Did you know crops also catch a cold? 

As Europeans brace for the flu season, farmers across the continent are dealing with another version of seasonal sniffles. Amongst their patients are maize, grapes, potatoes and many more. September and October mark a critical period when some crop pathogens wake up from their summertime siesta. Examples include Clavibacter nebraskensis (Goss’s Wilt) in maize, Fusarium fungi contaminating cereals with mycotoxins, and Xylella fastidiosa creeping into Mediterranean orchards & olives. Unlike humans who can take medication and rest, farmers face a tougher prescription as unpredictable weather impacts the situation and makes decision making more complex.  

While flu shots protect people and the availability of medicines help ease cold and flu symptoms, farmers need effective and diverse crop protection tools, smart surveillance, and timely interventions to produce resilient crops, and ensure sufficient food supply.