The Southeast Farm Press noted the occurrence of relatively rare weather-related damage to tobacco plants in North Carolina this week. This damage is called Weather Fleck.
Matthew Vann, NC State Extension Tobacco Specialist, noted that “This event is 100 percent weather related due to the fact Weather Fleck is caused by ozone (O3) which is an air pollutant. Ozone is a molecule naturally found in the atmosphere (i.e. Ozone Layer). However, it is also found in lower levels of the atmosphere where it is generated through chemical reactions of sunlight, hydrocarbons, and nitrogenous compounds.” Stagnant air caused ozone to be absorbed by the leaves, which were then damaged by the corrosive ozone.
Matt also noted that there was some cold damage to the young plants due to cold weather which occurred on May 16. Tropical Storm Bonnie also caused delays in planting due to wet soil conditions and cooler weather from the cloud cover.
