late blight

noun

, Plant Pathology.

1. a disease of plants, especially potatoes, celery, etc., characterized by spotting, blighting, and withering or decay of the entire plant, caused by any of several fungi, as Phytophthora infestans or Septoria apii.

late blight

/ lāt /

1. A disease of potato plants caused by the oomycete organism Phytophthora infestans and characterized by decay of the foliage and tubers. An outbreak of late blight led to widespread famine in Ireland in 1845-1850.

Word History and Origins

Origin of late blight¹

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

The late blight, which also attacks the foliage, is far more serious.

From Project Gutenberg

Late Blight (Phytophthora infestans) is the same fungus as the late blight of potatoes, affecting both foliage and fruit.

From Project Gutenberg