Effects of different transplanting dates on quantitative and qualitative traits of flue-cured tobacco (K326) in Mazandran, Iran

In order to determine the best transplanting date for the flue-cured tobacco (cv. K326) in rain fed conditions، this study was done in randomized complete block design with 7 transplanting dates every 10 days (4، 14 and 24 April، 4، 14 and 24 May and 3 June) in 4 replications in Tirtash Research and Education Center in 2009. The results showed the significant effect of transplanting date on all studied factors except the number of leaves، the percentage of sugar and nicotine. Days from transplanting to flowering were the lowest for April 4th (90. 3 days). Maximum dry weight of leaves (3824 kg/ha) was obtained for transplanting date May 4th that shows about 36% increase compared to the lowest yield of dry leaf (13 June). Maximum and minimum price for one kilogram of tobacco were obtained for transplanting dates April 4th and June 3rd، respectively and there was 1. 5 $ difference per kg. Maximum length and width of leaves was obtained on May 4th. Maximum percentage of leaf nitrogen (2. 3%) was seen for June 3rd that was 39. 2% more than April 14th (1. 4%) and the maximum percentage of potassium (%2. 25) was 41. 7% higher than April 24th (the lowest percentage of potassium). Dry leaf yield had positive and significant correlation with leaf number، plant height and gross income.