FORECAST DISCUSSION: Monday, April 5: *** Epidemic Update *** Paul Bertrand reports that blue mold is now common in greenhouses and plant beds all across southern GA. Conditions from Wednesday to Friday of last week were ideal for disease development. So far, no blue mold has been found in the large commercial plant farms in southeast GA.
*** The southern GA and northern FL sources are SERIOUS Threats on Tuesday *** Conditions are unfavorable for disease development today with all growers in the Southeast at Low Risk. Conditions become favorable on Tuesday as a cold front approaches. Growers in northern FL, GA, northern SC, and south-central and southeast NC are at Strongly Moderate Risk on Tuesday. Deposition would take place Tuesday in northern FL and GA, and Tuesday night or Wednesday in the Carolinas. Elsewhere......the other source regions are Low Threats Monday and Tuesday, with Low Risk to growers near the sources.
Forecast note: My apologies for the late posting of today's forecasts. There was some doubt about the chances and timing of rainfall on Tuesday and Wednesday. Given the threat to previously unaffected areas, I felt it imperative to have the best information possible. It was necessary to wait for the late afternoon updates from the National Weather Service before completing my analysis and evaluations. TK
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
HIGH RISK areas: None, but many areas are at Strongly Moderate Risk
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 5 April 1999.