FORECAST DISCUSSION: Saturday, June 3: *** Disease Update *** From Tom Melton in NC..... new cases of blue mold have been reported from Beaufort County, Johnston County, eastern Wake County, Onslow County, and Chowan County. The Johnston County outbreak occurred in Research Station plant beds and these have been destroyed. The Chowan County case has yet to be confirmed. Active sporulation was observed in all cases.
*** For Saturday and Sunday, most of the weather events are evolving close to previous expectations. In NC.... no long-range transport is expected on Saturday due to ongoing solar exposure through early afternoon. With the development of numerous thunderstorms, however, some localized disease development is possible. Conditions will be more favorable on Sunday, but because of weak and shifting winds, it appears that only growers in NC will be threatened. Strongly Moderate Risk for growers in central and eastern NC on Sunday. In the Southeast..... long-range transport is not expected Saturday or Sunday. Trajectories generally move to the ENE. The threat of isolated or scattered afternoon thunderstorms may give rise to some localized disease development. Otherwise, Low Risk to growers in southern GA and northern FL.
In the extended period.... conditions will be favorable for disease development in the mid-Atlantic and Southeast on Monday. Many growers will be at elevated Risk levels. A cold front will move through on Tuesday. Forecasts will be updated on Sunday if the situation warrants it.
TK
Seriously Threatening Sources: None
HIGH RISK areas: None
Blue Mold Active in the Plant Bed and Greenhouse (click on small image for larger image)
What should one look for?
***** 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 3 June 2000.