The supply of blueberries is at risk due to a form of mildew that is spreading around the world, according to North Carolina (NC) State University.
Published in the journal New Phytologist and funded by the US National Science Foundation, the university team’s mapping of a fungus, which attacks berries with powdery mildew, found before being transported on farms to “several continents” over the past twelve years.
In a warning that could cause consternation among people who love the berries in their muffins, milkshakes and pies, the researchers described the fungus as “an emerging global threat to blueberry production” and urged “continuous monitoring” to prevent further prevent spread.
“We are now seeing this global spread happening in real time,” said Michael Bradshaw, assistant professor of plant pathology at NC State.
“This is a difficult organism to control,” Bradshaw continued, warning that “if you put plant material out into the world, you are likely to spread this fungus.”
Although the fungus does not kill the berries, the fungus not only coats them in an unappetizing powder, but also strips them of all nutrients and slows down photosynthesis.
“Different species of this fungus affect different plants; wheat, hops, grapes and strawberries, among others, are adversely affected by powdery mildew,” the researchers said.
Reducing the fungus means spraying the berries with fungicide, which not only makes them less attractive to consumers but also costs farmers around the world up to $530 million a year.
Researchers believe the global supply of blueberries is at risk due to a form of mildew spreading around the world. Stefan Sauer/dpa
