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Late Blight Forecast

Date: Sep 08 2009  
Author: Tracy Shinners-Carnelley
Title: Potato Pest Specialist
Potato Late Blight Forecast:
Late last week another case of late blight was confirmed from the south region (as defined in this report below). Although the weather was warmer over the weekend, the disease severity values continued to accumulate at most locations. High relative humidity and dews provide sufficient moisture for the late blight fungus to cause infections. Green foliage and vines are susceptible to late blight as long as the weather conditions remain favorable, and therefore a fungicide program must be maintained.

As previously reported, the weather conditions have also been very conducive to grey mold (Botrytis) and white mold (Sclerotinia). The symptoms of these two diseases can be very easily confused with late blight, so it is important that an accurate diagnosis be obtained.