Crop Guide – Tobacco
PLEASE REMEMBER TO ALWAYS READ THE LABEL BEFORE USING ANY CHEMICAL
Tobacco Seedbeds
Deep plough as early as possible (while soil is still moist), so maximum decomposition of plant residue takes place. The site should be kept free of weeds between ploughing and fumigation.
Preparation for fumigation should begin in May if sowing in June for early planted, irrigated tobacco.
For later beds, fumigation will be delayed accordingly.
Listed below are all the fumigation options, seedbed fertilizers and chemicals:
Seedbed Fumigation
| Chemical | Rate/ha per Use | Mixing Instructions | Application Time | Pest / Disease |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metham Sodium (Herbifume) | 16.2 lts/ha (incl. 35% extra for roads & pathways) | Bring site up to just under field capacity 7 days before planned fumigation. Drench with Metham Sodium at 100mls in 4lts water/m² and immediately irrigate with 6mm irrigation. Immediately seal the site with polyethylene fumigation tents for 7 days. Beds may be sown 3 weeks after treatment on light soil and 4 weeks after on heavy soils. | 1 month before sowing beds | Nematodes & grasses |
| Basamid Granular | 10kgs/ha (incl. 35% extra for roads & pathways) | Keep seedbed well-watered to activate weed seed, nematodes, fungi and soil insects. Stop watering 3 days before application. Spread Basamid Granular evenly at 60g/m² and mix in with a hoe to 200mm deep. Irrigate to 60% field capacity and cover with tent for 7 days. Sowing can start after 28 days. | 1 month before sowing beds | Nematodes & grasses |
Rate: 16.2 lts/ha (incl. 35% extra for roads & pathways)
Mixing: Bring site up to just under field capacity 7 days before planned fumigation. Drench with Metham Sodium at 100mls in 4lts water/m² and immediately irrigate with 6mm irrigation. Immediately seal the site with polyethylene fumigation tents for 7 days. Beds may be sown 3 weeks after treatment on light soil and 4 weeks after on heavy soils.
Application Time: 1 month before sowing beds
Pest / Disease: Nematodes & grasses
Rate: 10kgs/ha (incl. 35% extra for roads & pathways)
Mixing: Keep seedbed well-watered to activate weed seed, nematodes, fungi and soil insects. Stop watering 3 days before application. Spread Basamid Granular evenly at 60g/m² and mix in with a hoe to 200mm deep. Irrigate to 60% field capacity and cover with tent for 7 days. Sowing can start after 28 days.
Application Time: 1 month before sowing beds
Pest / Disease: Nematodes & grasses
Seedbed Fertilizers
Rate per hectare is of field hectares grown ie: 108m² of seedbed
| Fertilizer | Rate/ha of Crop | Mixing Instructions | Application Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maguires Compound S 7.21.7 (9S 0.05B) | 10-20kgs/ha | Apply 1kg/6-11m². After applying evenly incorporate by chopping in with a hoe. | After making beds and before sowing |
| Ammonium Nitrate 34.5% N | 1.08kgs/ha | Apply 360g per 36m² seedbed. Can do up to three applications starting when seedlings are 3-4cms in diameter. Dissolve AN in water and apply, followed by watering. | When seedlings are 3-4cms in diameter |
| OR | |||
| Maguires Calcium Nitrate | 2.16kgs/ha | Apply 720g per 36m² seedbed. Can do up to three applications starting when seedlings are 3-4cms in diameter. Dissolve Calcium Nitrate in water apply before daily watering. | When seedlings are 3-4cms in diameter |
Maguires Compound S 7.21.7 (9S 0.05B)
Rate: 10-20kgs/ha
Mixing: Apply 1kg/6-11m². After applying evenly incorporate by chopping in with a hoe.
Application Time: After making beds and before sowing
Rate: 1.08kgs/ha
Mixing: Apply 360g per 36m² seedbed. Can do up to three applications starting when seedlings are 3-4cms in diameter. Dissolve AN in water and apply, followed by watering.
Application Time: When seedlings are 3-4cms in diameter
Rate: 2.16kgs/ha
Mixing: Apply 720g per 36m² seedbed. Can do up to three applications starting when seedlings are 3-4cms in diameter. Dissolve Calcium Nitrate in water apply before daily watering.
Application Time: When seedlings are 3-4cms in diameter
Seedbed Chemicals
| Chemical | Rate/ha per Use | Mixing Instructions | Application Time | Pest / Disease |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Confidor 70WG | 30g/ha | Mix 30g per 200lt water and drench at 2lts per m². | After swing and before mulching | Aphids / Ants & Termites |
| OR | ||||
| Thunder 140OD | 110mls/ha | Mix 60mls per 100lt water and drench at 1.5lts per m². | After swing and before mulching | Aphids / Ants & Termites |
| Germoll-S-120 | 30mls/ha | Mix 4mls in 6lts and apply to floatbed for every 12 trays. | At sowing | Algae |
| Decis Forte | 7.5mls/ha | Mix 5mls per 60lt water and drench each 36m² bed with 30lts. | After swing and before mulching | Cutworm |
| Cartap | 190g/ha | Mix 90g/100lts water and drench at 2lts per m². | After germination | Aphids, chewing & biting insects |
| Bravo (Chlorothalonil) | 300mls/ha | Mix 200mls in 10lts water. Apply 2lt/100m² (sprays 1 & 2), 4lts/100m² (sprays 3 & 4) & 6lts/100m² (sprays 5 & 6). | From two weeks after germination spray weekly | Alternaria |
| Mancozeb 80WP | 250g/ha | Mix 100g in 10lts water. Apply 2lt/100m² (sprays 1 & 2), 4lts/100m² (sprays 3 & 4) & 6lts/100m² (sprays 5 & 6). | From four weeks after germination spray weekly | Angular & Alternaria |
| Copper Oxychloride 85WP | 750g/ha | Mix 300g in 10lts water. Apply 2lt/100m² (sprays 1 & 2), 4lts/100m² (sprays 3 & 4) & 6lts/100m² (sprays 5 & 6). | From four weeks after germination & after clipping | Angular & Alternaria |
| Ortiva 250SC / Azoxy Duo / Twist 500SC | 240mls/ha | Mix 200mls in 10lts water. Apply 2lt/100m² (sprays 1 & 2), 4lts/100m² (sprays 3 & 4). | From four weeks after germination | Alternaria & Frogeye |
| Bion 50WG | 13.5g/ha | Mix 12.5g in 10lts water. Apply 40mls/m² at 7 weeks after germination & 60mls/m² after 9 weeks. | 7 & 9 weeks after germination | Fungal & Bacterial disease inhibitor |
| Thunder 145OD | 200mls/ha | Mix 12mls per 20lt water and drench on 20lts per bed. Apply after 3pm. | After 5, 8, 11 weeks after sowing | Budworm & Aphids |
| Bullet 60EC | 200mls/ha | Mix 22mls in 60lts water and drench at 2lts per m². | After 5, 8, 11 weeks after sowing | Budworm & Aphids |
| Triadimenol 25EC (Shavit) | 400mls/ha | Mix 200mls per 100lt water and drench on 2lts/m². Apply after 3pm. | Apply two days prior to transplanting | Soreshin |
| Baytan 150FS | 720mls/ha | Mix 330mls per 100lt water and drench on at 2lts/m² (½ rate on second year beds). | Apply two days prior to transplanting | Soreshin |
| Galmano Plus | 650mls/ha | Mix 300mls per 100lt water and drench on at 2lts/m². | Apply two days prior to transplanting | Soreshin |
| Ridomil Gold | 190g/ha | Mix 0.125g per litre of water in pond. | When seedlings are 4-6 weeks | Pythium Root Rot with floating trays |
| Ortiva 250SC / Azoxy Duo | 30mls/ha | Mix 15mls in 72 litres water and apply over 20m² float bed (Apply twice). | When seedlings are 4-6 weeks | Pythium Root Rot with floating trays |
| Metalaxyl | 144g/ha | Mix 200g/100lts and apply 1 litre per float tray. | When seedlings are 4-6 weeks | Pythium Root Rot with floating trays |
Rate: 30g/ha
Mixing: Mix 30g per 200lt water and drench at 2lts per m².
Application Time: After swing and before mulching
Pest / Disease: Aphids / Ants & Termites
Rate: 110mls/ha
Mixing: Mix 60mls per 100lt water and drench at 1.5lts per m².
Application Time: After swing and before mulching
Pest / Disease: Aphids / Ants & Termites
Rate: 30mls/ha
Mixing: Mix 4mls in 6lts and apply to floatbed for every 12 trays.
Application Time: At sowing
Pest / Disease: Algae
Rate: 7.5mls/ha
Mixing: Mix 5mls per 60lt water and drench each 36m² bed with 30lts.
Application Time: After swing and before mulching
Pest / Disease: Cutworm
Rate: 190g/ha
Mixing: Mix 90g/100lts water and drench at 2lts per m².
Application Time: After germination
Pest / Disease: Aphids, chewing & biting insects
Rate: 300mls/ha
Mixing: Mix 200mls in 10lts water. Apply 2lt/100m² (sprays 1 & 2), 4lts/100m² (sprays 3 & 4) & 6lts/100m² (sprays 5 & 6).
Application Time: From two weeks after germination spray weekly
Pest / Disease: Alternaria
Rate: 250g/ha
Mixing: Mix 100g in 10lts water. Apply 2lt/100m² (sprays 1 & 2), 4lts/100m² (sprays 3 & 4) & 6lts/100m² (sprays 5 & 6).
Application Time: From four weeks after germination spray weekly
Pest / Disease: Angular & Alternaria
Rate: 750g/ha
Mixing: Mix 300g in 10lts water. Apply 2lt/100m² (sprays 1 & 2), 4lts/100m² (sprays 3 & 4) & 6lts/100m² (sprays 5 & 6).
Application Time: From four weeks after germination & after clipping
Pest / Disease: Angular & Alternaria
Ortiva 250SC / Azoxy Duo / Twist 500SC
Rate: 240mls/ha
Mixing: Mix 200mls in 10lts water. Apply 2lt/100m² (sprays 1 & 2), 4lts/100m² (sprays 3 & 4).
Application Time: From four weeks after germination
Pest / Disease: Alternaria & Frogeye
Rate: 13.5g/ha
Mixing: Mix 12.5g in 10lts water. Apply 40mls/m² at 7 weeks after germination & 60mls/m² after 9 weeks.
Application Time: 7 & 9 weeks after germination
Pest / Disease: Fungal & Bacterial disease inhibitor
Rate: 200mls/ha
Mixing: Mix 12mls per 20lt water and drench on 20lts per bed. Apply after 3pm.
Application Time: After 5, 8, 11 weeks after sowing
Pest / Disease: Budworm & Aphids
Rate: 200mls/ha
Mixing: Mix 22mls in 60lts water and drench at 2lts per m².
Application Time: After 5, 8, 11 weeks after sowing
Pest / Disease: Budworm & Aphids
Rate: 400mls/ha
Mixing: Mix 200mls per 100lt water and drench on 2lts/m². Apply after 3pm.
Application Time: Apply two days prior to transplanting
Pest / Disease: Soreshin
Rate: 720mls/ha
Mixing: Mix 330mls per 100lt water and drench on at 2lts/m² (½ rate on second year beds).
Application Time: Apply two days prior to transplanting
Pest / Disease: Soreshin
Rate: 650mls/ha
Mixing: Mix 300mls per 100lt water and drench on at 2lts/m².
Application Time: Apply two days prior to transplanting
Pest / Disease: Soreshin
Rate: 190g/ha
Mixing: Mix 0.125g per litre of water in pond.
Application Time: When seedlings are 4-6 weeks
Pest / Disease: Pythium Root Rot with floating trays
Rate: 30mls/ha
Mixing: Mix 15mls in 72 litres water and apply over 20m² float bed (Apply twice).
Application Time: When seedlings are 4-6 weeks
Pest / Disease: Pythium Root Rot with floating trays
Rate: 144g/ha
Mixing: Mix 200g/100lts and apply 1 litre per float tray.
Application Time: When seedlings are 4-6 weeks
Pest / Disease: Pythium Root Rot with floating trays
Tobacco Lands
Land Preparation
Soil texture, which is a measure of the clay, silt and sand proportions in a soil, is an important factor in determining whether a soil should be ploughed early or late. The inherent fertility, which is usually related to texture must also be considered. As a general rule, more fertile and heavier textured soils are best ploughed late. Early ploughing, before rains end has many advantages over late ploughing. These include lower costs, greater uniformity of land preparations and early decomposition of organic matter and hence more readily available nitrogen at planting time. It also makes conditions more favourable for water planting.
A deep plough and good land preparation are essential for maximum yield and quality. As a rule, a plough should never be less than 23cms. Another popular method is “rip and rhome” which is also done early in the year followed by further discing to keep the land free of weeds. With this method if there is under composed materials in the land at ridging the land must be considered as late ploughed.
Tobacco is grown on ridges for two major reasons:
- To promote good surface drainage
- Ridges provide a good growing environment for early growth of crop
Plant Spacing
| Avg Row Spacing (cms) | Plant Spacing (cms) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 46 | 49 | 52 | 55 | 58 | 60 | |
| 110 | 19,763 | 18,553 | 17,483 | 16,529 | 15,674 | 15,152 |
| 115 | 18,904 | 17,746 | 16,722 | 15,810 | 15,992 | 14,493 |
| 120 | 18,116 | 17,007 | 16,026 | 15,152 | 14,368 | 13,889 |
| 125 | 17,391 | 16,327 | 15,385 | 14,545 | 13,793 | 13,333 |
| 130 | 16,722 | 15,699 | 14,793 | 13,986 | 13,263 | 12,821 |
| 135 | 16,103 | 15,117 | 14,245 | 13,468 | 12,771 | 12,321 |
| 140 | 15,527 | 14,577 | 13,736 | 12,987 | 12,315 | 12,346 |
| 145 | 14,996 | 14,074 | 13,262 | 12,539 | 11,890 | 11,904 |
| 150 | 14,492 | 13,605 | 12,820 | 12,121 | 11,494 | 11,111 |
Row Spacing: 110cm
46cm: 19,763
49cm: 18,553
52cm: 17,483
55cm: 16,529
58cm: 15,674
60cm: 15,152
Row Spacing: 115cm
46cm: 18,904
49cm: 17,746
52cm: 16,722
55cm: 15,810
58cm: 15,992
60cm: 14,493
Row Spacing: 120cm
46cm: 18,116
49cm: 17,007
52cm: 16,026
55cm: 15,152
58cm: 14,368
60cm: 13,889
Row Spacing: 125cm
46cm: 17,391
49cm: 16,327
52cm: 15,385
55cm: 14,545
58cm: 13,793
60cm: 13,333
Row Spacing: 130cm
46cm: 16,722
49cm: 15,699
52cm: 14,793
55cm: 13,986
58cm: 13,263
60cm: 12,821
Row Spacing: 135cm
46cm: 16,103
49cm: 15,117
52cm: 14,245
55cm: 13,468
58cm: 12,771
60cm: 12,321
Row Spacing: 140cm
46cm: 15,527
49cm: 14,577
52cm: 13,736
55cm: 12,987
58cm: 12,315
60cm: 12,346
Row Spacing: 145cm
46cm: 14,996
49cm: 14,074
52cm: 13,262
55cm: 12,539
58cm: 11,890
60cm: 11,904
Row Spacing: 150cm
46cm: 14,492
49cm: 13,605
52cm: 12,820
55cm: 12,121
58cm: 11,494
60cm: 11,111
Land Fertilization
Your 3 main nutrients are Nitrogen, Phosphate and Potassium.
- Nitrogen requirement (including available nitrogen in soil) is 120 to 150kgs/ha. More will be needed in leaching rains.
- Phosphate requirement is 20 to 35kgs/ha but will require 100 to 125kgs/ha as phosphate is inefficient.
- Potassium requirement is 150 to 200kgs/ha.
Magnesium requirement is 13 to 20kgs/ha.
Lime should be applied at between 600 to 1000kgs/ha if your pH is below 5.5.
Sulphur requirements +50kgs/ha.
Boron is essential on Zimbabwe soils for tobacco and a compound with boron must be used. Requirement is adequate using +450kgs Maguires High C (6.28.23).
The above requirements will usually be met by using the following on an early well ploughed land:
- Upward of 450kgs/ha of Maguires High C (6.28.23)
- 300 to 500kgs/ha Gypsum
- 120-150kgs Maguires Ammonium Nitrate (34.5% N)
- Alternate sources of Nitrogen instead of AN (34.5% N) is Calcium Nitrate (17%N) & Potassium Nitrate (13%N)
- If crop is pale or leached at topping stage you can apply:
- 100-150kgs Maguires Calcium Nitrate (17%N)
Fertilizer Cup Amounts
This table is a useful guide for amounts of fertilizer applied by cup. The rates are calculated for a level cup of dry material. These can be affected by moisture, incomplete stands and careless application.
| Ridge (cms) | Between Plants (cms) | Population | Ammonium Nitrate | Calcium Nitrate / K₂SO₄ | Urea | Granular Compounds | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 5 | 8 | 2 | 5 | 8 | 2 | 5 | 8 | 5 | 8 | 16 | 22 | 30 | |||
| 137 | 61 | 11966 | 23 | 56 | 90 | 30 | 74 | 118 | 18 | 46 | 73 | 64 | 103 | 206 | 283 | 386 |
| 152 + 122 | 61 | 11966 | 23 | 56 | 90 | 30 | 74 | 118 | 18 | 46 | 73 | 64 | 103 | 206 | 283 | 386 |
| 122 | 61 | 13427 | 25 | 63 | 101 | 33 | 83 | 133 | 21 | 51 | 82 | 72 | 116 | 231 | 318 | 433 |
| 107 | 61 | 15231 | 29 | 72 | 115 | 38 | 95 | 151 | 24 | 59 | 94 | 80 | 132 | 264 | 362 | 494 |
| 120 | 56 | 14881 | 28 | 70 | 112 | 37 | 92 | 147 | 23 | 57 | 91 | 80 | 128 | 256 | 352 | 480 |
| 137 | 46 | 15868 | 30 | 75 | 119 | 39 | 98 | 157 | 25 | 61 | 97 | 85 | 136 | 273 | 375 | 512 |
| 152 + 122 | 46 | 15868 | 30 | 75 | 119 | 39 | 98 | 157 | 25 | 62 | 97 | 85 | 136 | 273 | 375 | 512 |
| 122 | 46 | 17819 | 34 | 84 | 134 | 44 | 110 | 176 | 28 | 69 | 109 | 95 | 153 | 307 | 421 | 575 |
| 107 | 46 | 20317 | 39 | 96 | 153 | 50 | 125 | 201 | 32 | 79 | 124 | 108 | 174 | 350 | 480 | 656 |
Ridge: 137cm | Plants: 61cm | Pop: 11966
Ammonium Nitrate (2/5/8): 23 / 56 / 90
Calcium Nitrate (2/5/8): 30 / 74 / 118
Urea (2/5/8): 18 / 46 / 73
Granular (5/8/16/22/30): 64 / 103 / 206 / 283 / 386
Ridge: 152 + 122cm | Plants: 61cm | Pop: 11966
Ammonium Nitrate (2/5/8): 23 / 56 / 90
Calcium Nitrate (2/5/8): 30 / 74 / 118
Urea (2/5/8): 18 / 46 / 73
Granular (5/8/16/22/30): 64 / 103 / 206 / 283 / 386
Ridge: 122cm | Plants: 61cm | Pop: 13427
Ammonium Nitrate (2/5/8): 25 / 63 / 101
Calcium Nitrate (2/5/8): 33 / 83 / 133
Urea (2/5/8): 21 / 51 / 82
Granular (5/8/16/22/30): 72 / 116 / 231 / 318 / 433
Ridge: 107cm | Plants: 61cm | Pop: 15231
Ammonium Nitrate (2/5/8): 29 / 72 / 115
Calcium Nitrate (2/5/8): 38 / 95 / 151
Urea (2/5/8): 24 / 59 / 94
Granular (5/8/16/22/30): 80 / 132 / 264 / 362 / 494
Ridge: 120cm | Plants: 56cm | Pop: 14881
Ammonium Nitrate (2/5/8): 28 / 70 / 112
Calcium Nitrate (2/5/8): 37 / 92 / 147
Urea (2/5/8): 23 / 57 / 91
Granular (5/8/16/22/30): 80 / 128 / 256 / 352 / 480
Ridge: 137cm | Plants: 46cm | Pop: 15868
Ammonium Nitrate (2/5/8): 30 / 75 / 119
Calcium Nitrate (2/5/8): 39 / 98 / 157
Urea (2/5/8): 25 / 61 / 97
Granular (5/8/16/22/30): 85 / 136 / 273 / 375 / 512
Ridge: 152 + 122cm | Plants: 46cm | Pop: 15868
Ammonium Nitrate (2/5/8): 30 / 75 / 119
Calcium Nitrate (2/5/8): 39 / 98 / 157
Urea (2/5/8): 25 / 62 / 97
Granular (5/8/16/22/30): 85 / 136 / 273 / 375 / 512
Ridge: 122cm | Plants: 46cm | Pop: 17819
Ammonium Nitrate (2/5/8): 34 / 84 / 134
Calcium Nitrate (2/5/8): 44 / 110 / 176
Urea (2/5/8): 28 / 69 / 109
Granular (5/8/16/22/30): 95 / 153 / 307 / 421 / 575
Ridge: 107cm | Plants: 46cm | Pop: 20317
Ammonium Nitrate (2/5/8): 39 / 96 / 153
Calcium Nitrate (2/5/8): 50 / 125 / 201
Urea (2/5/8): 32 / 79 / 124
Granular (5/8/16/22/30): 108 / 174 / 350 / 480 / 656
Lands – Nematode Control
Control of nematodes can be obtained by growing nematode resistant crops in your tobacco rotation.
Some of the suitable crops are:
- Emelo Weeping Lovegrass
- Umgeni Weeping Lovegrass
- Katambora Rhodes Grass
- Sabi Panic Grass (Panicum Maximum)
- Sunhemp
Nematicides
| Chemical | Rate/ha per Use | Mixing Instructions | Application Time | Pest / Disease |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Telone 11 (1,3 Dichloropropene) | 500lts/ha | Apply 600mls/100m ridge at 30 to 35cms below ridge surface preferably through two tines set about 20cms apart per row. | 14-21 days before planting | Nematodes |
| Velum 400SC | 1125mls/ha | Mix 250mls in 100lt water and apply 30 cup into planting water or add 30mls in 2000lt water cart when using 5lt water in plant hole at transplanting. | At planting | Nematodes |
| Metham Sodium (Herbifume) – Very Corrosive | 45-120lts/ha | Apply 375 - 1250 mls/100m ridge at 30 to 35cms below ridge surface. Needs water after application to activate. Rates are dependent on nematode infestation. | 21 days before planting | Nematodes |
| Abamiprid 120SL | 3lts/ha | Apply 666mls in 100lts water and apply 30 cup into planting water or add 80mls into 2000lt water cart when using 5lts per hole. | At planting | Nematodes |
| Oxamyl Granules | 20kgs/ha | Apply into planting hole after planting but before covering. Use a filed 2 cup. | At planting | Nematodes |
| Solvigo 100EC | 3lts/ha | Mix 675mls in 100lt water and apply 30 cup into planting water in hole. | At planting | Nematodes |
Telone 11 (1,3 Dichloropropene)
Rate: 500lts/ha
Mixing: Apply 600mls/100m ridge at 30 to 35cms below ridge surface preferably through two tines set about 20cms apart per row.
Application Time: 14-21 days before planting
Pest / Disease: Nematodes
Rate: 1125mls/ha
Mixing: Mix 250mls in 100lt water and apply 30 cup into planting water or add 30mls in 2000lt water cart when using 5lt water in plant hole at transplanting.
Application Time: At planting
Pest / Disease: Nematodes
Metham Sodium (Herbifume) – Very Corrosive
Rate: 45-120lts/ha
Mixing: Apply 375 - 1250 mls/100m ridge at 30 to 35cms below ridge surface. Needs water after application to activate. Rates are dependent on nematode infestation.
Application Time: 21 days before planting
Pest / Disease: Nematodes
Rate: 3lts/ha
Mixing: Apply 666mls in 100lts water and apply 30 cup into planting water or add 80mls into 2000lt water cart when using 5lts per hole.
Application Time: At planting
Pest / Disease: Nematodes
Rate: 20kgs/ha
Mixing: Apply into planting hole after planting but before covering. Use a filed 2 cup.
Application Time: At planting
Pest / Disease: Nematodes
Rate: 3lts/ha
Mixing: Mix 675mls in 100lt water and apply 30 cup into planting water in hole.
Application Time: At planting
Pest / Disease: Nematodes
Supplementary Nematicides
| Chemical | Rate/ha per Use | Mixing Instructions | Application Time | Pest / Disease |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Velum 400SC | 565mls/ha | Mix 125mls in 100lt water and apply 30 cup at base of plant onto wet soil. | Between 5 & 7 weeks after planting | Nematodes |
Rate: 565mls/ha
Mixing: Mix 125mls in 100lt water and apply 30 cup at base of plant onto wet soil.
Application Time: Between 5 & 7 weeks after planting
Pest / Disease: Nematodes
Herbicides
All herbicides below should be mixed with 300 - 500lts water per ha.
| Chemical | Rate/ha per Use | Mixing Instructions | Application Time | Pest / Disease |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clomazone (Command) | 1.5-1.75lts/ha | Sprayed onto surface of soil over seedling after transplanting. Lighter soils at 1.5lts per ha and heavier soils 1.75lts per ha. | As soon as possible after planting | Annual grasses & some broad weeds |
| Dual Magnum (Metolachlor 960EC) | 1-1.5lts/ha | Sprayed onto surface of soil over seedling within 5 days of transplanting. Land must be free of weeds before spraying. | Within 5 days after planting | Annual grasses & some broad weeds |
| Frontier Optima (Dimethenamid-p) | 1.5lts/ha | Sprayed onto surface of soil over seedling with 5 days of transplanting. Land must be free of weeds before spraying. | Within 5 days after planting | Annual grasses & some broad weeds |
| Bateleur Gold 650EC | 1.5lts/ha | Sprayed onto surface of soil over seedling within 5 days of transplanting. Land must be free of weeds before spraying. | Within 5 days after planting | Annual grasses & some broad weeds |
| Authority (Sulfentrazone) | 450mls/ha | Sprayed onto surface of soil over seedling within 4 days of transplanting. Needs rain or irrigation to activate. | Within 5 days after planting | Annual grasses, some broad weeds & nutsedges |
| Fusilade Forte (Fluazifop-p-butyl) | 0.85-1lts/ha | Can be directed onto the grass weeds or spray over the tobacco at any time after transplanting. Mix with 100lts water/ha. | Post emergent spot spray | Annual grasses, some broad weeds & nutsedges |
| Servian | 50g/ha | Can be directed onto the grass weeds. Must be shield sprayed from the tobacco. Mix 50g/200lts water per ha. | Post emergent spot spray | Nutsedges |
Rate: 1.5-1.75lts/ha
Mixing: Sprayed onto surface of soil over seedling after transplanting. Lighter soils at 1.5lts per ha and heavier soils 1.75lts per ha.
Application Time: As soon as possible after planting
Pest / Disease: Annual grasses & some broad weeds
Dual Magnum (Metolachlor 960EC)
Rate: 1-1.5lts/ha
Mixing: Sprayed onto surface of soil over seedling within 5 days of transplanting. Land must be free of weeds before spraying.
Application Time: Within 5 days after planting
Pest / Disease: Annual grasses & some broad weeds
Frontier Optima (Dimethenamid-p)
Rate: 1.5lts/ha
Mixing: Sprayed onto surface of soil over seedling with 5 days of transplanting. Land must be free of weeds before spraying.
Application Time: Within 5 days after planting
Pest / Disease: Annual grasses & some broad weeds
Rate: 1.5lts/ha
Mixing: Sprayed onto surface of soil over seedling within 5 days of transplanting. Land must be free of weeds before spraying.
Application Time: Within 5 days after planting
Pest / Disease: Annual grasses & some broad weeds
Rate: 450mls/ha
Mixing: Sprayed onto surface of soil over seedling within 4 days of transplanting. Needs rain or irrigation to activate.
Application Time: Within 5 days after planting
Pest / Disease: Annual grasses, some broad weeds & nutsedges
Fusilade Forte (Fluazifop-p-butyl)
Rate: 0.85-1lts/ha
Mixing: Can be directed onto the grass weeds or spray over the tobacco at any time after transplanting. Mix with 100lts water/ha.
Application Time: Post emergent spot spray
Pest / Disease: Annual grasses, some broad weeds & nutsedges
Rate: 50g/ha
Mixing: Can be directed onto the grass weeds. Must be shield sprayed from the tobacco. Mix 50g/200lts water per ha.
Application Time: Post emergent spot spray
Pest / Disease: Nutsedges
Insecticides & Fungicides
| Chemical | Rate/ha per Use | Mixing Instructions | Application Time | Pest / Disease |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plesiva Star | 270g/ha | Mix 60g in 100lt water and apply 30 cup into planting water or add 7g in 2000lt water cart when using 5lt water in plant hole at planting. | At planting | White grub, aphids, termites & 6 weeks cover in the lands |
| Confidor 70WG | 280g/ha | Mix 60g in 100lts water and apply 30 cup into planting water or add 7g in 2000lts water cart when using 5lts water in plant hole at planting. | At planting | False wireworm, white grub, aphids & termites |
| Thunder 140OD | 900mls/ha | Mix 200ml in 100lts water and apply 30 cup into planting water or add 24mls in 2000lts water cart when using 5lts water in plant hole at planting. Check water pH. | At planting | False wireworm, white grub, aphids & cutworm |
| Folicur 250EW | 1lt/ha | Mix 220mls in 100lts water and apply 30 cup into planting water or add 27mls in 2000lts water cart when using 5lts water in plant hole at planting. | At planting | Soreshin |
| Decis Forte | 50mls/ha | Mix 12mls in 100lts water and apply 30 cup over new planted seedling or can be mixed with herbicide application. | Immediately after planting | Cutworm |
| Karate Zeon 5SC | 120mls/ha (175mls/ha for spraying) | Mix 25mls in 100lts water and apply 30 cup over new planted seedling or can be mixed with herbicide application. | Immediately after planting (check water pH) | Cutworm |
| Belt 480SC | 37.5mls/ha | Mix 15mls per 100lts water and spray 250lts mixture per ha or 11mls/100lts water and apply 30 cup over plant. Suitable wetter helps to penetrate the bud. (Aqua Right 5) | After first sign of budworm | Budworm |
| Vayego 200SC | 38mls/ha | Mix 15mls/100lt water and spray 250lt mixture per ha or 11mls/100lt water and apply 30 cup over plant. Suitable wetter helps to penetrate the bud. (Aqua Right 5) | After first sign of budworm | Budworm |
| Larvin 375SC | 660mls/ha | Mix 265mls per 100lts water and spray 250lts mixture per ha or 275mls per 100lts water and apply 16 cup over plant. | After first sign of budworm & leaf miner | Budworm & leaf miner |
| Bullet 60EC | 135mls/ha | Mix 30mls/100lt water and spray 450lt. | After first sign of aphids | Cutworm, late budworm & aphids |
| Magmectin 19.2EC | 400mls/ha | Mix 200mls/100lts water and spray 200lts per hectare or 90mls per 100lts and apply 30 cup over plant. | After first sign of budworm | Budworm |
| Magmectin Ultra Duo 112EC | 250mls/ha | Mix 125mls/100lts water and spray 200lts per hectare. | After first sign of budworm | Budworm & aphids |
| Thunder 145OD | 330mls/ha | Mix 220mls/100lt water and spray 150lt mixture per ha or 75mls/100lt water and apply 30 cup over plant. | After first sign of budworm | Budworm |
| Belt Expert 480SC | 120mls/ha | Mix 80mls/100lt water and spray 150lt mixture per ha or 27mls/100lt water and apply 30 cup over plant. | After first sign of budworm | Budworm & aphids |
| Calypso 480SC | 60mls/ha | Mix 40mls per 100lts water and spray 150lts mixture per ha or 14mls per 100lts water and apply 30 cup over plant. | After any sign of aphids | Aphids |
| Acetamiprid 20SP | 60g/ha | Mix 40g per 100lts water and spray 150lts mixture per ha. | After any sign of aphids | Aphids |
| Abamiprid 120SL | 200mls/ha | Mix 200mls in 150lts water and apply per hectare. | After first sign | Aphids, leaf miner & red spider |
| Sivanto Prime | 200mls/ha | Mix 200mls/100lts water and spray 100lts mixture per hectare. | After any sign of aphids | Aphids |
| Thunder 145OD | 330mls/ha | Mix 220mls per 100lts water and spray 150lts mixture per ha or 75mls per 100lts water and apply 30 cup over plant. | After any sign of aphids | Aphids & budworm |
| Belt Expert 480SC | 120mls/ha | Mix 80mls per 100lts water and spray 150lts mixture per ha or 27mls per 100lts water and apply 30 cup over plant. | After any sign of aphids | Aphids, budworm & lace worm |
| Belt 480SC | 37.5mls/ha | Mix 15mls per 100lts water and spray 250lts mixture per ha or 11mls per 100lts water and apply 30 cup over plant. Suitable wetter helps to penetrate the bed. (Aqua Right 5) | After first sign of lace worm | Lace worm |
| Larvin 375SC | 660mls/ha | Mix 265mls per 100lts water and spray 250lts mixture per ha or 275mls per 100lts water and apply 16 cup over plant. | After first sign of lace worm | Lace worm |
| Belt 480SC | 37.5mls/ha | Mix 15mls per 100lts water and spray 250lts mixture per ha or 11mls per 100lts water and apply 30 cup over plant. Suitable wetter helps to penetrate the bud. (Aqua Right 5) | After first sign of tuber moth & leaf miner | Tuber moth & leaf miner |
| Larvin 375SC | 660mls/ha | Mix 265mls per 100lts water and spray 250lts mixture per ha or 275mls per 100lts water and apply 16 cup over plant. | After first sign of tuber moth & leaf miner | Tuber moth & leaf miner |
| Triguard | 150g/ha | Mix 30g in 100lts water. Spray mixture at 500lts per ha. Rotate with other insecticides. | After first sign of leaf miner | Leaf miner |
| Dynamec | 250mls/ha | Mix 50mls in 100 litres water. Spray to get thorough coverage without runoff. Rotate with other insecticides. | After first sign of leaf miner & red spider mite | Leaf miner & red spider mite |
| Cartap | 1kg/ha | Mix 500g/100 litres water and spray 200lt mixture per hectare. | After first sign of pests | Tuber moth, leaf miner, bollworm, aphids, whitefly |
Rate: 270g/ha
Mixing: Mix 60g in 100lt water and apply 30 cup into planting water or add 7g in 2000lt water cart when using 5lt water in plant hole at planting.
Application Time: At planting
Pest / Disease: White grub, aphids, termites & 6 weeks cover in the lands
Rate: 280g/ha
Mixing: Mix 60g in 100lts water and apply 30 cup into planting water or add 7g in 2000lts water cart when using 5lts water in plant hole at planting.
Application Time: At planting
Pest / Disease: False wireworm, white grub, aphids & termites
Rate: 900mls/ha
Mixing: Mix 200ml in 100lts water and apply 30 cup into planting water or add 24mls in 2000lts water cart when using 5lts water in plant hole at planting. Check water pH.
Application Time: At planting
Pest / Disease: False wireworm, white grub, aphids & cutworm
Rate: 1lt/ha
Mixing: Mix 220mls in 100lts water and apply 30 cup into planting water or add 27mls in 2000lts water cart when using 5lts water in plant hole at planting.
Application Time: At planting
Pest / Disease: Soreshin
Rate: 50mls/ha
Mixing: Mix 12mls in 100lts water and apply 30 cup over new planted seedling or can be mixed with herbicide application.
Application Time: Immediately after planting
Pest / Disease: Cutworm
Rate: 120mls/ha (175mls/ha for spraying)
Mixing: Mix 25mls in 100lts water and apply 30 cup over new planted seedling or can be mixed with herbicide application.
Application Time: Immediately after planting (check water pH)
Pest / Disease: Cutworm
Rate: 37.5mls/ha
Mixing: Mix 15mls per 100lts water and spray 250lts mixture per ha or 11mls/100lts water and apply 30 cup over plant. Suitable wetter helps to penetrate the bud. (Aqua Right 5)
Application Time: After first sign of budworm
Pest / Disease: Budworm
Rate: 38mls/ha
Mixing: Mix 15mls/100lt water and spray 250lt mixture per ha or 11mls/100lt water and apply 30 cup over plant. Suitable wetter helps to penetrate the bud. (Aqua Right 5)
Application Time: After first sign of budworm
Pest / Disease: Budworm
Rate: 660mls/ha
Mixing: Mix 265mls per 100lts water and spray 250lts mixture per ha or 275mls per 100lts water and apply 16 cup over plant.
Application Time: After first sign of budworm & leaf miner
Pest / Disease: Budworm & leaf miner
Rate: 135mls/ha
Mixing: Mix 30mls/100lt water and spray 450lt.
Application Time: After first sign of aphids
Pest / Disease: Cutworm, late budworm & aphids
Rate: 400mls/ha
Mixing: Mix 200mls/100lts water and spray 200lts per hectare or 90mls per 100lts and apply 30 cup over plant.
Application Time: After first sign of budworm
Pest / Disease: Budworm
Rate: 250mls/ha
Mixing: Mix 125mls/100lts water and spray 200lts per hectare.
Application Time: After first sign of budworm
Pest / Disease: Budworm & aphids
Rate: 330mls/ha
Mixing: Mix 220mls/100lt water and spray 150lt mixture per ha or 75mls/100lt water and apply 30 cup over plant.
Application Time: After first sign of budworm
Pest / Disease: Budworm
Rate: 120mls/ha
Mixing: Mix 80mls/100lt water and spray 150lt mixture per ha or 27mls/100lt water and apply 30 cup over plant.
Application Time: After first sign of budworm
Pest / Disease: Budworm & aphids
Rate: 60mls/ha
Mixing: Mix 40mls per 100lts water and spray 150lts mixture per ha or 14mls per 100lts water and apply 30 cup over plant.
Application Time: After any sign of aphids
Pest / Disease: Aphids
Rate: 60g/ha
Mixing: Mix 40g per 100lts water and spray 150lts mixture per ha.
Application Time: After any sign of aphids
Pest / Disease: Aphids
Rate: 200mls/ha
Mixing: Mix 200mls in 150lts water and apply per hectare.
Application Time: After first sign
Pest / Disease: Aphids, leaf miner & red spider
Rate: 200mls/ha
Mixing: Mix 200mls/100lts water and spray 100lts mixture per hectare.
Application Time: After any sign of aphids
Pest / Disease: Aphids
Rate: 330mls/ha
Mixing: Mix 220mls per 100lts water and spray 150lts mixture per ha or 75mls per 100lts water and apply 30 cup over plant.
Application Time: After any sign of aphids
Pest / Disease: Aphids & budworm
Rate: 120mls/ha
Mixing: Mix 80mls per 100lts water and spray 150lts mixture per ha or 27mls per 100lts water and apply 30 cup over plant.
Application Time: After any sign of aphids
Pest / Disease: Aphids, budworm & lace worm
Rate: 37.5mls/ha
Mixing: Mix 15mls per 100lts water and spray 250lts mixture per ha or 11mls per 100lts water and apply 30 cup over plant. Suitable wetter helps to penetrate the bed. (Aqua Right 5)
Application Time: After first sign of lace worm
Pest / Disease: Lace worm
Rate: 660mls/ha
Mixing: Mix 265mls per 100lts water and spray 250lts mixture per ha or 275mls per 100lts water and apply 16 cup over plant.
Application Time: After first sign of lace worm
Pest / Disease: Lace worm
Rate: 37.5mls/ha
Mixing: Mix 15mls per 100lts water and spray 250lts mixture per ha or 11mls per 100lts water and apply 30 cup over plant. Suitable wetter helps to penetrate the bud. (Aqua Right 5)
Application Time: After first sign of tuber moth & leaf miner
Pest / Disease: Tuber moth & leaf miner
Rate: 660mls/ha
Mixing: Mix 265mls per 100lts water and spray 250lts mixture per ha or 275mls per 100lts water and apply 16 cup over plant.
Application Time: After first sign of tuber moth & leaf miner
Pest / Disease: Tuber moth & leaf miner
Rate: 150g/ha
Mixing: Mix 30g in 100lts water. Spray mixture at 500lts per ha. Rotate with other insecticides.
Application Time: After first sign of leaf miner
Pest / Disease: Leaf miner
Rate: 250mls/ha
Mixing: Mix 50mls in 100 litres water. Spray to get thorough coverage without runoff. Rotate with other insecticides.
Application Time: After first sign of leaf miner & red spider mite
Pest / Disease: Leaf miner & red spider mite
Rate: 1kg/ha
Mixing: Mix 500g/100 litres water and spray 200lt mixture per hectare.
Application Time: After first sign of pests
Pest / Disease: Tuber moth, leaf miner, bollworm, aphids, whitefly
Suckerides
| Chemical | Rate/ha per Use | Mixing Instructions | Application Time | Pest / Disease |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N-Decanol | 5lts/ha | Mix at 4lts/100lt water and cup on with a cup that the suckeride just reaches base of plant. Mix at 3lts/100lt if using on very early topping. | At topping | Suckers |
| Flumetralin Duo | 2.4lts/ha | Mix 1lt/60lts water and cup on with a cup that the suckeride just reaches base of plant. | At topping | Suckers |
| Prime Plus | 2lts/ha | Mix at 1lts/74lt water and cup on with a cup that the suckeride just reaches base of plant. Use 1 week after final topping. | After whole land has been topped | Suckers |
| Flumetralin 150EC | 2lts/ha | Mix at 1lts/74lt water and cup on with a cup that the suckeride just reaches base of plant. Use 1 week after final topping. | After whole land has been topped | Suckers |
| Eco Topp | 2lts/ha | Mix at 1lts/74lt water and cup on with a cup that the suckeride just reaches base of plant. Use 1 week after final topping. | After whole land has been topped | Suckers |
Rate: 5lts/ha
Mixing: Mix at 4lts/100lt water and cup on with a cup that the suckeride just reaches base of plant. Mix at 3lts/100lt if using on very early topping.
Application Time: At topping
Pest / Disease: Suckers
Rate: 2.4lts/ha
Mixing: Mix 1lt/60lts water and cup on with a cup that the suckeride just reaches base of plant.
Application Time: At topping
Pest / Disease: Suckers
Rate: 2lts/ha
Mixing: Mix at 1lts/74lt water and cup on with a cup that the suckeride just reaches base of plant. Use 1 week after final topping.
Application Time: After whole land has been topped
Pest / Disease: Suckers
Rate: 2lts/ha
Mixing: Mix at 1lts/74lt water and cup on with a cup that the suckeride just reaches base of plant. Use 1 week after final topping.
Application Time: After whole land has been topped
Pest / Disease: Suckers
Rate: 2lts/ha
Mixing: Mix at 1lts/74lt water and cup on with a cup that the suckeride just reaches base of plant. Use 1 week after final topping.
Application Time: After whole land has been topped
Pest / Disease: Suckers
Control of Disease After Hail
| Chemical | Rate/ha per Use | Mixing Instructions | Application Time | Pest / Disease |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bion 50WG & Twist 500SC | 60g/ha + 180mls/ha | Mixed with at least 200lt water per ha. | After hail | Disease caused by hail damage |
Rate: 60g/ha + 180mls/ha
Mixing: Mixed with at least 200lt water per ha.
Application Time: After hail
Pest / Disease: Disease caused by hail damage
Alternaria & Frogeye Control
| Chemical | Rate/ha per Use | Mixing Instructions | Application Time | Pest / Disease |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bion 50WG | 60g/ha | Mixed with at least 200lts water per ha. | Up to 4 sprays 6 weeks after planting | Alternaria (frogeye) |
| Twist 500SC | 180mls/ha | Mixed with at least 200lts water per ha. | Up to 2 sprays 6 weeks after planting | Alternaria (frogeye) |
| Folicur 250EW | 500mls/ha | Mixed with at least 200lts water per ha. | Up to 2 sprays 6 weeks after planting | Alternaria (frogeye) |
| Cabrio Duo | 1.5lts/ha | Mixed with at least 200lts water per ha. | Up to 2 sprays 6 weeks after planting | Alternaria (frogeye) |
| Azoxy Duo | 500mls/ha | Mixed with at least 200lts water per ha. | Up to 4 sprays 6 weeks after planting | Alternaria (frogeye) |
| Ortiva 250SC | 400mls/ha | Mixed with at least 200lts water per ha. | Up to 2 sprays 6 weeks after planting | Alternaria (frogeye) |
| Amistar Top | 500mls/ha | Mixed with at least 200lts water per ha. | Up to 4 sprays 6 weeks after planting | Alternaria (frogeye) |
Rate: 60g/ha
Mixing: Mixed with at least 200lts water per ha.
Application Time: Up to 4 sprays 6 weeks after planting
Pest / Disease: Alternaria (frogeye)
Rate: 180mls/ha
Mixing: Mixed with at least 200lts water per ha.
Application Time: Up to 2 sprays 6 weeks after planting
Pest / Disease: Alternaria (frogeye)
Rate: 500mls/ha
Mixing: Mixed with at least 200lts water per ha.
Application Time: Up to 2 sprays 6 weeks after planting
Pest / Disease: Alternaria (frogeye)
Rate: 1.5lts/ha
Mixing: Mixed with at least 200lts water per ha.
Application Time: Up to 2 sprays 6 weeks after planting
Pest / Disease: Alternaria (frogeye)
Rate: 500mls/ha
Mixing: Mixed with at least 200lts water per ha.
Application Time: Up to 4 sprays 6 weeks after planting
Pest / Disease: Alternaria (frogeye)
Rate: 400mls/ha
Mixing: Mixed with at least 200lts water per ha.
Application Time: Up to 2 sprays 6 weeks after planting
Pest / Disease: Alternaria (frogeye)
Rate: 500mls/ha
Mixing: Mixed with at least 200lts water per ha.
Application Time: Up to 4 sprays 6 weeks after planting
Pest / Disease: Alternaria (frogeye)
Sheds & Barns for Tobacco Beetle
| Chemical | Rate/ha per Use | Mixing Instructions | Application Time | Pest / Disease |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cislin 25EC | Add 60mls per 5lts water and apply 5lts per 100 square meters of shed. | Prior to storage & grading | Tobacco beetle | |
| Decis Forte | Add 15mls per 5lts water and apply 5lts per 100 square meters of shed. | Prior to storage & grading | Tobacco beetle |
Rate:
Mixing: Add 60mls per 5lts water and apply 5lts per 100 square meters of shed.
Application Time: Prior to storage & grading
Pest / Disease: Tobacco beetle
Rate:
Mixing: Add 15mls per 5lts water and apply 5lts per 100 square meters of shed.
Application Time: Prior to storage & grading
Pest / Disease: Tobacco beetle
Irrigation
Pre-Irrigation
The land must be uniformly wet to a depth of 1000mm before ridging. Wherever possible, this should be done within two months of planting and the land kept free of weeds after irrigating.
Amount of water required to wet 1000mm depth soil to field capacity
| Soil Type | Early Plough | Late Plough |
|---|---|---|
| Sandy overlying sand | 50mm | 100mm |
| Sandy overlying sandy/loam/sandy clay loam | 60mm | 120mm |
| Sandy loam overlying sandy clay loam | 60mm | 120mm |
| Sandy clay loam | 150mm |
Sandy overlying sand
Early Plough: 50mm
Late Plough: 100mm
Sandy overlying sandy/loam/sandy clay loam
Early Plough: 60mm
Late Plough: 120mm
Sandy loam overlying sandy clay loam
Early Plough: 60mm
Late Plough: 120mm
Sandy clay loam
Late Plough: 150mm
Settling-In-Irrigation
The settling-in irrigation must achieve the following:
- Settle soil around roots
- Provide adequate moisture for faster root development
- Cool soil, increase humidity & reduce transpiration
- Reduce leaf scalding and transplanting shock
- Activate herbicide
No more than 15mm should be applied.
First Irrigation
The first irrigation after stress period is important to get land back to field capacity. Too little irrigation at this stage will lead to uneven crop as tobacco on the heavier soils will sit, whereas tobacco on the sandier soils will start growing. It is recommended that this first irrigation should be no more than 25mm net on light soils and up to 35mm net on heavier soils.
Irrigation to a Routine Schedule
| Stage | Amount |
|---|---|
| Pre-irrigation | 50-150mm (see chart above) |
| Settling in Irrigation | 15mm |
| First Irrigation (4-5 w.a.p) | 25-35mm |
| Second Irrigation (1 week later) | 15-20mm every 4 to 5 days |
| Up to button stage | 15-20mm |
| Button stage to second harvest | 25-30mm every 4 to 5 days |
| From second harvest onwards | 35mm every 7 to 8 days |
Pre-irrigation
50-150mm (see chart above)
Settling in Irrigation
15mm
First Irrigation (4-5 w.a.p)
25-35mm
Second Irrigation (1 week later)
15-20mm every 4 to 5 days
Up to button stage
15-20mm
Button stage to second harvest
25-30mm every 4 to 5 days
From second harvest onwards
35mm every 7 to 8 days
Priming Dryland Crop
Percentage Leaf (L) grades may be increased by correct management of plant population, nitrogen and in particular, topping. Priming on the other hand, will not influence leaf percentage significantly, what it will do is virtually eliminate the dry natured, shatter primings. Many growers who primed last season found the P grade eliminated from their Sales sheets.
Removal of the lower leaves when the plant is at a specific stage of growth has been referred to as priming, pruning, stripping etc. Experience has suggested that it has a number of advantages:
- The value of the first reapings from a primed crop is a significant improvement on an unprimed crop. It seems that as long as the filler grade is clean, good sized, unblemished cured leaf it does have reasonable value.
- Priming significantly delays the first reaping of that crop, increasing the gap between the irrigated and dryland crops. Often the top of the irrigated crop is reaped immature in an effort to avoid losing too much on the bottom of the dryland and this leads to quality problems.
- The fact that the dryland crop will not have overripe leaf on the bottom appears to reduce the risk of disease in that crop. Fungal diseases like Frogeye and Alternaria are diseases of senescence.
The following guidelines are recommended for those who wish to prime their crops:
- Confine the practice to the early dryland crop (October and early November crops). Growers who have primed crops planted late have experienced variable and disappointing results.
- Prime early in the crop's life. When the plant reaches the 8 to 10 reapable leaf stage it should be primed. Remove seedbed leaves plus 6 to 8 reapable leaves. Suggest leave the bud plus 1 or 2 leaves on the plant and remove the rest.
- The leaves that have been removed will have used some nutrients. A 2 cup AN or 5 cup Calcium Nitrate will be sufficient to replace the approximately 8 to 10kg/ha of Nitrogen.
Topping & Suckering
Topping
The importance of bud topping in improving yield, percentage of leaf grades and nicotine content of the leaf cannot be over-emphasized. Equally important is to complete the task of topping in a particular field in as short a time as possible. On an even land the task should be completed in 7 days, while if the crop is not even, topping should be completed in 10 to 14 days.
- Aim to top at between 18 and 20 leaves. The more vigorous the plant the higher the leaf number. If the crop has been primed, aim at no more than 18 leaves.
- Topping may be done by leaf count but is slow and often inaccurate if labour is not well trained.
- Bud topping is best done using a measuring stick. When 10% of plants have reached the 18 leaf stage, cut a measuring stick to the height of the shortest plant at this stage. Top all plants that are at this height and above, removing the bud.
Sucker Control
- When bud topping, it is risky to apply the full rate of N-decanol or local systemic (Flumetralin) over the topped plant, the top leaves will be burnt or distorted.
- N-decanol may be poured over the top if diluted to 1:50-70. Experiment with the rate and apply that that burns the suckers but does least damage to the top leaves.
- There are 2 options: (a) Repeat the dilute rate on every plant until topping is complete (no plant should receive more than 3 doses). (b) Apply the full rate of N-decanol (1:25) on all plants topped the previous week.
- A week after topping is completed, apply a local systemic to all plants.
- Regardless of efficiency, misses always occur. Remove these by hand as early as possible, treating the axil with Flumetralin.
- If topping when there is a threat of rain, mix a sticker with the suckeride.
Coal Stoking Processes & Recommendations
Automatic Stoker Operation
- Ensure that an adequate air supply is maintained to the fire bed.
- Ensure sufficient coal is fed into the furnace through the under feed auger.
- Once a fire bed is created, ensure that this fire bed is kept heaped and not allowed to collapse.
- Do not allow solid clinker to build up and thereby restrict the air flow upwards through the fire bed.
- The fire should be attended to on a regular basis, perhaps three times every hour.
- As a guideline, only fine white ash should be taken out.
- Ash piles should be checked, any dark, unburnt coal should be put back into the hopper for re-use.
Hand Stoked Furnaces
- Make sure an adequate supply of air is fed into the fire.
- Fresh coal should be placed directly in front of the fire bed and not straight onto the fire.
- Only when the gases have been burnt out from the fresh coal will this coal be moved onto the fire bed.
- This fire bed should be kept heaped up and not allowed to collapse.
- Care should be taken when pulling out ash, again the ash sample should be fine and white.
- Any unburnt coal should be put back onto the fire bed.
Curing
Tobacco curing is an extension of senescence (ripening). During ripening, enzymes in the leaf start to break down chlorophyll and the leaf begins to lose its green colour. Judging the correct stage of this process to achieve the optimum yield and quality is the challenge that faces growers. The most reliable assessment of ripeness is barn colouring time:
| Plant Position | Colouring Time |
|---|---|
| Lower third of the plant | 60 – 72 hours |
| Middle third | 48 – 60 hours |
| Top third | 36 to 48 hours |
Lower third of the plant
60 – 72 hours
Middle third
48 – 60 hours
Top third
36 to 48 hours
The shorter the period the better the quality, especially in the middle and top reapings.
Colouring
- Historically, colouring in traditional hand stoked flue barns is started at 28 to 30°C usually for the first 24 hours. Temperature is then increased to 32°C until a third to half the leaf is coloured and colouring is then completed at 35°C.
- The optimum temperature for the enzyme chlorophyllase, responsible for breaking down the green colour in leaf, is 35°C to 38°C.
- In a forced air system, where radiant heat is not an issue, it is therefore logical to start the cure at 35°C and colour at 35 to 38°C.
Wilting
- Curing is a process of controlled drying, albeit very slowly in the beginning to allow necessary enzyme activity to be completed.
- Curing leaf must lose at least 25 to 30% of its moisture during the colouring stage.
- At the end of colouring the leaf should have the appearance and feel of a wet cloth.
- The wet and dry bulb thermometer is a useful tool. At the start of colouring the wet bulb will be 1°C below the dry bulb, increasing gradually until at the end of colouring the deficit will be 3°C.
Lamina Drying
- Arguably the most important phase of the curing process because it is during this stage that damage to quality is most likely.
- The rate at which lamina is dried is dependent on the nature of the leaf. As a general rule, the thicker the cell wall, the slower the drying.
- Research has demonstrated that keeping the wet bulb temperature between 35 and 38°C during this stage provides the ideal drying regime.
- For thin lower reapings or fast grown tobacco the wet bulb should be maintained at 34°C to 35°C whereas for more bodied leaf, especially if close grained, the wet bulb should be 38°C to 40°C.
Midrib Drying
- The dense, woody nature of leaf midrib requires high temperature and relatively little air to remove moisture. Temperature is increased to 70 to 75°C and ventilation significantly reduced.
The Grading Process
Five major aspects determine the grade of a leaf:
- Plant position or group
- Style Factor
- Colour
- Quality or degree of waste
- Length
Colour
The following colours should be recognized:
- Pale lemon ‘E’
- Lemon ‘L’
- Orange ‘O’
- Mahogany light ‘R’
- Mahogany dark ‘S’
Style Factor
- Ripe/Soft style or ‘F’/‘FA’ style – full coloured, open-grained, ripe and soft natured.
- Standard style – slightly close-grained but not slick or flattish in appearance with normal or average maturity.
- Close-grained, slick or slately style or ‘K’ style – close-grained and immature, having a smooth to flat surface.
Extra Factor
- Spot ‘A’: small brownish blotch with an off-white center. Separate if in excess of 5% of leaf area.
- Harsh matured or sun baked ‘D’: harsh natured and lifeless due to lack of oil caused by dry conditions or baking.
- Scorched ‘Q’: noticeable degree of red caused by raising barn temperatures before moisture removal.
- Greenish ‘V’: greenish tinge or cast (running green, will not be apparent after further maturity).
- Green ‘G’: set green on the leaf surface. Heavy or fixed green should be graded by colour and by the amount in the leaf.
- Guinea fowl spot ‘Y’: speckling of small greenish-black or black dots.
Quality
- 1 = fine – good
- 2 = fair
- 3 = low – poor
Length
The length variation of leaf within a bale of graded tobacco must not exceed 75mm for leaf under 400mm and 125mm for leaf over 400mm length.
Grading of Strip & Scrap
Strips and scrap are usually graded into light, dark and greens.
STRIP: It should be of the same plant position but can contain bordering colours and qualities. Two thirds of the mid-rib and all signs of barn rot, stem rot or mould should be removed.
SCRAP: Must be clean and free of foreign matter. It should be seized by screening. Scrap of the same appearance from cutters, lugs and primings can be blended together but scrap from thin leaf grades and bodied leaf and tips should be kept separate.
Bailing & Presentation
Neatly baled tobacco immediately attracts the buyer's eye. Well graded and carefully presented tobacco will encourage the buyer to buy with confidence. The use of twine from hessian or jute is prohibited, as are polypropylene twine and monofilament. The recommended space between stitches is 40mm.
Checklist of DO's and DON'T's in Grading
- DO keep reapings separate and unless lands are of the same soil type and planted at the same time grade reapings from different lands separately.
- DO keep different varieties and tobacco from different curing systems separate.
- DO make sure the tie-leaf same as the rest of the bale. Short leaves in the grade can be used for tying.
- DO pay equal attention to lower quality grades since this end of the market has larger prices variability.
- DO check greens and if these have been held back to the end of the season, a light regarding of greens which have run and those which have not is advisable.
- DO make sure that strip and scrap is free of loose midi-ribs, foreign matter and mould.
- DO check that the sizes of the butts are between 25mm and 28mm.
- DO keep separate leaves differing in colour groups, style qualities and length.
- DO NOT mix broken long leaf with short leaf and do not allow the inclusion of bent over stems in the butts.
Grouping
The importance of correct grouping of tobacco for sale is still not appreciated by all growers. Even if great attention has been paid to the grading aspects, the grower's grouping skill can either make or break a sale. Whilst good grouping normally results in better and more stable prices, bad or erratic grouping inevitably costs the grower money.