Blue Mold (Moho Azul)
/ MO-o ah-SOOL /
Growing & TerroirSpanish
Definition
A fast-moving downy mildew caused by Peronospora tabacina, which forms bluish gray spores on leaf undersides and can strip a field within days in cool, damp weather. A devastating outbreak hit Cuba around 1979 and 1980.
Why it matters
That epidemic ended Corojo's reign and forced the breeding program that produced Criollo 98, Corojo 99, and Habano 2000, so blue mold shaped the flavor of modern cigars.
In context
"One humid week and blue mold took a third of the field."
Related terms