Effect of topping at different growth stages on the yield and quality of fcv tobacco grown in northern light soils of Andhra Pradesh

Topping and desuckering significantly influenced yield and quality of fcv tobacco grown in NLS area of Andhra Pradesh. Topping at different time intervals starting from the appearance of flower bud to the full bloom stage resulted in increased yields as compared to no topping. Topping at button and bud stages gave significantly higher yield as compared to other stages. No topping gave lowest yield followed by topping at full bloom. All the three yield characters green leaf yield cured leaf yield and grade index were affected by the time oftopping. Area of the top leaf and specific leafweight measured at the time of harvest was higher with topping up to first flower opening as compared to full bloom and no topping. Cured leafthickness was higher with initial three stages of topping as compared to no topping but not with topping at full bloom. Leaf chemical quality parameters nicotine and reducing sugars were affected by the time oftopping. Topping at 16 and 18 leaves gave significantly higher yield as compared to 14 leaves and no topping. Top leaf area was highest with 14 leaves topping as compared to 16 and 18 leaves topping and no topping. Specific leaf weight and cured leafthickness did not change with the number of leaves on the plant. It is concluded that topping at elongated bud stage with 16 leaves produced higher yield and better quality in fcv tobacco in northern light soil areas ofAndhra Pradesh.