St. Paul, MN (March 16, 1998) -- It started with the Irish Potato Famine, and
now after 150 years, plant pathologists remain persistent in their struggle to
find solutions to the newest strains of the aggressive late blight fungus
(Phytophthora infestans). The latest battle against this devastating fungus,
however, isn't taking place in a lab or out in a potato field, instead the
American Phytopathological Society (APS) is taking the late blight battle online
offering a clearinghouse of the most comprehensive information available at
www.scisoc.org. This interactive, educational website looks at the historical
impacts of late blight, highlights key research articles, presents an online
curriculum and offers links to other key late blight information.
"Plant pathologists are on the front line of this issue, warning growers and
consultants of the heightened risks posed by the new strains and investigating
improved management activities," says Bill Fry, plant pathologist at Cornell
University and past president of APS. "Massive educational and international
research efforts are essential."
Fortunately, potato isn't the sole food crop for consumers in the U.S. and
Europe as it was in Ireland 150 years ago, when unsuspecting farmers planted
their crops and the perfect weather conditions for the potato disease fungus
arrived. What soon would become know historically as the Irish Potato Famine,
was the result of the first major late blight outbreak which turned the vigorous
green crops into seas of blighted, decaying vegetation in just a few weeks.
"Throughout Europe the potato crops failed," says Gail Schumann, plant
pathologist at the University of Massachusetts and member of APS. According to
her book, Plant Diseases: Their Biology and Social Impact, "The disaster was
worst in Ireland because of the nearly complete dependence of Irish peasants on
the potato for their food. The strugg
'"/>
Contact: Cindy Ash, Director of Scientific Services
cash@scisoc.org
612.454.7250
American Phytopathological Society
16-Mar-1998
Page: 1 2 Related biology news :1.
DNA Helps Track Origins Of Growing Blight Problem2.
Crop Devastation To Be Discussed At National Head Blight Forum3.
Battle between bubbles might have started evolution4.
AAAS hosts Battle of the Brains to choose area student for international competition5.
Battle of the DNA bulge may help thwart cancer6.
Battle lasers7.
System failure to blame for Walkerton, North Battleford outbreaks, says U of T study8.
Researchers working to devise plan for Palo Alto Battlefield Restoration9.
Battle of the sexes leads to a biological arms race10.
Battle of the sexes leads to evolutionary arms race11.
Battle to save last stronghold of the red squirrel