Eds: APNewsNow.

Grand Forks, N.D. (AP) Potato blight has been found in the Red River Valley.

North Dakota State University plant entomologist Neil Gudmestad says the disease was first confirmed at a Northern Plains Potato Growers Association irrigation test site at Inkster, and later confirmed in several fields near Larimore.

Gudmestad says there are other unconfirmed reports of the disease in the Red River Valley. Researchers are trying to pinpoint the source.

A 1999 outbreak of blight in the Northern Plains destroyed $125 million worth of potatoes.

Gudmestad says blight could spread quickly this year if the weather conditions are right. He says farmers should destroy crops with the disease and step up fungicide programs.

Information from: Grand Forks Herald, http://www.grandforksherald.com (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 08-21-09 0942CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list