[penninehillbilly]

However it is very noble not to want to spray and I resist. But the rising anger at the elements and the critters when much-looked-after crops getting ruined just about sways me.
[/quote]

AT LAST a use for the dreaded horsetail.
I have heard of a spray made of horstail greenery, covered with water+ boiled for 20-30mins. dilute 1-10 and spray spuds. Apparently it isthe silica in this ancient plant which coats the leaf and protects against the spores