Author Topic: Blight already.... Advice needed please. (Read 4399 times)

gwynleg · « **on:** July 11, 2008, 16:25:11 »

Yep - its got my seconds and remaining earlies. I have taken off the haulms but how long can I keep the potatoes under ground - do they keep best there (slugs) or dug, dried in the sun (ahem), and put in bags like main crops? Or do I really need to fill the fridge with them?
Thanks

Tee Gee · « **Reply #1 on:** July 11, 2008, 17:18:54 »

Cut off the tops asap.

Leave the potatoes in the soil and pick as required.

Use earlies first and second earlies next.

OK a few slugs might get into them but this is a lot less of a problem than if the blight gets into them.

Sorry to here of your problem

tim · « **Reply #2 on:** July 11, 2008, 17:29:50 »

Our RDY succumbed overnight!

Sparkly · « **Reply #3 on:** July 11, 2008, 17:34:24 »

Oh dear! Haven't been down to the plot today, but am dreading checking the spuds tommorrow with the weather we have had!

tim · « **Reply #4 on:** July 11, 2008, 17:36:38 »

I am surprised that it has been warm enough.

Sparkly · « **Reply #5 on:** July 11, 2008, 17:43:15 »

It's been warm here... boo hoo

redimp · « **Reply #6 on:** July 11, 2008, 17:46:41 »

I haven't had a full smith period since the 7th June. Perhaps that's why we grow so many in Lincs!

gwynleg · « **Reply #7 on:** July 12, 2008, 22:46:00 »

But actually a neighbour has told me I am panicking too soon and it is just that they are dying back. What a relief. Sorry for the panic but I am still keeping a very close eye on them!!!!

manicscousers · « **Reply #8 on:** July 13, 2008, 08:24:47 »

we've had this, too..there's one bloke telling the new people they have blight, he's got them spraying with dithane, I've managed to calm them down, their plants are just dying back, they're now the proud owners of some lovely spuds.. ;D

mc55 · « **Reply #9 on:** July 19, 2008, 17:00:48 »

please look at my Vales Emeralds and tell me whether they have blight, or whether this is just part of the natural cycle. Only one plant is affected in this way so far. They are next to my main crop, which looks very green, strong and healthy (so far anyway)

I'm hoping its just sun scorch ... what do you think ?

redimp · « **Reply #10 on:** July 19, 2008, 17:47:04 »

I think it is the plant dying back because it's job is done. Dig them up and enjoy them for Sunday dinner.

MrsKP · « **Reply #11 on:** July 24, 2008, 06:14:14 »

We've had 6 Full Smith Periods so far this month and although they haven't updated for the last two days yet, i've a feeling you can add another couple on. It has been very warm and humid just lately and I've not been up to the plot since the weekend when I didn't get chance to spray.

I'm a little bit scared if the truth be known, but if I get out of work early enough, i'm up there tonight armed with my copper stuff and sprayer. Fingers crossed.

Robert_Brenchley · « **Reply #12 on:** July 24, 2008, 09:29:25 »

No Smith period here since 6-7 July. As long as it's only one a month or so I'm not too worried.

tim · « **Reply #13 on:** July 25, 2008, 08:36:38 »

If this is not blight............it's ugly enough to be! But it's not rampant. Two rows have got it & I've cut down the haulms just in case.

Two different varieties.

Susiebelle · « **Reply #14 on:** July 25, 2008, 08:44:21 »

Will some one plse put me out of my misery whats "Smith period"

growmore · « **Reply #15 on:** July 25, 2008, 09:42:47 »

Susiebelle, I think its a 24 hour period when temp and humidity are perfect for blight conditions .But I could be mistaken :)

ceres · « **Reply #16 on:** July 25, 2008, 09:49:11 »

"A full Smith Period has occurred when:
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At least two consecutive days where min temperature is 10ºC or above and on each day at least 11 hours when the relative humidity is greater than 90%. "

http://www.blightwatch.co.uk/content/bw-Smith.asp

twinkletoes · « **Reply #17 on:** July 25, 2008, 09:52:27 »

I thought blight manifested itself by making the stems go black/dark brown? Not just the foliage going yellowy. ???
twinkletoes

Sparkly · « **Reply #18 on:** July 25, 2008, 09:59:57 »

I think we have it!! :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( Definately have brown patches on the leaves..... these are 2nd earlies though and the crop is ready. Shall I cut the tops off and leave them in the ground then harvest in a couple of weeks?

redimp · « **Reply #19 on:** July 25, 2008, 12:00:38 »

Quote from: tim on July 25, 2008, 08:36:38

If this is not blight............it's ugly enough to be! But it's not rampant. Two rows have got it & I've cut down the haulms just in case.

Two different varieties.

What sort of varieties Tim. Looks like die back to me - and I hope I am right!

News:

Author Topic: Blight already.... Advice needed please. (Read 4399 times)