By MICHELE F. MIHALJEVICH
Indiana Correspondent

MELBA, Idaho — A microscopic pathogen could be causing diseases in plants and infertility and abortions in livestock, a retired Purdue University professor said last week.

The unnamed pathogen came to the attention of Don M. Huber as he was researching increases of some diseases in plants. The organism, apparently new to science, has been found in soybeans infected with Sudden Death Syndrome and in corn with Goss’ wilt, Huber explained.

It has also been found in livestock suffering from infertility or that have suffered spontaneous abortions, he added. In the past few years, infertility rates of more than 20 percent have been reported in dairy heifers, while rates of spontaneous abortions in cattle have been reported as high as 45 percent, Huber noted.

The pathogen has been found in high concentrations in Roundup Ready corn and soybeans, Huber said, adding he’s urging further research on Roundup and glyphosate.

“I’d definitely encourage more judicious use of both products,” Huber explained. “Agriculture is a very robust system but when you hammer on one system for years, it could break.”

In January, Huber wrote to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack to alert the agency to his concerns about the pathogen. In the letter, Huber requested the USDA participate in a multi-agency investigation of the new pathogen. He also requested an immediate moratorium on the deregulation of Roundup Ready crops.

“I believe the threat we are facing from this pathogen is unique and of a high risk status,” he wrote. “In layman’s terms, it should be treated as an emergency.”

Huber said his letter was intended only for Vilsack and the USDA, but once someone posted it on the Internet, it has “created a little bit of a stir.” Huber, now a professor emeritus, retired from Purdue in October 2006.

While some scientists have questioned Huber’s statements, he said the data will be presented for peer review once DNA sequencing is done.

“That’s being done now. Right now, (the pathogen) doesn’t even have a name,” he stated. “We felt as if we needed to complete the sequencing first. But as soon as it’s done, the data will be presented, and it will hold up under any public scrutiny.”

Monsanto, which makes Roundup, said in a statement it’s unaware of any reliable studies that show Roundup Ready crops are more susceptible to certain diseases or that the application of glyphosate to Roundup Ready crops increases a plant’s susceptibility to diseases.

“Independent field studies and lab tests by multiple U.S. universities and by
Monsanto prior to, and in response to, these allegations do not corroborate his claims,” the statement said. “The allegation that some mysterious pathogen is damaging U.S. corn and soybean production is contrary to extensive data documenting improved yield and economic performance for GM (genetically modified) crops.

“GM crops have undergone a rigorous safety assessment following internationally accepted guidelines, and no verifiable cases of harm to human or animal health have occurred. Dr. Huber’s claims are in conflict with the weight of scientific evidence supporting the safety and beneficial impacts of GM crops.”

A team of Purdue researchers, while not mentioning Huber by name, took issue with some of his claims in a recent article.

“We encourage crop producers, agribusiness personnel and the general public to speak with university extension personnel before making changes in crop production practices that are based on sensationalist claims instead of facts,” the article said.

Claims that glyphosate has had a widespread effect on plant health are unsubstantiated, and that plant disease has skyrocketed due to glyphosate are unfounded, the article stated.

In an article for The Ohio State University, William Shulaw, professor in the university’s College of Veterinary Medicine and an extension veterinarian for beef, cattle and sheep, urged producers not to rush to change their programs.

“Until such time as the claims of a new pathogen and increased levels of animal disease associated with it or glyphosate use, such as described in these recent Internet postings, have been subjected to scientific review, farmers and livestock owners should be very cautious about attaching credibility to them,” he explained.

“Good record-keeping, preventive health measures and timely diagnostic procedures and laboratory submissions are the foundation of maintaining animal health.”