FIGHTING LATE BLIGHT: Wisconsin research identifies new disease strains

摘要

Late blight isn't an annual problem for Wisconsin growers, but it does make a presence in potato fields occasionally. Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-M) have recently seen new strains of the disease developing in the state, prompting them to undertake a comprehensive study to find resistance before it becomes a serious epidemic. Amanda Gevens, UW-Extension potato and vegetable pathologist, is leading a project on pathogen tracking and characterization of late blight. "We had late season detection in 10 counties, but the incidencewas very low. So while it was present, we didn't have a severe problem of late blight across the entire state," Gevens said about the 2012 growing season.