SPECIALTY CROP REPORT – Tobacco Edition, June 19 2009 

Blue Mold Update

Blue Mold Update
On June 11 there was a second report of blue mold from a traditional plant bed in Lancaster County in southeastern Pennsylvania.  This new report is located northwest of the original outbreak reported in Chester County, PA on June 5.  It is estimated that symptoms in this second location first appeared around June 5.  Forecasts from the Blue Mold Forecast Centre out of North Carolina State University indicate that weather events over Pennsylvania on Tuesday could have resulted in transport of spores to southern Ontario.  Although most airborne spores were likely washed out before reaching Canada, there is a possibility that some spores were deposited in Ontario’s tobacco growing regions.  

As of June 19th, there are no reports of blue mold in Ontario tobacco; however growers should be monitoring their fields regularly for this disease.  Remember that blue mold develops and spreads rapidly during periods of cool, wet, overcast weather.  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 following OMAFRA staff at the Simcoe office can be contacted if further information is needed:

Melanie Filotas
Specialty Crops Integrated Pest Management Specialist
melanie.filotas@ontario.ca
519-426-4434

Jim Todd
Transition Crop Specialist
jim.todd@ontario.ca
519-426-3823