A review of some cultivation practices affecting the nicotine content of tobacco grown in Bulgaria

Radka Bozhinova

Abstract: Nicotine is one of the most important constituents in cured tobacco. Genetic and many cultivation factors affected nicotine accumulation in different tobacco types grown in Bulgaria. The highest nicotine concentrations in Oriental, Virginia and Burley tobaccos were obtained with high nitrogen application rates, reduced irrigation, lower plant density and early topping. These practices restricted starch accumulation which could lead to producing chemically imbalanced tobaccos (oriental and flue-cured). Lower nicotine levels were due to lower N fertilizer rates, higher plant density and better water regime. Delaying
topping from the early bud stage, through to the full flowering also reduced nicotine levels. These agronomic factors can allow greater starch accumulation, therefore cured oriental and Virginia tobaccos could be imbalanced chemically with high sugar/ nicotine ratio. Phosphorus, potassium, and some organic fertilizers had little or inconsistent effect on the nicotine content of tobacco leaves.

Keywords: Burley; leaf quality; nicotine concentration; Oriental; production practices; tobacco; Virginia

Date published: 2023-08-21