Michigan Potato Industry Commission Launches Late Blight Resource Webpage

The Michigan Potato Industry Commission (MPIC) has launched a dedicated webpage to support potato growers in combating late blight, a devastating disease caused by the pathogen Phytophthora infestans. This fungal-like organism, infamous for triggering the Irish potato famine in 1845, can destroy potato and tomato crops within days under favorable conditions, such as cool, moist weather. 

With global yield losses and control costs exceeding USD 6.7 billion annually, effective management is critical for growers. The new webpage serves as a comprehensive resource, offering detailed information on the Phytophthora infestans pathogen, including its biology and symptoms, such as water-soaked lesions and grayish-white fungal growth on leaves. 

It provides actionable steps for growers in the event of an outbreak, emphasizing preventative foliar programs and diligent crop monitoring. The site also includes fungicide recommendations, highlighting options like phenylamide fungicides (e.g., mefenoxam and metalaxyl) effective against the US-23 genotype, which has been recently confirmed in Michigan fields.

Additionally, the webpage links to trusted organizations, such as the Michigan State University Potato and Sugar Beet Pathology Program and USA Blight, which provide real time updates on late blight detections across the U.S. and Canada. These resources help growers stay informed about regional risks and adapt their management strategies accordingly.

 

A representative from the Michigan Potato Industry Commission emphasized the webpages impact:

"Our new late blight webpage equips Michigan growers with critical tools to protect their crops, building on Michigan State University research and USA Blight Monitoring to reduce the USD 6.7 billion global impact of this disease.”

The initiative aligns with Michigan Potato Industry Commission mission, established in 1970 by the Michigan legislature, to promote research, education and sustainable practices for the states potato industry. 

By offering tools like disease forecasting models and educational materials, the webpage empowers growers to protect their crops and reduce economic losses. For more details, growers can visit the Michigan Potato Industry Commission website or contact Michigan State University diagnostic services for support.