So far there is no problem in Virginia yet - it's North Carolina and the burley area of Virginia that are under alert for blue mold. Blue mold usually makes its appearance in Virginia around this time of the year. Blue mold originates in South America where the winds then spread the spores throughout Mexico and into Cuba and Florida. The spores are often carried north by winds and the fungus continues to spread through Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and eventually into Virginia. Most burley tobacco plants grown in Virginia are transplants from Florida and Georgia.
Infected plants can quickly spread the disease to surrounding areas and from burley to flue tobacco.
The mold thrives in locations that are cool with high humidity. Cloudy, overcast days with high humidity are ideal conditions for blue mold. McPeters says some areas in the county are more likely to experience problems than others. Fields surrounded by trees resulting in poor air circulation or fields located near rivers or creek beds should be watched closely for the appearance of the mold. Crops that are irrigated and left wet over night when the temperature cools down can provide suitable conditions for the mold also.