Symptoms of ‘worst disease of potato’ seen on large area

LAHORE:Symptoms of deadly disease of potato has been seen on large area in the Punjab province. According to a spokesperson for provincial Agriculture Department, in recent days, the attack of this disease is being observed in the districts of Sahiwal, Okara, Pakpattan, Multan, Khanewal, Kasur, Lodhran, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat and Chakwal due to persistent weather conditions. Late blight of potato is a dangerous disease caused by a fungus.

It has been dubbed as the worst potato disease. Secretary Agriculture Punjab Nadir Chatta has instructed the relevant field formations of the Agriculture Department to guide the farmers and take immediate steps to cure the disease. Late blight of potato becomes epidemic when temperature is 10 to 25 degrees Celsius and air humidity is 80 to 100 percent. In the case of late blight of potato, crooked spots appear on the leaves, which quickly turn yellowish and spread over the entire plant. Farmers have been asked to apply appropriate fungicides prior to or at onset of disease as advised by Pest Warning Wing or local extension staff.