Late blight has now been confirmed in four North Dakota counties, according to Northern Plains Potato Growers Association.
In its weekly report, the agency says the disease has been found in potato fields in North Dakota's Walsh and Pembina counties in the extreme northeast part of the state and Dickey and Sargent, which are both on the South Dakota border in southeast North Dakota.
So far, late blight has not been found in Minnesota.
Officials recommend growers continue to scout fields for late blight and apply preventative fungicides. Search out and destroy any potato cull piles that may be sources of late blight inoculum. Late blight is a fast-moving disease that can develop rapidly in cool wet conditions, especially along shelter belts and any area where morning dew persists.
If you suspect late blight or have questions about late blight, contact your county agent or potato specialists at NDSU for more information.
