The key to controlling weeds, just as in controlling insects and diseases, is proper identification. According to the North Carolina State University (NCSU) Flue-Cured Tobacco Guide, common weeds that affect tobacco crops include nutsedges, morningglories, common ragweed, pigweed and horsenettle. Growers need to identify the types of weeds that are present and should consult their […]
The best soils for growing tobacco have good internal drainage that keeps standing moisture away from roots and, at the same time, good water-holding capabilities to combat dry spells in the growing season. (Note that you should always avoid transplanting into saturated soils, as tobacco roots require aeration and can begin to die in as […]
Proper crop rotation is one of a farmer’s best weapons against disease. Planting tobacco in the same field in consecutive years puts your crop at risk for disease and can also strip the land of vital nutrients. While rotating crops can be more difficult for burley farmers, experts cannot stress the importance of rotation enough. […]
With budget plans in place and a healthy batch of transplants ready for the field, it’s time to get outside and start working your land. The best-case scenario is for growers to have access to the field several years in advance of planting. This gives you time for observation and recording of soil properties and […]
Naturally, the factor that will influence you the most when choosing what seed to plant depends on your contract. The type of seed must conform to all of the terms that you have established with your buyer. Once determined, you should next focus on disease resistance and which seed variety is best suited for your […]
Ensuring that the seedlings emerge and grow at the same rate is essential to getting a high percentage of usable transplants. Research conducted by NCSU tobacco specialists has shown that as little as a three-day difference in emergence in a quarter of the seedlings could reduce usability, and clipping could not reverse the negative impacts […]
Most tobacco farmers using a transplant system grow their seeds in a greenhouse. This method of production remains the most popular method for predictable, uniform growth of high-quality transplants. Virginia’s Burley Tobacco Production Guide reports that use of a greenhouse reduces labor required for transplant production, gives greater control of environmental conditions and provides increased […]
Tobacco media typically consists of peat mixed with a combination of vermiculite (a natural mineral that expands with the application of heat) and perlite (naturally forming volcanic glass that also expands with the application of heat) in various proportions. The Kentucky and Tennessee guide points out that research has not yet found any specific combination […]
While there are a few different types of trays on the market for use in tobacco float systems, most trays are made of polystyrene. Standard options for growers include high-density, low-density, shallow-well and glazed trays. While high-density polystyrene trays are more durable, they are also more expensive, as they tend to be bulkier and heavier […]
How do you have the most successful final product possible? You must have a successful beginning. For tobacco farmers, this means starting out with strong seeds that grow into healthy transplants. With a seed so small its volume ranges from 10,000 to 20,000 seeds per gram, transformation from the fragile seedling stage into hardy transplants […]
