Just received a full smith period warning GL7, OX18 and GL54. We are on the edge of GL7 so I have put in all the surrounding areas as well.
Too late already got signs of blight on site.
We had blight warning for NG17 are 2 weeks ago...and still everybody's tops are looking good. I've had good walk around plots and haven't seen any signs of it on plants as yet. :icon_cheers:
Out of interest if you spot blight what do you do ?
Had a warning for our area too yesterday
It depends entirely on the severity of the blight attack, and how far advanced your potato growth is.
If your first intimation is a (rather unlikely) complete devastation of the topgrowth then the only sensible thing is to cut them all down to ground level, remove ALL the old haulm, and then leave them undisturbed for at least 14 days for the skins to set. If you caught them as soon as the damage appeared then by doing this you will almost certainly save whatever crop there is.
However, if the damage is comparatively light then (unless you are satisfied that the crop is mature) you should work to save and improve the crop; remove all the affected leaves and destroy them, and at the same time check all the stems for any signs of blight lesions, and make sure that no affected litter is left on the ground; repeat this every day - obviously the top growth will get less and less as you do so, but a potato plant can not only survive but also continue to increase its crop as long as 20% of the original topgrowth survives. By this method I usually manage to keep the plants growing on for an extra 2 - 3 weeks before I have to cut them down, which gives the plant time to bulk up the tubers and increase the crop. The metabolism of the plant will work in your favour in that because the plant is threatened it will immediately put all its own efforts into increasing its crop. Once the tops are finally cut down, then at least 14 days must be allowed for the skins to set before they are lifted.
I have been using this method for years and have never yet lost a tuber to blight either in the ground or in storage.
Incidentally I would add that the statement I noticed in reply to an earlier post to the effect that the tubers will continue to grown after the tops have been removed is completely erroneous. Once the top growth is removed all tuber growth ceases completely, and the tubers` skins begin to set. Indeed, unless this process occurs the tubers will keep in storage for any great length of time
Perhaps this posting from several years ago will demonstrate what I mean
http://www.allotments4all.co.uk/smf/index.php/topic,33814.msg337848.html#msg337848
And this was the follow up posting to demonstrate the results
http://www.allotments4all.co.uk/smf/index.php/topic,34759.msg346982.html#msg346982
That is really interesting post Kepourus. We have had a few warnings but mine are ok up to now. All digits crossed!
Thank you for that great info Kepourus my desiree potatoes are about 13 weeks at the moment and flowering.
I did accidentally unearth a spud when hoeing the other day and it was a useful size but would rather leave in the ground if possible