FORECAST SUMMARY: Wednesday, May 22:
*** Disease Update - 22 May *** Two more reports of blue mold from NC. These come from Alamance and Rockingham counties, in north-central NC. Both of these outbreaks are several weeks old. The Rockingham outbreak occurred in a greenhouse. As with other recent reports from NC, few details are known.
*** Disease Update - 20 May *** Blue mold has been reported from Nash County, NC. This site, in the western edge of the coastal plain, is quite close to the first reported source near Bunn. It appears that this outbreak did not result from setting infected plants, but occurred once plants were in the field. Much of this infection involves larger plants (6-8 leaves present). Nearby tobacco which is younger and growing slower is showing a much lesser degree of infection. Sporulation this morning was light to moderate.
*** Unfavorable weather continues in the southeast U.S. *** High pressure centered to the north of the region will bring more cool, dry weather on Wednesday and Thursday. Strong onshore flow will cause some cloudiness and possible rain for the Atlantic coastal areas. No rain expected elsewhere. After another very cool night tonight, temperatures will begin to moderate on Thursday. Low Risk to commercial tobacco crops in the U.S. Wednesday and Thursday. In the extended period..... unfavorable weather is expected Friday and Saturday. A low pressure system will develop in the southern Gulf this weekend. After affecting FL, it will follow a path up the Southeast coast. There is a lot of uncertainty with this system. Its impact could be significant if it moves inland, or much less so if it stays offshore. Please stay tuned to the forecasts for further updates.
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.