The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1918-07-11
LATE BLIGHT MOST DESTRUCTIVE OF
 ALL DISEASES

Late blight is without question the most destructive of all potato diseases and is found t,o a greater or less ex- tent in all parts of the world, where potatoes are grown. Under favorable conditions, it destroys the entire po- tato crops
 At the present time we here in Con- necticut cannot afford to take any chances. The value of food to the world in general and the important part that the potato is playing in our fight to outlast the forces of the Hun is well known. Farmers and garden CTS have responded as true Americans should by planting potatoes in large quantities. See to it that they reach maturity and are not destroyed by either insects or diseases.
 Late blight is practically sure to occur each year in New England and New York, and makes its appearance soon after the plants blossom, grad ually increasing until by the end of the season the damage is severe. The first signs of blight are pur- plish or brownish black spots found on the leaves. Later the stems are attacked and under conditions fa- vora'ble to the blight it requires but few days for the plant to be de- stroyed. Whole fields may be killed in short time. Where plants are de- stroyed by blight, the potato itself I becomes infected, the spores washing down through the soil, thus causing loss.
 The disease does not occur in the
 soil but is carried over from one sea- son to another in the potato itself Always avoid planting seed which shows signs of dry rot as there is no method known whereby seed potatoes may be treated to prevent late blight The disease spreads rapidly over large areas and may be carried many miles.
 Late blight probably causes severe loss to potato crops in Connecticut about one year in five, and a medium amount of damage in one or two of
 the remaining years. It is sure to de- Ivelop if a spell of warm muggy
 weather occurs. The disease requires
 moisture and warmth for it's develop
 ment. Pay particular attention to
 potatoes planted on low or clay soils.
 There is one and only one method
 for controlling late blight, and the
 most satisfactory feature of this , method is that it Is sure and if prop } erly carried out will absolutely pre-
 vent all danger of loss from his dis ease.
 Spraying with Bordeaux mixture,
 used as a preventative measure be-
 tore blight appears. will keep the
 vines free from attack throughout the
 season. This holds true in every case ' Keep the potato covered with Bor-
 deaux and 1t is safe from blight even
 If plants in adjoining fields are de- l stroyed. Spray as often as is neces- = eary to keep the plants well covered t This means that vines must be e sprayed every ten days or two weeks e during July and August.
 = Bordeaux mixture is easily prepared e at home, and. if potato beetles ol It other leaf eating insects occur should
 have arsenate of lead added, at tht
 rate of two pounds powdered arsenat'
 of lead -four pounds paste) to 50 gal r Ions of the Bordeaux.
 To prepare Bordeaux dissolve fou V pounds copper sulphate in water, thel d slake four pounds of quicklime Pou a the two together and add enough wa g ter to bring the entire amount up t if 50 gallons. Your Bordeaux is nov E ready to use. Smaller quantities cal - be made in proportion. It is well t = stir and strain both the dissolve - copper sulphate and the slaked linn - before they are mixed. The coppe II sulphate should be dissolved in u wooden or glass container as the COT ol per attacks tin or iron.
 o. Mix only the quantity you can us Le at one time as it does not retain it FI111 ef, vr m can, however. keep both the dissolve lg copper sulphate and the slaked lime 'd separate containers for the entire ses H. son. mixing them and adding watt
 as the spray Is required for use.
 For further information apply to u
 U. S. Department of Agriculture, yol TT State Agricultural College or to vol
 local county agent. - ce GM. CODDING. 10 Special Field Agent, 1T IT S Oenf cr- A pric11t1I~e