Department asking farmers to take extra precautions against potato blight

Officials with the Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods wish to advise farmers of two confirmed cases of potato blight in western Newfoundland and are asking all farmers in the province 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 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 application 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 mold.

Any producer finding evidence of potato blight should contact the crop specialist in their area or the Newfoundland Crop Insurance Agency. Further information on potato blight is available on the Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods� website www.gov.nl.ca//www.gov.nl.ca/agric/pubfact/fungicide.

Media contact: Gerry Wicks, Agricultural Inspector, (709) 729-6746; Michelle Spears, Crop Specialist, Western region (709) 686-2702 or 632-0084.

2003 09 04                                        12:05 p.m.