The first outbreaks of potato blight in the country have been confirmed in farms in Wexford, Kilkenny and Cork.
Teagasc, the agriculture and food development authority, said the blight, which can cause major damage to crops, first hit Cork on May 6th and spread to Wexford and south Kilkenny during the past week.
Potato crops are reported to be about two weeks ahead of normal growing time this year and the last week has created conditions ideal for the spread of blight and warnings have been issued by the Irish Meteorological Service.
Once blight has made its initial appearance, the further development of an epidemic is dependent on the control programme, variety, growth stage and the prevailing weather conditions. All potato growing areas are being monitored by the potato inspectors of the Department of Agriculture and Food as well as the specialist potato advisers in Teagasc.