MT. UPTON – Late blight, one of the most devastating diseases of potato and tomato worldwide, has been confirmed in a home garden in Mount Upton, just over the county line in Otsego County.

Cornell Cooperative Extension agents in Chenango County advise gardeners to take preventive precautions and continue to scout. If left unmanaged, this disease can result in complete destruction of potato or tomato crops.

Late blight was responsible for the devastating Irish potato famine of the 1840s and has continued to be important to the present. Since 1990, late blight has caused widespread damage across the United States and Canada.

Properly dispose of any blighted tomatoes and potatoes, preferably in a sealed trash bag. Spray and control options can be found at the Extension’s web site: http://ccechenango99.squarespace.com/late-blight/.