However the causal pathogen is the same. Potato late blight, caused by the Oomycete pathogen Phytophthora infestans, is the most notorious plant disease known, largely due to the epidemic that swept across Europe in 1845–46, leading to famine and mass emigration in Ireland (Fraser, 2003).
When these conditions occur together for a couple of days or more then infection by potato blight is a distinct possibility. Late blight is a potentially devastating disease of tomato and potato, infecting leaves, stems and fruits of tomato plants. The Irish Potato Famine, also known as the Great Hunger, began in 1845 when a fungus-like organism called Phytophthora infestans (or P. infestans) spread rapidly throughout Ireland. Potato Blight is caused by the Phytophthora infestans fungus This fungus can also infect other members of the potato family, Solanaceae such as tomatoes. Late blight was responsible for the Irish potato famine in the mid-nineteenth century (Daly, 1996).
Found on tomato and potato plants, late blight is caused by the fungus Phytophthora infestans and is common throughout the United States. Late blight fungal disease was the cause of the devastating Irish potato famine in the 1800s. Late blight of tomato and potato is a potentially destructive fungal disease in Maryland home gardens. Late blight of potato is an example par excellence of the impact that a "fungal" disease has had on the political, economic and social atmosphere of several nations. Potato and tomato blight is a disease caused by a fungus-like organism that spreads rapidly in the foliage and tubers or fruit of potatoes and tomatoes in wet weather, causing collapse and decay. Potato late blight is one of the most serious diseases of potatoes, caused by the fungus Phytophthora infestans, and the disease that single-handedly caused the Irish Potato Famine of the 1840s. Late blight of potato was responsible for the Irish potato famine of the late 1840s. Late blight lesion on a potato leaf.Gray or brown lesions surrounded by a light green (chlorotic) area are very characteristic of late blight.Lesions that look like this are about one week old. Leaf and stem lesions are typical of potato late blight. Over the last few years, two dominant strains, 13_A2 and 6_A1, have been found. The disease spreads quickly in fields and can result in total crop failure if untreated.
It was responsible for the great Irish Potato Famine of the 1840's, leaving over 1 million people dead from famine-related diseases and resulting in the exodus of more than 1.5 million people from Ireland. Dealing with Potato Blight on Leaves.
Figure 1_2. One of the biggest problems growing potatoes in the garden is the possibility of fungus forming on the potatoes. Although this disease is best known as being responsible for the Irish potato famine in the 1840's we have to go back 3.5 centuries to look at a some of the history of the potato. If caught early, before 10% of the foliage is infected, you can attempt to stop potato blight from spreading. Late blight can occur at any time during the growing season when the weather is cool and wet.
The disease is slowed down by a return to hot, dry weather.
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