Complexity Digest 2001.26 - 03
25-Jun-2001
Finding New Ways To Fight Plant Diseases, Science
Summary: Many plant pathogens and the insects that
often spread them are exploding worldwide as they overcome the
pesticides, agricultural practices, and biocontrols that once held
them in check. At the same time, some effective chemicals are
being banned because of environmental concerns. And efficient
global travel is spreading viral, bacterial, and fungal plant
pathogens into new areas, while global warming is allowing insect
vectors to expand their ranges. Researchers therefore must
continually search for better ways to protect plants against
infectious diseases, using everything from high-tech genomics and
genetic engineering to new agronomic practices aimed at disrupting
plant-pest interactions.