Met Éireann has said that a potato blight advisory is currently in place as weather conditions are conducive to the spread of the disease.

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

The pathogen spreads rapidly in humid weather in the foliage of potatoes and tomatoes, causing the foliage to decay and the plant to be infected.

Met Éireann has said that the current advisory will remain in place until tomorrow (Wednesday, July 23).

Potato blight continues to be the most economically destructive disease of global potato crops.

In Ireland alone, Teagasc estimates that €5 million is spent annually on fungicides to mitigate the impacts of the disease, which represents between 15-20 fungicide applications per season.

Meanwhile, in its latest farming commentary Met Éireann said that the seven days are expected to drier than average for most of the country.

There will be more in the way of settled weather developing, with only light falls of rain at times.

Last week was wetter than normal for all areas with rainfall amounts ranging between 169% and 523% of average values.

The weather station with the highest rainfall of 78.7mm was Shannon Airport, Co. Clare, while the driest station was Ballyhaise, Co. Cavan which recorded 27mm of rain.

Over the coming week, Met Éireann said. mean air temperatures are forecast to trend close to average. Mean soil temperatures are forecast to continue to trend above normal.

Due to mostly cloudy conditions over the seven days, along with light falls of rain at times, drying conditions will be mostly poor.

Spraying opportunities will be limited over the coming week, with light spells of showers and rain forecast.

Met Éireann said that moderately and well drained soils in the north and west are close to saturation, with poorly drained soils there waterlogged.

With heavy rain recorded in the east in recent days, all soils there are waterlogged. Elsewhere, soils are drier and trafficable.

Soil moisture deficits are currently ranging between 25 and 50mm for all soil types. These values are expected to increase for most of the country with only light spells of showers and rain forecast over the coming week.