The majority of the crop was planted in May and at this time, most crops appear to be off to a good start, with cultivation now starting to occur. Plant problems observed in greenhouses this spring include chill injury, heat damage, chemical injury, pH in float water, some spiral root, and algae. In the field, there have not been many problems reported as of yet. However, there have been a few reports of fumigant injury.
There have been a few growers ask about tray sanitation now that transplanting has finished up. It is important to mention that unless Styrofoam trays are properly sterilized following use each year, it is not uncommon for fungi to build up in the trays and infect the plants. The CTRF has encountered Black Root Rot in Styrofoam trays over the past several years when steam has not been used to disinfect them. As of today, sterilization of Styrofoam 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. Steam sterilization is also recommended for control of Pythium and Rhizoctonia Damping-off, please refer to the technical bulletin entitled “Tobacco Pests and Disorders in the Greenhouse – Damping off” for more information.
There have been no reports of Blue Mold in tobacco from the United States. There has also 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