Newly Discovered Fungus Threatens World Wheat Crop 236
RickRussellTX writes "The UN reports that a variety of the rust fungus originally detected in Uganda in 1999 has already spread as far north as Iran, threatening wheat production across its range. The fungus infects wheat stems and affects 80% of wheat varieties, putting crops at risk and threatening the food sources for billions of people across central Asia. Although scientists believe they can develop resistant hybrids, the fungus is moving much faster than anticipated and resistant hybrids may still be years away. Meanwhile, national governments in the path of the fungus are telling folks that there is nothing to worry about."
Billions in Central Asia? (Score:1, Interesting)
Strangely the brits (Score:1, Interesting)
Triticale will probably kick it's butt (Score:2, Interesting)
Strains (Score:4, Interesting)
Nobody (Score:3, Interesting)
As for the over-medicated culture we live in, that's still about not caring. If people cared, they wouldn't avoid. If they didn't avoid, they wouldn't need over-medicating. Avoiding by apathy or by drugs is the same thing.
Re:panic merchants seek attention, news a 11 (Score:5, Interesting)
While I generally agree with your sentiment, I was surprised to read (in this article [newscientist.com]) that: So... rust fungus has been less of a problem in recent years, when we've been less diverse. Quite interesting.
(oh, and I now have a new favorite God - Robigus.)
Pellegrino /Dust/ (Score:2, Interesting)
http://www.sfsite.com/05b/dust33.htm for a pretty good review.
ISBN-10: 0380787423
ISBN-13: 978-0380787425
http://www.amazon.com/Dust-Charles-R-Pellegrino/dp/0380787423/
Amaranth (Score:5, Interesting)
Re:Nobody (Score:4, Interesting)
There is an immunity gene (Score:5, Interesting)
Re:Immunity is fiction. (Score:-1, Interesting)
Re:It's okay (Score:2, Interesting)
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What'd I say?
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I swear it's Springfield's only choice...
Throw up your hands and raise your voice!
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All: Monorail!
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All: Monorail!
Marge: But Main Street's still all cracked and broken...
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Monorail!
[big finish]
Monorail!
Homer: Mono... D'oh!