To date, hand harvesting has begun on several farms, while machine harvesting is just getting underway. Irrigation is still a common site on many farms. While the hot and dry conditions continue to persist, this moisture is needed to help develop the top of the plant now that most crops have been topped.
Tobacco being irrigated following topping.
To date, there have been no significant disease issues reported. Observed at very low incidence has been Sore Shin, Black Root Rot, Target Spot, White Mould, Potato Virus Y (PVY), and Bacterial Soft Rot. No Blue Mold has been observed in any fields in Ontario so far this season.
Pressure from Green Peach Aphids is typical for this time of year. Hornworm populations have been on the low side in most fields for most of the season. Japanese Beetles no longer appear to be a threat in most fields.
Unlike the past couple of years, damage from weather fleck that is caused by air pollutants has been minimal so far.
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