Nicotiana tabacum

PlantID

PDB0002

Scientific Name

Nicotiana tabacum

Common Names

Tobacco, "Golden leaf", Fodya (ChiShona)

Abstract

Tobacco is the common name of several plants in the genus Nicotiana of the family Solanaceae, and the general term for any product prepared from the cured leaves of these plants. More than 70 species of tobacco are known, but the chief commercial crop is Nicotiana tabacum. Tobacco is Zimbabwe's second-largest foreign exchange earner after gold.

Tobacco (golden leaf) is a key agricultural crop in Zimbabwe, introduced during the colonial period due to its adaptability to local soils and climate. The crop thrives in sandy loam soils with warm temperatures and moderate rainfall, predominantly in the northern and central regions. Flue-cured Virginia tobacco is the primary type cultivated, used mainly for cigarette production. Tobacco is classified by curing methods—flue, fire, air, or sun-cured—each serving different end uses. Flue-cured tobacco dominates Zimbabwe's production, supporting both local economies and international trade.

The crop thrives in subtropical regions with diurnal temperature variation, requiring well-aerated soils and consistent moisture for optimal growth.

Classification

Kingdom: Plantae > Order: Solanales > Family: Solanaceae > Genus: Nicotiana > Species: Nicotiana tabacum

Morphology

Physical characteristics description covering all growth stages, with emphasis on features relevant to regional cultivation and variety identification.

Geographic Distribution

Current cultivation zones and production areas within the farming regions, including agro-ecological zones and adaptation patterns to local environmental conditions.

Growth Requirements

Environmental parameters essential for cultivation under regional conditions, including specific requirements for soil types, rainfall patterns, and temperature ranges common to sub-Saharan conditions.

Growth requirements

Nutritional Requirements

Essential nutrient requirements throughout the growth cycle, with specific recommendations for fertilization practices adapted to regional soil conditions and farming systems.

Agronomy Practices

Cultivation guidelines adapted to regional farming systems, including specific recommendations for both small-scale and commercial production methods.

Varieties and cultivars

Cultivars and crop varieties adapted to regional growing conditions, including both traditional and improved cultivars by vendors available to local farmers.

Weeds and Management

Weeds, Control and Management: Identification and management strategies for problematic weeds in regional farming systems, including cultural, mechanical, and chemical control methods suitable for local conditions.

Pests and Management

Documentation of major crop pests and their management, incorporating integrated pest management strategies appropriate for regional farming conditions and available resources.

Diseases and Management

Description of prevalent plant diseases and their management, including preventive measures and control strategies suitable for regional environmental conditions.

Harvest

Technical specifications for determining harvest maturity, timing, and methods appropriate for regional conditions, including yield expectations and quality assessment parameters for both manual and mechanized operations.

Post-Harvest

Management protocols for handling, processing, and storage under regional conditions, addressing specific challenges of tropical and subtropical climates while maintaining product quality throughout the value chain.

Uses and products

Documentation of current commercial, industrial, and traditional applications, focusing on regional processing methods and market demands relevant to the sub-Saharan agricultural context.

Economic Value

Analysis of the plant's economic importance within regional market systems, including production costs, market trends, and value chain considerations relevant to local and export markets.

Regulatory and Certification

Information on applicable agricultural standards, certification requirements, and regulatory frameworks relevant to regional cultivation, processing, and trade practices.

Created On

27 December 2024