Blue Mold Update

Over the past week, there have been two new reports of blue mold in US tobacco.  Tobacco blue mold was reported in 5 closely-grouped fields in southeastern Virginia on July 13.  Based on symptoms, it was estimated the disease first appeared between July 1 and 7.  On July 16, blue mold was found in several fields, totalling 60 acres, in Clark and Montgomery County, Kentucky.  It is estimated that the first symptoms appeared approximately 10 days ago.  Forecast maps from the Blue Mold Forecast Center at North Carolina State University indicate that this week’s weather events passing over current US blue mold sources will not be directed towards Ontario’s tobacco growing region.  

As of this writing, there are no reports of blue mold in Ontario tobacco; however growers should still be monitoring their fields closely for signs of the disease.  Descriptions and pictures of symptoms can be found in previous editions of this report.   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).