FORECAST SUMMARY: Wednesday, May 30:
*** Disease Update: 30 May *** We have the first report of blue mold from Kentucky. Bill Nesmith reports that blue mold has been discovered at several sites in western Clark County and eastern Fayette County in east-central KY. Activity levels are light at most locations, but strong activity is present in some greenhouses. Plants are being destroyed at one greenhouse site. However, at other sites, diseased plants are being set in the field. Evidence suggests that at least three generations of lesions are present in the area. This site is being added to the forecasts immediately. *** Blue mold also continues to spread in NC. Tom Melton informs us that disease has been discovered in Edgecombe, Halifax, and Warren counties in eastern NC. The report from Edgecombe County involves a series of fields. Blue mold may have been present there for some time. The number of NC counties with reported blue mold has now reached nine.
*** We strongly encourage growers to monitor their plants for signs of disease. Diligent scouting and prompt reporting of blue mold are essential if one wishes to derive maximum benefit from the services we provide. ***
*** Showers are possible in northern FL and the Ohio Valley the next two days *** A low pressure system is moving towards the Ohio Valley. Low Risk for that region on Wednesday. However, on Thursday, there is HIGH RISK for east-central and northern KY, southeast IN, and southwest OH. In northern FL, showers are possible both days. Moderate Risk for northern FL on Wednesday and Thursday. Conditions are unfavorable in eastern NC. Low Risk for that region the next two days. The source region in southern TX is a Low Threat to other areas Wednesday and Thursday.
*** With the recent reports of blue mold, we are adjusting our source sites. Another site is being added in eastern NC (Whitakers). We are also adding a site for the discovery in KY. The sources sites of Corpus Christi, TX and Pinar del Rio, Cuba are being dropped.
TK
HIGH RISK areas: East-central and northern KY, southeast IN, southwest OH
Blue Mold Active in the Plant Bed and Greenhouse (click on small image for larger image)
What should one look for?
(Red = New, 1 to 7 days; Blue = Active, > 7 days; Green = Old)
Climate Outlooks and Epidemic Prognoses
Current Sources:
Previous Sources:
Papantla, Veracruz, Mexico
Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico
Uvalde, Texas
Corpus Christi, Texas
Pinar del Rio, Cuba
***** 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.