FORECAST SUMMARY: Wednesday, May 15:
*** Disease Update - 15 May *** Short-range spread of the blue mold epidemic is occurring in the northeast piedmont and northern coastal plain of NC. Infected fields were discovered earlier this week in both Wilson County and Wake County, NC. The fields in Wake County are at least 50% infected. Active sporulation is occurring at both of these new outbreaks.
*** The weather will be unfavorable for disease development Wednesday and Thursday *** High pressure will govern the weather in the Southeast the next two days. Sunny, dry conditions are expected near the known sources and along the forecast pathways. Low Risk to commercial tobacco crops Wednesday and Thursday. In the extended period..... a cold front will approach the southeast U.S. on Friday. Scattered showers and thunderstorms will affect northern and western sections late Friday and Friday night. Southern and eastern sections will be affected on Saturday. Dry weather is expected on Sunday.
TK
Serious Threats: None
HIGH RISK areas: None
Current Sources:
Previous Sources:
Pinar del Rio, Cuba
Santiago, Dominican Republic
Papantla, Veracruz, Mexico
Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico
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.