Response of Filler Tobacco Crop to Different Planting Dates

Abstract

With the purpose of evaluating the seasonal variations obtained with the tobacco crop in Puerto Rico, a series of 13 experiments was planted with 4 commercial varieties of tobacco at 28-day intervals, at Gurabo, P.R., from September 13, 1960 to August 15, 1991. Equally good or better grades and yields were obtained from tobacco planted in the early spring as compared with that planted in the regular autumn-win tor season. Rainfall was found to be the most important factor affecting yield, but, because its effect was modified by numerous other conditions, it was not possible to obtain a satisfactory correlation between the two. The lowest yields were obtained when tobacco was planted during the normally drier months of January, February, and March. Weight per unit area of leaf was also observed to be closely related to rainfall, the drier the weather the higher the percentage of heavy-bod ted leaves. Yield was the preponderant factor affecting cash values. Variety P.R. 1-60 proved superior to V-12, C-10, and Olor or when statistically compared from this standpoint, although the four varieties studied responded similarly to changes in weather conditions. Temperatures prevailing in Puerto Rico wore adequate for the growing of tobacco throughout the year. Insect pests were effectively controlled at all times with the modern insecticides employed.