Fungal Desease potential problem in US! (Phytophthora)

[Russ]

Here is a fungal problem they are anticipating in the US. Looks like they should go organic because I am certain they are not. Here is the story

House Provides More Than $750,000 to Combat Agricultural Disease
Phytophthora is a Fungal-Like Pathogen that Lives in Soil, Causes Plants to Rot



Washington, Oct 31, 2005 - The agriculture appropriations bill passed by the House includes $758,000 for research on combating Phytophthora capsici, a fungal-like pathogen that lives in soil and causes plants to rot.

“Phytophthora is progressively devastating many local specialty crop operations, which are a significant component of West Michigan’s agriculture industry,” said U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Holland. “Once it becomes established, it can be nearly impossible to eliminate.”

Vegetables such as cucumbers, pumpkins, squash, watermelon, cantaloupe, tomatoes, zucchini, peppers, eggplants and lima beans are particularly susceptible. It is not native to the United States, but it has been steadily spreading rapidly in regions with wet and humid weather. Crop rotation is ineffective because Phytophthora can survive for 10 or more years in the soil.

“Phytophthora can wipe out entire growing seasons for years at a time,” said Kent Karnemaat, a Fremont area specialty crop farmer and president of the Michigan Vegetable Council. “It is an agricultural disease that impacts almost every aspect of our operations and one that specialty crop farmers battle year in and year out.”

The House on Friday passed the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2006 (H.R. 2744) by a vote of 318 to 63. Michigan State University will receive $500,000, and the University of Georgia will receive $258,000.

[Dchall_San_Antonio]

It does sound like someone could get in on some of that grant money with a little corn meal, garlic, milk, and baking soda.