Plant Sciences Commons^™

Effect Of Seed Pellet Modification On Spiral Root Formation Of Tobacco Seedlings, L. V. Caruso, Robert C. Pearce, B. Gilkinson, Lowell P. Bush

Agronomy Notes

Tobacco seeds are often pelleted to facilitate precision seeding into float trays. Pelleting consists of the application of solid particles, such as clay, to seeds with a binder in a coating pan or tumbling drum to form spherically shaped dispersal units. One of the several advantages of pelleting is to provide seeds with a vastly enlarged bulk size to ensure proper placement of the seed at the surface of the growing medium.

Evaluation Of Soilless Media Used In Tobacco Float Systems, Robert C. Pearce, Jack M. Zeleznik

Agronomy Notes

A wide range of soilless media is currently available to tobacco growers utilizing the float system for transplant production. Most of the media are predominantly made up of peat moss with varying amounts of perlite, vermiculite,and coconut fibers (coir). One of the most difficult problems for growers has been inconsistency in the media from year to year. Because peat is a natural product, some year to year variability is unavoidable. However, many manufacturers of soilless media have procedures in place to ensure that the final product is as consistent as possible.

1990 Kentucky Winter Annual Legume Variety Test, L. M. Lauriault, Norman L. Taylor, Jimmy C. Henning, W. T. Edmonson

Agronomy Notes

Cover crops are often used in Kentucky following the harvest of row crops such as tobacco, corn, and soybeans. Living cover crops can prevent erosion, reduce leaching of nutrients, and supply grazing, green manure, or a plant cover in which to no-till the following spring.

Soil Test Potassium As An Indicator Of Tobacco Response To Band Application Of Fertilizer, J. L. Sims, Kenneth L. Wells, E. C. Schwamberger

Agronomy Notes

During the past 10 years, several studies have been conducted at Lexington on the University of Kentucky Experiment Farm to compare the effect of banding fertilizer 10 to 12 inches to each side of the row with preplant broadcast applications on growth and yield of burley tobacco. Generally, banding most of the nitrogen and potassium has led to fewer problems with salt and manganese toxicity and to improved growth during the early season. However, as compared to broadcast application, banding has had varying effects on cured leaf yields. In 'some experiments banding resulted in higher yields, in other experiments in …

Potash Studies On Burley Tobacco In Owen County, Kentucky, Kenneth L. Wells, Kim D. Strohmeier, Anastasios D. Karathanasis, V. P. Evangelou

Agronomy Notes

Since the late 1970's, farmers in the Wheatley Community of Owen county have reported seeing potassium (K) deficiency on tobacco during the growing season. Most of them had been following University of Kentucky fertilizer recommendations for burley production. Analyses of cured leaf samples from one such crop in 1980 confirmed K deficiency. It was decided that the problem warranted conducting some field experiments in order to define the problem and hopefully develop a solution. Consequently, we located a field on the Harold Malcomb farm near Wheatly, that tested low in soil K and designed a field experiment with the objectives …

Effect Of Fertilizer Rates And Placement Practices On Yield Of Burley Tobacco, Kenneth L. Wells, G. D. Cantrill, J. L. Sims

Agronomy Notes

Management of fertilizer practices in production of burley tobacco is very important in control of manganese (Mn) toxicity of the crop. In addition to the use of agricultural limestone, the use of fertilizers in the appropriate amounts, the appropriate kinds, and in the appropriate manner can strongly influence acidity in the rooting zone during the growth of burley. Studies of these effects have made up a major thrust of the University of Kentucky's research programs on fertility of burley, and have largely been conducted by J.L. Sims and his students during the past 15 years.

In-The-Row Subsoiling Of Tobacco, Lloyd W. Murdock, George Everette, Ted Howard, Bill Green, Richard Barnhisel

Agronomy Notes

Tobacco is probably more adversely affected by soil compaction than, the other crops grown in Kentucky. ThIs Is due to the characteristIcs of the plant and the unusual cultural practIces under which it is grown.

Soil compaction increases soil density while reducing pore space and root penetration. The reduced pore space reduces the aeration of the soil, which reduces tobacco growth especially during wet periods. The effects of soil compaction on tobacco are due to both impedance of root growth and lack of aeration.

Sucker Control Chemicals For Use On Burley Tobacco, W. O. Atkinson, Jones H. Smiley, Allen Wallace

Agronomy Notes

Maleic hydrazide (MH) formulations containing 3 pounds per gallon of active ingredient can no longer be manufactured for sale in the United States. However, all 3-pound MH formulations that were manufactured before October, 1981 can be sold until the supply of that formulation is exhausted. MH formulations containing 1.5 or 2.25 pounds of active ingredient (Potassium salt of MH) can still be manufactured and sold in the U.S. for controlling suckers on tobacco.

Field Tests Of Some Liming Treatments For Growing Burley Tobacco On Acid Soils, A. M. Wallace, Kenneth L. Wells, J. L. Sims, Paul Gray

Agronomy Notes

A major problem in the production of tobacco on acid soils in Kentucky is manganese toxicity, despite the fact that it can be easily prevented. Since manganese toxicity is caused by high levels of soil acidity, prevention of soil acidity by liming is the best method of control. And soil testing is the only way to determine how acid a field has become.

Relationship Between Soil Ph And Yield Of Burley Tobacco, J. L. Sims, W. O. Atkinson, Kenneth L. Wells

Agronomy Notes

Historically, use of soil with a pH of 5.6 to 5.8 has been recommended for producing best quality burley tobacco. This recommendation for a relatively low pH resulted from the reported increases in the incidence of certain diseases, notably black root rot (Thielaviopsis basicola) and black shank (Phytophthora parasitica), in soils with pH greater than 5.8. Additionally, some researchers have reported undesirable chemical properties of cured leaf grown on soils that had been limed. However, workers at the Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station generally have reported favorable effects from use of lime on both yield and quality of tobacco grown in …

Effect Of Lime And Source Of Nitrogen Fertilizer On Yield And Chemical Composition Of Burley Tobacco, J. L. Sims, W. O. Atkinson, Kenneth L. Wells

Agronomy Notes

Current trends in the fertilizer industry indicate a shift to greater production of ammonium forms of nitrogen fertilizer in comparison to nitrate forms. Reasons for these trends are many, but both economic and energy conservation are major factors. Generally, ammonium forms are produced with less, total energy and have higher nitrogen contents that permits lower production and transportation costs per unit of N. Agronomically, ammonium forms are less readily leached from soils, but produce acid as they are converted to nitrates by soil microorganisms. Thus, ammonium sources of nitrogen have both advantages and disadvantages as fertilizers for crops.

Uptake And Distribution Of Mineral Elements By Burley 21 Tobacco As Influenced By Nitrogen Nutrition And Suckering Practice, J. L. Sims, W. O. Atkinson

Agronomy Notes

Knowledge of nutrient content of tobacco and of removal of nutrients from soil is essential to developing sound fertilization practices for tobacco. Quantities of nutrient elements taken·up by tobacco vary widely. This is because of variations in variety, soil fertility level, fertilizer application, soil moisture, plant population, and other environmental and cultural factors . We conducted the present study to determine the effects of applied N and suckering practice on the content of mineral elements in certain plant parts of burley tobacco.

Effect Of Nitrogen Fertilization On Yield Of Burley Tobacco, J. L. Sims, W. O. Atkinson, Jones H. Smiley, Allen M. Wallace

Agronomy Notes

Relatively large amounts of nitrogen from fertilizers and manures commonly are used in burley tobacco production. Growers are currently estimated to apply between 150 and 400 pounds of actual N per acre. Fertilization of burley with nitrogen significantly affects the physical and chemical characteristics of cured leaf and produces changes in yield and value. On most soils, leaf yields usually are increased by applications of N fertilizer, but the amount of yield increase per unit of applied fertilizer N varies widely between soils. High rates of N applied preplant or at planting often retard early plant growth, delay maturity, and …

Yield And Value Of Burley 21 Tobacco As Influenced By Nitrogen Nutrition, Suckering Practice, And Harvest Date, J. L. Sims, W. O. Atkinson

Agronomy Notes

An experiment was conducted in the field during 1966 on Maury silt loam soil to obtain information of the effects of agronomic factors on yield and value of Burley 21 tobacco . Ammonium nitrate fertilizer at varying rates, and concentrated super-phosphate and potassium sulfate at constant rates , were broadcast and disked in after plowing and before transplanting. All plots received irrigation water (sprinkler system) to supplement rainfall when soil moisture dropped below 60% of available moisture-holding capacity. Sucker control practices utilized were (a) no topping - no suckering, (b) topping - no suckering, (c) topping - hand suckering, and …

The Effect Of Nitrogen Rate And Method Of Sucker Control On Dry Matter Accumulation In Different Plant Parts Of Burley 21 Tobacco, J. L. Sims, W. O. Atkinson

Agronomy Notes

Earlier research has shown that higher leaf yields of burley tobacco result from topping and controlling sucker (axillary bud) growth. Suckering practices which provide the greatest degree of sucker control generally result in highest leaf yields . Chemically suckering with maleic hydrazide (MH-30) and other chemicals provides for a higher degree of control than most hand sucker ing practices although hand sucker ing at frequent intervals may produce leaf yields comparable to those from use of maleic hydrazide. High leaf yields resulting from a high degree of sucker control has been attributed to the elimination of the use of photosynthate …

Summary Of Fertilizer Use And Estimated Use Of Plant Nutrients On Tobacco, Corn, Hay And Pastures In Kentucky, Kenneth L. Wells

Agronomy Notes

Nearly 650, 000 tons of fertilizer were used by Kentucky farmers during the first half of 1969. Plant food content (N+P₂O₅ + K₂O) was 38%, or nearly 247,000 tons. Slightly over half (58%) was sold in bagged, one-third (33%) in bulk, and 8% in fluid form. Mixtures made up 70% of the total tonnage, and materials made up 30%. The statistics tabulated below show a more detailed breakdown of the fertilizer tonnage used.

Housing Burley Tobacco On Portable Curing Frames, Elmon E. Yoder, Ira E. Massie

Agronomy Notes

Portable frames, wood and steel, and tractor lifts will make tobacco housing a little easier. The following story describes the use of these items in housing a burley tobacco crop.

Management Practices To Reduce Losses Caused By Hail Damage To Burley Tobacco, Allen Wallace, George Byers, Terry Rock

Agronomy Notes

It is estimated that Kentucky farmers have suffered income losses caused by hail damage to burley tobacco in excess of $6 million annually over the last five years . Such losses could often be substantially reduced through proper management of the crop following hail, according to studies involving artificial and natural hail damage.

Chemical Weed Control In Tobacco Fields, James W. Herron

Agronomy Notes

Enide 50W and Vernam 6E are the two herbicides recommended in 1968 for weed control in tobacco fields.

A Burley Tobacco Variety-Management Study In 1966-67, Jones H. Smiley, W. O. Atkinson, A. M. Wallace, Ira E. Massie

Agronomy Notes

A management study was designed to investigate the desirability of two management systems emphasizing (1) yield and (2) quality and a third system (3) aimed at achieving an acceptable level of both yield and quality. (These are hereafter referred to as the "high yield, " "quality, " and "yield and quality" systems, respectively.)

Two varieties, Burley 21 and Ky 10, were grown under the three management systems (outlined in Table 1) in 1/4 acre non-replicated plots at five locations in Kentucky in 1966 and at seven locations in 1967. A three-year or older sod was selected at each location. Phosphorus …

Control Of Black Root Rot In Dark Tobacco, Glenn B. Collins, Paul D. Legg, C. C. Litton

Agronomy Notes

Reports of the increasing prevalence of black root rot in the areas where dark tobacco types are grown has triggered an accelerated effort from the tobacco research staff to develop and release additional varieties with high resistance to this disease. The high level of resistance to black root rot found in Nicotiana debneyi (an Australian species) is being used as the source of resistance in the breeding program.

Agronomy Department Tobacco Projects, John Ragland

Agronomy Notes

Here is a list of the 24 tobacco projects (state, USDA, and Smoking and Health Research) being conducted by the Agronomy Department at the University of Kentucky. We hope this will make you more fully aware of the research presently underway on tobacco. Information obtained from these projects will be sent to you from time to time in this newsletter. If you would like more information about these projects, write to the Department of Agronomy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Ky. 40506.

Tobacco Bed Treatment With Enide 50w, J. W. Herron, J. F. Freeman

Agronomy Notes

Enide 50W is recommended for trial use on tobacco beds for 1968. The results of treatments with Enide in Kentucky in 1967 have been somewhat variable; therefor e, until additional information is obtained and the tobacco grower becomes more experienced in applying the chemical, it should be used on a trial basis.

Control Annual Weeds In Tobacco Fields With Herbicides, J. F. Freeman

Agronomy Notes

In the years 1957 to 1967 inclusive, many promising herbicides have been used in Kentucky research trials for controlling annual weeds in tobacco fields. Burley tobacco has been used every year at Lexington, for 4 years at Eden Shale farm in Owen county, and 1 year in McCracken county, while dark air-cured tobacco was used for 4 years at the Western Kentucky Substation, Princeton.

Breeding Tobacco Varieties, Paul D. Legg

Agronomy Notes

The principal objectives in breeding tobacco are yield, field and handling characteristics, disease resistance, and quality. Of these objectives, major emphasis has been placed on breeding disease-resistant varieties. Resistant varieties have provided one of the most effective means of combating many of the pathogens that attack the tobacco plant. However, the transfer of genes for disease resistance into susceptible varieties has been accompanied in many cases by other characteristics which are undesirable. It is often a difficult task to combine acceptable type, yield, and quality with desired factors for disease resistance into a single variety.

Marketing Burley Tobacco, Ira E. Massie

Agronomy Notes

When your tobacco has been stripped, sort it (on the farm) into its respective groups. Sort in daylight or under fluorescent lighting, never by yellow (muzda) electric or lantern light.

After the sticks of tobacco have been carefully sorted and checked, they should be packed on the truck in the following order: first, the sticks of the lowest quality, then the flyings, then the next quality, etc. Next load the high quality lugs. The leaf is then loaded, beginning with that of the highest quality and then in the order of quality to the lowest.

Use Of Wild Species In Developing Varieties, Glenn B. Collins

Agronomy Notes

The familiar plant known as tobacco has the more technical name of Nicotiana tabacum L. It belongs to a family of plants called the Solanaceae or Nightshade family. This family includes many familiar species besides tobacco: tomato, potato, bitter sweet, horse-nettle, ground-cherry, jimsonweed, henbane, and petunia, to mention only a few. In addition to these more distant relatives of tobacco, there are approximately 65 Nicotiana species. Morphologically, the Nicotiana species are very diverse, ranging from those resembling tobacco to the extreme types that look more like cabbage. The species are widespread geographically, with a particularly large concentration in South and …

Enide Recommended For Trial Use On Tobacco Beds, J. W. Herron, J. F. Freeman

Agronomy Notes

Enide 50W has now been cleared for use on tobacco beds. Treatments with Enide on tobacco beds in mid to late March. at time of seeding have given satisfactory weed control in experimental plots during the past 2 years. No injury or reduction in stand of tobacco plants was observed on plots treated at this time. Reduction in stand of plants did occur in plots treated in late fall. and there are some indications that there may be a reduction in stand from early treatments in February. To insure best results. the chemical should be applied evenly over the treated …

Preserve And Use Tobacco Stalks, George D. Corder

Agronomy Notes

When Kentucky's 1964 tobacco crop is stripped , there will be about 176,000 tons of stalks in and around stripping barns. There will be more than $2 million worth of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in them.

If these stalks are left outside the barn and exposed to winter rains, 61 percent of the nitrogen, 38 percent of the phosphorus, 83 percent of the potassium and 41 percent of the organic matter may be lost.

Organic Toxicity, Jones H. Smiley, Ira E. Massie

Agronomy Notes

In recent years there has been much discussion on the subject of organic matter toxicity and its relation to the severity of black root rot of tobacco. Organic matter toxicity is due to or at least related to toxins produced during organic matter decomposition.