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OMAFRA: Late blight update and new insecticide label expansion

Amanda Tracey, vegetable crops specialist with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), and OMAFRA horticulture crops pathologist Katie Goldenhar report that sporangia of Phytophthora infestans have been detected via spore trap in tomato fields in Elgin and Essex counties. There has also been a report of late blight symptoms on potato in Simcoe County.

The two OMAFRA specialists recommend that commercial growers scout often and ensure they are using fungicides with good late blight activity in their fungicide program. When late blight is in the area, spray intervals should be shortened.

Cloudy and high humidity or wet conditions are favourable for late blight.  The pathogen prefers cool temperatures. The disease is suppressed by hot, dry weather, but it can continue developing and spreading when suitable conditions return. |READ MORE

OMAFRA minor use co-ordinator Josh Mosiondz notes that the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) recently announced the approval of a minor use label expansion registration for Sivanto Prime insecticide for control of Colorado potato beetle in field grown tomatoes and eggplant in Canada. Sivanto Prime was already labeled for management of insects on a wide range of crops in Canada. This minor use proposal was submitted by OMAFRA as a result of minor use priorities established by growers and extension personnel. |READ MORE