FORECAST DISCUSSION: Friday, April 14: *** Blue mold has been discovered in NC *** Blue mold has completely overtaken one greenhouse on a farm in Lenoir County in eastern NC. Disease has likely spread to the field, as 15 acres of tobacco were set with plants from this greenhouse earlier this week. Two other greenhouses also have areas of sporulation. The grower is destroying all symptomatic plants. However, this is a very strong source.
*** Conditions are highly favorable for disease development in the eastern U.S. on Friday and Saturday *** A complex low pressure system is working its way through the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions this weekend. Heavy rain is occurring in Florida and Georgia today and will spread into the Carolinas tonight and Saturday. Most areas will have at least a chance of showers both days. On Friday.... there is HIGH RISK for northern FL, the central and southern coastal plains of NC, and a broad section of eastern and central SC. Other areas are at Low Risk. On Saturday.... There is HIGH RISK for eastern NC and southern and eastern VA. There is Moderate Risk for growers in MD and southeast PA. Growers in northern FL and southeast GA will be at Strongly Moderate Risk. Other areas will face Low Risk. The situation for Sunday should be much improved for most areas but some uncertainty remains. New forecasts for the sources in eastern NC and northern FL will be issued on Sunday.
*** The source areas in Cuba, Mexico, and Texas do not threaten other growing regions this weekend.
TK
Seriously Threatening Sources: Eastern NC, northern FL
HIGH RISK areas: northern FL, eastern NC, central and eastern SC, southern and eastern VA
Blue Mold Active in the Plant Bed and Greenhouse (click on small image for larger image)
What should one look for?
*** New for 2000 *** Climate Outlooks and Epidemic Prognoses
Current Sources:
Previous Sources:
None
***** NOTE: These forecasts/outlooks only apply to disease development from airborne transport of spores!!! We do not have the capability to ascertain blue mold development by other means, such as transplanting of infected seedlings, nor will we attempt to do so. Please consult the Extension Service personnel in your area if you have concerns about these matters! *****
This service is provided by the North Carolina State University departments of Plant Pathology and Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences.
Web page last updated by Thomas Keever on 14 April 2000.