Evaluation of Dark Fire-Cured Tobacco Varieties
Institution
Murray State University
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
David Ferguson (Murray State University); Tony Brannon (Murray State University) Collaborators: Tim Lax (University of Kentucky); Robert A. Hill (University of Kentucky); Robert D. Miller (University of Kentucky)
Abstract
On the campus of Murray State University, we have five acres of dark fire-cured tobacco for research test plots. To better enable dark-fired tobacco producers to select the best varieties of tobacco, we have conducted replicated trials to compare the advantages and disadvantages of current commercial dark tobacco varieties during the 2002 season. The varieties tested include DF 485, DF 911, DT 583, DT 595, DT 508, DT 518, DT 592, KY 160, KY 171, KY 190, TN D94, TN D950, VA 355, VA 359, VA 309, Little Crittenden, TR Madole, Jordan Madole, Smith Madole, Narrow-leaf Madole, Elliott Madole, and Black Mammoth. The two experimental breeding lines also included in the trial were SN 2105 and SN 2108. The layout of the test plots was a randomized complete block design with four replications. Each plot was 300 ft2 , with 4,350 plants per acre. The following herbicides were applied: 1.1 pounds of pendimethalin per acre and 4 ounces of sulfentrazone per acre. The amount of fertilizer applied was 300 lbs. N, 200 lbs. P2O5, and 200 lbs. K2O per acre, respectively. The plots were transplanted into the field on June 4. No irrigation was applied to these plots. On August 1, the plants were detopped. Suckers were controlled by applying a butralin and fatty alcohol mix to each plant. The plants were harvested, or housed in the barn on September 10, 11, and 12. We will be reporting the overall yields, yield of each leaf grade, and the quality of the leaves from each variety. Statistical analysis will be conducted to determine differences between the varieties.
Evaluation of Dark Fire-Cured Tobacco Varieties
On the campus of Murray State University, we have five acres of dark fire-cured tobacco for research test plots. To better enable dark-fired tobacco producers to select the best varieties of tobacco, we have conducted replicated trials to compare the advantages and disadvantages of current commercial dark tobacco varieties during the 2002 season. The varieties tested include DF 485, DF 911, DT 583, DT 595, DT 508, DT 518, DT 592, KY 160, KY 171, KY 190, TN D94, TN D950, VA 355, VA 359, VA 309, Little Crittenden, TR Madole, Jordan Madole, Smith Madole, Narrow-leaf Madole, Elliott Madole, and Black Mammoth. The two experimental breeding lines also included in the trial were SN 2105 and SN 2108. The layout of the test plots was a randomized complete block design with four replications. Each plot was 300 ft2 , with 4,350 plants per acre. The following herbicides were applied: 1.1 pounds of pendimethalin per acre and 4 ounces of sulfentrazone per acre. The amount of fertilizer applied was 300 lbs. N, 200 lbs. P2O5, and 200 lbs. K2O per acre, respectively. The plots were transplanted into the field on June 4. No irrigation was applied to these plots. On August 1, the plants were detopped. Suckers were controlled by applying a butralin and fatty alcohol mix to each plant. The plants were harvested, or housed in the barn on September 10, 11, and 12. We will be reporting the overall yields, yield of each leaf grade, and the quality of the leaves from each variety. Statistical analysis will be conducted to determine differences between the varieties.