Leaf characteristics and agronomic potential of newly developed broad-leaved breeding lines of fire-cured tobacco in Malawi
2004
R Gomonda | L Sibande
Fire-cured tobacco is the third most widely grown tobacco in Malawi and contributes significantly to Malawi's tobacco export revenue after burley and flue-cured tobaccos. Malawi produced more than 3.5 million kilograms of fire-cured tobacco in 2003, with the 2004 production estimated at 6 million kilograms. Malawi's share of production in the Southern Africa region is significant, however local smallholder farmers face various constraints. The climatic factors, for instance, have been severe in recent years to the point that local fire-cured tobacco in different parts of the country has resulted in inconsistent yields.<br /><br />Historically from the late 1920s up until early 2000, Malawi was principally growing genetic variants of semi-erect fire-cured tobacco known as “Malawi Western”. The narrow shape of leaves, however, offers a small leaf area that hampers attainment of high yields. A breeding programme to improve leaf characteristics of local fire-cured tobacco varieties of Malawi by crossing them with American introductions started in the early 1990s. This study shows that it is genetically possible to improve fire-cured tobacco varieties by carefully and consistently selecting for broad-leaved plants from segregating and stable populations.<br /><br />
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