Late Blight Disease

Late Blight

Late BlightYes, it is possible to control late blight on tomatoes and potatoes without using toxic sprays. Here’s how:

Symptoms

Found on tomato and potato plants, late blight is caused by the fungus Phytophthora infestans and is common throughout the United States. True to its name, the disease occurs later in the growing season with symptoms often not appearing until after blossom.

Late blight first appears on the lower, older leaves as water-soaked, gray-green spots. As the disease matures, these spots darken and a white fungal growth forms on the undersides. Eventually the entire plant will become infected. Crops can be severely damaged.

Unlike other fungal diseases, late blight does not overwinter in the soil or on garden trash. Instead the spores are introduced by infected tubers, transplants or seeds. Wind will also carry the disease from nearby gardens. Warm temperatures (70-80˚F) and wet, humid conditions promote its rapid spread.

Note: Late blight was responsible for the Irish potato famine (1845-1849).

Treatment

  • Plant resistant cultivars when available.
  • Remove volunteers from the garden prior to planting and space plants far enough apart to allow for plenty of air circulation.
  • Water in the early morning hours or use soaker hoses to give plants time to dry out during the day — avoid overhead irrigation.
  • Destroy all tomato and potato debris after harvest (see Fall Garden Cleanup).

If disease symptoms are observed, treat plants with one of the following approved organic fungicides:

  • Apply a copper based fungicide every 7 days or less, following heavy rain or when the amount of disease is increasing rapidly.
  • Used as a soil drench or foliar spray, Organocide Plant Doctor will work its way through the entire plant to prevent fungal problems from occurring and attack existing problems.
  • Safely treat fungal and bacterial diseases with SERENADE Garden. This broad spectrum bio-fungicide uses a patented strain of Bacillus subtilis that is registered for organic use. Best of all, SERENADE is completely non-toxic to honey bees and beneficial insects.
  • Monterey All Natural Disease Control is a ready-to-use blend of naturally occurring ingredients that control plant foliar diseases. All stages of the disease is controlled, but applying before infestation gives the best results.

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Photo Credit: Meg McGrath, Cornell University