Blue Mold Present in Lancaster and Chester Counties

Several products are available to choose from including Forum (Acrobat or Dimethomorph), Dithane (Mancozeb), Quadris, and Actiguard. Dithane is now available as Roper DF Rainshield and has a PA section 24(c) label for tobacco as of June 8th 2012. Also, it is important to keep in mind that all of these products work best as a preventative and protectant; therefore, for best results they should be applied before the disease is found in your fields.

Do not apply Forum 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. Always read and follow the label of any pesticide. The combination of Forum and Dithane (Mancozeb) has proved to be an effective and can be used until the threat has passed.

It is recommended that growers who have questions with regards to control and prevention check with their local buying representative. Also, Lancaster Leaf Tobacco has a prerecorded hotline (717-239-4414) for their growers and others to stay abreast of the situation.