Changes of Nitrogenous Compound According to the Topping Stage and Harvesting Time in Burley Tobacco(Nicotiana tobacum L.)

A large amount of nitrogenous compounds are found in burley tobacco and are responsible for peculiar aroma during smoking. Excess in nitrogen or its compounds such as total nitrogen and proteins in burley tobacco gives a strong pungency and make its taste bad. The present study has focused on improving quality of Burley tobacco by regulating topping and harvesting time of leaf to reduce nitrogen compounds in Burley tobacco. In addition, the early-stage of flower topping had lower level of nitrogenous compound, such as total nitrogen and protein nitrogen, and total tobacco-specific nitrosamine (TSNA) contents compared to the button-stage and full flower-stage topping. Also, the contents of nicotine got significantly decreased while the ether extract was increased as the period of topping got delayed. Regarding the brightness among the colors of cured leaves, the color at the full flower-stage topping was the brightest, and there was no particular difference in red and yellow colors. The harvesting amount was decreased as the period of topping got delayed and there was no significant difference between the topping treatments in terms of the exterior quality. As the harvesting time delayed, the total nitrogen, protein nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, and ammonium nitrogen were decreased while the nicotine contents got increased. Also, the total TSNA contents were decreased as the harvesting time delayed. However, ether extract was increased. Among the colors of cured leaves, the brightness and degree of yellow color were significantly increased as the harvesting time delayed, and there was no particular difference in the degree of red color. The harvesting amount was decreased along with the delayed harvesting time; however, the harvest of the matured and mellow leaves was higher in terms of price, compared to that of the immature leaves. For the reduction of nitrogenous compound and TSNA contents in Burley tobacco, the topping was examined to be more effective in terms of improvement in chemical contents and quality regardless of the decreased harvesting amount.