Effect of Latitude on Physical Properties and Chemical Component of Flue-cured Tobacco Varieties NC102 and NC297 in Kunming

Altitude adaptability of tobacco varieties of NC102 and NC297 were determined in two main tobacco growing townships in Anning and Songming county, Kunming.Data were collected in experiments conducted at 10 sites at every 100 m in the altitude range of 1700-2200 m, where cultivation practices were largely consistent.The effects of altitude on physical properties and chemical components of flue-cured tobacco were determined.The result indicated that: (1) The chemical components of leaves were more sensitive to altitude than the physical properties.(2) In the 1700-2200 m altitude range, altitude was significantly negatively correlated with leaf weight, opening degree, content of total nitrogen, potassium, chlorogenic acid and rutin.Also in the 1700-2200 m altitude range, altitude was significantly positively correlated with stem ratio, total sugar and reducing sugar content.In summary, Leaf chemical components, polyphenol content and aroma properties of NC102 and NC297 were optimum at altitude range of 1700-1900 m in Kunming, and the tobacco leaf quality decreased as follows: NC102>NC297.