Transplants were determined to have come from a greenhouse in Florida. Other plants transplanted on the same farm as the greenhouse are said to also be infected with blue mold. Repeated sprays 5-7 days apart will be required, especially as the canopy becomes larger and irrigation or rain promote favorable conditions for blue mold. According to Tom Melton, as of April 27, blue mold was reported and confirmed from a greenhouse in Moore Co., North Carolina near the Harnett Co. line. One greenhouse in Lenoir Co. still has active blue mold after discovery two weeks ago.
Conditions remain ideal for blue spread and development in North Carolina.
With Moderate to High Risk situations growers are encouraged to follow an Acrobat MZ spray program until the risk of infection is past. These volumes are for tobacco under 6 in. tall. As the tobacco grows, more volume is needed. If conditions remain favorable, sprays should continue on a 7 to 10 day schedule. Most injury is flecking and leaf distortion as a result of preemergence soil surface applications of Spartan.