[DD.]

Sorry to bring this topic up, but unfortunately we are approaching the season to keep a look out. There has already been one case in Cornwall.

The full low down can be found here in the Growing FAQ's section.

http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=56717.0

I'm posting this particularly to bring your attention to the fact the the URL for the blight maps has changed, so that if it's already in your favourites, you'll need to update it.

[sunshineband]

Thanks DD

How soon should preventative spraying start?

[DD.]

Piece of string job.

Down to individual judgement with the aid of the maps. If I see it advancing on me, I take action. I didn't have to do anything at all last year, fortunately.

[sunshineband]

Thank you -- I shall watch that map like a hawk after last year's decimation

Please remind us which spray you use yourself

[DD.]

I've still got some unused Dithane, (it's been withdrawn, not banned), but as the posting in the FAQ section says, it's been replaced by Bayer Fruit & Vegetable Disease Control .

[sunshineband]

Thank you -- very helpful for everyone 

[mumofstig]

favourite duly altered, cheers   

[alimilly]

Thank you DD for the reminder,  I thought it would be too early to be thinking about this.  However I have checked today and for my area this is showing;-

Sun   Mon   Tue   Wed   Thu   Fri   Sat
        
 09 May 2012
min temp: 10.0
hum. hrs: 10.0

Near Criteria
   
10 May 2012
min temp: 12.6
hum. hrs: 23.0

Full Criteria

NEAR PERIOD
   
11 May 2012
 
 no data     

What do I do now??  Should I be panicking?  Do I need to start spraying?   Any advise would be gratefully received!!

[DD.]

Keep calm and carry on!

You've not had a full Smith Period and the one and only outbreak so far is way down at the end of Cornwall.

[alimilly]

Oh thank you DD!!  I  had my coat on and was about to use some precious annual leave and rush to the garden centre and then the lottie to try and protect my tatties!!    I'll get the bits and pieces this weekend to be ready just in case.

[richrua]

too blooming cold here for any chance of blight!

[Potty Plotty Lotty]

Last year I got fed up of losing my whole tomato crop to blight so I took the excellent advice on this forum and signed up to Blightwatch and bought Bayer Fruit & Vegetable Disease Control.

But..... I didn't have to use a drop of it.   

And... I got my first crop of tomatoes for years and it was massive!       

So everybody, get buying and signed up and you never know what might happen but at least you'll be prepared for the worst!!

(PS: I don't work for Bayer or hold any shares...  ).

[aelf]

According to blightwatch, we had full criteria here yesterday but it's been cooler and drier today so not panicking just yet

[DD.]

Same here, but you need it for two consecutive days to get a Smith Period.

[alimilly]

I've now had a text and email from Blightwatch and am showing this for my postcode

10 May 2012       
min temp: 12.6
hum. hrs: 23.0

Full Criteria

NEAR PERIOD
   
11 May 2012
min temp: 10.3
hum. hrs: 13.0

Full Criteria

FULL PERIOD

Am I still not panicking?