FORECAST DISCUSSION: Monday, May 8: *** 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.
*** 3 May disease update: There are two new reports of blue mold in Georgia *** One is from a field in Ware County, near Millwood, GA. The other is from old plants beds and nearby research plots at the Coastal Plain Experiment Station near Tifton. The plant beds at this second site have been destroyed. Heavy sporulation has been observed at both locations. Trajectories from Alma, GA will serve to represent the Millwood source; a new source will be added for the Tifton location.
*** Conditions are unfavorable for disease development in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic Monday and Tuesday. *** Dry, hot weather should help suppress any disease activity in the field. Solar exposure will kill any airborne spores released from infected greenhouses. Trajectories from Texas pose no threat. Low Risk to all growers on Monday and Tuesday.
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 8 May 2000.