Limited instances of CMV have been observed and reported in Georgia tobacco, with numerous reports of CMV in vegetables. Researchers at the Coastal Plain Experiment Station in Tifton are cooperating with Extension Specialists and County Agents to analyze plant samples and determine the cause of mosaic symptoms. Statewide average incidence levels are running 5 to 8 percent of plants. Some fields have significantly more plants affected, ranging from 20 to 40 percent. Fields planted in March appear to have a greater level of infection than those planted in through the month of April.
Symptoms continue to appear with time.
The proposed funding program to assist growers with the retrofitting of curing barns with heat exchangers still has not been signed and activated. Limited numbers of heat exchangers have been purchased in Georgia and only a few have actually been delivered and installed. Growers generally are waiting for the funding assistance program to be approved before placing heat exchanger orders. With the beginning of tobacco harvest less than eight weeks away the time for delivery and installation has really begun to come into consideration for retrofitting barns this season. Grower concern appears to be increasing regarding the purchase of tobacco from non-retrofitted barns during the 2000 marketing season.