Latest news with #Phytophthora
Scottish Sun
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
We better watch we don't sleepwalk into another potato famine, says expert
'I'm not a betting man, but if I was, my money would always be on the pathogen' SPUD WARING We better watch we don't sleepwalk into another potato famine, says expert Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE United Nations International Day of the Potato is celebrated today - but boffins fear the humble spud is under global threat. Experts at the renowned James Hutton Institute, that researches land and crops from its centres in Dundee and Aberdeen, will mark the occasion by discussing the pressures facing mass potato production. 4 Professor Ingo Hein from the James Hutton Institute. 4 Matt Damon in the 2015 hit film The Martian. 4 Matt Damon growing potatoes on Mars in the film The Martian. And there are serious topics to discuss as spuds feed two thirds of the eight billion people on planet Earth. Chief Features Writer MATT BENDORIS speaks to professor Ingo Hein, Head of Potato Genetics, at The James Hutton Institute. WHEN people tell Professor Ingo Hein there could never be another potato famine like the one that killed a million people in the 19th Century, he remarks: 'And many thought they'd never be another pandemic.' The devastating disease - known as the blight - struck Ireland in 1845 leading to mass starvation. It was caused by the arrival of a pathogen - a microorganism that causes disease - called Phytophthora infestans that saw crops fail all across the Emerald Isle. Professor Hein said: 'And it wasn't just Ireland as crops failed on the West Coast of Scotland too. 'Ireland's population has never recovered as so many died or immigrated. They had eight million people before the 1840s but they have never reached that number again.' Three years ago the United Nations decided to launch the International Day of the Potato as so much of the world - especially developing countries - rely on the humble tattie to feed their populations. Professor Hein, who has been at the Scottish Institute since 1999, explains: 'Potatoes are the only main crop that has all the amino acids of life. 'So if you eat potatoes with butter, you're sorted. You literally have everything the body needs. 'Sure, it might not be the best diet in terms of diversity, but you can live off of it. 'That's why it was so popular in Ireland. It was the only crop they could afford to feed themselves.' He adds: 'It's also likely that if man ever gets to Mars, that will be the first crop grown there - just like in the Matt Damon movie The Martian. 'That's because potatoes need seven times less water to grow than cereals, but converted into calories they are much more efficient.' But one of the UK's favourite potatoes, the King Edward - first grown in 1902 - hasn't changed its genetic make-up in over a century, along with the Maris Piper - introduced to the UK in 1966. And Professor Hein believes that makes them vulnerable to a new disease in the same way Covid became the first pandemic since the Spanish Flu which killed an estimated 50 million people from 1918. He said: 'I'm not a betting man, but if I was, my money would always be on the pathogen. 'You've seen it with Covid. There was a pathogen, we had vaccines, they protected against it, and then the pathogen changed. 'It's exactly the same with diseases that affect potatoes. Because the way we have to grow potatoes on a large scale, it's an easy scenario for a pathogen to actually gain a foothold, adapt, and then have a negative impact. 'They are mainly spread by aphids which are wind-dispersed. So it doesn't know any boundaries. It will jump from one country to the next country.' The Professor believes that all the advancements in chemicals and pesticides are not the answer, insisting natural genetics is the key. He said: 'Here at the Institute in Dundee we have the Commonwealth Potato Collection. 'Many don't look like potatoes, but they are potatoes. And they really have the diversity that we need to protect the crops from pathogens and pests. 'But also from a changing environment, which the potato is ideal for, because it actually grows on every continent apart from Antarctica. 'So it's incredibly versatile and can be adapted. But the key really is in the wild species of potato. And that's what we are tapping into.' He adds: 'We can even breed them to be really nice looking potatoes. So they will have all the resistances, but will be different to Maris Piper. But still just as tasty.' The James Hutton Institute is now working towards establishing a National Potato Innovation Centre, which aims to harness the combined strengths of research and industry across the UK to future-proof potato as a crop. They are also trying to come up with ways to combat nematodes - parasitic worms that have hit parts of Scotland's potato production. Professor Hein, 51, said: 'Once your land is contaminated with these nematodes, you cannot grow seed potatoes - which is the first stage of production - on your land. So we're actually losing land at a rapid rate. 'The Scottish Government has recognised this issue and they've put funding in to try and address this.' But while the UK may be able to navigate another famine by importing more from India and China - the biggest potato producers in the world - he believes not so well off nations will suffer. He said: 'Potatoes are a huge staple food in Africa, Asia and South America, so many of these places would struggle and there would be really bad consequences. 'Many people just don't think about the potato as it's such a huge part of our daily life and is plentiful, but we must make sure they remain that way.'
Irish Times
25-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Times
Why is our holly bush suddenly shedding?
We have a holly tree growing in our garden for at least 20 years. In 2024, for the first time, in October, it produced red berries. These berries have remained on the tree, untouched by birds and now the tree is shedding. The drive is covered in holly leaves. This has never happened before, and we are mystified. Our garden is in rural Mayo, which has seen a lot of wind and rain this winter. A McNeely You're right to be concerned about your poor holly bush, which sounds like it's suffering from a disease known as holly leaf blight (Phytophthora ilicis). It's an increasing problem in Irish gardens in recent years. This spring I also spotted it on holly trees in the wild. The symptoms are very much as you describe and are typically first noticed in winter or early spring following a spell of wet, cool weather. Once-healthy holly trees and hedges start to sicken, with their leaves blackening and then dropping. Sometimes you'll also see partial blackening of the stems. Foliage close to the ground is most vulnerable as a result of splash-back from the soil, which helps to spread the disease back on to once-healthy growth. This destructive but nonfatal disease, which thrives in cool, rainy weather that enables its spores to easily move on to suitable host plants, is technically an alga but is more easily described as fungal in nature. Those same spores can also be concealed on fallen leaves and in soil near an afflicted plant, so can be inadvertently carried on your boots, or even carried via wind or visiting wildlife. There is no effective chemical control available to gardeners. READ MORE The fact that your holly bush is producing berries for the very first time is interesting and may offer a useful clue as to why it's recently become infected with holly leaf blight. Hollies are classed as either male or female. Only female holly trees produce berries, for which they typically require a male pollinating partner (the exception is self-pollinating varieties). It sounds like your female tree was without a male pollinating partner for many years until recently, which suggests that one has recently been planted nearby, either by you in your own garden, or possibly in a neighbouring garden. If so, then this male holly tree was possibly the carrier of the disease that subsequently infected your plant. [ Why are my rubber plants looking so unhappy? Opens in new window ] Unfortunately, young plants can sometimes be infected but asymptomatic. For this reason, the RHS also strongly recommends taking great care to quarantine recently purchased young holly plants for several months after purchase so they can be observed for any signs of the disease. In the case of your already-diseased holly tree, the best approach is to limit its effects by studiously collecting and destroying or burning any fallen leaves repeatedly to help reduce the chance of them spreading it back on to new growth. The RHS also recommends selectively pruning out and burning badly affected sections for the same reason.
The Herald Scotland
17-05-2025
- The Herald Scotland
Scottish garden is a treasure-trove of plants from exotic locations
At the moment the garden's huge collection of rhododendrons and azaleas are putting on a show-stopping display, filling the garden with scent and colour. Some of the specimens are the size of trees and not only are they smothered in flowers, but their huge paddle-shaped leaves are backed with indumentum, a rust-coloured velvety substance that adds to the display. Alongside these grow plants from East Asia and South America including Chatham Island Forget-Me-Nots which are super-sized versions of the cottage garden favourite. Today Arduaine, with its leafy canopy, sheltered glades and open, sunny lawns is so much part of the landscape that it is hard to believe that it hasn't always been here but in fact nothing would grow on this rocky promontory if it hadn't been for the vision of tea planter, James Campbell, who, at the start of the 20th century, decided that this was where he was going to establish a garden. Arduaine (Image: Ken Whitcombe) There were challenges at the time when the Douglas firs that were planted as a shelter belt were eaten by rabbits and those challenges continued recently, when the National Trust for Scotland, who now care for Arduaine, had to fell hundreds of trees in a bid to halt the outbreak of the fungal disease, Phytophthora. Today, however, Arduaine continues to flourish and now is a good time to visit, when the Candelabra primulas are starting to open their colourful whorls of flowers and growth in the herbaceous borders is starting to get underway. The garden is criss-crossed by good paths, making it very accessible and some of the paths lead through the shelter belt to the coastline from where there are spectacular views towards the low-lying Slate islands which, during the 19th century supplied the roofs for Glasgow and much of central Scotland. There's also the chance to spot the seals and porpoises that live in these waters. Read more The garden itself is teeming with wildlife and one of the best places to catch a glimpse of it is around the ponds, which are lined with damp-loving plants. There are good views over the garden and over the surrounding coastline from the Loch Melfort Hotel, which sits at the gates to Arduaine. From the large outdoor dining deck the garden's tree canopy is clearly visible and so too is the Sound of Jura, which makes a stunning backdrop to some of the best sunsets in Scotland. Directions Arduaine is 20 miles south of Oban and 19 miles north of Loch Gilphead on the A816 Details The garden is open daily, 10am - 5pm Tickets: £10/£7.50/£5/£1 (Young Scot) In association with Discover Scottish Gardens
Time of India
27-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
ICAR-CCRI Introduces Elite US Citrus Varieties to Boost Indian Citriculture Sector
Nagpur: In a transformative move to address international market challenges, the ICAR-Central Citrus Research Institute ( ICAR-CCRI ) in Nagpur has introduced 17 elite citrus varieties from the United States Department of Agriculture ( USDA ) National Clonal Germplasm Repository in Riverside, California. The imported collection includes six sweet oranges, three mandarins, unique hybrids like tangelo and tangor, Australian finger lime, and four rootstocks. "This pioneering initiative aims to revolutionise India's citrus industry by enhancing yield, improving fruit quality, and bolstering resilience to climate change, while simultaneously expanding market opportunities for Indian citrus growers," CCRI director Dilip Ghosh told TOI. Traditional Indian citrus varieties, though widely cultivated, face inherent limitations. For instance, mosambi sweet oranges, prevalent in Maharashtra, often suffer from poor colour development, low juice recovery, and a high seed count, making them less appealing in international markets where premium varieties like Valencia and Navel oranges dominate. Similarly, Nagpur mandarins grapple with challenges such as a short shelf life, loose peel, and susceptibility to diseases like citrus greening and Phytophthora. These limitations restricted their commercial viability and global market access. Citrus, a cornerstone of global agriculture, holds a vital position in India's farming landscape. As the world's third-largest citrus producer, trailing only China and Brazil, India contributes approximately 9% of global citrus output, cultivating the fruit across 10.86 lakh hectares and producing 142.62 lakh tonnes annually. Key varieties such as mandarins, sweet oranges, and acid limes dominate the Indian citrus scene. However, despite this impressive scale, the sector faces significant challenges that hinder its global competitiveness. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo Ghosh turned to the USDA National Clonal Germplasm Repository for Citrus and Dates (NCGRCD) in Riverside, California, which conserves superior citrus varieties developed through international breeding programmes. These varieties are known for their enhanced traits, such as higher yield, better fruit quality, extended harvesting windows, and improved resistance to pests and diseases. Robert Krugeir, director, NCGRCD, USA, and KL Manjunath, senior plant pathologist at USDA, played a pivotal role in facilitating the import of these 17 elite citrus varieties. Darshan M Kadam, scientist at CCRI, Nagpur, emphasised that each variety was meticulously selected for its distinct advantages. For instance, the Tahoe Gold mandarin is celebrated for its deep orange rind, rich flavour, and low seed count, while the Olympic Gold sweet orange, a Navel variety, is renowned for its exceptional fruit quality and high yield. The Australian finger lime, known for its tolerance to citrus greening disease and drought, holds particular promise for future breeding programmes. Additionally, rootstocks like Flying Dragon, which offer dwarfing properties, open new avenues for high-density cultivation of Nagpur mandarin and Mosambi, potentially revolutionising citrus farming practices in India. The import of these elite varieties followed a stringent regulatory process to ensure biosecurity and compliance with international agreements. "They are currently under observation in a post-entry quarantine facility at ICAR-CCRI, Nagpur, for one year before being tested in different agro-climatic zones across India," Ghosh said.
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Researchers use surprising method to protect island paradise: 'Globally, the threat ... is increasing'
A three-year-old English springer spaniel dog named Alice is sniffing out invasive species to help protect an island paradise off the Australian coast. Alice's trainer said she's been working to identify Phytophthora, a plant pathogen, since she was eight weeks old. As ABC News reported, Alice's efforts are part of ongoing investigations to identify the sources of invasive pests on the island of K'gari. K'gari is a World Heritage site affected by over 200 invasive plants and pathogens threatening its natural ecosystems. Once trained sniffer dogs identify insects, plant debris, and weed seeds on incoming vehicles to the island, scientists and local ranchers collect samples to test for invasive species. Authorities suspect that the 20,000 vehicles traveling to the picturesque island may be to blame for bringing in non-native plants and animals. People who have taken their vehicles out four-wheel driving before visiting K'gari create heightened risks for transporting plant diseases, seeds, and insects. These invasive species checks are crucial to protecting K'gari's vulnerable sand dunes, rainforests, and freshwater lakes. The island is of great natural and cultural significance in the region. "What we're trying to do is identify what the risk pathways are," said Geoff Pegg, a Department of Primary Industries forest pathologist. "Then we can inform people about the ways that they will be able to help because biosecurity is everyone's responsibility." Beyond just K'gari and other islands, invasive species create significant problems worldwide. Homeowners often find invasive species in their own backyards and have to commit additional time, money, and landscaping resources to eradicate them. However, taking action is essential because invasive plants and animals can destroy local ecosystems and hinder climate resilience on our steadily overheating planet. Reintroducing native plants into nature and rewilding your yard can help control invasive species and prevent the destruction they can cause. Should we be actively working to kill invasive species? Absolutely It depends on the species I don't know No — leave nature alone Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Meanwhile, expert sniffers like Alice and other specially trained dogs aid researchers in identifying sources and educating the public. The researchers are urging all K'gari visitors to wash their cars before visiting the island to prevent the spread of diseases and pests. Using their excellent sense of smell, the dogs are helping to detect pathogens in small bits of mud and sand that remain after washing. Pegg said, "Globally, the threat of invasive pests and diseases is increasing — part of this work that we're doing now is to detect, report, and manage some of these threats." Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
