Study on Agronomic Adaptability and Quality Characteristics of Main Flue-cured Tobacco Cultivars in China Planted in Southern Shaanxi Province

To investigate the matching degree of different flue-cured tobacco cultivars (under the similar ecological condition) leaf quality with tobacco blend grouping of Chinese type cigarette, the comparative study of the main cultivars in China (i.e. Yunyan 85, Yunyan 87 and K326) were carried out in relation to growth, yield, curing and quality characteristics of tobacco leaves based on local standardized production techniques. The results showed that, among the tested three cultivars, the growing period of Yunyan 85 was the shortest, growth vigor of Yunyan 87 and K326 was similar in field, and the yield of Yunyan 87 was the highest. Additionally, chemical compositions of all tested cultivars were basically harmonious, except the relatively high content of nicotine in upper leaf of Yunyan 85 and Yunyan 87. Smoking evaluation results indicated that these three tobacco cultivars had better aroma and less offensive odor, and sweetness of Yunyan 85 was slightly better.