Description and symptoms

Blight causes discolouration of the leaves, turning them brown from the edges inwards. The leaves can dry and curl although in moist conditions a white fungal growth can occur around the edges. The stems of the plants will also turn brown and in advanced cases the plant will collapse.

The fungus will also affect potato tubers and tomato fruits. Tomatoes will develop brown patches, can shrink and rot (even after picking). Potatoes will develop brown patches which will eventually turn into slimy, smelly, rotten sores.

Treatment and control

Spray with a suitable fungicide: A degree of protection can be achieved by preventative spraying. Spray before symptoms occur early in the growing season or in warm wet conditions. Select a fungicide spray with copper oxychloride. The same sprays can be used to treat any blight infected plants.