NC scientists warn of early tomato blight

RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina scientists say reports of a tomato-killing fungus could be the result of an unusually hot spring.

North Carolina State University researchers say a form of blight has been found on tomatoes in two eastern counties — Northampton and Sampson.

The variant “late blight” was found earlier than usual in the growing season. The fungus is best known for causing the Irish Potato Famine in the 1840s during which 1 million people died and 1 million more left Ireland.

Scientists say most commercial farmers are aware of the fungus, but local farmers and community gardeners might want to apply fungicides to their crops or consider early harvests.

Source: The Associated Press