Nutrient Disorders of Burley and Flue-Cured Tobacco: Part 2-Micronutrient Disorders

Nutrient disorders often manifest unique symptoms and vary in critical nutrient ranges where visual symptoms appear depending on plant species and type. Understanding and recognizing nutrient disorders for different types of tobacco is important for maintaining yield and quality. Burley and flue-cured tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) account for over 90% of all tobacco produced in the United States, and thus, were grown in this study to investigate the effects of micronutrient disorders. Tobacco plants were grown in silica sand culture, and control plants received a complete modified Hoagland's all-nitrate solution, whereas nutrient-deficient treatments were induced with a complete nutrient formula withholding a single nutrient. Boron toxicity was also induced by increasing the element tenfold higher than the complete nutrient formula. Plants were automatically irrigated, and the leached solution was captured for reuse. A complete replacement of nutrient solutions was done weekly. Plants were monitored daily to document and photograph symptoms as they developed. A description of nutrient disorder symptomology and critical tissue concentrations associated with symptomology are presented.