Basis for potato blight control becomes visible
Monday, June 15, 2009 - 08:21
in Biology & Nature
Potato blight, false mildew, sudden oak death and a disease in salmon are all caused by a group of miniscule, yet destructive, organisms called Oomycetes. Because of their changeability and huge numbers, they are able to overwhelm the defence mechanisms of both plants and animals. The use of chemicals is usually the only remedy but this is also undesirable. Will future research offer a sustainable means of combating these blights and preventing failed harvests? Francine Govers, professor at Wageningen University, can see sporadic openings left by the pathogens and they provide a strategic starting point for combating the infections.