![]() The organism is dispersed via wind-borne sporangia. For an epidemic to begin in any one area, the organism must survive the winter in that area (in potato tubers, as culls or volunteers), be introduced on seed potatoes or transplants to the area, or have viable spores blow into the area. This organism will not survive long in soil or away from association with a living host. The pathogen is an obligate parasite which cannot survive in the absence of a host it cannot survive in soil or dead plant debris. All parts of the potato plant are susceptible to the pathogen. infestans can also infect wild relatives of potatoes as well as tomatoes ( Lycopersicon esculentum), petunias ( Petunia hybrida), and a few other species of plants. ![]() ![]() This organism has been historically treated as a fungus. Phytophthora infestans is a specialized pathogen of potato and can cause infections in potato foliage and tubers. The “hungry forties” in England and other parts of Europe were also a result of potato late blight. Between 18, one million people died in Ireland alone as a direct consequence of famine, and one and one half million emigrated from Ireland. Three weeks of cool, foggy, rainy conditions in Ireland during 1845 helped create the late blight famine of 1845 to 1847 in which potato crops were decimated by the disease. in 1842, in Canada in 1844, and in Belgium during 1845. Potato late blight is caused by Phytophthora infestans, a fungus-like organism that over-seasons in infected tubers, cull piles, and in infected volunteer plants. Late Blight Historyįew plant diseases can rival the widespread misery and despair produced by potato late blight. Johnsonįor information about UMaine Extension programs and resources, visit .įind more of our publications and books at /publications/.
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