Historical Impact
The effects of Phytophthora infestans in Ireland in 1845–57 were one of the factors which caused over one million to starve to death and forced another two million to emigrate from affected countries. Most commonly referenced is the Great Irish Famine, during the late 1840s.
One theory suggests that the origin of Phytophthora infestans can be traced to a valley in the highlands of central Mexico. This theory has been challenged by many authors and recent work suggests an Andean origin for the disease. The first recorded instances of the disease were in the United States, in Philadelphia and New York City in early 1843. Winds then spread the spores, and in 1845 it was found from Illinois to Nova Scotia, and from Virginia to Ontario. It crossed the Atlantic Ocean with a shipment of seed potatoes for Belgian farmers in 1845.
Read more about this topic: Phytophthora Infestans
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