Our potatoes are just coming up and dh was at the allotment last night and was talking to potato man (the resident expert! ;D ) and he said that with the blight around on the other allotments we should spray now to try and avoid it. I have a problem with this as:
a). I'd like to be as organic as possible
b). he didn't say what to spray them with!
So what should I do? Do I leave them or can I spray with something that isn't a "nasty" chemical?
Advice please?
There's no cure I'm aware of , but I think Bordeaux mixture is the usual preventative...
http://www.organiccatalog.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=61_181&products_id=517 (http://www.organiccatalog.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=61_181&products_id=517)
.... I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong.
Okay potato / blight experts out there. Potatoes are through the ground and we've just earthed up. There has been blight on the other allotments so do I need to spray and if so when?
Any help appreciated!
Thanks ;D
No 'expert' but - Bordeaux mixture IS the only 'non-nasty' - every 2 weeks - every leaf - top & bottom!
And respray after rain! That's why so many have lost crops this year - there wasn't a day you could spray!
Very true Tim,
Went away for a week in July. Before I left the main crop was upstanding & looked healthy as one could wish.
Came back & the tops were over with the dreaded symptoms.
Took off all the haulms to the ground/left for three weeks/lovely dry spell/ dug up the lot.
After drying/bagged/now inspecting after only one week. Lost 10% already.
Not growing Maincrop next year. (not even the Sarpo rubbish)
After 30 years, this is the only problem I've ever given up on.
There will be others no doubt - the spuds will be replaced by peas. Easier on the back also!
silly question!!!! going by the fact that it sometimes afects my toms in the G/H
it seems to be airbourn so provided the spuds are put in clean earth wouldn,t covering them with fleece stop? it has anyone tried?
marg waiting to be shot down
The spores are microscopic, and I can't see fleece stopping them. It would be nice and warm and damp imder the fleece too; ideal conditions for fungi.
Quote from: Robert_Brenchley on August 16, 2007, 23:19:38
The spores are microscopic, and I can't see fleece stopping them. It would be nice and warm and damp imder the fleece too; ideal conditions for fungi.
mmm yes you make a very good point there. i think my plan next year is to go for 1sts and 2nds put them in early/ dig them up early and try spraying them
marg
I think The most effective spray available to us for blight is Dithane 945 ..
Certainly effective, but less 'organic' than Bordeaux'?
Is it systemic, or must foliage be sprayed over & under?
Is traditional copper fungicide The same thing as Bordeaux mixture?
http://www.lovethegarden.com/products/pestdisease/murphyfungicide.html
I used it on my toms after first signs of blight and it has been effective so far.
Tim, It isn't systemic and you have to drench same as with bordeaux..
Thanks - & less 'organic' than Bordeaux?