A new, aggressive strain of late blight (Phytophthora infestans), the fungus
that caused the Irish potato famine in the 1840s, is devastating potatoes and
tomatoes throughout the US and eastern Canada, warn scientists in the US.
William Fry at Cornell University in New York State and Stephen Goodwin at
Purdue University in Indiana say the strain, called US-8, is resistant to
metalaxyl, the fungicide most commonly used to treat late blight. In Plant
Disease (vol 81, p 1349), they claim that US-8 is now so dominant and widespread
that controlling it will be “very difficult”.
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles
1
PCOS postpones perimenopause and allows pregnancies at older ages
2
Man destined for Alzheimer's may have been saved by accidental therapy
3
Red-light therapy does have health benefits but not the ones you think
4
Woman in cancer remission without treatment in highly unusual case
5
A lost ancient script reveals how writing as we know it really began
6
Hantavirus outbreak will not cause a covid-style pandemic, says WHO
7
Where has the deadly hantavirus come from and how does it spread?
8
Quantum computers simulated their biggest molecule yet – with help
9
Neanderthal 'kneeprint' found next to mysterious stalagmite circle
10
Chronic inflammation messes with your mind. Here's how to calm it
