- 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.
One strain has taken root in China, Mexico and California, while the other has emerged in Morocco, Peru and Portugal. This rapid dispersal is largely attributed to the global trade of plant material, which inadvertently carries the fungus across borders.
What makes this fungus particularly insidious is its ability to reproduce asexually in regions outside the U.S., meaning it can spread without the need for a sexual partner. In contrast, the fungus reproduces both sexually and asexually within the United States. This adaptability has allowed the disease to establish itself in diverse climates, from the humid fields of China to the arid regions of Morocco.
Global blueberry industry suffering from the outbreak
The economic toll of this outbreak is staggering. The global blueberry industry, which produces over four billion pounds of the fruit annually, faces estimated losses ranging from $47 million to $530 million each year. These costs stem from reduced yields, increased fungicide use and the logistical challenges of managing the disease. For farmers, the stakes are high: A single outbreak can devastate an entire season’s harvest.
The study also sounds the alarm for the Pacific Northwest, a region known for its ideal blueberry-growing conditions. With its rainy climate, the area is a potential breeding ground for the fungus, which thrives in moist environments. While the disease has yet to take hold there, researchers warn that proactive measures are essential to prevent a future outbreak.
The implications of this research extend far beyond blueberries. The Erysiphe vaccinii fungus is part of a broader family of powdery mildews that affect crops like wheat, grapes, strawberries and hops. The lessons learned from this study could pave the way for better management of similar diseases in other crops, safeguarding global food supplies and reducing reliance on chemical treatments.
Watch this video discussing how better to preserve blueberries.
This video is from the All About Herbs channel on Brighteon.com.
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