Blue Mold Epiphytotic in Georgia. Alexander S. Csinos, Research Pathologist, Coastal Plain Station, Department of Plant Pathology, University of Georgia. James D. Arnett, Extension Pathologist, Rural Development Center, Extension Service, Tifton, GA 31793. Plant Dis. 64:1037. Copyright 1980 American Phytopathological Society. DOI: 10.1094/PD-64-1037.

Blue mold (Peronospora tabacina Adam.) was first verified in Cook County, GA, on 10 March 1980, and the disease was subsequently reported in all tobacco-growing areas. The occurrence closely matched descriptions of the 1931-1937 epiphytotics of the disease, although systemic infection appeared to be more prevalent in 1980. Whether the severity of the 1980 outbreak was caused by a new race of the fungus or by greater susceptibility of presently grown cultivars is not known.