FORECAST DISCUSSION: Wednesday, May 26: *** Blue mold has been reported in North Carolina *** Minton Small has reported blue mold in Jones County, NC near the town of Comfort. About 25% of a 10-acre field is affected. Plants are about knee-high and active sporulation is occurring. This is a Moderate to Serious outbreak. Growers in nearby regions....and especially those in eastern NC.....should be scouting their fields for signs of disease. With the advent of blue mold in the mid-Atlantic region, we will be dropping the sources in Cuba and Mexico from the regular forecast rotation.
*** The new source in eastern NC is a SERIOUS Threat today *** A frontal system is moving through the region and conditions are favorable for disease development. There is HIGH RISK for growers in the coastal plains of NC on Wednesday. There is Moderate Risk for growers in southern GA and northern FL on Wednesday. On Thursday, the front will have moved through the Carolinas and the weather will be unfavorable for survivable transport or deposition. Jones County will be a Low Threat source with Low Risk to growers. A chance of showers will remain for southern GA and northern FL. Growers in that region will again be at Moderate Risk of disease development. The Texas source doesn't threaten any other region for the next two days.
*** Extended Outlook *** Sunny, dry weather is forecast for the Southeast this weekend. Source regions are expected to be Low Threats with Low Risk for growers. 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: Comfort, NC
HIGH RISK areas: Eastern NC
*** NEW FEATURE ***
County Map of New and Existing Outbreaks, 1999
(Red = New, 1 to 7 days; Blue = Active, > 7 days; Green = Old)
Current Sources:
Previous Sources:
San Antonio de los Banos, Cuba
Papantla, Veracruz, Mexico
Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico
***** 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 May 1999.
