Effects of Transplanting Time on 15-Nitrogen Utilization and Industrial Quality of Flue-Cured Tobacco

Abstract

Nicotine concentration is a key index and directly affects the industrial quality and availability of flue-cured tobacco (FCT). Seedlings transplanted at different times were subjected to different climatic conditions, which were closely correlated with the growth, development, and nicotine synthesis of FCT. An appropriate transplanting time is imperative for ensuring high-quality tobaccos. Hence, a 15 N tracing experiment in the field (which included three treatments: FCT seedlings transplanted on 5 th , 15 th , and 25 th May) was carried out to evaluate the influence of different transplanting dates on 15 N utilization and nicotine concentration in FCT leaves. Results showed that compared to the tobacco seedlings transplanted on 5 th May, the seedlings transplanted on 15 th and 25 th May increased the dry matter weight by 9.86 -87.5 % and N uptake by 24.4 -36.9 % in shoots during the field growing periods of FCT plants. However, it was notable that postponing the transplanting time of FCT seedlings decreased the proportion of nicotine-N to total N (26.9 -50.6 %), 15 N abundance in total N (7.27 -40.7 %), and nicotine-15 N abundance in total nicotine-N (7.30 -35.7 %), thus inducing a noticeable reduction of 24.3 -35.8 % in the nicotine concentration in FCT leaves. Hence, delaying transplanting time promoted dry matter and N accumulation, while it significantly decreased the nicotine concentration in FCT leaves, which is of great importance in improving the industrial quality and availability of tobaccos.

Improving the production and quality of virginia tobacco through topping and suckering : A Review

“…Result of research shows that earlier seed transplantation can improve flower bud differentiation and induces early bloom. The condition can reduce leaves number and the harvest yield of tobacco, especially if the seed is in poor condition, lowtemperature condition, and lack of sunlight during the early growth period [10] .…”