Read this article on the threat of the UG99 strain of the wheat rust fungus. Key point: 80% of the world’s wheat supply could be wiped out over the next decade, and it will take that long at least to develop resistant strains of wheat.
The outbreak is in Africa now, and moving into Asia, where tensions and populations are high, but fortunately the reliance on wheat is low (about 20% of food is based on wheat throughout Asia).
But this fungus could easily break out in the USA, where reliance on wheat is very high. This serves to highlight the importance of agricultural diversity, so that our food supply won’t be wiped out suddenly. It makes you think about the benefits of locally grown food as well. If this rust does make the jump to North America, I would sure want to be an expert at locally grown food and permaculture.
I am wondering if any of the funding going towards “battling” wheat rust is being spent on alternate grains such as spelt, or some other grains that might compensate for the deterioration of wheatcrops. Also, might there be a companion-planting redress to this situation?
I am growing a tiny wheatfield as a research project at Ottawa U, amidst what has become a construction site.
http:escapleot.wordpress.com
By: barbaracuerden on June 29, 2009
at 8:20 pm