Bummed because of this bizarre summer rain? New England farmers are too. According to these farmers and scientists, our local tomato and potato crops have been infected with the same bacteria, late blight, that caused the the Irish Potato Famine. Because of the low temperatures and constant rain, the bacteria is spreading rapidly. The bacteria only affects tomatoes and potatoes, so other crops are safe. It is not harmful for people and animals. Non-organic farmers are battling the fungus with fungicide, while organic farmers are trying to find other methods to fight it.
"It's just beginning to snowball, I expect by next week most farms will have late blight. Pathologists think tomatoes won't survive the season [if the constant rain continues]." - Jude Boucher, University of Connecticut educator
Article On Fugus in New England
Strategies to Fight Fungus
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