The Medina sentinel. [volume] (Medina, Ohio) 1888-1961, 1917-08-03
GOOD POTATO CROP
OUTLOOK FAVORABLE

/ Weather conditions very favorable
to the development of the potato grow
er's worst enemy, late blight, and the
outbreak of an insect pest compara-
lively new to this state, the pink and
green aphis, have resulted in special
interest in the potato crop during the
last week or two.
Within the last two weeks, Mr.. Bah
cock Of the Experiment station and
Mr.. Rohde of The Barrett Co. spent
day in the central part of the county,
looking for indications of both the
blight and the aphis; and Wednesday
of this week Mr.. Whitmarsh Of the
Station, County Supt. jerks, Mr.. Alb
bott and Mr.. Rohde went over the
northern and western parts of the
county on similar errand.
The reports of these trips would in
dicate that the total acreage in the
county is nearly normal. The wealth
er has been extremely favorable for
the growth Of the vines, and most
fields look very thrifty. Wet weather
has hindered cultivation to some ex-
tent, and some fields are rather weedy
and in a few places excessive rain af.
ter planting has injured the stand. The
dry weather of this week has caused
the early potatoes to die off rather
rapidly, but where hills were examin-
ed on such fields, fair yield Of po-
tatoes Of good size were found to be
the rule. In general, the condition
of the crop may be said to be very
good.
No positive indications of the late
blight were found, and only one case
was seen which was suspicious. The
weather, which for week or two was
very favorable to blight, has turned
hot and dry, and under such condi-
tions, blight does not develop rapidly.
At this time it's appearance seems no
more to be feared than in other years.
AS long as present weather conditions
continue, there is practically no dan
ger from blight. Cool and wet wealth
er might bring on a very disastrous
attack, however. The best remedy is
prevention, and those who are prepar-
ed to spray will find it good insurance.
Much of the trouble, which has been
thought by some to be blight, has
been found upon examination to be
some minor injury or disease of the
vine. In some cases, burning by too
strong spray solution caused little
damage. Tip burn is common but
not often a serious trouble A little
early blight has been seen, but not to
such an extent to cause concern. In
jury by the aphis and by the flea
beetle has also been mistaken for
4 blight. In no case was the injury
Y serious.
The Colorado potato beetle (conl-
monty called the potato bug), seems
to have been held pretty we'll in check.
/ No fields were seen which were much
damaged and as the early brood has
about run its course, it is hoped that
the later generation can also be held
down. A few fields were somewhat
daraued hv tho fiea-beetle. tiny
black insect, which eats small holes in
the leaves, making them look as If
thew were full of pin holes While
this insert NAV he found in nearly
every field. it seldom does much dam
age. althoueh these tiny holes in the
leaves afford an nvcel'ent place for
the entrance of the blight spores
A week or so ago it was feared that
the pink and preen anhis. or nlant
lnuse would be as serious nest in
this county AS it has been in some
other parts of the state. where it has
entirely DESTROYED many folds. This
insect is a verv small sucking insect,
and does not eat the leaves but sucks
the san from them causing them to-
tIlrn yellow and wilt II &c usually
found or the 7nder side of the leaf,
which makes j. Gificnlt tn ~eacI with
the snray. TTnder favorable condi-
tiors its multiplication is amazingly
rapid, so that a field which has hut
few at first. NAV have millions in a
week or two This wear marks the
first general outbreak IF this pest in
Ohio. although it has heen found TO
some evtent everv wear Tt is sun
posed that the rather wet season is &C.
.countable for its unusual snread. Tn
this county it may he found in limit
ID rnr'hers in nracticallv evnrv fnld,
hut the dry weather seems to he check
inp its DEVELOPMENT so that it is not
likelv tn cause anv great darno0A It
is well to keep close watch of the vines
however.
\ " the potato crop of the county
makes AS pood a showing for the rest
of the season as il has to date. this
county is assured of harvest which
will certairlv he as good as that Of
env normal wear, with the prospect Of
Weld considerably above the aver
age.
YOCIrE. .cTpITrNt TTrp