Late Blight Clean-Up

Sherry_AK · August 1, 2009

I don't have Late Blight ... but if I did, I know I would go into full panic mode. So, I'd like to be prepared with some information.

What should be used to sanitize garden tools used for removal? Bleach? Alcohol? Throw them away and forget I ever saw them?

Also, I assume it's pretty important to wash clothing in hot water. Any other steps to take there?

I don't think I've seen these subjects discussed in other threads.

Thanks.

Sherry

Robert Brenchley · August 1, 2009

I don't think there's any need. The disease is airborne, and it's spread by drifting spores which land on the plant, and germinate under warm, damp conditions. On my site, it appears all over the place, or not at all, and there's no way it's spread by humans.

tjg911 · August 1, 2009

sherry i read that it is not necessary to clean tools or cages, that surprised me as i would have thought cages and stakes were contaminated. however, if you do get LB i would sterilize any cutting tools when going from plant to plant.

tom

Sherry_AK · August 2, 2009

Thanks, guys. I have read also that there's no need to sanitize stakes, cages, etc., but I took that to mean when stored for use the following season. Seems like spores from an infected plant could ride along to another plant on tools or clothing as long as the spore is still viable. Maybe not.

I would take the conservative approach and clean things as best I can. But I hope I never really need to implement this plan!

Thanks again.

Sherry

amideutch · August 2, 2009

Sherry, I use Physan 20 for my sanitizing jobs and it works on Damping off as well. Ami

Sherry_AK · August 2, 2009

Thanks, Ami. I'll check for sources. I appreciate the input.

Sherry

August 1, 2009	#1
Sherry_AK Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Alaska Zone 3/4 Posts: 1,857	Late Blight Clean-Up I don't have Late Blight ... but if I did, I know I would go into full panic mode. So, I'd like to be prepared with some information. What should be used to sanitize garden tools used for removal? Bleach? Alcohol? Throw them away and forget I ever saw them? Also, I assume it's pretty important to wash clothing in hot water. Any other steps to take there? I don't think I've seen these subjects discussed in other threads. Thanks. Sherry

August 1, 2009	#3
tjg911 Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: zone 5b northwest connecticut Posts: 2,570	sherry i read that it is not necessary to clean tools or cages, that surprised me as i would have thought cages and stakes were contaminated. however, if you do get LB i would sterilize any cutting tools when going from plant to plant. tom __________________ I need a hero I’m holding out for a hero ‘til the end of the night He’s gotta be strong And he’s gotta be fast And he’s gotta be fresh from the fight I need a hero I’m holding out for a hero ‘til the morning light He’s gotta be sure And it’s gotta be soon And he’s gotta be larger than life

August 2, 2009	#5
amideutch Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Germany 49°26"N 07°36"E Posts: 5,041	Sherry, I use Physan 20 for my sanitizing jobs and it works on Damping off as well. Ami __________________ Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting ‘...Holy Crap .....What a ride!'

August 1, 2009	#2
Robert Brenchley Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Birmingham UK Posts: 31	I don't think there's any need. The disease is airborne, and it's spread by drifting spores which land on the plant, and germinate under warm, damp conditions. On my site, it appears all over the place, or not at all, and there's no way it's spread by humans.