[lacewing]

Galen,   here is a list of the tomatoes,

Pannovy F1
Olivade F1
Sparta F1
Stupice
Rose de Berne
Royal  Des Guineaux

All are cordon, place of purchase, Simpson's Seeds.

[galen]

Thank you, must try some of them next year 

[Lulu]

Many thanks for the tips - but they have raised a couple of questions.

• what are you spraying the toms with
• what is 'bordeux' mix - I'm thinking its not the nice red drink you can have

I've decided to do half on the allotment and half in the greenhouse.  Might as well give it ago!

[madcat]

You either spray with diathane or bordeaux mixture.  Bordeaux mix is copper sulphate plus, used to be organic, but will be phased out shortly because of the risks to the environment (and arguably humans) of spraying copper around.  Diathane is a bit more expensive but you can just make up what you need - it doesn't have to be a whole sachet every time. 

I don't think that there is a soil association approved spray for blight - they go for the pick the affected leaves off and hope solution.  I seem to remember something to do with milk, but I dont know if it works at all.   

Both are preventative - not cures.  You spray when there is a Smiths Period (or for us near a stream at the bottom of a hill - a near Smiths is likely to be enough of a local risk), with the intent of killing off the spores before they have chance to take hold. 

I confess to getting despondent  during all this faff - but the first fruit off the vine and I remember why we bother!

[mumofstig]

Now I thought it was dithane that you won't be allowed to use after this year, but you will be able to continue to use bordeaux mixture. 

I'm off to see what I can find on Google

[mumofstig]

http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/1510447?UserKey=

seems to agree that Dithane is ending.. but bordeaux mix is still ok 

[madcat]

Apologies! 

But .....     I'm going to have to do some more homework. 

[madcat]

Well, that kept me busy for my lunch time!  I started on the defra website ... Nothing.  Eventually got to the HSE - obvious for pesticides?  Non!

As I knew - Mum was right.       Thanks MoS.

Anyway, this is the note for dithane, the revocation notice explains but it goes at the end of next year.

By the same database, bordeaux mixture has to the end of 2013, but there are no notices attached, so presumably it could be renewed.  I cant find how long a licence lasts before it has to be renewed.

I tried looking at the EU review, but my brain died in the documents.  You need to know so much more to be able to understand ...  however I think this document indicates that bordeaux mixture, with other copper based compounds, is under review and further data has to be provided to the Commission by November 2011 and it is feasible that they will be withdrawn by 2014. 

Phew!  I better get back to work now!  Sorry to confuse you Lulu.    And can someone tell DD and Salmo - they love their Dithane 

[mumofstig]

It maybe ok it seems they are reformulating it....but will struggle to get it passed intime..

sorry I can't find the relevant website to quote it now Grrr. 

[galen]

The dithane manufacturers are now selling "Fruit & Vegetable Disease Control", a protective fungicide, as the home gardeners replacement for dithane.

[mumofstig]

It's got copper in it same as bordeaux mixture  :blink: ..............

[Lulu]

Madcat - I'm so impressed that you found the information you quoted.  I did look at it  .  What a lot of work created from a simple question!!!!Thank you for taking the time to look into it, and for passing on your resources as well.  I can see how your brain would get a bit fried interpreting that information. Reminds me of studying for my degree last year.

Back to the toms - they are growing really well in the greenhouse & cold frame at the moment .  I think I will stick to my decision to try half in and half outside.  I will look in the shops for suitable products but I'm not sure I will try anything yet as I try to be organic.( I realise copper is an natural product).  But I know so much more now.....Informed choices are everything.

Thanks to you all for your hints & tips etc .......here's to a healthy tomato crop

[Coach]

I grew tomatoes both on my plot and in the greenhouse both got blighted!!!
Maybe if we get a change of government the weather may be different

[mumofstig]

well, we have to blame someone for it ...might as well be them 

Perhaps we should ask each of them what they intend to do about blight if they win the election........... seeing as they allowed Europe to ban the sprays that protect against it ...
exits whistling............

[Paul Plots]

well, we have to blame someone for it ...might as well be them 

Perhaps we should ask each of them what they intend to do about blight if they win the election........... seeing as they allowed Europe to ban the sprays that protect against it ...
exits whistling............

I think they will have quite a few different blights to be dealing with.... not sure any of them have many flawless answers though