Effect of different plant densities and drought mitigation measures on growth, yield components and leaf chemical quality characteristics of bidi tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) in Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

At Regional Agricultural Research Station, Nandyal, ANGRAU under AINP on Tobacco this field study was conducted for three years during rabi seasons from 2020-21 to 2022-23 with the objectives of to determine the growth parameters, yield components and chemical quality of bidi tobacco with plant geometry and drought mitigation practices. Two different planting densities (75 cm x 75 cm, and 60 cm x 60 cm) and drought mitigation measures were applied in the study which was carried out with 3 replications according to split plot experimental design. Leaf length (cm), leaf width (cm), RWC (%), Dry weight/unit leaf area (mg/cm2), soil moisture (%),rain water use efficiency(kg/ha/mm),cured leaf yield (kg/ha), total alkaloid (nicotine) (%) and total reducing sugar (%) were analyzed. As a result of the results obtained from the experiment; significantly higher cured leaf yield (2159 kg/ha), net returns (Rs 123705/ha) and B:C ratio (2.5) recorded with foliar spray of gibberellic acid @ 20 ppm with high density planting compared with no foliar spray recorded with cured leaf yield (1710 kg/ha), net returns (Rs 90330/ha) and B:C ratio (2.2) with normal planting of bidi tobacco and it was concluded that practice of high density planting method along with foliar spray of gibberellic acid @ 20 ppm during drought period is recorded higher cured leaf yield, high nicotine, reducing sugars and chlorides and recommended for bidi tobacco growing areas of Andhra Pradesh.