The North Carolina infection was introduced on seed and the seed source was reported to be from Maine. Growers need to be vigilant. Late blight is not going away anytime soon. Potatoes on the eastern shore of Virginia look good and are late blight free at the present time. They have accumulated 18 DSV values already and protective fungicides are being applied.
Fruit rot control .
Straw mulch should be in place between the plants and between the rows. If fungicides are used, apply them during bloom. Research has shown that these two sprays using Ronilan or Rovral plus captan can be as effective as a season long spray program. Since gray mold gets established on the flower petals, early control is important. Sprays applied after bloom provide little fruit rot control, but help prevent foliage infections by leaf-spotting fungi.