Unsettled weather conditions have triggered blight infection in 30 locations in the last month according to the British Potato Council (BPC).
"In dry conditions the blight pathogen survives better on stems than on leaves. Plants with blighted leaves that have died off with large stem lesions are being found at the moment. With recent showery weather following the extended dry period, apparently healthy crops that are harbouring unseen infection on the stems could quickly succumb to blight," said Ruairidh Bain, a member of the BPC's blight advice team.
In the last week alone the BPC has confirmed potato blight in growing crops in the areas of Woodhall Spa and Sleaford in Lincolnshire and Brandon in Suffolk. Bain advised: "Have a close look at crops. They can appear healthy at the top. But that can mask infection in the base of the canopy. Stem blight is important for tuber blight infection."
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