05/16/05 Late blight forecast

05/16/05 Late blight forecast

Washington Ag May 16, 2005 Potato late blight is expected to be present again this season in the Columbia Basin. Dennis Johnson, Washington State University plant pathologist, says that's what WSU's late blight forecasting model for the basin shows. He says the severity of the disease will depend upon the amount of rainy and cloudy weather and the timing of grower control practices. Now that most potatoes have already been planted Johnson says; Johnson: "Restrict the number of water applications where possible until the crop is well up. A protectant fungicide should be applied at row closure and then seven days later." Johnson says recommendations for future fungicide applications will be based on disease pressure and expected weather and will be available on the Late Blight Hotline. That hotline is up and running at 1-800-984-7400. Johnson says it is also important to contact him if you suspect or know of any late blight so that there can be a regional late blight management scheme. He can be reached at 509-335-3753. Governor Christine Gregoire has been signing numerous bills passed during the recent legislative session. Among them, Senate Bill 5663, which clarifies, narrows and extends the field burning equipment sales tax exemption and Substitute House Bill 2309 which raises the minimum fees for acquiring or changing a water right. I'm Bob Hoff.
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