There really is...
Editor's note: "See interesting footnote below from the Organic Food Council of MB. l.p.
Late Blight Update
There have been three additional confirmed cases of late blight in commercial conventional potato fields in the province this week. One case is in the central region, one in the western region and one is near Winnipeg. The Disease Severity Values (DSVs) for late blight risk have gone over the threshold values in many parts of the province, which increases the risk of infection. With widespread rains and very moist conditions, areas with low DSVs could also have localized high-risk spots (such as low spots, areas near tree lines, etc).
With the high moisture in fields in many parts of Manitoba, the risk of late blight is high. To help prevent late blight, organic potato and tomato producers in high-risk areas must follow a five-day spray schedule using approved copper products, making sure to always follow label directions. If the disease is found in an organic potato or tomato field, there is no cure and it is recommended that the plants be destroyed as soon as possible. Available options are flaming and/or disking to bury infected plants. Constant monitoring of susceptible crops in both commercial and home garden situations is essential to keep on top of late blight.
