SPECIALTY CROP REPORT – Tobacco Edition
Blue Mold Update
Blue mold was reported from a float bed greenhouse in south eastern Pennsylvania on June 5. Based on plant conditions, it was estimated that symptoms first appeared on May 29. This is the first report of Blue Mold in the United States for the 2009 growing season. On June 9, meteorologists from the Blue Mold Forecast Centre out of North Carolina State University issued results of their analysis of weather patterns over the north eastern US during this period. This analysis indicates a possibility that spores may have travelled to other areas of the northeast, including southern Ontario. The chance of disease spread may be mitigated by the small size of the area currently affected by blue mold.
As of June 9th, there are no reports of blue mold in Ontario tobacco, however growers should be monitoring their fields regularly for this disease. Any plants still in the greenhouse should also be monitored. Tobacco leaves infected with blue mold show large yellow spots with greyish blue mold on the under surfaces. These spots brown as they age. Curling and puckering of leaves may also occur. Any suspected cases should be reported to the OMAFRA office in Simcoe at 519-426-4434 or 519-426-3823. More information on this disease can be found in OMAFRA Publication 298 – Flue-Cured Tobacco Production Recommendations or in the CTRF publication “Flue-Cured Tobacco Best Management Practices – Blue Mold” (September, 2004).
Aliette WDG and Quadris FL Fungicides can be used proactively for the preventative control of Blue Mold in the field. Refer to the product label for detailed instructions on how to apply these products. The recommended rate of Aliette varies with plant growth stage – consult OMAFRA Publication 298 for more information. A maximum of 3-4 applications (or 10 kg product/ha) of Aliette and 2 applications of Quadris may be applied per year for control of blue mold on tobacco. Rotate fungicides to avoid the development of resistance. Aliette cannot be applied within 5 days of harvest, while Quadris cannot be applied within 21 days of harvest.
New Crops Workshop
New Crops, Old Challenges:
Non-traditional crops integrated crop management workshop.
Come out to the Simcoe Research Station to learn about:
- Non-traditional and specialty crops: demonstration plots of example crops
- Pest management and sprayer technology: discuss with Provincial Specialists
- Cover crops: opportunities to save your nitrogen dollars Current nitrogen research conducted by the University of Guelph
- Enjoy refreshments, meet with other producers and take the opportunity talk with University of Guelph staff and OMAFRA Specialists
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
(Rain Date: Thursday, August 20, 2009)
1:30 - 5:00 p.m.
Simcoe Research Station
Please RSVP by August 14th by phoning (519) 426-7127 ext. 323
The following OMAFRA staff at the Simcoe office can be contacted if further information is needed:
Melanie Filotas
Integrated Pest Management Specialist
melanie.filotas@ontario.ca
519-426-4434
Jim Todd
Transition Crop Specialist
jim.todd@ontario.ca
519-426-3823
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