A recent article published in the journal Nature, co-authored by Eva Stukenbrock and Sarah Gurr, highlights the far-reaching impact of fungal infections on the global supply chain. The authors underline the fact that fungi are highly efficient destroyers of crops, capable of producing a significant number of spores that can remain in soil for up to 40 years. Furthermore, some species can travel over vast distances, with one fungi capable of travelling between continents.
Fungal infections have significant implications for calorie crops, affecting all five of the world’s most important calorie crops, such as wheat, rice, maize, soya beans and potatoes. Professor Sarah Gurr from the University of Exeter, who co-authored the commentary, warns that the losses caused by fungi can prevent up to 4,000 million people around the world from accessing their daily calorie intake for an entire year, with the global population expected to reach 9.7 billion within the next 30 years.
Climate change exacerbates this problem, with fungi proliferating in hot climates, such as tropical regions. With the increasing temperature of the Earth, these fungi are moving towards the poles, and in some cases, entire species are mutating and adapting rapidly to monocultures.
Although fungicides can be effective in preventing fungal infections, widespread use of chemicals has led to the problem of fungicide resistance. The authors suggest early detection and reporting of infections, using fungicides, and incorporating resistance genes into crops as potential solutions.
The authors believe that more engagement in the problem and greater research investment from governments, philanthropic organizations, and private companies is required to address the growing threat of fungal crop diseases to human health.
