The majority of the crop was planted in May under hot and dry conditions. Plant quality appears to have been quite good this year and most crops appear uniform and are off to a good start. Cultivation is now underway. Windy conditions in recent days has caused some damage to tobacco on the sandier knolls in some fields. There were not many problems observed in greenhouses this year and, so far, only a few problems have been reported in the field.
Progress of tobacco in one of CTRF’s plant protection trials on June 14, 2016.
One problem encountered in some cases again this year has been injury from Black Root Rot, caused by the fungus Thielaviopsis basicola. Typical symptoms are uneven plant growth (in the greenhouse or field) with the slower growing plants having black lesions on the roots. In the cases so far, the infected plants in the field originated from Styrofoam plug trays in the greenhouse. Unless Styrofoam plug trays are properly sterilized following use each year, it is not uncommon for the fungus to build up in the trays and infect the plants. Disinfection of Styrofoam plug trays with steam is the only practice that will control Black Root Rot. For more information on Black Root Rot and its control, please refer to the technical bulletin entitled “Tobacco Pests and Disorders in the Field – Black Root Rot” posted in the Plant Protection area of this website.
Root of greenhouse seedling infected with Black Root Rot.
There continues to be only one report of Blue Mold in tobacco from the United States. This report came from Georgia in late March where Blue Mold was found in six tobacco greenhouses. Up until now there have been no reports of Blue Mold here in Ontario. Growers should routinely scout fields and any leftover plants in the greenhouse for signs of Blue Mold. Information about identification of Blue Mold and its control can be found in the technical bulletin entitled “Tobacco Pests and Disorders in the Field – Blue Mold” posted in the Plant Protection area of this website and in OMAFRA publications 842 and 843. If you find Blue Mold, please report it immediately.
Post prepared and sent by Canadian Tobacco Research Foundation
Mailing Address: CTRF, P.O. Box 322, Tillsonburg, ON N4G 4H5
Telephone: 519-842-8997
Web Address: http://ctrf1.com