NDSU and UMN Potato Late Blight Spore Trapping Network

June 29-July 6, 2020

 This is the first reporting period for 2020. This report contains 7 sites reporting, with more to come in the upcoming weeks. Two sites had positive confirmation of late blight spore DNA. Late blight has not been confirmed in any potato fields. This purpose of this network is to provide an early detection system for potato growers to assist in late blight management. Potato fields near the areas where spores were found are encouraged to scout field more rigorously and continue active fungicide programs. As the legend in the map indicates, green dots indicate no late blight spores recovered and the pink dots indicate late blight spore DNA was recovered.

Figure 1. Results of late blight spore traps during the week of June 29 to July 6, 2020.

We thank the Northern Plains Potato Growers Association, Minnesota Area II Potato Council, J.R. Simplot Company, R.D. Offutt Farms, Syngenta, Sipcam, Bayer Crop Science, BASF, UPL USA, Corteva, and Nufarm for supporting this project.