Thursday March 20, 2008

Newly discovered fungus threatens world wheat crop

slashdot.org -> un.org :

A dangerous new fungus with the ability to destroy entire wheat fields has been detected in Iran, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reported today [5 Mar 2008]. The wheat stem rust, whose spores are carried by wind across continents, was previously found in East Africa and Yemen and has moved to Iran. Up to 80% of all Asian and African wheat varieties are susceptible to the fungus.

The fungus is spreading rapidly and could seriously lower wheat production in countries at direct risk, said Shivaji Pandey, Director of FAO's Plant Production and Protection Division. He urged the control of the rust's spread to lower the risk to countries already impacted by high food prices. Called Ug99, the disease first surfaced in Uganda and subsequently spread to Kenya and Ethiopia, with both countries experiencing serious crop yield losses due to a serious rust epidemic last year. Iran has said that it will bolster its research capacity to tackle the new fungus and develop wheat varieties that are rust-resistant.

- Like high food prices weren't enough, now disease comes to the fore. With global inventory levels as low as they are, any disruption in the food supply chain could mean shortages and skyrocketing prices.

See also :

1. Wheat breaches $12 for first time after biggest gain since 2002
2. Bread and inflation

(2008-03-20 08:11:52 SGT) [Env] Permalink

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