Threats of Tar Spot Complex disease of maize in the United States of America and its global consequences

• DOI: 10.1007/s11027-018-9812-1
• Publication Date: 2018-05-04T00:55:21Z
• Authors: Khondoker Abdul M...; Alexander Loladze; Kai Sonder; Gideon Kruseman; Felix San Vicente
• Keywords: 0106 biological sciences; 2. Zero hunger; 1. No poverty; 01 natural sciences

The emergence and spread of new crop diseases threatens the global food security situation. Phyllachora maydis, one three fungal pathogens involved in Tar Spot Complex (TSC) maize, a disease native to Latin American countries, was detected for first time United States America (USA) 2015. Although TSC has been previously reported cause up 50% yield losses maize America, impact P. maydis alone on is not known yet. However, there possibility that Monographella second most important pathogen TSC, would be introduced USA become associated with both could form devastating complex country. objective this study identify TSC-vulnerable maize-producing regions across by applying climate homologue modeling procedure. quantify potential economic industry USA. This showed even 1% loss production caused potentially lead reduction 1.5 million metric tons grain worth US$231.6 million. Such will affect only maize-related industries but also number low-income countries are heavily dependent US imports. This, turn, may increased poverty starvation and, some cases, social unrest due prices maize-based staple foods. intended raise public awareness regarding outbreaks develop strategies action plans such scenarios.