Overview of Burley Tobacco Production in the USA Dr. Gary Palmer University of Kentucky

Good Agricultural Practices Produced in a timely manner Good management essential Use of agronomically sound practices Economically viable returns High yield per acre Reduce Environmental Impact of Production

What Will the Term Quality Mean? Desirable for buyer Contracted amount supplied Cured properly Free of foreign material Low in undesirable elements Nornicotine Nitrosamines nitrate & nitrites Low pesticide residue No unlabeled pesticides No excessive residues of labeled chemicals

Timely Production Seeding so that plants will be ready to set on time Watch weather reports to reduce gas expense Controlling environment to minimize temperature & disease related damage Disease prevention To reduce delays To improve transplant quality

Terramaster for pythium control Producers often described the root systems where terramaster had been applied

Transplant on time Can improve yield Reduce disease incidence Blue mold Virus complex Some curing concerns What’s the difference between a good farmer and a bad farmer?

Some Varieties Will Be Dropped Screening is expensive and older varieties would cost too much to justify upkeep Good alternatives are available to replace most older varieties A good disease package will be essential Use of some varieties may drop 14 x L8 High management Tendency to initiate suckers early KY 907 Lodging & quality TN 86 Quality Public varieties may not be screened Make sure that the variety you use has been screened

Burley Tobacco Variety Trial Across 8 Locations – 4 Grades Locations: Clinton, Henry, Taylor (3), Trimble(2) & Wayne Counties

Nitrogen Use Optimum levels Soil Level of N Lbs. N/ac High 150-200 Medium 200-250 Low 250-300

Nitrogen Changes in Competing Countries Brazil Changes Rate From 250 – 300 kg/ha To 160 kg/ha Type From Ammonium Nitrate & Urea To Soda Potash (100% Nitrate Nitrogen)

Effects of Nitrogen Source on Burley Yield Lincoln Co Effects of Nitrogen Source on Burley Yield Lincoln Co. – Dan Cooper Farm Number =kg/ha, U = Urea, AN = Ammonium Nitrate, CN=Calcium Nitrate, SN = Sodium Nitrate 14-0-14 is a calcium & potassium nitrate mix. Initial nitrogen was broadcast with addition sidedressed

Disease Management Crop Rotation Prevention Conservation Tillage Utilization of disease free land

Blue Mold Preventative Acrobat Actigard Avoid Shade Low wet areas Infected Transplants Black Shank: Rotation Resistant Varieties Ridomil Sanitation

Controlling Red Aphids Admire Platinum

Pesticide Concerns Illegal pesticides Could void contract Indiscriminant use of labeled pesticides Endosulfan (Golden Leaf) MH

Recommended Sucker Control 14 L/ha MH + 4.68 L/ha of either Prime+ or Butralin Coarse Nozzles Full cone spray pattern Raindrop particle size Size depend on speed of application equipment

Average MH Residues by State 1997-2003 Limited sample numbers on all but KY and TN 2000 - 2003 values are from warehouse sales only

Consistent Supply

Topping Top can vary by company May change in the future Top to 23-24 leaves For companies looking for more tips Topping height can influence other factors Leaf spread Cured leaf color Root development Nicotine levels Disease incidence

Harvest date Harvest mature tobacco Usually at 4 weeks after topping Weather may delay Late maturing varieties may need more time Harvest date Yield Quality

Harvest Problems Avoid Green Sunburn Mud

Curing Burley Tobacco

Curing Problem Low humidity/high temperature Drying, not a cure Low humidity/satisfactory temperature Variegated, piebald or green tobacco Low or high humidity/low temperature Green tobacco High humidity/high temperature House burn, microbial growth and excessive weight loss

Percentage of Tobacco Stripped into Each Grade from 8 Locations Locations: Clinton, Henry, Taylor (3), Trimble(2) & Wayne Counties

“Crop Throw” Typical Flyings – 4 leaves Lugs – 9 leaves Leaf – 8 leaves Tips – 4 leaves Contract Demand Flyings – 1-3 leaves Lugs – 4-6 leaves Leaf – 11-12 leaves Tips – 4-6 leaves

Market Prep & Storage Wait till cure is complete No fat stems Avoid High moisture High pressure during baling Non-tobacco related material Storage Minimal amount of time Avoid plastic Provide ventilation