Potato crops in Manitoba are growing excellently, according to a Manitoba Agriculture plant pathologist.
Vikram Bisht says the hot temperatures we've experienced lately have been very good for crops, and for the most part, recent rains have been beneficial.
"The crop is about a week ahead of last year, even though the planting dates were about the same," he says. "We have had extremely good weather, and we think if all goes well, it will be a good season."
While the weather has been good for crop growth, though, it's also ideal for disease development. Bisht says currently there have been no late blight cases reported in Manitoba, but the conditions seem to be favourable for the disease because of the frequent rains.
Source : Portageonline