Scientists to study high-risk plant pathogen using small, unmanned aircraft

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This photo shows the case or sporangium that contains Phytophthora infestans spores. Credit: David Schmale
This photo shows the case or sporangium that contains Phytophthora infestans spores. Credit: David Schmale

A Virginia Tech plant pathologist known for his investigation of microbial life in the lower atmosphere is using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in a new, three-year study to detect, monitor, and forecast the spread of a fungus-like organism responsible for the Irish Potato Famine in the 1840s and 1850s. This famine resulted in the deaths of more than 1 million people in Ireland and caused at least 1.5 million more to flee the country.


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