DESICCATING POTATO crops where weather conditions make it impossible to maintain blight sprays could be the only way to prevent tuber blight infection, warns ADAS.

“Recent thunderstorms have washed soil away from the ridges increasing the exposure of tubers and the risk of tuber infection.

“The rain also flattened crops in some areas making it difficult to achieve good blight spray cover,” said Nick Bradshaw.

“The best option will be to burn off where crops have met their planned specification.”

He also warns farmers that blight is still a risk in areas which avoided the thunderstorms, due to high humidity.

Mr Bradshaw predicted new outbreaks this week (w/e Aug 27).

“It‘s impossible to say where outbreaks might occur because of localised weather patterns, but reports of ‘scattered infections throughout the crop‘ strongly suggests there are substantial sources of external inoculum in some areas,” he added.

Mr Bradshaw recommended tight spray intervals for maximum protection.

“Where intervals have been extended use curative fungicides and consider a tank mix of products.

“Following desiccation, blight sprays should be applied until all the haulm is completely dead.”

For daily updates, visit the British Potato Council (BPC) website on www.potato.org.uk