Blue mold has been found on tobacco in several areas of Lancaster County.
Growers need to be aware of the disease and take appropriate action. It can spread quickly under moist conditions and has the potential to significantly damage both the quality and yield of the crop.
All tobacco fields should be watched closely.
Scouting shady and low-lying areas within a field where the disease often starts is important. Recent warm, wet weather will encourage the spread. Also, younger tobacco is more sensitive. Once plants are topped, the leaves thicken and plants become less susceptible.
Several products are available, including the active ingredients Dimethomorph (brand name: Forum), and Mancozeb (brand names: Dithane, Penncozeb DF, and Manzate Pro-stick).
Additional products labeled for use in tobacco include Quadris (azoxystrobin), Actiguard (acibenzolar-S-methyl), and some newer products such as Presidio (Fluopicolide), Revus (mandipropamid), and Orondis (oxathiapiprolin).
Applying a protective spray is important, even if you are not seeing the disease in your fields. Fungicides are most effective when applied as a preventative and protectant. For best results, they should be applied before the disease is present.
Do not apply Forum (dimethomorph) fungicide alone. The label requires that you combine it with another product such as Mancozeb to prevent the development of resistant strains of blue mold. Also, consider rotating these two with another labeled product for the most effective control.
Always read and follow the label of any pesticide.
Source: lancasterfarming.com
Photo Credit: getty-images-elhenyo
Categories: Pennsylvania, Crops