Blight is such an awful word, really. Conjuring up visions of plague, illness and dark clouds overhead. That's just what has continued to happen here in New England, this summer, as gardens and farms have continued to lose tomato and potato crops. Sad for home-gardeners trying to save money by growing their own vegetables. Tragic for farmers whose incomes for the year may now be decimated. We need to buy as much other produce from local farmers as possible to help them weather these losses or they may not be here next year.
On the bright side, the University of Connecticut plant pathology department is confirming that during our cold winters, the spores will not overwinter in the soil. That is good news because otherwise we could be looking at many years of infestation.
To be on the safe side, though, I am recommending not using any stored potatoes as seed potatoes next year. Why take a chance, even if they do keep well in storage. Plan on buying certified disease-free potatoes to start with. Also, I think it is best not to compost plant parts of infected tomatoes or potatoes. Although, theoretically, the heating in a compost pile should kill pathogens, why take a chance? Perhaps your compost pile is not constructed perfectly and the spores might live in the warmth of the pile through the winter, but not be killed. Bury the plants and diseased vegetables at least two feet deep in the ground or burn the whole lot.
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