HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Rhoads, F. M. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Rhoads, F. M. Agricola Articles by Rhoads, F. M.

Relations Between Fe in Irrigation Water and Leaf Quality of Cigar Wrapper Tobacco¹

Damage, appearing to result from irrigation water, reduced the value of cigar wrapper tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) from about $4.00 per pound to $0.25 in 1969. Dark leaf tips and dark spots over the entire leaf rendered damaged leaves unfit for wrapper use. Leaf analysis indicated that Fe and Mn were associated with the dark coloration.

A study was made in 1970 to determine the effect of Fe in irrigation water on quality of cured wrapper tobacco leaves and to find a potential source of Fe contamination of irrigation ponds. Two forms of Fe were added to irrigation water applied to field plots, and Fe content of leaves, leaf quality, and leaf tensile strength were used to evaluate the effects. Soil and organic material were collected from a shallow area of a "problem" pond, after it had been drained, for use in laboratory studies.

Damaged tobacco, similar to that observed in commercial fields, was produced in field plots in 1970 when Fe was added to the irrigation water. Laboratory incubation studies showed that pond sediments were a potential source of Fe buildup in irrigation water. Leaf strength decreased with increasing content of Fe in the tissue. A visible coating was produced on green leaves in the greenhouse when 5 and 10 ppm Fe in water were sprayed on the plants.

Key Words: Algae • Cu • FeCl₃ • FeSO₄ • Mn • Tender tobacco • Tensile strength

² Assistant Professor (Assistant Soil Chemist), Agricultural Research and Education Center, Quincy, Fla. 32351.

Received for publication May 10, 1971.