Investigating morphological and chemical characteristics of tobacco stalk

This work investigated effect of height and cultivar on morphological properties of bast and core fiber of tobacco stalk (Nicotiana tabacum). Also, in this research cultivar effect on chemical properties of tobacco stalk were investigated. Selected cultivars include Barley and Virginia, and investigative height positions were chosen 5, 50 and 75% of stalk height. Results indicated that bast fiber length, diameter and wall thickness are more effective than those of core fiber. Chemical analysis of stalk’s parts indicated that cellulose and ash contents of bast were higher than those of core, but lignin content of bast was significantly less than that of core. Also, extractive material of bast was less. Statistic results showed that length and wall thickness of Barley’s bast fiber were higher compare to Virginia, but there was no significant difference in terms of morphological properties of core fibers between these cultivars. Cellulose percentage of Barley cultivar was higher, where as lignin, extractives and ash contents of Barley were lower than that of Virginia cultivar. Also, cultivar type didn’t have significant effect on contents of tobacco stalk parts (bast, core and pith). Results indicated that, fiber length, diameter and wall thickness of bast decreased as height increases, but in core fiber, just fiber length decreased and other properties of core fiber had different behavior. Moreover, bast and pith percentages increased by height increasing while, core percentage decreased. In general, results of this research showed that, tobacco stalk are a suitable row material for pulp and paper production, re fiber dimensions and chemical components.