Botanical Name: Nicotiana tabacumChromosomes Number: 48
Origin:
Nicotiana tabacum is believed to have originated in the Americas, specifically in the region that includes present-day Mexico and Central America.
Geographical Distribution:
Today, Nicotiana tabacum is cultivated worldwide in various regions with suitable climatic conditions. Major tobacco-producing countries include China, India, Brazil, the United States, Indonesia, and Zimbabwe.
Economic Importance:
Tobacco is primarily grown for its leaves, which are processed to produce tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, and snuff. The tobacco industry is a significant contributor to the global economy, although there has been a growing awareness of the health risks associated with tobacco use.
Soil and Climatic Requirements:
Tobacco grows best in well-drained soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. It prefers sandy loam or loamy soils with good organic matter content. As for climatic conditions, tobacco requires a warm and humid environment. The optimal temperature for growth is between 20°C and 30°C (68°F to 86°F), with a minimum temperature of 13°C (55°F) during the growing period.
Seed Rate:
The recommended seed rate for tobacco is approximately 500 to 600 grams per acre.
Spacing:
The spacing between tobacco plants varies depending on the cultivar and the desired leaf size. Generally, a spacing of 45 cm (18 inches) between rows and 30 cm (12 inches) between plants within a row is common.
Seed Treatment:
Tobacco seeds are often treated with fungicides to protect against seed-borne diseases. Treatment with a suitable fungicide before sowing can help ensure healthy seedlings.
Varieties:
There are numerous tobacco varieties available, and the choice of variety depends on the specific requirements of the region and market demand. Some popular tobacco varieties include Burley, Virginia, Oriental, and Dark Air-Cured.
Cultural Practices:
Here are some cultural practices commonly followed in tobacco cultivation:
1. Land Preparation: Prepare the land by plowing and harrowing to obtain a fine seedbed.
2. Sowing: Sow the treated seeds in a nursery bed or in trays around 8 to 10 weeks before transplanting.
3. Transplanting: Transplant the seedlings when they have reached a suitable size, usually 6 to 8 weeks after sowing.
4. Irrigation: Provide regular irrigation, especially during dry periods, to maintain adequate moisture in the soil.
5. Fertilization: Apply appropriate fertilizers based on soil nutrient analysis and crop requirements. Split the fertilizer application into multiple doses during the growing season.
6. Weed Control: Keep the field free from weeds by regular hoeing and manual removal.
7. Disease and Pest Management: Monitor the crop regularly for common diseases like tobacco mosaic virus and pests like aphids, caterpillars, and tobacco hornworm. Take appropriate measures such as spraying recommended pesticides if necessary.
8. Topping and Suckering: Remove the terminal bud and suckers to promote leaf growth and improve leaf quality.
9. Harvesting: Harvest the leaves when they reach maturity, which is indicated by a yellowing color and the presence of sufficient moisture in the leaves.
10. Curing: Cure the harvested leaves using suitable methods like air-curing, flue-curing, or sun-curing, depending on the desired end product.
Yield:
The yield of tobacco can vary significantly depending on various factors such as variety, cultivation practices, and environmental conditions. On average, tobacco yields range from 1,500 to 3,000 kg per hectare (1,340 to 2,680 lbs per acre).
