We can manage around this disease with modern technology, but it can be an explosive pest under the right field conditions. We've never been able to eradicate it, and we know that it began spreading globally in the 1840s on potatoes imported to Europe from Mexico.
Late blight causes leaf dessication on potato plants and black lesions on potato tubers and roots.
There are two dominant strains in the United States A1 and A2. Both can spread by wind-blown spores, but overwintering on seed tubers is the most common source of infection. Tomatoes, eggplant and hairy nightshade are alternate hosts for this disease. Late blight is not a common problem on the Texas High Plains, but growers shouldn't let their guard down, the plant pathologist said. Know what kind of seed tubers you are buying.