FORECAST DISCUSSION: Monday, April 17: *** 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 favorable for disease development are returning to the Mid-Atlantic region *** A low pressure system will move from the Ohio Valley region through the southern Appalachian Mountains and the Carolinas Monday and Tuesday. Increasing clouds with widespread showers and thunderstorms are expected today through Tuesday. Most of Georgia, Florida, and the eastern Gulf will remain sunny to partly cloudy and dry. The weather will improve on Wednesday as the system moves off. On Monday, there is Moderate Risk for eastern NC and southeast VA. On Tuesday, there is HIGH RISK for growers in eastern NC. All other growers are at Low Risk Monday and Tuesday. The source areas in Cuba, Mexico, and Texas do not pose a threat to other regions early this week.
TK
Seriously Threatening Sources: Eastern NC
HIGH RISK areas: Eastern NC
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 17 April 2000.