Tobacco Blue Mold Forecast Homepage
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***** 28 June: First report of blue mold in NC in 2009. TBM was reported Friday, June 26, from Forsyth County, NC. Please view the Epidemic History page for details. Also, note our write-up on the origin and potential impact of this source, given below. *****
Forecasts in 2009 begin on March 17. They will be generated three times per week during the growing season: Tuesday, Thursday, and either Saturday or Sunday.
Timely information on the occurrence of blue mold and the future movement of inoculum (fungus spores) across the North American continent is important to tobacco producers in managing this destructive and fast-moving plant disease epidemic.
Update on the recent NC outbreak
Update on the recent PA outbreak
2009 mid-March to mid-May review
2009 late February / early March review
2008 Blue Mold Epidemic Season Summary
Map of known Blue Mold outbreaks
(click the map for a full-size image):
The Current Forecast can be found by using the menu to the left or the calendar to the above right. For epidemic updates you can refer to the status map given below and the Epidemic History page.
*** NOTE: These forecasts/outlooks apply ONLY to disease development from AIRBORNE TRANSPORT of spores. We do not have the capability to track blue mold development by other means, such as transporting infected materials, nor will we attempt to do so. Please consult the County Extension Service personnel in your area if you have questions about these matters. ***
Disclaimer:
The forecast(s) presented in this report only represent estimates of pathways spores are likely to travel from confirmed sources. The forecasts were prepared for purposes of supporting the research and extension functions of North Carolina State University. The forecasts contained herein were not prepared or issued in support of business, industrial, or investment decisions whether they are profit-making or otherwise. The authors; the Department of Plant Pathology; Department of Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences; North Carolina State University; The University of North Carolina, their Governors, Trustees, officers, administrators, employees, and agents do not assume any responsibility for any interpretations of the data, nor do they warrant the fitness of the forecasts for any use.
This forecasting service is provided by the North Carolina State University departments of:
Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences