What is the Difference Between Early Blight and Late Blight of Potato?

Early blight and late blight are two diseases that affect potato and tomato plants of the Solanaceae family. They are caused by different organisms and have distinct symptoms and effects on the plants.

Early Blight:

• Caused by the fungus Alternaria solani and Alternaria tomatophila.
• Occurs in relatively warmer temperatures.
• Symptoms include dark brown concentric lesions on older leaves, which can enlarge and form a "bull's-eye" appearance.
• Can cause significant defoliation, starting at the base of the plant and moving upwards.
• Also affects the fruits of the plant, with dark, sunken, leathery spots forming on tomatoes.

Late Blight:

• Caused by the oomycete Phytophthora infestans.
• Occurs in cooler temperatures.
• Symptoms include large, sunken, dark green or brown lesions on leaves, which can eventually kill entire leaves.
• Can cause severe damage to plants, with brown to black lesions on stems.
• Spreads in cool and wet conditions, and spores tend to spread in these conditions.

To prevent these diseases, it is recommended to use resistant varieties, avoid overhead irrigation, and maintain plant health. Early blight can be treated by applying fungicides, while late blight is more severe and difficult to control. It is crucial to monitor environmental conditions and take appropriate measures to minimize the impact of these diseases on your crops.

Comparative Table: Early Blight vs Late Blight of Potato

Early blight and late blight are two diseases that affect potato plants, causing considerable losses to farmers. They are caused by different pathogens and have distinct characteristics. Here is a table summarizing the differences between early blight and late blight of potato:

To prevent and manage these diseases, it is essential to apply appropriate fungicides, practice crop rotation, and maintain proper soil health.