Effect of Shade in Relation to Applied Nitrogen on Growth, Yield and Quality of Flue-Cured Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.)

摘要

A pot culture experiment was conducted with three levels of nitrogen, viz. 4.95, 6.60 and 8.25 g/plant (75, 100 and 125% recommended N) and three levels of shade, viz. control (no shade), 25% and 50% shade using shade nets in flue cured tobacco variety Kanchan. Total leaf chlorophyll content increased with increased level of shade. Specific leaf weight measured at harvest decreased with increased shade. Crop yield and quality were affected by sunlight received during crop growth period and applied nitrogen. Cured leaf yield and grade index have decreased due to shade. Quality constituents, viz. nicotine content increased and reducing sugars decreased with increased shade (5(1% and 25%) and with increased level of applied nitrogen. Total leaf nitrogen content increased and starch content decreased with increased level of nitrogen application and shade. With increased shade level, chlorogenic acid and rutin content decreased and applied nitrogen did not show significant effect. Hence, it is deduced from this study that shade affects the nitrogen utilization, which in turn affects the yield and quality by altering the concentration of certain chemical constituents.