- A powdery mildew caused by Erysiphe vaccinii is threatening blueberry crops worldwide, endangering yields, farmer livelihoods and food security.
- The fungus, originating in the eastern U.S., has spread to major blueberry-producing regions like China, Mexico, Morocco, Peru and Portugal through the global trade of plant material.
- The disease reduces yields, increases fungicide use and causes annual losses of between $47 to $530 million, raising concerns about costs and environmental harm.
- The crisis underscores the need for stricter biosecurity measures, sustainable practices and international cooperation to combat similar diseases affecting other crops and safeguard global food systems.
Scientists have issued a stark warning: Blueberries could face extinction due to a rapidly spreading fungal disease.
The culprit, a powdery mildew caused by the fungus Erysiphe vaccinii, has been wreaking havoc on blueberry crops worldwide, threatening both yields and the livelihoods of farmers. This mildew has been spreading worldwide for at least the past 12 years.
The disease manifests as a white, powdery coating on blueberry plants, sapping their nutrients and stunting their growth. This not only reduces crop yields but also forces farmers to rely heavily on fungicides, driving up costs and raising concerns about environmental and health impacts.
The fungus has already infiltrated major blueberry-producing regions, including China, the world’s largest producer, as well as Mexico, California, Morocco, Peru and Portugal. (Related: The mighty BLUEBERRY, a superfruit with anticancer properties.)
Researchers at North Carolina State University have traced the origins of this global outbreak to the eastern United States. The fungus has since spread through two distinct strains, each finding its way to different continents. […]
— Read More: www.naturalnews.com
At Last, a Company With Integrity in the Gold IRA Industry
For several years, I’ve been vetting out precious metals companies in search of the best. I believe in gold and silver but it’s hard to find integrity in the Gold IRA industry. The vast majority operate with shady tactics and gigantic spreads that take advantage of Americans who simply want to protect their life’s savings.
I’ve found a handful that I like and I’ve worked with some of them. By no means would I “unrecommend” them because, again, I vetted them out and found them to be above the fold. Unfortunately, it isn’t hard to be better than the rest when the rest are so darn awful.
After years of searching, I finally found a company that truly operates with integrity. Augusta Precious Metals has three important attributes that set them far above the competition:
- Non-Commissioned Sales Team: I cannot stress how important and unique this is. With just about every other company in the Gold IRA industry, the sales teams make commission from every account they open. This means they steer their clients toward the gold and silver products with the highest commission. With Augusta Precious Metals, the team is solely focused on putting the best gold and silver for their clients into their IRA. They get paid to serve the best interests of the Gold IRA client, NOT their own commission pay.
- Incredibly Low Fees: Most Americans would be shocked if they knew the spread other Gold IRA companies charge. Augusta charges just 5% versus up to 45% elsewhere.
- No Pressure, No Gimmicks: There’s an understanding among most in the Gold IRA industry that fear and pressure is the way to go. Augusta Precious Metals takes a sober approach when working with clients because they hold integrity in the highest possible regard. This is why they don’t offer gimmicks like “free” or “bonus” silver. It’s also why they do not apply pressure tactics to get quick sales. Their educational and transparent approach to doing business is exceedingly rare in the Gold IRA industry.
