Effects of Chlorine Application Rate on Growth and Quality of Flue-cured Tobacco

The effects of chlorine application rates on growth, yield, and quality of flue-cured tobacco were studied in order to investigate the appropriate chlorine application rate. The results showed that when chlorine application rate was 45 kg/ha, the increase rate of tobacco height was significantly (P<0.01) higher than the other treatment. The increase rate of leaf area and width were significantly (P<0.05) higher than other treatment when the chlorine application rate was 30 kg/hm2, the sugar content and TS-RS increased with increasing chlorine rates, the leaf total nitrogen content decreased if chlorine applied (P<0.05), and after apply chlorine, the nicotine content reduced. When chlorine rate were between 30-45 kg/ha, it could increase tobacco growth and reduce the N compounds of tobacco leaf and inhibit the nicotine production. With this range the chlorophyll could compound in the early and disintegrate in the late. At the same time it could increase the sugar content, and helped to significantly improve smoking quality of tobacco.