August 16, 2011

Wet summer could spell potato blight

The Associated Press

EXETER — Maine potato farmers could be facing potato blight because of the wet summer.

The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association says three farms along the state's central coast have "suspicious" crops. In a new report, the group said heavy rain could mean trouble for potato farmers in Aroostook County and the central coast.

Potato farmer Steve Crane, of Exeter, tells WLBZ-TV that he expects an average crop but that he considers himself lucky.

Brown or olive green spots on plants, or white fuzzy fungus, are signs of possible blight. The Farmers and Gardeners Association recommends destroying plants suspected of having the disease.

Maine Potato Board director Don Flannery said there's not enough time in the growing season for the disease to spread too much.

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