J. Michael Moore, University of Georgia Extension Agronomist-Tobacco
GA Weather/Crop
Status
Baling Tobacco
GA Tobacco Tour - June 16-18,
1998
Most of the Georgia tobacco production area is facing drought conditions with little rain over the past two months, extremely hot daytime and night temperatures of 100 degrees F and 75 degrees F, respectively. Ninety to ninety-five percent of the Georgia tobacco crop can be irrigated, and most of this has been irrigated repeatedly over the past two months. Approximately 40 percent of the crop has reached topping stage with contact sucker materials being applied at this time. Continuous winds are hampering the application of these materials and reducing their effectiveness.
Generally, the plant stand across the state is much improved over last season, when the stands were so significantly reduced by tomato spotted wilt virus and seedling diseases. Tomato spotted wilt virus stand losses statewide are said to average only 6 to 8 percent so far. Much of the credit is given to widespread and almost universal use of Admire 2F in either transplant water or the plant house prior to removing plants for transplanting. Additionally, the overall incidence ot TSWV appears to be greatly reduced.
Earlier blue mold infection throughout much of the southern portion of the production area has subsided as a result of the hot, dry weather conditions and the increased use of Acrobat MZ under Section 18 labeling for prevention of the disease. However, active sporulation continues on lower leaves of larger tobacco in irrigated fields and in shady spots.
Black shank has begun to show up in greater amounts than last season. Soil conditions during transplanting were moist and created ideal opportunities for infection. Recent drought conditions have increased the rate at which plant symptoms are becoming visible.
Growers and warehousemen interested in baling tobacco during the 1998 growing season are increasing. A minimum of three baling operations are in place in the state at this time, with several more possible by the time the marketing season starts. Those interested in baling are encouraged to be aware of the guidelines for bales during the 1998 season and to contact the State Tobacco Extension Specialists (both Engineer and Agronomist) to discuss their plans and benefit from the experiences from experiments conducted over the past two years.
The 1998 Georgia Tobacco Tour will showcase the Georgia tobacco crop and extension and research projects of the University of Georgia being conducted with tobacco during the three-day tour June 16 through June 18. A full schedule may be obtained by calling 912-386-7498.
Thank you for calling the Georgia Tobacco Hotline, presented by the University of Georgia Extension Tobacco Team and brought to you by the makers of Orthene 75S.
