This winter’s series of atmospheric rivers created pathogens that are attacking crops across California. “Because of climate change, there is more moisture in the atmosphere,” said Professor Emeritus Dr. Michael Hoffman from Cornell Institute for Climate Smart Solutions. Crops like some almond trees are now covered in gumming and are being attacked by the pathogen “phytophthora.”  … Scientists told CBS13 phytophthora is usually a soil-borne disease that attacks the roots of trees, but now the water mold is attacking the leaves, branches and fruit itself.