According to the Omsk branch of the Rosselkhozcenter, potato fields in the region are facing a severe outbreak of phytophthora (late blight), a fungal disease that can destroy over 70% of the harvest. The danger lies in the fact that even minor damage to the foliage can severely affect the tubers. Specialists warn that the alternating pattern of cool, damp nights and moderately warm, cloudy days accelerates the spread of the disease, potentially killing plant tops within just a few days. The fungus attacks all parts of the plant, with early symptoms including wet, brownish spots on lower leaves that later merge and cause the leaf to dry out. Under high humidity, a white powdery coating—fungal spores—appears on the underside of leaves.
To combat the threat, experts urge farmers to intensify field monitoring and apply fungicides immediately upon detecting the disease. Early-stage treatments are significantly more effective and can help preserve a substantial portion of the crop. The current weather conditions—temperatures around +20°C, combined with rainfall, fog, and dew—create an ideal environment for the pathogen. With yield losses potentially exceeding 70%, timely intervention is critical to safeguarding the region’s potato production and ensuring food supply stability.
