“In the summer of 2013, late blight was confirmed in parts of Southern Alberta and spread eastward through that region,” says Robert Spencer, commercial horticulture specialist, Ag-Info Centre, Stettler. “In 2014, with the intent of returning to late blight-free status, increased awareness efforts were instituted in both the industry and the public. Everyone was encouraged to increase early and season long monitoring of fields, gardens and greenhouses in order to protect crops from late blight, as well as have a quicker response to any perceived infections.”
Late Blight of Potatoes and Tomatoes - Frequently Asked Questions by Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development
However, as the 2014 season starts to head towards the finish line, late blight has been confirmed in parts of Alberta. “Therefore, it’s recommended that all growers of potato or tomato (commercial or home garden) take specific steps to prevent the carryover of disease into future years, as a number of valuable crop industries in Alberta could be impacted by repeated outbreaks.”In the late parts of the growing season, growers should ensure plants die down quickly by using top-killing treatments such as chemical desiccant (diquat) or mechanical treatments.
