwide and its negative effects on the crop yields of this humble fruit.
The fungus among us: a global concern
The disease, caused by two different strains of the fungus Erysiphe vaccinii, manifests as a white powdery mildew on blueberry plants. This not only reduces crop yields but also leads to a greater reliance on fungicides, which can have their own environmental and health impacts.
Over the past 12 years, this fungus had reportedly managed to spread across China, the world’s largest blueberry producer, as well as Mexico, California, Morocco, Peru, and Portugal.
Michael Bradshaw, an assistant professor at North Carolina State, expressed his concern over the ease with which this pathogen travels with the international exchange of plant material.
‘This is a hard organism to control. If you’re sending plant material across the world, you’re likely spreading this fungus with it,’ he said.
Meanwhile, a study conducted by researchers at the University of North Carolina estimated that the fungus could cost the global blueberry industry between $47 million and $530 million annually.
Considering that more than four billion pounds of blueberries are sold each year, the economic stakes are high.
A disease on the move
Originally thought to have originated in the eastern United States, the powdery mildew has mostly been contained within that region. However, there have been signs of minor outbreaks in southern California.
The US Pacific Northwest, with its rainy climate, is particularly at risk, as these conditions are ideal for the fungus to thrive and potentially infect crops that have so far been spared.
The fungus reportedly operates almost like a parasite, covering the host plants and depleting them of nutrients while slowing down the photosynthetic process. This allows the fungus to grow at the expense of the plant’s health.
A glimmer of hope
Despite the warnings, the discovery of the fungus’ behaviour and characteristics has a silver lining. The researchers at North Carolina State have developed a database that can help scientists and farmers identify and manage the spread of the disease more effectively.
The platform allows growers to input data and learn about the specific strain affecting their fields, including its resistance to fungicides and its virulence.
The fungus, while predominantly identified in blueberry plants, is not exclusive to them. It has also been found to infect other important crops such as wheat, hops, grapes, and strawberries.
The call to action
This threat is a stark reminder of the delicate balance within our ecosystems and the interconnectedness of global agriculture. It’s crucial for us to support research and development of sustainable farming practices that can protect crops like blueberries from such diseases.
You can also play a significant role by staying informed and choosing to buy from producers who prioritise plant health and environmental stewardship.What are your thoughts on this emerging threat to blueberries and potentially other crops? Have you noticed any changes in the availability or quality of blueberries in your area? Share your experiences and join the conversation below.
Also read: Could citizen scientists help track the spread of this lethal fungus?
