The dampness can come from rain, heavy dew, condensation in a greenhouse or tent or even your sprinklers. The clue to understanding how to deal with it is to know that the fungus only grows on tomato plants that are wet for over 48 hours at a time. When the spores land on either potato or tomato plants, it needs the right conditions in order to germinate. ![]() The fungus spreads itself by forming spores that are carried by the wind. This A2 type is much more aggressive and is capable of surviving for long periods on old vines and even in the soil. Scientists at Simon Fraser University recently identified a separate “A2” type which previously was only found in Mexico. If conditions are right for the fungus, the entire plant becomes diseased and dies quickly.Īlthough late blight has been around for many years, infections have become much more severe in the 1990s. The leaves develop brown spots which eventually cause the whole leaf to turn brown and drop off. Most new varieties are resistant to the common fungal diseases, but late blight (Phytopthera infestans) is dreadful here on the Coast. ![]() The Tomato Late Blight fungus really has hit Coastal gardeners hard and, from what we hear, has now even made its way into the Okanagan. We’ve often spoken to gardeners who just shake their heads despairingly when we mention growing tomatoes.
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