FORECAST SUMMARY: Thursday, March 28:
*** Disease Update - 25 March: More information is available concerning the blue mold outbreak in southern Georgia. Both systemic and foliar blue mold were present in the plant beds. These plant beds were destroyed after blue mold was discovered. Given the possibility that disease development may have occurred during the past two weeks, we will keep this source in the forecasts and assume some light disease activity is present in the area. For more information and photos of the outbreak, please take a look at the University of Georgia Tobacco Home Page. Our thanks go to J. Michael Moore for this information.
*** The focus for this weekend will be on Sunday's transport event from southern Georgia *** In the Southeast, conditions will be unfavorable for disease development Friday and Saturday. The southern GA source is a Low Threat. However, by Sunday.... a cold front now in the Midwest will have moved into the region. The trajectory from southern GA will likely move to the northeast. Skies will be variably to mostly cloudy and there will be a good chance of showers. Moderate to Strongly Moderate Risk on Sunday for northern FL, southern GA, southern and eastern SC, and southeast NC. This situation will be watched closely. We will update the forecast on Sunday if significant changes occur.
Elsewhere.... transport scenarios from the other known sources are not expected to affect other growing regions from Friday through Sunday. Low Threat to U.S. production areas from the other source regions from Friday through Sunday.
*** An important scheduling note: Since Friday is a holiday this week, forecasts for this weekend will be issued on Thursday, March 28. Updates may be produced on Sunday if necessary. We will resume our normal schedule on Monday, April 1.
TK
Forecast Note: The TELETIP system is undergoing some major restructuring and is not yet available for use. However, our other toll-free number (1-888-835-2583) is still in operation. We will notify everyone when the TELETIP system is ready for use. Access to the TELETIP forecasts should be quick and simple.
Serious Threats: None
HIGH RISK areas: None
Current Sources:
Previous Sources:
None
Local Weather in North Carolina is available from the WRAL-TV5 Weather Center, which also has links to other weather sites.
***** 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.