Late Blight of Potato

-

 

Late Blight Threatens Potatoes

Photo: late blight of potato 
By: Agrihub05 

Late blight of potato, a disease caused by the fungus Phytophthora infestans, is causing concerns for potato farmers around the world. This disease is one of the most destructive diseases of potatoes and can lead to significant crop losses if not managed properly.



Late blight is a water mold that can infect both leaves and tubers of potato plants. Symptoms include brown spots on leaves, a white mold on the underside of leaves, and brown lesions on the potato tubers. The disease can spread rapidly in cool and humid conditions, making it a serious threat to potato crops.


According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the disease can cause up to 100% crop losses if not managed effectively. This is particularly concerning for countries where potatoes are a staple food and a major source of income for farmers.


In recent years, the disease has been reported in various parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. In 2021, the disease affected potato crops in several regions of the United States, causing significant losses for farmers.


To manage the disease, farmers are advised to implement a range of measures, including the use of resistant potato varieties, crop rotation, and the application of fungicides. However, these measures can be costly and time-consuming, particularly for small-scale farmers.


In addition, the emergence of new strains of the fungus that are resistant to fungicides has made the management of the disease even more challenging. This highlights the need for more research into the development of new control strategies that are effective, sustainable, and affordable.


Late blight of potato is a significant threat to global food security, and it is essential that farmers, researchers, and policymakers work together to develop and implement effective management strategies. With the right tools and resources, we can help to mitigate the impact of this disease and ensure a stable supply of potatoes for years to come.





Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

organic farming: myths and facts

-
Image
organic farming: myths and facts Organic farming is a method of growing crops without the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or other harmful chemicals. Organic farming has been gaining popularity over the years, as consumers become more aware of the benefits of organic produce. However, there are still many myths and misconceptions surrounding organic farming. In this blog post, we will explore some of the myths and facts about organic farming. Myth #1: Organic farming is expensive Fact: While organic farming may be more expensive initially, it can actually be more cost-effective in the long run. Organic farming methods can improve soil health and reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. This can lead to higher yields and lower costs over time. Myth #2: Organic farming is less efficient than conventional farming Fact: Organic farming can be just as efficient as conventional farming, if not more so. By using natural fertilizers and pesticides, organic farmers c
Read more

Vegetable Nurseries: Importance & Types

-
Image
 Introduction: A vegetable nursery is a place where seedlings of vegetables are grown until they are ready to be transplanted into a larger garden or farm. These nurseries are of great importance because they allow gardeners and farmers to produce healthy and strong plants that will provide high yields of quality produce.We use nursery for raising seedlings of Vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower, tomato, onion, cucumber, brinjal, capsicums, chilli, bottle gourd,etc. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of vegetable nurseries and the different types that are available. Importance of Vegetable Nurseries: Improved Yield: Vegetable nurseries ensure that you get a bumper harvest. By providing ideal conditions for germination, seedling growth, and hardening-off, vegetable nurseries guarantee a higher yield of quality produce. Disease Control : Starting plants from seeds can help gardeners and farmers control diseases. By providing a clean and controlled environment, vegetable n
Read more