To Systemic or not to Systemic

[Oldman]

I have not been able to find an organic solution to my potato early blight.

I have two choices.
1. pull the plants.
2. Treat the plants with a Systemic Fungicide.

This Systemic Fungicide can penetrate your skin. It cannot be wash off of the plants once it is dry.

Anyone here have an organic suggestion?
Thanks
Olds

[manxman]

First of all Raye let me say this is a subject I know nothing about!!  ::)

However I have a friend (more of an acquaintance) who grows organic produce locally commercially and he uses something called a "Bordeaux mix" to cure potato blight, apparently this mix is acceptable from an organic farming point of view:

Googled:

*Bordeaux Mixture is allowable under organic rules but too much is toxic to the plants:-

Copper Sulphate 1 lb (250g)
Hydrated Lime 1¼ lb (315g)
Water 10 gal (25 litres)

(Two commercially available products are Murphy Traditional Copper Fungicide or Vitax Bordeaux Mixture)

As I say, it is something I know nothing about but this guy was one of a crowd of us who went skiing in the French Alps a couple of weeks ago and it was part of a topic of conversation that popped up in the pub one night!! Strange how you remember the oddest things sometimes!  :-[

Try doing a search on the net and see if it may be useful for your situation?!  ;)

Good luck!

[Oldman]

Over the  years you have been there with your help. I will look into this. If it works I will add it to my  organic box of tricks.  Please give my best to your Ms....
Olds.

[3rensho]

The CuSO₄ is what all the farmers use around these parts.  It's an old method but still works fine.  I'd never use a systemic pesticide on anything to be eaten.

[manxman]

do let us know if it works Raye....... or not as the case may be!!   ::)               

Best wishes to you and yours.  :)

[Oldman]

I pulled the plants. The potatoes were not real big yet but no damage. We cooked them with fresh parsley and butter. They were so much better than store purchased.