FORECAST DISCUSSION: Monday, April 26: *** Significant Threat to Georgia and the Carolinas early this week.*** Paul Bertrand in Georgia reports that blue mold is still present and moderately active in irrigated fields in Coffee, Colquitt, Cook, and Irwin counties. Infected greenhouses and plant beds no longer present much of a threat. Due to a stalled front and approaching frontal systems, the weather in the southeast U.S. will be unsettled for at least three or four days. The sources in southern Georgia and northern Florida are Moderate Threats on Monday and SERIOUS Threats on Tuesday.
Conditions are only somewhat favorable for survivable transport today. However, some surviving spores may be washed out tonight or Tuesday. Growers in southern GA and northern FL are at Low Risk. There is Weakly Moderate Risk for east-central GA, all of SC, and central and northwest NC. On Tuesday, conditions will be favorable for survivable transport and effective deposition. There is Moderate Risk for northern FL and southwest GA; Strongly Moderate Risk for southeast GA, all of SC, and west-central, south-central, and southeast NC.
The other sources are Low Threats and do not present a danger to the major production areas. Some localized disease development is possible in southern Texas on Monday. TK
The southern GA/northern FL source forecasts are currently active; the other individual source forecasts will be updated this evening.
Blue Mold Active in the Plant Bed and Greenhouse (click on small image for larger image)
What should one look for?
Seriously Threatening Sources: Southern GA/ northern FL on Tuesday
HIGH RISK areas: None, but previously unaffected areas are at Strongly Moderate Risk on Tuesday.
Current Sources:
Previous Sources:
None
***** 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 26 April 1999.