July is peak season for strawberry-picking in Quebec, but many of the province's 700 berry farmers are seeing their crops devastated by viruses that are inhibiting growth.

"It's a disaster," says farmer Louis Marineau, who lost three fields of strawberries. "Half of our crops are gone. Fortunately, we have raspberries and blueberries too, or we would be out of business."

The fruits are still safe to eat because the virus only stunts growth

Many producers believe the virus originated from infected seedlings purchased at local nurseries. Plant scientist Nicholas Taylor thinks more factors may be at play, including growing conditions following a longer-than-normal winter season.

"The virus spreads around from aphids, which can thrive given the right seasonal conditions,” Taylor told CTV News. “This year was unique in the sense it was a verycold winter followed by a lot of snow."

The extra moisture, Taylor says, became a perfect breeding ground for diseases.

The presence of the virus has highlighted the need for new genetics and new strains of plants.

"Pathogens and viruses change over time. So plants that were previously resistant will gradually lose the battle to the virus or bugs over time," said Taylor.

Unfortunately for Marineau, he doesn't have insurance for his decimated plants, and will have to start fresh.

Source - http://www.ctvnews.ca/