FORECAST DISCUSSION: Wednesday, April 7: *** 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.
*** Nearly all sources are Low Threats Wednesday and Thursday *** All growers are at Low Risk on Wednesday and almost all the source areas are Low Threats on Thursday. The lone exception may be the sources in southern GA and northern FL. Airborne spores will probably be moving northeast toward the Carolinas, but the exact trajectories are in doubt. There is also uncertainty regarding the expected cloud cover and the chance of precipitation. As of Wednesday afternoon, growers appear to be at Low Risk for Thursday's spore release event. However, the risk could rise to Moderate for some growers in the eastern Carolinas with only a slight change in the weather forecasts. New forecasts will be issued Thursday morning in order to give you the best information possible. 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: None
HIGH RISK areas: None
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 7 April 1999.