FORECAST DISCUSSION: Thursday, March 13, 1997 - **** Cuban sources threatening Florida and S Georgia production areas **** A low pressure system travelling eastward across the southern Gulf coast states is bringing increased clouds and a high chance of rain to the eastern Gulf of Mexico area. As the system approaches, winds are turning to the south, which will bring any released spores into Florida and/or S Georgia sometime Friday. As it looks now (late morning Thursday), some spores will encounter enough solar exposure to die but enough will survive to pose a serious threat to growers in Florida as showers move in. Conditions are favorable for infection. Highest risk is to Florida, but growers in S GA should keep watch on the situation. TK

THREATENING SOURCES: Pinar del Rio, Cuba

Florida

• Pinar del Rio, Cuba

***** NOTE: These forecasts/outlooks only apply to disease development from airborne transport of spores!!! We do not have the capability to ascertain blue mold development by other means, such as transplanting of infected seedlings, nor will we attempt to do so. Please consult the Extension Service personnel in your area if you have concerns about these matters! *****

This service is provided by the North Carolina State University departments of Plant Pathology and Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences.

Web page last updated by Thomas Keever on 13 March 1997.