Posted: 05.10.2010

Wisconsin got reacquainted with late blight in its potato and tomato crops last year - and growers are working to avoid that relationship again this year.

Late blight was a factor in the Irish potato famine in the 1850’s. At that time, millions of people in Ireland starved or were forced to emigrate. Entire potato crops rotted in the field or in storage because of late blight infection.

In 2009, a cool growing season helped the organism resurface, and because it remains in the soil - it could be back again this year if measures aren't taken.

University Extension specialists are reminding gardeners to do keep these points in mind.

1)  Don't plant tomato or potato plants back into the same ground you grew them on last year.  Rotate fields around to break up the disease cycle.

2)  When you're selecting varieties - look for resistant varieties.

3)  Keep your eyes open to early infection on leaves, or ultimately on fruit tissue too - and if blemishes appear - bag and dispose of the plant material right away.

University Extension specialists also say its key that anyone who notices late blight this year to contact their local extension office right away.

« back to news articles