(Oneida County, NY – July 11, 2013) Late blight is a highly contagious air borne disease that caused the Great Potato Famine in the 1800\u2019s and wiped out much of 2009\u2019s tomato crop.\u00a0 The cool, damp weather that we had that year, provided the perfect environment for the disease to take hold and spread quickly.<\/p>\n
Our weather has not been much better this year so it is no surprise that late blight has been found in Oneida County.\u00a0 Late blight does not survive in the soil.\u00a0 It can however, overwinter on diseased potatoes that may have been left in the ground or fresh spores can stick to clothing, hands, or tools.<\/p>\n
\u00a0Large quarter size spots may appear on the leaves or the stems of both tomato and potato.\u00a0 Infected plants may look fine one day and be dead three days later.\u00a0 Once the disease takes hold there is no cure.\u00a0 Below is a partial list of some fungicides that contain the chemical CHLOROTHALONIL. Follow the manufacturer\u2019s suggestions for rates and frequency. Unfortunately organic products containing copper have not proven to be highly effective against Late Blight.<\/p>\n
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If you do have Late Blight immediate attention is required.\u00a0 To prevent the spread of the disease all parts of the plant, including fruit should be bagged and sent to the landfill.\u00a0 Do not compost and do not burn.\u00a0 That would release the spores into the air causing greater contamination (spores can travel several miles via the wind).<\/p>\n
If you suspect Late Blight do not take infected plant parts to local nurseries as this may contaminate their crops.\u00a0 Instead visit this website:\u00a0 www.usablight <\/a>\u00a0and view the video.\u00a0 If you still believe you have late blight, create an account and the then report your occurrence.\u00a0 Once you have submitted your on line photos you will receive a submission number which should be placed on a live sample and sent to Bill Fry, Cornell University 334 Plant Science Bldg Ithaca, NY 14853 E-mail: wef1@cornell.edu Office Phone: 607-255-7863 Lab Phone: 607-255-3188<\/p>\n Some Tomato varieties are reportedly resistant to Late Blight.\u00a0 These include:\u00a0 Mountain Magic, Plum Regal, Legend and Iron Lady.<\/p>\n