Final answer:
Scientific recommendations for managing late blight include enhancing crop genetic diversity, breeding for resistance, and the judicious use of pesticides. These strategies could lead to more resilient agriculture and lower the risk of widespread disease.
Step-by-step explanation:
The recommendations made by the scientific committee regarding late blight focused on understanding and mitigating the risks associated with Phytophthora infestans, the pathogen responsible for the disease. One key recommendation is enhancing genetic diversity in crop varieties, which could make them less susceptible to widespread diseases such as late blight. This recommendation emerges from historical lessons, such as the Irish potato famine, which was exacerbated by the genetic uniformity of the potato crops. Moreover, breeding and utilizing partially resistant varieties of potatoes and applying appropriate pesticides when necessary were also recommended as strategies to combat late blight. These resistant varieties can provide temporary relief but are not a permanent solution due to the pathogen's ability to evolve.
The merits of these recommendations lie in their potential to create a more resilient agricultural system. By diversifying the genetic makeup of crops, there is a reduced risk of pathogens causing massive crop failures. Additionally, the strategic use of pesticides and resistant varieties can help manage the disease while reducing the potential for the pathogen to adapt quickly.