Gardeners around the Prairies this year had better be on guard for mischief makers damaging their tomatoes. But the culprits may not be who they think. In fact, the damage may not have been caused by human vandals at all.
RCMP in Melville, Sask., received a complaint recently from a woman claiming that someone had killed her potatoes and tomatoes with chemicals.
Many gardeners in southeastern Saskatchewan have had similar complaints this summer. But, before accusing friends and neighbours, gardeners should check with an agrologist or horticulturalist.
A disease called late blight, may be the culprit, which is the same disease which caused the Irish Potato Famine of the 1800s. It kills potato and tomato plants.
For more information, call the Agriculture Knowledge Centre in Saskatchewan at 866-457-2377 or visit www.agf.gov.bc.ca/cropprot/lateblighthg.htm.
