All kinds of microorganisms live on vegetables and grains. They are found on growing crops and on produce in your home.
Micro-enemies
Unfortunately, there are many insects, bacteria, fungi, and viruses that destroy grain and vegetable crops. Insects too small to see can eat their way through a whole field of vegetables. More than 5,000 types of fungi attack food crops with diseases such as rust, smut, blight, and mildew.
Helping crops grow
Other bacteria, microfungi, and microanimals have useful roles to play when crops are growing. These microorganisms keep soil healthy and prey on pests. The bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis protects crops because it makes a substance that harms pests. Farmers and gardeners can spray the bacteria on plants without any harm to people, animals, plants, or the environment.
Phytophthora infestans is a fungus that attacks potatoes and gives them blight. Infected potatoes that seem healthy when they are growing may rot later after you bring them home from the store.
