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NLIS 2 August 19, 2004 (Natural Resources) West Coast farmers advised to protect against potato blight Officials with the agrifoods branch of the Department of Natural Resources are advising farmers in western Newfoundland to take immediate steps to protect potato crops from late blight. Potato late blight was recently detected on farms in the Bay St. George and Humber Valley areas. 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 underside of the leaves is the best time to observe the occurrence of any late blight mold. Agrifoods officials are recommending that farmers increase monitoring of their crops and apply fungicide where appropriate to prevent crop losses. Potato late blight is a commonly-occurring fungal disease that becomes more prominent during periods of moderate temperature combined with appropriate levels of moisture. Any farmers finding evidence of potato blight should contact a crop specialist with the agrifoods branch or the Newfoundland Crop Insurance Agency. Media contact:
2004 08 19 2:10 p.m. |
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