Late blight discovered close to Pittsburgh

Officials from Penn State University have discovered late blight in Westmoreland, Beaver, Indiana, Somerset, Cambria and Blair counties in Pennsylvania.

I've got it on good authority that Allegheny County has also seen late blight, but can't get official confirmation, but sources tell me that it's been found here.

In talking to Beth Gugino, assistant professor of plant pathology at Penn State University for recommendations for control, she recommends organic growers use a copper based fungicide against the disease as opposed to the biological control Serenade.

I'm sticking with the biological for now, I'm worried about the effect of copper on the environment, but it is organic. If things get bad, I might be running back to copper.

There's talk of a new strain found on petunias, but we'll see what that's all about.

Spray your tomato plants with an organic fungicide now!

 UPDATE 6/21/10: ADD ALLEGHENY AND BUTLER COUNTIES TO THE LIST.