Jul 29, 2009

Late Blight Spotted in Michigan

Potato late blight has been confirmed in three fields near Sturgis in southwest Michigan, according to Willie Kirk, plant pathologist with Michigan State University.

Growers in the state should be vigilant while scouting fields, paying particular attention to tracks made by irrigation pivots or other farm equipment, Kirk said.

Thunderstorms over the last few days has made conditions favorable for the spread of the disease. More rain is forecast for this weekend.

For more information on late blight, go to MSU’s potato disease Web site at www.potatodiseases.org/lateblight.html.