FORECAST DISCUSSION: Friday, March 14, 1997 - *** Cuban sources less threatening today *** The frontal system sweeping through the Gulf of Mexico will pass sometime this evening. It appears as if the shifting winds will not direct many spores towards the Florida growing areas.

No disease development from long-range transport is expected from the Mexican sources over the next few days. The weather will be mostly unfavorable for blue mold for growers in S and W Mexico. The possibility of localized development remains, though, along the Veracruz coast, where conditions will be somewhat favorable. In S Texas, localized disease development on the wild tobacco is possible. Sporulation in the hill country will be subdued the next day or so due to the cooler nighttime temperatures; however, conditions in deep S Texas will stay favorable during the weekend. TK

THREATENING SOURCES: None.

HIGH RISK AREAS: None

• Pinar del Rio, Cuba
• Papantla, Veracruz, Mexico
• San Andres Tuxtla, Veracruz, Mexico
• Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico
• Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico
• Uvalde, Texas
• Weslaco, Texas

***** 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 14 March 1997.