Dr. John Galgiani (right) is director of the Valley Fever Center for Excellence. Photo by Ellen Sussman / Special to the Green Valley News Nov 18, 2009
People more likely to get seriously ill from the fungal disease are African-Americans and Filipinos, pregnant women, those with HIV, AIDS, cancer, diabetes and those who have had organ or bone marrow transplants. Those who work in construction or agriculture are at most risk due to their exposure to soil and dust. (Green Valley News & Sun, AZ)
Valley fever possible in teenagers death Nov 8, 2009
Valley fever is a fungal disease endemic to much of the Southwest. Infection often comes when the soil is disrupted. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Over 17,000 species threatened by extinction Nov 5, 2009
A dam upstream of Kihansi Falls has dried up the gorge where it lived, and an aggressive fungal disease known as chytridiomycosis appears to have pushed the toad population over the edge, the group said. The same fate could soon befall the unusually large Rabb's fringe-limbed tree frog, which glides through the forest using its big webbed feet to steer safely to the ground. (MSNBC -- Environment)
Greenspace: Household products can fix outdoor pest problems Nov 3, 2009
Baking soda can be used to ward off black spot, a fungal disease that hits roses in the spring. Use a recipe of 1 tablespoon baking soda and 1 tablespoon dishwashing soap to one gallon of water. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
Rot-resistant Wheat Could Save Farmers Millions Oct 30, 2009
Dr Chunji Liu and his CSIRO Plant Industry team in Brisbane are using sophisticated screening methods to scan over 2400 wheat lines and 1000 barley lines from around the world to find the ones resistant the fungal disease. "The wheat and barley lines showing resistance to Crown Rot are now being used in pre-breeding programs to incorporate the resistance into adapted varieties for delivery to the wheat breeding companies," Dr Liu says. (Science Daily)
Frog die-off mystery solved Oct 27, 2009
While other trends are contributing to frogs' extinction, including habitat loss, newly introduced predators and water pollution, "the thing that is really imperiling them is this strange fungal disease," Rosenblum says. Researchers have begun working to identify possibly protective bacteria that might keep the fungus from taking hold on frogs' skin. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Fungus pushing frogs towards extinction Oct 23, 2009
While other trends contribute to frogs' extinction, including habitat loss, new predators and water pollution, "the thing that is really imperiling them is this strange fungal disease," Rosenblum says. "We know of many hundreds of species that are infected, but my guess is that the actual number is far higher.". (USA Today -- Tech)
Secrets of frog killer laid bare Oct 23, 2009
Scientists have unravelled the mechanism by which the fungal disease chytridiomycosis kills its victims. The fungus is steadily spreading through populations of frogs and other amphibians worldwide, and has sent some species extinct in just a few years. (BBC News -- Science)
Rare Frog Species Bear the Brunt of Chytrid, a Deadly Fungal Disease Oct 14, 2009
FUNGAL FILTER: The red-eyed tree frog has so far been spared from extinction, unlike the many species of amphibians in Central America that have been wiped out by the fungal disease, chytrid. CREDIT: SANDRA P. GALEANO. (Scientific American)
Facebook draws a growing crop of farmers Oct 13, 2009
To reach more farmers, Fidelibus has posted Twitter updates on how to deal with a recurring problem of powdery mildew, a fungal disease common among vineyards. And while Fidelibus has become a regular on Twitter, his raisin farmer clients haven't quite caught up. (Fresno Bee)
Yes, we have bananas! Oct 12, 2009
If successful GM technology will be extended to provide resistance to further pests and diseases such as bacterial wilt, weevils and Black Sigatoka (a fungal disease). In the future, other crops could be improved to benefit African nations that support this approach. (EurekAlert! -- Business News)
Estimate: Emerald ash borer in area within 5-to-10 years Oct 8, 2009
Then the elm bark beetle brought with it the fungal disease Dutch elm disease and, starved of nutrients, the trees died and were taken down. Most often planted in their place were ash trees. (Mt. Lake Observer/Advocate, MN)
Frog Fungus Hammering Biodiversity Sep 23, 2009
Under pressure from a fungal disease, the frogs in this biodiversity hot spot are undergoing "a vast homogenization" that is leaving behind impoverished communities that increasingly resemble one another. "We're witnessing the McDonaldization of the frog communities," says Kevin G. Smith, Ph. (Science Daily)
PERSISTENT RAIN DAMPENING HOPES FOR COTTON GROWERS Sep 19, 2009
Those plants are vulnerable to boll rot, a fungal disease that causes the boll to rot before it opens. Mary Hightower is with the Cooperative Extension Service, a part of the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. (Pine Bluff Commercial, AR)
Warning over loss of UK gardens Sep 9, 2009
In the 1970s more than 20m elm trees succumbed to the fungal disease in the UK, a loss that dramatically changed the face of the countryside. The foundation admits their project is an experiment and it will be decades before they know if the saplings are resistant to the disease. (BBC News -- UK)
Farmers facing blight woes Sep 7, 2009
Farmers in the area sometimes see a highly-contagious, airborne, fungal disease in the late summer after most crops have been harvested. This year, the disease made an appearance in June before crops had developed, which made it especially devastating to farmers. (Utica NY Obserer, NY)
Crop sprayers fight potato blight Sep 5, 2009
He had just learned that the fungal disease possibly had been found in two more fields not far from where it was found two weeks ago in eight fields near Inkster. One field in South Dakota, on the North Dakota border, also was infected, he said. (Minnesota Farm Guide, MN)
Letter: Protect the bats Sep 2, 2009
Yet bats are on the way to becoming extinct, due to a fungal disease that has already killed 1. 5 million bats in the U.S. White-nose syndrome (WNS) produces a fuzzy, white ring around the nose of hibernating bats, and the fungus causes disorientation and death by starvation. (Cambridge Chronicle, MA)
Launch for amphibian 'life raft' Aug 27, 2009
A two-day summit held last week in London identified the two main threats as destruction of habitat and the fungal disease chytridiomycosis. "The world's amphibians are facing an uphill battle for survival," said James Collins, co-chair of the Amphibian Specialist Group (ASG) co-ordinated by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). (BBC News -- Science)
Fungus-resistant gene found in rice Aug 21, 2009
HONG KONG: Researchers in Japan have identified a gene that allows rice plants to fight off a fungal disease called blast, which may open the way for farmers to cultivate hardier plants ... Researchers have identified a gene that allows rice plants to fight off a fungal disease called blast, which may open the way for farmers to cultivate hardier plants. (India Times, India -- Health/Science)
U.S. sunflowers could get help from Australia (2) Aug 16, 2009
ARS plant pathologist Tom Gulya and botanist Gerald Seiler traveled to Australia in early 2007 in hopes of identifying new genes that could be incorporated into American sunflower hybrids for improved resistance to fungal diseases including downy mildew, rust and Sclerotinia stalk rot ... In the fall of 2007, they began greenhouse trials to evaluate the plants' fungal disease resistance, as well as to analyze their seed oil content and fatty acid composition. (Sioux Falls Tri-State Neighbor, SD)
Summer producing mixed harvest Aug 16, 2009
Septoria leaf spot, a fast-spreading fungal disease of the foliage and stems that causes rapid defoliation, has devastated most of the tomatoes at the community garden in Carlisle, according to Ann Dailey, a Penn State master gardener and garden organizer. The moisture did cut down on watering at the half-acre plot of land off Ritner Highway, Dailey noted, but it also caused some rot and heavy weed problems on many of the individual plots. (Carlisle Sentinel, PA)
Home, yard and garden: Shrub quick to drop its buds Aug 13, 2009
There is a fungal disease called Botrytis that infects flower buds and causes them to turn brown and drop, often before or just after they open. Thrips are an insect pest that feed on flower buds and can cause the buds to drop. (Vincennes Sun Commercial, IN)
Grow Organic Celery the Home Vegeta... Aug 11, 2009
Drip irrigation is desirable to provide constant moisture without spreading fungal disease spores. Pull weeds that host viral diseases like celery mosaic. (Suite101.com)
Its never a good time for late blight Aug 7, 2009
Hundreds of New England farmers and gardeners are battling the fungal disease that is notorious for infecting tomatoes and potatoes. Other Acton and Boxborough farmers and gardeners are taking numerous precautions against the contaminant. (Acton Beacon, MA)
Soybean varietal trials results (2) Aug 2, 2009
Brown stem rot (BSR) is a fungal disease that can cause yield losses in certain situations. The disease occurs most frequently when soybeans follow soybeans but can occur where soybeans are planted every other year. (Minnesota Farm Guide, MN)
Calling all bats! Aug 1, 2009
The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) is asking residents throughout the state to report bat colonies found in houses and other buildings as part of an effort to help biologists study white-nose syndrome (WNS), a recently discovered fungal disease that has caused hundreds of thousands of bat deaths in Northeastern and Atlantic states. Some species of bats use buildings as their summer roosts, and MassWildlife is asking residents who find colonies of ten or more bats... (Saugus Advertiser, MA)
Green Thumbs: Cultivating the showy phlox Jul 31, 2009
A weekly application of a baking soda spray (1 T/gal of water) will often minimize the appearance of this unsightly fungal disease or applications of fungicides can be effective if applied early and regularly at the very first sign of mildew. Phlox are heavy feeders and a yearly application of fertilizer is recommended to promote stronger plants. (Hanover Mariner, MA)
Yellow-and-black spider is a friend, not foe, in garden Jul 27, 2009
No fungal disease or virus has afflicted these hostas, and it would take a slug the size of a cat to cause this kind of damage. The culprit. (Waterloo Courier, IO)
Chronicle Garden: Teas help soil Jul 13, 2009
Compost tea: Best as a direct soil amendment to combat fungal disease, and can also be used as a foliar spray. Apply to the leaves at two-week intervals, or directly to the soil twice a year. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Corn growers will likely have mixed results with fungicides (2) Jul 12, 2009
Foliar fungicides have been shown to increase corn yield when fungal diseases are a concern ... Studies by the University of Minnesota are not conclusive on whether or not fungicides increase corn yield when conditions do not favor the development of fungal diseases or when fungal diseases are not present ... A number of fungal diseases can affect corn. (Minnesota Farm Guide, MN)
Potato famine disease striking home gardens in U.S. Jul 11, 2009
She said the fungal disease, spread by spores carried in the air, has made its way into the garden centers of large retail chains in the Northeastern United States. "Wal-mart, Home Depot, Sears, Kmart and Lowe's are some of the stores the plants have been seen in," McGrath said in a telephone interview. (Yahoo News -- Technology)
Organic Disease Control of Strawber... Jun 29, 2009
Common leaf spot is a fungal disease encouraged by moist conditions and warm temperatures. Affected plants have grey or white speckles across the leaves, and fruit can be afflicted with leathery dark spots. (Suite101.com)
Master Gardener Jun 27, 2009
The rounded shape and blister-like deformation distinguish this disease from anthracnose, another fungal disease of maple that produces large, irregularly shaped brown leaf spots in the springtime. Both leaf blister and anthracnose can occur on the same tree, and even on the same leaf. (Sioux City Journal, IO)
Green Thumbs: Coping with the consequences of perpetual dampness Jun 27, 2009
While many lawns are thriving with our consistent moisture and cool conditions, fungal diseases may plague some turf ... Aeration of compacted or heavy soils, regular thatch removal, and routine fertilization will help to prevent this condition in future seasons although over-fertilization can actually promote some fungal diseases ... As the name suggests, powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes infected plants to appear as if as if a white powder has been sprinkled on the surface of the... (Hanover Mariner, MA)
Organic Pest and Disease Control fo... May 26, 2009
The fungal disease may appear first as brown patches on lower leaves, as the fungal spores can spread when water splashes soil onto leaves. Prevent the spread of disease by using under the tomato plants. (Suite101.com)
Aspergillosis Apr 30, 2009
We regularly inhale the spores of aspergillus species, yet fungal disease is uncommon. Aspergillus-related diseases are associated with a spectrum of disorders. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Science: Lost forests recalled on Arbor Day Apr 28, 2009
A fungal disease called chestnut blight attacked the American chestnut. A sap-sucking relative of the aphid from East Asia known as the hemlock woolly adelgid helped drive hemlocks into decline. (MSNBC -- Environment)
Going Bananas For Sustainable Research: Scientists Create Fuel From African Crop Waste Apr 9, 2009
2, 1999) Black Sigatoka, a fungal disease with a voracious appetite for banana foliage, is spreading through banana production regions of the world. Most recently, the disease was reported in Florida. (Science Daily)
Need Wild Bees? Plastic Totes Make A Superb Bee 'Nursery' Apr 7, 2009
America's premier pollinator of that crop, the alfalfa leafcutting bee (Megachile rotundata), is vulnerable to a deadly fungal disease. . (Science Daily)
Amphibians may develop immunity to fatal fungus Apr 1, 2009
New evidence suggests that both acquired and innate immunity play a role in fighting off the fungal disease that is leading to dramatic declines in amphibian populations worldwide. Amphibian populations are declining worldwide, principally because of the spread of the fungal disease chytridiomycosis. (EurekAlert!)
* India look to wrap up series against Kiwis Mar 26, 2009
FUNGUS FEARS: Ground staff in Napier dismissed worries about an outbreak of fungal disease on the wicket block ahead of the second Test, which starts today AFP , NAPIER, NEW ZEALAND Thursday, Mar 26, 2009, Page 20 ... There were also some concerns about the pitch following an outbreak of fungal disease on the wicket block. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
Meet the Smallest Frog in the Andes Mar 19, 2009
But researchers worry that they, along with , could fall prey to the deadly Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, or Bb, which causes chytridiomycosis, a fungal disease that is threatening species from Australia to North America. to submit your comment. (Scientific American)
Fungus devastates 'chicken' frog Mar 18, 2009
Montserrat's "mountain chicken" frog has become the latest victim of the killer fungal disease that is devastating amphibians worldwide. UK researchers say that only two small pockets of the animals on the tiny Caribbean island remain disease-free. (BBC News)
Hawaii papaya production falls sharply in January, but prices up Mar 17, 2009
Hawai'i papaya production fell sharply in January as growers dealt with the impact of heavy rains and fungal disease on their crops. Papaya production totaled 2. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Down economy brings high yield for seed companies Mar 10, 2009
It helps pollinate the crops, he says, and it keeps the crops dry so fungal disease is almost nonexistent. Recently, a customer drove from Montana, and another from northern Idaho, to pick up potato seeds. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Gene To Reduce Wheat Yield Losses Mar 2, 2009
2, 2009) A new gene that provides resistance to a fungal disease responsible for millions of hectares of lost wheat yield has been discovered by scientists from the US and Israel. See also. (Science Daily)
Start seeds indoors for summer garden Feb 26, 2009
Too much moisture and not enough air movement can result in damping off, a fungal disease that causes the seedlings to collapse and die. Thin the seedlings if they are too crowded to help with the air circulation. (Racine Journal Times, WI)
Fungal disease found on NH bats Feb 23, 2009
Concord Monitor Online - AP Headlines. The news you need now. (Concord Monitor)
FDA Warns Users on Psoriasis Drug Feb 21, 2009
The black-box warning also notes the risk of serious infections -- such as viral meningitis, bacterial blood infections and invasive fungal disease -- that have led to hospitalizations or deaths in people taking Raptiva. Previously, those warnings were listed in an unboxed section on the drug's labeling. (MEDLINEplus)
FDA says psoriasis drug may be linked to 3 deaths Feb 20, 2009
In October 2008, the FDA required Genentech to include on Raptiva's patient information sheet a "black box" warning indicating that the drug carries the risk of a number of opportunistic infections, including bacterial sepsis, viral meningitis and invasive fungal disease. The "black box" warning is the agency's most visible means of communicating possible side effects to patients and their physicians. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Carob may have fungal disease Feb 18, 2009
Fungal diseases typically attack trees that are over watered or left to stand in water for periods of time. Virtual garden: The Arizona Community Tree Council has a number of free downloadable publications, including one on planting the right tree in the right place in Arizona. (AZCentral -- Home)
* China struggles to cope with severe drought Feb 9, 2009
The Agriculture Ministry said the drought is to blame for an outbreak of a fungal disease called stripe rust that attacks wheat. It said the disease can cut output by up to 40 percent. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
Why the environmental movement can't ignore the population issue Feb 7, 2009
In a cold winter mites and fungal disease further weaken the hive. More bees die. (BBC News -- Science)
