STUDY 1: Comparison of De-topping Methods for Dark-fired Tobacco with Three Different Bloom Stages and Two Different Heights

This research experiment was designed to help farmers increase net profits by measuring yield differences that occur when tobacco is de-topped at different heights and times. Each plot was 40 feet long and 13.3 feet wide. The cultivar used for this experiment was Narrow Leaf Madole at a population of 4,900 plants per acre. The experiment was arranged in a randomized, complete block design with four replications. The plants were transplanted into the field on June 1, 2006. Treatments included all combinations of two factors: plant stage at de-topping and the de-topping height. The stages of de-topping were: elongated bud, 50% bloom, and 100% bloom. De-topping heights were 12 leaves and 16 leaves. The plants were de-topped in late July and early August. Suckers were controlled by applying butralin and a fatty alcohol mix to each plant. The plants were harvested and housed through the dates of September 15- September 19. The tobacco leaves from each plot were stripped and separated into three quality categories: lugs, seconds, and leaf. The weights were determined for each category within each plot. The data was analyzed using an analysis of variance. Differences between the treatment means were evaluated using the least significant differences