Late Blight Network

Abstract

Late blight is a serious disease of tomato and potato which, if not controlled, has the potential to destroy entire fields in as little as two weeks when weather conditions are favorable. Since 1993, Extension faculty and field staff in New York have used a variety of communication technologies to keep each other informed about where in the state late blight has been found. The network has grown to include members from states and Canadian provinces adjacent to NY. In 2009 early introduction of late blight inoculum and favorable weather conditions resulted in a serious late blight epidemic throughout the Northeast. The late blight network was instrumental in mustering a fast response to the situation, minimizing crop losses.