FORECAST DISCUSSION: Wednesday, May 10: *** There is another report of blue mold from North Carolina *** Tom Melton and Ken Bateman have confirmed an outbreak of blue mold in Johnston County, NC, near the town of Clayton. An entire greenhouse was infected and has been totally destroyed by blue mold. There was virtually no green tissue on the plants remaining in the greenhouse (about 1/3 of the original trays). Some fields have already been planted from this greenhouse, including one in Wake County near Morrisville. All are heavily infected and will be replanted. The plants in the greenhouse were to be buried earlier this week. Still, this site is a moderately strong source and will be added to the forecasts.
*** Tom Kucharek in Florida reports that blue mold is generally distributed across the north-central area of Florida. Disease is progressing upward on plants as they grow. However, since irrigation has become necessary in many areas due to the dry weather, some surges of disease development have occurred.
*** 8 May disease update: Blue mold has expanded its coverage near several of the current sources. *** Near Kinston, NC...... active blue mold was discovered in six other greenhouses near the initial source. Plants from these greenhouses have been put in the field, and there is a strong likelihood of field blue mold in Lenoir County, NC. Near Vass, NC..... Blue mold is present and active in five fields that were planted from the previously infected greenhouses. All five fields are nearly 100% infected. Finally.... blue mold has been discovered in three different fields in Colquitt County in southern GA. This is moderate strength outbreak with varying levels of disease activity. The Tifton trajectories/forecasts will encompass this new field outbreak.
*** A cold front is approaching the eastern Seaboard. *** However, there is not much moisture associated with the front and most of the atmospheric dynamics will pass to the north of the Carolinas and the Southeast. Skies are partly cloudy today and there is a chance of isolated or scattered showers for some areas as the front moves through. Sunny, dry weather will return on Thursday. On Wednesday, there is Moderate Risk for northeast NC, southeast VA, and southern MD, with Low Risk otherwise. All growers are at Low Risk on Thursday.
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?
*** New for 2000 *** Climate Outlooks and Epidemic Prognoses
Current Sources:
Previous Sources:
Pinar del Rio, Cuba
Papantla, Mexico
Tepic, Mexico
***** 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 10 May 2000.