"Managing Irregular Fields of Flue-Cured Tobacco" Mitch Smith, County Extension Director Pitt County Extension Center Greenville, NC 27834

Introduction

Tobacco which has experienced stand reductions from such factors as cutworms, drought, or fertilizer injury may be found in fields which have irregular growth. This situation complicates farmer decisions related to effective sucker control. Listed below are the recommended steps when addressing this production problem.

STEP 1) Apply the first contact at the 50% button stage. Set the boom 12 inches above the tallest plants and keep the sprayer on throughout the field. Adjusting the boom to this height prevents younger plants from being chemically topped. Use the standard 3 nozzle arrangement.

STEP 2) Apply the second contact chemical at the five day interval.

STEP 3) Apply a third contact if necessary.

STEP 4) Apply a tank mix of Prime Plus or Flupro with MH five days after the last contact application. This application should be made only if the upper leaves are at least 14 inches in length. If tobacco is drought stressed, Prime Plus/Flupro can be applied in order to delay the MH application.

STEP 5) If MH was not tank mixed, it should be applied one week after the Prime Plus/Flupro application.

Distributed in furtherance of the Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914. Employment and program opportunities are offered to all people regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. North Carolina State University at Raleigh, North Carolina A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating.