Late Blight Found In Oneida County Tomatoes and Potatoes – Ag Matters

Abby Seaman with the Department of Horticulture at Cornell Cooperative Extension reports that 'Late Blight' has been reported in Oneida County tomatoes and potatoes.  Read more to get the latest disease forecast and what to do if you see it on your plants.

Oneida county is not alone, several counties in New York have reported Late Blight within the last month, including Jefferson County which reported it within the last 7 days.  If you suspect you're experiencing the disease you should contact your county extension office so that they can confirm it.

Preventive sprays are recommended on a "5-7 day interval" unless you're operation is organic.  Fungicides available for organic use "are protectants and must be applied before infection, and reapplied regularly, to have a chance of successfully controlling late blight."

 All pathogen isolates identified in the Northeast have been US-23, which is susceptible to mefenoxam, a very effective fungicide against late blight (not allowed for organic production). Everyone growing potatoes or tomatoes should be scouting vigilantly for late blight.

 

You can get the latest updates and disease forecast on 'Late Blight' at Cornell's Integrated Pest Management website.

SOURCE: Cornell Cooperative Extension - Abby Seaman