by Matteo Cavallito<\/p>\n
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Researchers at the University of Maine believe they can use of lobster shells<\/strong> to naturally counter pathogens plaguing potato fields according to a press release<\/a>. The investigation, which is still ongoing, aims to offer a solution that can link “two cornerstones of Maine\u2019s food system and enhance the state\u2019s circular economy<\/strong>.”<\/p>\n Potatoes are the leading agricultural commodity in the northeastern U.S. state, with sales topping $215 million<\/strong> in 2021. But diseases have always posed a serious threat with most affected crops recording mortality rates as high as 50 percent. The researchers’ hypothesis is that different concentrations of cooked, dried and ground lobster shells can prevent potato disease<\/strong> in combination with several factors: soil microbial communities, overall crop yield and plant traits.<\/p>\n