The latest trapping results for Northern Aroostook (as of 6/19) and Southern Aroostook (as of 6/23) are now available.
The presence of late blight spores appears to be widespread throughout the growing region at this point. Historically, this isn’t likely out of the ordinary. We’ve had 5+ years of not having much late blight pressure, but what we are now “seeing” and enumerating with these spore traps, is what we normally assume is happening with our forecasting models…That inoculum ( late blight spores) is not limiting and is always present.
Growers are strongly urged to take care of any remaining cull piles and should have an initial application of protectant fungicide on all emerged potatoes at this time. Reapplication intervals, given the incoming weather this weekend, will be 5 days.