Rain and Irrigation Can Make Crops Temporary Bacteria Farms

In this conversation, Christopher Intagliata, a researcher focused on agricultural science, dives into the role of irrigation in fostering bacteria growth in crops. He highlights the concerning correlation between rainfall and increased bacteria levels, especially after incidents like the 2011 listeria outbreak that impacted cantaloupe sales. Intagliata suggests that farmers might benefit from timing their harvests to coincide with drier conditions to minimize contamination risks, offering valuable insights into food safety practices.