- A powdery mildew caused by Erysiphe vaccinii is threatening blueberry crops worldwide, endangering yields, farmer livelihoods and food security.
- The fungus, originating in the eastern U.S., has spread to major blueberry-producing regions like China, Mexico, Morocco, Peru and Portugal through the global trade of plant material.
- The disease reduces yields, increases fungicide use and causes annual losses of between $47 to $530 million, raising concerns about costs and environmental harm.
- The crisis underscores the need for stricter biosecurity measures, sustainable practices and international cooperation to combat similar diseases affecting other crops and safeguard global food systems.
Scientists have issued a stark warning: Blueberries could face extinction due to a rapidly spreading fungal disease.
The culprit, a powdery mildew caused by the fungus Erysiphe vaccinii, has been wreaking havoc on blueberry crops worldwide, threatening both yields and the livelihoods of farmers. This mildew has been spreading worldwide for at least the past 12 years.
The disease manifests as a white, powdery coating on blueberry plants, sapping their nutrients and stunting their growth. This not only reduces crop yields but also forces farmers to rely heavily on fungicides, driving up costs and raising concerns about environmental and health impacts.
The fungus has already infiltrated major blueberry-producing regions, including China, the world’s largest producer, as well as Mexico, California, Morocco, Peru and Portugal. (Related: The mighty BLUEBERRY, a superfruit with anticancer properties.)
Researchers at North Carolina State University have traced the origins of this global outbreak to the eastern United States. The fungus has since spread through two distinct strains, each finding its way to different continents. […]
— Read More: www.naturalnews.com
