Met Éireann has issued an advisory for potato blight across the country.

The advisory is now in effect from today (Monday, May 18) and will remain in place until 1:00p.m on Saturday (May 23).

The national meteorological service said that weather conditions conducive to the spread of potato blight will develop in some parts of the west, south and midlands on Tuesday afternoon and evening.

These conditions will become more widespread from Thursday until Saturday.

Met Éireann said there will be very limited opportunities for spraying between showers on Tuesday morning, with better opportunities for spraying on Wednesday.

Potato blight

Potato blight is a plant disease caused by a fungal-like organism called Phytophthora infestans.

The potato blight pathogen spreads rapidly in humid weather in the foliage of potatoes and tomatoes, causing the foliage to decay and the potato/tomato to be infected, Met Éireann said.

Met Éireann

In its latest farming commentary, Met Éireann said that rainfall amounts over the past week were close to or above average for much of the country, ranging between 100% and 168% of average.

It is expected to be generally unsettled over the coming week with rain and showers most days.

Drier conditions will develop at the weekend.

Rainfall amounts will be above average for most areas as a result, but will be closer to or below average in some south-eastern areas, the forecaster said.

Drying conditions will generally be limited due to rain and showers at times. Drying will likely improve over the weekend.

Similarly, spraying opportunities will be limited for the coming days due to rain and showers.