We have a new preprint: “Genomic surveillance and molecular evolution of fungicide resistance in European populations of wheat powdery mildew”. Many thanks to all coauthors! Nikos @jigi_sha Luca @L_E_Kunz @MarionCMuller @S_Torriani https://t.co/AMYDaA3hC1

Overall, we highlight the potential of genomic surveillance in resolving the evolutionary and epidemiological dynamics of agricultural pathogens, as well as in guiding control strategies. 8/8

Multiple AvrPm17haplotypes, which can partially escape recognition by Pm17, spread rapidly throughout the continent upon its introduction in the early 2000s. We also identified a new virulent variant, which emerged more recently and can evade Pm17 resistance altogether. 7/8

We reconstructed the evolutionary history of one of these loci, AvrPm17, coding for an effector recognized by the wheat receptor Pm17. We found evidence for a soft sweep on standing genetic variation. 6/8

We identified several loci that were under selection in the recent past, including fungicide targets and avirulence genes. Some of these loci are common between populations, while others are not, suggesting different local selective pressures. 5/8

Conversely, the south of Europe hosts smaller local populations which are less interconnected. In addition, we show that the population structure can be largely predicted by the prevalent wind patterns. 4/8

We sampled Bgt for two consecutive years, 2022 and 2023, from 22 countries in Europe and surrounding regions, and compiled a genomic dataset of 415 Bgt isolates. We found one single epidemic unit in the north of Europe, consisting of a highly homogeneous population. 3/8

We investigated the population genomics and molecular epidemiology of wheat powdery mildew, a disease caused by the biotrophic fungus Blumeria graminis forma specialis tritici (Bgt). 2/8

Our latest preprint is online: “Population genomics and molecular epidemiology of wheat powdery mildew in Europe”. Thank to first author @jigi_sha and to the many collaborators that contributed to this study! 1/8 https://t.co/Iua9Ute6Pm

Patent on bedaquiline not extended in India https://t.co/d8MQaz5U9x

Hence, decreasing consumption by the rich is the most urgent thing to do. Nevertheless, non-coercive policies that decrease fertility rates can have positive environmental effect, at both global and local level, and should not be neglected. 9/9

Importantly, the impact of low fertility will only be felt in the second half of this century. We need to cut emissions drastically right now. Bradshaw and Brook 2014 https://t.co/36DqJxdkxT (@conservbytes) 8/9

Policies broadening access to reproductive health services (e.g., contraception and abortion) are desirable because of their impact on the health and lives of women. The fact that they would also decrease fertility in the global South does not make them racist. 7/9

Moreover, about half of all pregnancies worldwide are not wanted, and sexual and reproductive health services are less accessible for women with low income (Bearack et al. 2020 https://t.co/Hab23aGiAh). 6/9

Resources use and emissions likely need to increase to improve life conditions in these countries. 5/9

In countries with high fertility and low CO2 emissions many basic needs such as nutrition, sanitation, access to energy etc. are not satisfied. Figure from Fanning et al. 2021 https://t.co/WBjbLICGep (@AndrewLFanning).4/9

However, we cannot say that population size is not relevant. For example @_HannahRitchie writes: “Population could increase by billions in these countries [with low CO2 emissions] and changes in global emissions would be small.” ... 3/9

“It’s the richest people who do the most damage.” Absolutely true. “..the bottom 50% of the world population emitted 12% of global emissions in 2019, whereas the top 10% emitted 48% of the total." Source: Chancel 2019 https://t.co/U6sab0FpVt (@lucas_chancel). 2/9

Many people refrain from engaging with the environmental impact of human population growth to avoid playing into xenophobic narratives. I think this is a mistake. A thread.. 1/9

Mastodon is a non-profit organization, its software is free and open-source, and its infrastructure is not owned by any single entity. At the moment it seems to be the best alternative to Twitter. Give it a try!