Vikram Bisht, plant pathologist, potato & horticultural crops, Manitoba Agriculture, Foods & Rural Initiatives says that new infections of late blight are being reported, a few kilometres from the confirmed case that was found last week in the RM of North Cypress. In a potato news update, Bisht said he is following up to confirm this new report.
Bisht said parts of fields at greater risk of late blight, including those close to tree lines, valleys, or otherwise wind-protected areas where the foliage tends to remain wet longer after rains, irrigation or overnight dew, should be scouted rigorously. Growers in the region are advised to tighten spray schedules and include translaminar–systemic fungicides along with contact protectant fungicides. In some cases it may be appropriate to apply fungicides by ground rigs in areas close to trees or under power lines.
