Some squash, pumpkin, and potato farmers in the Pioneer Valley are contending with a soil-based disease known as Phytophthora capsici, which has been likened to a plague for these crops. Harrison Bardwell of Bardwell Farm in Hatfield observed the disease's impact firsthand, noting the sudden decay of seemingly healthy pumpkins upon slight pressure. Bardwell highlighted the disease's rapid spread and its devastating effect on crop yields, emphasizing the difficulty in managing its proliferation.
Hadley farmer Joe Czajkowski raised concerns about Phytophthora capsici, linking it to historical agricultural crises and its potential to infect over 60 local crop species. Czajkowski pointed to climate change as a factor that could exacerbate the spread of the disease to other plant families. He attributed the recent local increase in the disease to flooding, underscoring the challenge of combating a mold that can render fields barren for extended periods without effective fungicides.
In response to the disease, farmers are exploring alternative agricultural practices and crops. Bardwell, for instance, reported a dramatic reduction in his farm's squash and pumpkin yield, prompting a shift towards crops less susceptible to the disease. Similarly, Al Rose of Red Apple Farm in Phillipston has adapted by transitioning to sunflower cultivation, leveraging the crop's resilience to Phytophthora capsici and its ecological benefits.
The state has responded to the agricultural challenges posed by flooding and Phytophthora capsici with financial support programs for affected farmers. However, Czajkowski advocates for more proactive research efforts to mitigate the disease's impact on American agriculture. Winton Pitcoff, deputy commissioner for the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, acknowledged the disease as a significant issue beyond Massachusetts, underscoring the need for comprehensive research and resources from national and global institutions.
Source: Daily Hampshire Gazette