Farmers asked to take extra precautions against blight

Officials with the Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods wish to advise farmers of two confirmed cases of potato blight in central Newfoundland and are asking all farmers to take extra precautions against the disease, such as conducting more extensive crop scouting.

Late blight is a fungal disease that attacks the potato plant usually during the hot, humid temperatures that some areas of Newfoundland and Labrador experience during the month of August. A potentially devastating disease, late blight can be controlled using the proper applications of late blight fungal sprays and good cultural practices. Early morning inspections of the stem and under side of the leaves is the best time to observe the occurrence of any late blight mould.

Any producer finding evidence of potato blight should contact the crop specialist servicing their area or the Newfoundland Crop Insurance Agency. Further information on late blight can be obtained by visiting the Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods� website at //www.gov.nl.ca/agric/pubfact/fungicide.htm

Media contact: Gerry Wicks, Agricultural Inspector, at (709) 729-6746 or Dave Jennings, Crop Specialist, (709) 686 -2702.

2002 08 12                12:20 p.m.