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2006 Flue-Cured Tobacco Information

Recommendations for the use of agricultural chemicals are included in this publication as a convenience to the reader. The use of brand names and any mention or listing of commercial products or services in this publication does not imply endorsement by the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service nor discrimination against similar products or services not mentioned. Individuals who use agricultural chemicals are responsible for ensuring that the intended use complies with current regulations and conforms to the product label. Be sure to obtain current information about usage regulations and examine a current product label before applying any chemical. For assistance, contact your county Cooperative Extension Service Center.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

    Extension Personnel Working with Tobacco

    Fred G. Bond Scholarships

  1. Situation and Outlook

  2. North Carolina Farm Labor Regulations

  3. Variety Information
    Variety Testing
    Variety Selection
    New Varieties

  4. Transplant Production in the Float System
    Consider the Materials
    Promote Uniform Emergence
    Promote Uniform Growth

  5. Nutrient Management
    Soil Testing
    Liming and Soil pH
    Fertilizer Test Results, 2004-2005
    Quick Reference Guide to Fertilization
    In-Season Adjustments
    Selecting the N-P-K Fertilizer
    Selecting the Sidedress Fertilizer
    Time and Method of Fertilizer Application
    Understanding the Nutritional Needs of the Plant

  6. Weed Management
    Problem Weeds
    Cultivation
    Herbicide Selection and Application
    Sprayer Calibration

  7. Topping and Sucker Management and Use of Ethephon
    Chemical Sucker Control
    Time of MH Application
    Topping and Chemical Sucker Control Programs
    Nozzle Sizes, Arrangements, and Application Speeds
    2005 On-Farm Test
    Control of Sucker Growth without Using MH
    Use of Ethephon

  8. Agronomic Management Practices Affecting Tobacco Quality
    Nitrogen Rate and Time of Application
    Topping and Sucker Control
    Harvest Rate and Ripeness
    Leaf Separation by Stalk Position

  9. Disease Management
    The Tobacco Disease Situation
    Disease Management Practices
    Managing the Major Diseases
    Some Tips on Planning Disease Management
    Condensed Management Guide for Seedlings
    Condensed Management Guide for Field Diseases

  10. Insect Management in a Post-buyout World
    Protecting Seedlings in Greenhouses
    Protecting Tobacco in the Field
    Protecting Stored Tobacco

  11. Tomato Spotted Wilt
    Symptoms
    Thrips and the Movement of Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus
    The Weed Connection
    Good Years -- Bad Years
    Management

  12. Mechanization
    load Uniformly and Maintain Adequate Airflow
    Maintain Proper Control of the Curing Conditions
    Make Sure Your Equipment and Barn Are Energy Efficient and Well Maintained
    Curing Efficiency

  13. Complying with the Worker Protection Standard

  14. Protecting People and the Environment when Choosing and Using Pesticides
    Minimize Pesticide and Fertilizer Use Where Possible
    Select Pesticides Carefully
    Apply Pestidices Carefully
    Minimize Soil Movement and Leaching
    Protect Wells

Prepared by

W. David Smith (Coordinating Author), Loren R. Fisher, Janet F. Spears, Crop Science Extension Specialists; P. Sterling Southern, Entomology Extension Leader; Turner Sutton, Plant Pathology Extension Leader; Thomas A. Melton, Associate State Program Leader -- ANR/CRD; A. Blake Brown, Extension Economist; Grant Ellington, Biological and Agricultural Engineering Extension Associate; Robert G. Parker, Extension Associate; Joseph A. Priest, Extension Research Specialist; Jonathan Phillips, Collegiate Lecturer; Kenneth Barnes, Allen Broadwell, Jeff Wilson, Research Technicians; Glenn Tart, Crop Science; J. Michael Moore, Extension Agronomist, Georgia Cooperative Extension Service

Much of the research and extension information contained in this publication was funded by the grower-supported North Carolina Tobacco Research Commission. Funding is awarded annually to tobacco faculty at NC State University based on the present and future needs of the tobacco industry. Tobacco growers have the opportunity to continue their support of this important program through a referendum every six years. The last referendum, held in November 2003, was approved by 93 percent of the voters. For more information, contact the North Carolina Agricultural Research Service, NC State University, Box 7643, Raleigh, NC 27695-7643, or call 919-515-2717.

This publication is supported in part by a grant from the North Carolina Tobacco Foundation, Inc. The Foundation also receives contributions and provides funds to supplement public appropriations for quality research and extension programs at NC State University for the benefit of the entire tobacco industry. For more information, write to Mr. Keith Oakley, Executive Director, North Carolina Tobacco Foundation, Inc., Box 7645, Raleigh, NC 27695-7645, or call 919-515-2000.

A PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENT ON PESTICIDES

Pesticides must be used carefully to protect against human injury and harm to the environment. Diagnose your pest problem and select the proper pesticide if one is needed. Follow label use directions and obey all federal, state, and local pesticide laws and regulations.