Disease potential is highly variable in this area because of severe drought conditions, most crops being too stressed to support blue mold development, but there should still be isolated pockets where the disease continues. Drought conditions have greatly limited development and the potential for new disease. Reports of strong new activity on individual farms were received during the week from Greenup, Carter, and Magoffin counties. Most activity developed about two weeks ago, when cooler conditions prevailed, but some new activity continues. Dry conditions and poor plant growth are limiting disease on most farms rather than control programs.
Blue mold is well-established, but damaging levels are rare.
Some areas received heavy rains late last week, so the disease is well-positioned to explode where it remains cool long enough. New sporulation was occurring on August 3. Blue mold has been confirmed in most counties of east Tennessee. Blue mold is probably much more widely established than has been reported, but damaging levels are rare except where excellent plant growth is occurring. As with the Quicksand Area, County Extension Agents need to carefully reassess the status and provide current status reports.