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NLIS 5 August 27, 2004 (Natural Resources) Newfoundland and Labrador farmers advised to protect against potato blight Officials with the Agrifoods Branch of the Department of Natural Resources are advising farmers across Newfoundland and Labrador to take immediate steps to protect potato crops from late blight. Potato late blight was confirmed last week on farms in Bay St. George, Humber Valley and Green Bay on the province�s west coast. Late blight has been recently confirmed on farms located on the Avalon Peninsula. A potentially devastating disease, late blight can be controlled using the proper application of late blight fungal sprays and good agricultural 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. 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 which 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 27 2:20 p.m. |
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