2008 Late Blight Trials

The regular users of the late blight risk monitoring website may have noticed that late blight has been reported in Bath Township. This change of status is just to indicate that we now have a good epidemic of late blight going at the MSU Muck Soils Research Farm in the late blight research trials. For more information, or to view the epidemic at the Muck farm contact Willie Kirk or Rob Schafer to arrange a visit. If you don't have their phone number you can email webmaster@lateblight.org.

New publications available on potato diseases

I have updated our research and extension publications for the latter part of 2007 and the first quarter of 2008. Most of the publications are available as .pdf files for download.

New weather station added to MAWN

A new weather station in Coldwater has been added to the MAWN. This station is now available on the Late Blight Resistance Management Network for those of you who live in the Coldwater area.

Physiologically Induced Heat Stress Posing Problems in Seed Potatoes.

A heat-induced problem affecting seed tubers produced in MI during 2007 may have manifested itself in reduced seed quality for 2008. Tests conducted at MSU have shown that seed tubers are failing to completely suberize after cutting (Fig. 1). This has been seen mainly in the variety Snowden although may be present in other varieties. For more information on this problem and recommendations on how to manage seed from MI in 2008 please refer to the Disease Update: Physiologically Induced Heat Stress Posing Problems in Seed Potatoes.

Fusarium Dry Rot Posing Problems in Potatoes

Fusarium dry rot is one of the most important diseases of potato, affecting tubers in storage and seed pieces after planting. Fusarium dry rot of seed tubers can reduce crop establishment by killing developing potato sprouts. This year there have been reports of Snowden seed lots affected although other seed lots may also be affected. For more information on how to combat this problem please refer to the Disease Update: Fusarium dry rot Posing Problems in Potatoes.

Late Blight Risk Monitoring 2008

The Late Blight Risk Monitoring system is now up and running for the 2008 growing season. Six new locations have been added to the network since last year. These are Arlene, Berrien Springs, East Lansing/MSUHTRC, Hickory Corners/MSUKBS, Keeler/South Hartford and Romeo.

MSU Montcalm Research Farm Field Day 26 July, 2007

The MSU Montcalm Research Farm Field Day will be held this coming Thursday (July 26). Proceedings will start at 11am with the MPIC Research Committee meeting (11am - 2.30pm) in the Douglas Township hall, Entrican. All growers are invited. Lunch will be served at 11.30am. Potato Wagon tours of the research plots will start at 3pm. A catered dinner will be served between 5.30 -6.30pm. For further information contact Chris Long (5 17) 355-0271 Ext.193; email: longch@msu.edu. The new potato diseases scouting guide and disease bulletins will also be available for purchase. The bulletins cost $1 each and the scouting guide will cost $10.

Pocket scouting guide for potato diseases available

The new potato diseases scouting guide "A Pocket Guide to Disease Scouting in Michigan Potatoes" is now available for purchase from the MSU Extension Bulletin office. This is a comprehensive pocket reference text for use in disease scouting in Michigan potato fields. It provides information on the disease cycles and biology of common potato pathogens and on management options for their control. For more information call 517-353-6740.