Effects of Different Topping Time and Remained Leaf Numbers on Yield and Quality of Flue-cured Tobacco Variety Yunyan 97

The effects of different topping time and remained leaf numbers on growth, yield, and quality of flue-cured tobacco Yunyan97 were studied through field experiments in Wannan, Anhui Province. The results showed that topping time and remained leaf numbers affected the agronomic and economic traits significantly. The best economic traits were obtained when topping at 50% center flowers open with 16 leaves remained, while the highest aroma quality, amount of aroma, aftertaste and total score were obtained when topping at 50% center flowers open with 14 and 16 leaves remained. Topping at 50% center flowers open with 14 and 16 leaves remained are thus recommended for tobacco production in this region.