The Effects of Planting Time and Density on Yield, Income and Quality of Basma Tobacco

Abstract

Basma tobaccos are used to improve the flavors of cigarette blends. In this study, it was aimed to determine the effects of planting time and density on yield and quality characteristics of basma type tobacco. The study was carried out in Tokat/Erbaa location in 2021 with OZE B1 variety. Three different planting times (16 May, 31 May and 13 June), three row spacing (30, 40 and 50 cm) and three intra-row spacing (8, 12 and 16 cm) were used in the study. Dry leaf yield, quality grade index, gross income, reducing sugar and nicotine ratios examined in the study differed statistically (p<0.01 and p<0.05). The highest dry leaf yield was obtained at planting times of May 16 (2108.33 kg ha-1) and May 31 (2094.64 kg ha-1), 40 cm row spacing (2294.89 kg ha-1) and 8 cm intra-row spacing (2200.93 kg ha-1). Quality grade index ranged from 58.28% (June 13, 8 cm inra-row spacing) to 75.64% (May 16, 12 cm intra-row spacing), while the nicotine ratio ranged between 0.93% and 2.04%, and the reducing sugar ratio varied between 4.48% and 11.20%. In terms of total income generated by dry leaf yield and leaf quality (quality grade index) per unit area with 8557.59 $ ha^-1, the highest value was determined at the planting time of May 16, planting density of 8 cm intra-rows spacing and 40 cm row spacing.